First Lite Whitetail Announcement
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- Опубліковано 19 жов 2024
- I am very honored to announce that I have formed a new partnership with First Lite hunting clothing. I will represent the innovative whitetail line and I can't wait! Why did I switch? With a focus on quality whitetail content, true conservation, inclusion of all hunters as well as both hunter recruitment and hunter retention, this is going to be one of my most exciting whitetail relationships! First Lite is an outstanding company that not only delivers high-end Western big game clothing, but has an ever expanding focus on whitetail clothing innovation and in-the-stand field testing across the entire country. This is an extremely exciting opportunity! First Lite is the perfect fit for all that I stand for, so let the First Lite journey begin...
For more on First Lite and their whitetail lineup, check out...
www.firstlite....
If you can,start pushing the windproofing of their gear. It's really the only shortfall of their whitetail clothing line.
Things that FirstLite's whitetail line is missing:
A mid-season or late season outerwear with a wind membrane. The solitude line, catalyst line, sanctuary line, and before it the woodbury line all lacked this and its why sitka is a warmer product. You cannot stay warm on stand for any length of time without a membrane to cut the wind.
A brush busting mid layer. Walk thru any amount of cover in the klamath (or the halstead) and it gets grabbed/stretched/caught on everything. It also isn't a tight enough weave and collects burrs too easily.
A boot line targeting a stalking boot, a boot with a roll up gaiter to turn it into a hip boots, and a rubber boot with a gusseted ankle to pull it thru the mud/swamp/muck more easily.
A backpack line targeting saddle hunters. Saddle hunting is exploding, team with Tethrd and create a backpack for saddle hunting using the predator in lieu of aluminum stays as the back support and it also stays on your back in the saddle as the backrest.
A midseason jacket that also packs up easily. Many, many hunters nowadays are taking the public land as a challenge and embracing it, and while you are mainly focused on private land, your 45 minute walk in Pennsylvania is more in tune with what most of these hunters do. Make a jacket that packs easily to walk in with your brush busting midlayer, quietly with your stalking boots that can roll up when you cross the creek to get away from other hunters, slip up the tree in your saddle backpack that makes an all day sit comfortable with the back rest, and stay warm with a good packed up outergarment that has a wind membrane. That's how technical systems should work and how they have built their western line.
Great thoughts. You have in field credentials.
In defense of the Klamath, it’s a fleece, not intended for busting brush. But a piece designed for hunting that could do as you suggest would be intriguing. The corrugate set can take a beating. I like your suggestions. I’ve always wanted some really high end boot covers, not sure there is a market for them though.
These are awesome points and I would agree with everyone... Minus the wind membrane. I just got my first bit of First Lite so I haven't had the chance to try it in the field yet.
I was about to drop 1,300 us dollars on the sanctuary 2.0 line up, no wind membrane though.....makes me see one guess what I'm about to do or not to do now. My main focus is quit clothing and warm but easy to manuver in. Right now I use cheap gear I've to me for Xmas and the fabric is loud I can't stand walking as slow as I do and hearing a twig scrape my leg it drives me nuts and drive the trophy I been watching away too.
I hunt Southeast Michigan state land and one small 3 or 4 acre of private land. It gets thick in there to my tree stands and blind locations and gets cold up in the tree.
I’m thinking their whitetail line will get a lot better now! 4 words. Safety harness pass through. Every single piece of outerwear needs it. So many “whitetail” lines don’t have that simple but very important feature.
TRUE THAT!
Thanks Jeff! I’ve been hunting for 8 years and this is the first year I setup a mock scrape and a small food plot from watching your videos. Got my biggest buck to date. Thanks for your honest content.
YES!! Awesome switch Sir! I love first Lite, part of the R&D program and can’t say enough great things about it. Stood on a ground hunt for 6hrs in pouring down rain with my rain jacket from them! So glad to see you wearing it!
Wow this came out of left field! Congrats Jeff! I love my first lite and they are an awesome group of people.
Thanks Connor...A good left field for sure ☺️ Love hearing that feedback from so many!
The man who got me to buy some Sitka clothing... Jeff !! Lol 👍🏻 congrats man, when’s theirs opportunity, take it! Stay safe brotha
Ha, thanks brother ☺️ Will try for sure...you too!
Jeff, good luck with the new venture. I respect you recommendations and will look to them for any of my camo purchases.
Thanks a lot Bob... I have a lot of respect for you and wouldn't want to steer you wrong ☺️ Thanks for checking them out...
I’m just now seeing this video, I’m at a huge fan I always watch while doing my college work. Never heard of firstlite until I watched your videos
You’re the guy who got me into Sitka, I probably won’t look at replacing any of what I got with FirstLight, but for anything new I’ll definitely look at them. I know their base layers are supposed to be better.
Great to hear David! Certainly understand that...for sure! And I love mine I'm currently wearing ☺️ going out in the woods soon...
As a subscriber I really believe what you say, You really come off as a honest guy and everybody that follows you knows you are at the top of the land management and whitetail pyramid. You bring credibility and honesty via your life’s work. Having said that you can’t be surprised when people are skeptical. The hunting industry is a cess pool of unscrupulous characters grabbing every dollar they can and pimping their name out to every piece of junk that comes down the line. Hard to lay with dogs and not pick up a few fleas.
Just Amazing Jeff!
Thank you so much for being Who you are!
Can’t wait to Follow you for the next decade’s to come!
Thank you Carlo 🇨🇦🫡
Love your passion, knowledge and principals. Thank you for everything you do for the "average" whitetail hunter. Keep doing what you are doing,
Congratulations ! Awsome company . I’m sure their just as excited to have you. You bring a lot to the table. Best of luck !!!
I’ve been watching you for a long time now and I can honestly say that I love watching your videos. Every time I watch I learn something. I’ve been hunting since 1992 and your still teaching me.... that’s awesome!!
Thanks for everything you do..
Marc Benedict. NEPA
Jeff, congratulations. Make sure you incorporate saddle hunting features into this new whitetail clothing line. I'm sure you will have an interest. I was also impressed that ethics come first with First Lite, people see through money grabbers quickly. Especially the hunting community. That's why many of us like youtubers, the common guys that just want great equipment that works.
Hi Woods...not sure if they are? I'm not a real big fan of Saddle hunting for a few reasons...stick out too much and too limiting for movement for my tastes. Sorry about that...not my call tho ☺️
Extremely high ethics and such a good, positive outlook on the hunting industry in general.
Jeff, glad to see you making the switch. I've been wearing First Lite for about 6 years. Their new solitude kit was a big improvement to their whitetail line. Please try to get some windproof clothing into the whitetail lineup.
Good for you Jeff. Looking forward to learning about First Lite. Continue to stick to your principles. Hunters know good from bad products. I hope they help you in delivering your message.
My favorite hunting info source paired with my favorite clothing. Subbed for life!
Man thanks a lot Andrew...that seems to be the general sentiment and it really means a lot to me! Really appreciate it ☺️
Congratulations Jeff! The industry needs more people like yourself.
Just now ordered my solitude set in large part because you supported them
I went out and bought sitka elevated II this year after watching your videos. You sold me on sitka. According to you "I use sitka because I believe it is the best".
So use it
Teaches you to not rely on ppl saying they only take sponsors they’d use their products either way. Obviously he either wanted to wear FL before or still thinks Sitka is better. The Sitka Fanatic series is great so you’ll be happy with it. Just like when guys (Bee, Duds) switch bow companies, people will go buy the new bow or camo bc they want to be like the promoter when you should shoot multiple bows and try different gear out before deciding which to buy.
First season with First Lite cammo. I am really impressed with how the patterns blend in the fall Pennsylvania woods. You can't go wrong with it.
I've always deer hunted in my Columbia duck hunting gear and shoot plenty of deer. However I've been bow hunting more the last couple of years and knew I needed at least a new coat. I've been disappointed with local offerings. Sooo after seeing you wear First Lite I ordered a Solitude Insulated Jacket (Large I am 6'2" 150#). It came in the mail last week and while I have not yet hunted in it, I have to say I am very impressed with the fit and comfort. Also, finally a hunting coat with a great hood. Thanks Jeff.
Congrats sir:). I do a lot of research before I just jump into big hunting gear purchases and pretty much everything honestly. When you are looking for reviews on products especially since most everything is sold online and as being a guy who prefers to see products first hand instead of buying hyped up gear. I just want you to know that you’ve been inspiring with your passion for the outdoors and I’ve learned so much from you over these past few months I discovered your channel. You really have been knowledgeable and given me a completely different perspective on Whitetail Habit and also gives me a greater appreciation for the sport and i just want to Thank You..:) Literally everything I learn I pass on the knowledge to friends and also people who actually don’t hunt as well.. Between us and the page here I think my excitement In the knowledge i learned from you and share especially with the non-hunter friends, I’m sure they are probably just polite and let me rant on about what you teach; nonetheless I still believe that knowledge of all things especially the great gifts we have been given is always something everybody should at least hear about!:). Again, Thank You and I hope you and yours are all doing well!!
Awesome stuff Jeff!!!! Congrats man! Very nice camo company and patterns, lol all these guys including myself with the guy who got me to buy Sitka 😂😂 But as many said anything new though I'll have to check it @ FirstLite. Thanks Jeff for everything ya do.
I love my first lite gear. That’s all I use now. I made the switch over from cheaper stuff I purchased 3 years ago when I got into traditional archery and developed a love for hunting.
Your input will be extremely valuable to them. I love First Lite clothing and have been a huge fan of yours for a while as well. It's a natural partnership that I'm very excited for.
Congrats Jeff! What a cool story you got with your career, it inspires me to document and improve my hunting. Wish you the best with this new partnership!
Just to add to what I’ve already said first lite is lucky to have you on board you will no doubt make a good company even better they lucked out bringing you into the innovation of the whitetail line no person more qualified CONGRATS
Congratulations! Excited to see what’s to come
Good for you Jeff....you earned it and you deserve it. Hope the relationship leads to great success!
Congrats Jeff!!! I love my first lite fusion!!!! Wife and kids will Be in it this year possibly. There’s some companies that have reached out to me on social about using their product but I love my fusion ..... keep em coming brother !!!!
I’ve hunted as long as you brother and I have learned stuff from you since I’ve been watching your videos in which I’m thankful to Amen 🙏
Very cool! I have some Firstlite clothing. Been using it for the last 5 seasons. I’m very happy with it! Great choice of a company to partner with!
Congratulations Jeff! Definitely an awesome company that shares your goals and creates a great product. Nice to see a partnership that you can work with as opposed to those channels that will promote anything they get paid to talk about.
Thank you very much and Amen...I am so blessed to be in a position that I only get to work with the best in all ways...or not at all 😉
That's awesome Jeff! I've been a fan of First Lite for years, the Catalyst system changed how i hunt.
I’ve worn FL for many years, mainly base layers. Glad to see they’ll have a whitetail expert on the team. Congrats Jeff, great choice.
Glad to see that you and Mark Kenyon working together brother!
Great news Jeff. I am happy for you and your mission speaks for itself. You give more information to the everyday hunter than any influence on the internet. It doesn't matter what you are wearing because you're already recruiting and bettering all kinds of whitetail hunters. Sure is a great opportunity though and First Lite should be honored to have you.
Congratulations! Well deserved. I look forward to watching your videos. They see what we see. I am looking forward to seeing the new camo. I could use some new stuff myself. God Bless and Good Hunting!! Maine North Woods Hunter
Wow!! Did at see that one coming!! Good for you!!
Thanks Brian...actually surprised I didn't tell you! Very exciting to be of something BIG ☺️
Congrats Jeff, great move! First Lite makes an awesome product and will be even better with your advice!
I’ve got First Lite and Sitka. Love them both. FL stands for a lot of great things.
That's awesome Jason...and Dirt Lite sure does!
You're not afraid to make a change
Tells me a lot about you, you're cutting edge I'm going to check it out,. Hope it works out for you
Not at all Norm...thank you so much! Some really cool stuff, let me know what you think!
This is great. Congratulations Jeff. You have earned their respect.
Nice Jeff Congrats on the new partnership! Very nice products.
Thank you very much...so many great folks and hunting companies using it...very excited to be a part! Love to heart that...
Congratulations on the opportunity Jeff. A jacket with a built-in pocket for handwarmers to exclude the use of gloves would be great
Also I would love to start a product review Chanel for the line
I'm feeling the same thing Marshall ☺️
what don,t like stuff sticking to your clothing, they do make top of the line product, but i am / have a large list of First- lite stuff great choice your picked the better of the high end product. I am thinking you will enjoy your choice. thanks for picking First-lite They are from the northwest but we understand them....lol. thx Bob
Congrats Jeff! First Lite is a great brand and they make excellent products.
I bought a First Lite Balaclava and love it. The best part is that it has ear holes so I can wear it for warmth and still hear deer and turkeys. Their line is expensive but for this item it's worth it.
Hey good for you jeff! Life changes! So do opportunitys!
Congratulations Jeff.Thats huge.They could not have got a better person to get the word out.If they get half of your followers to buy it .I see more new properties in your future.😉
Lol thanks D...I can always use more properties 😁 Really appreciate it D...means a lot to me!
Me and a few guys from the Mpls fire department have been following you for a while now, had no idea you were from the coulee region! My home town. Got family & friends from coon valley as well. Love that area. Keep doing your thing! 🤙
Do the bibs pick up a lot of burrs or do they repel the burrs? Need some new bibs but I’m tired of picking 100’s of burrs off of my bibs.
They are MUCH better than anything I have worn for NOT picking up burs 👍 I really appreciate my new clothes in so many ways
Looking forward to seeing this NEW clothing line........You deserve this and I know you will bring innovative ideas from the field to the product. With the advances in battery technology would love to see an under-layer that is heated. (Milwaukee type vest) Kevin . E. Lansing MI
Thanks a lot Kevin...it will be a very enjoyable process and man, I love that idea!! Really appreciate it...
Awesome! Looking forward to the new Adventures !!
Congrats on the switch brother good luck with it and keep up the good work
Congratulations brother you deserve it wish I could get in on something like that myself but I’m just a nobody deer hunter keeping meat for my family is all
I also bought Sitka in part because of your vids. Enjoyed it so far. The solitude system has been interesting me though. Look forward to your reviews and field testing.
I've been wearing pieces of the first lite line for about 5 years now. started with base layers and last year invested in the new solitude set. So far no complaints with the way I hunt whitetails in New Hampshire. Merino layers kept me comfortable Sept-October and then I added the Solitude in late Oct through Dec and had no complaints. Well my feet were the only complaint as they were the only cold part of me :) On those really cold mornings I did wear an old hand me down pair of wool pants over my Kiln long johns and under the Solitude bibs. The only complain I have is I wish the logo was still embroidered on instead of printed ;)
Jeff I'd really appreciate a comprehensive list of what a 10 outta 10 morning stand, mid day, and evening stand qualities and traits should have.
Jeff, congratulations!!! If you want to dump any Sitka gear let me know?? They don’t have much in the way of wind stopper, critical for sitting. Good luck.
Thanks a lot Scott! My close hunting buddies from the UP of MI swear by First Lite for the WI and UP of MI hunting that they do. Say they have never been warmer...
Can't wait ☺️
Whitetail Habitat Solutions I will give it a look. I used to ware king of the mountain for YEARS! Then switched to Sitka and love it. But know of at least two more good lines.
I hope we will see a Signature Series that shows how you have influenced their product. It would be disappointing to not see that, and without that I would be less inclined to change clothing manufacturers. Great opportunity for a great educator, congratulations.
My son and I are looking to invest in gear this yr. Looks like First Light is on the menu! I trust your opinion and look forward to checking out their whitetail stuff!
First lite is great stuff. Base layers are the cream of the crop. I love the quality of the gear but I don’t know how I feel about that camo pattern.
Jeff. Congrats. Can’t wait to check it out.
Thanks a lot Jonathan...you will love the clothing 👍
A few years back I was sitting in the Kodiak airport and we had the Sitka fan club on one side and the Kuiu club on the other. It was kinda funny looking back at how loyal folks can be to a brand that people that won't even sit together. I am not surprised to see some hurt feelings in the comments. Looking forward to trying some hopefully really warm First Lite gear once it gets too cold for my Kuiu in mid November.
Great news for you and your family. You are looking trim, sir!
What do you offer those folks that you’ve steered toward Sitka? You’re the only guy I follow but your followers might get a bit confused. Best wishes with your new venture.
Enjoy your clothes 👍 Very good clothes...high quality!
Well good for you I’m so glad I didn’t buy all Sitka clothing which is what I was about to do guess will be looking at first lite now thanks to you
Suggest that they make big n tall sizes, all my hunting clothes are mismatched because of the lack of big n tall sizes
Amen to that!
I’m 5’8”. Everything is big and tall hahaha
Excited to see what they have for them late season northern Wis bow hunts. Sub zero sits and snowy days
Awesome, Firstlite has been my go to clothes..
Very intrested in the first light gear thanks for the update gonna be checking into it
Congrats, and that's awesome! Really enjoy the products I have from them, and I choose to support them because of Meateater and Wired to Hunt
I switched from Sitka to Kuiu just to mix it up a bit and have been pleased for hunting up to the rut in WI. Looks like first lite has only early/mid seasons solutions. Nothing beats the Sitka fanatic series and incinerator series for up here in Wisconsin late season hunting. Please tell FL to create an incinerator type pant/bib combo that is waterproof/wind proof and still quiet enough to bow hunt in and they would have many new customers.
Congratulations, with joining the Fistfight team can we expect to see you on an episode of meat eater with Steven Rinella?
Good company good gear, first used their gear back when Mathews licensed them with lost camo and Kenton had just started the company. Honestly though, seem to follow very closely in Sitka's footsteps....about 2-3 years behind them... Although with K. Sloan, from Sitka, at CEO they will do very well !! Two very close friends of mine are on their development staff for their mountain hunting gear !!....Two of the toughest hardcore guys I know !!....They have to be....They're always cold and wet....Hehehe. (A joke many of us development guys use on each other haha). Good luck with it Jeff.!! Fun actually having input like that !!
Cool to see you partnering with a company with emphasis on education and conservation. I’m sure you’re gonna get blasted by some people about changing brands. I am often wearing First Lite, Sitka, and Kuiu all at the same time depending on the weather. They all make quality stuff. Interested to see some of the innovations you help influence. I’m sure the same level of thought and practicality will come through as everything else you put out.
Jaeger Outdoors only thing he should be blasted on is not wearing it for a season before calling it the best.
I use the huntworth disruption it’s warm and price friendly.
I’m with most people, hope they add a wind blocker layer
I have the first lite Sanctuary jacket and bibs in ASAT camo and I love them! I wish their clothes still came with ASAT camo.
That sounds great...pretty warm?
I like the Cipher camo a lot...reminds me a little of the browns and contrast in ASAT or Fall Predator.
Yes, very warm! I've had them now for 3 or 4 seasons. I have there base layers and there Labrador zip up, wish they still made it. My only recommendation is buy a size bigger than you normally would. In my opinion the key is layers. I wear a lot of thin layers underneath and have no problem with wind.
gotta hit the lottery to afford First Lite hunting clothing
Hi, I enjoy your videos first off! I'm really looking for a go to company for all I need for whitetail hunting. How do you feel Firstlite Fusion hides you up in a treestand? I feel it would be harder for deer to pick you out vs Sitka Elevate II. I could be wrong though. Any hdlp would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Heck ya man!!! Love First Lite
Congratulations the info ,tricks and tip I have gotten here have always helped me cant wat to get your input oh their line of products
Only about 4 years late to the party but man some people have got it twisted. The guy didn’t even say First Lite was better than Sitka yet. But he has an opportunity to help them improve and build towards making it the best whitetail gear out there. I think this supports his claim of not being a sellout. He’s tried all the Sitka gear there is and now he’s going to be a big part of a new company improving on all the things he didn’t like. Rather than stand there and tell everyone that Sitka is perfect in every way. I don’t care who you are you’re always gonna find something to be improved on your gear even if you think it’s the best out there. Let’s not act like we wouldn’t jump on a chance like this if we had it
I enjoy First Lite's products, but the lack of a wind-shield and some missing features like safety harness passthroughs make Sitka the right choice for Midwest Whitetail. Now outwest its a different game.
Congratulations to them. I know you must have really checked them out from top to bottom before you put the pen to the paper. Wish you the best.
Thanks a lot Roy...seems like a perfect match, I am so excited! It was a several week conversation and lots of checking in sure on both ends ☺️ so honored too...
Congrats on the new opportunity. I always liked that your partners (“sponsors”) were supposedly the best for the application - that you would be using it whether they paid you or not. This is awesome for you but it puts a new spin on your product recommendations. Not once in your video did you say FL is a better product than Sitka. It was all about the company and better outreach.
I feel First Lite if the better company...which includes, product, people, outreach, mission, brand and future...or I wouldn't be using them 😉
Whitetail Habitat Solutions
Hopefully they’ll come out with a new whitetail line soon bc I don’t see how the Solitude (I did like the reach thru jacket for one muff on the bib- KitLink I think they call it) is better than the Fanatic. Their western and base layer stuff is amazing but haven’t quite figured out treestand, non mobile hunting gear. Personally, some FL, Sitka, Cabelas, Scent Lok in my toolbox. Other commenters with more experience in various camo companies have listed plenty that FL could do to bring up their whitetail game - windstopper is an obvious one. I completely agree with going to a company with better outreach, mission, opportunity (aka Values it seems) but I feel that is separate from the product (either Sitka or FL makes the best whitetail product now 🤷🏼♂️) - can’t know til you hunt a season in it, reviews aren’t the same. I will be on the look out for when gear you design comes out but for now, I view this as a move with more opportunity for you - both in the company’s outreach (new hunter’s, better hunters and UA-cam views/$ increase) and ability to help design a new, perfect system for whitetail in a company you believe in. Best of luck - I’ll keep my eye out for the new stuff (and it’s a shame you just got Mathews bows in EV2, and it doesn’t look like they carry Fusion 😂. Your VXR looks sweet in EV2 too). I’ll continue following your content - and I think some of people’s outrage is based on the video pushing Sitka to stay warm in your stand - that and they want to hunt exactly like you - down to the broadhead and shoelaces hoping that’ll make their hunting like yours. It’s not as if Sitka stopped being an amazing product. Continue your journey and be true to you and you’ll be happy in the end. I just hope next spring you’ll let me in on the secret of Fanatic or Solitude 😉
Hey brother I thought it was goin to dry up here for awhile but rain all day tomorrow so that’s goin to put my plots off awhile longer
congratulations
I’ve got a lot of FL clothing. I’m excited to see what they come up with. I also look forward to your reviews.
If they need to test out anything for big and tall guys, I’m your man! Lol
I watch MeatEater with Steve Rinella and Cal they use FirstLight those guys put it to the test . Glad you part of it as well.
Amen PA...they sure do! I've worked with Mark Kenyon a lot throughout the years...the back 40 last year and Mark also wrote the foreward for my food plot book back in 2014. Great to be a part of some HUGE hunting companies... extremely honored!
BOO!! I really look up to you and follow and practice all your content and strategies. Just this past season I purchased over $3000 worth of SITKA gear, basically bought everything you said to have by SITKA. I honestly thought you were different from all the other money chasing industry hunters.....guess not!
Ummm...I'm pretty sure your Sitka still works, lol. Have you tried it lately?
I've had corporate sponsors since 2016 and have been paid by those sponsors since then. I also turn down 10s of thousands of dollars per year because I don't want to represent products I do not believe in. That really puts me in a very rare category when it comes to the hunting industry. If you can't appreciate that, you really aren't the kind of subscriber that I need around here.
Congrats!
Thanks a lot Gene!
Congrats! Please tell firstlite they need a blaze orange vest 😊
That sounds like a great idea! Will do that...
Congrats bossman, I’ll have to look into this gear as I need replacement clothing
Thanks a lot Kevin...really appreciate that! You sure will ☺️
Just recently purchased scentlok gear. Does first lite have scent eliminating clothing also?