FAQ
THE BRAND FIRST LITE
Question: I’ve been told that First Lite makes great gear but what makes it better than other hunting apparel brands?
When it comes down to it, First Lite’s strength as a company is authenticity. First Lite is comprised of hunting fanatics who live, breathe and sleep hunting. The company is based in a place where you can literally get out to hunt on lunch breaks; the guys have spotted elk 356 yards from their office door! First Lite was created in the high Idaho Rockies by a small group of folks for whom hunting is a lifestyle and who needed different and better gear to meet their high demand and expectations. You can learn more about the brand on www.firstlite.com
Question: Why have I not seen First Lite Products in any European stores yet?
First Lite is a consumer direct brand. This means you will not find First Lite in any physical stores. GearFex is the first company to import First Lite products into Europe to offer it direct to European consumers. We at GearFex are proud to have been appointed as First Lite’s European point of contact and certified exclusive reseller for First Lite products.
FIRST LITE MERINO WOOL PERFORMANCE LAYERS
Question: It seems like more companies are now offering merino. What makes First Lite Merino the best?
First Lite was the first company to engineer printed camouflage in 100% Merino Wool. First Lite Merino is the highest quality wool available. Unlike most of the competitors’ brands, First Lite uses 17.5 micron wool in their next to skin layers. This small number is indicative of an extremely fine individual merino fiber and ensures that the garment is soft to the touch. Customers often asked if First Lite base layers are scratchy like traditional wool garments. Because of the finely spun merino the answer is, no. It has a very nice soft touch.
In 2016 First Lite introduced AeroWool. This material incorporates 37.5 active particle nylon into their merino wool base layers. The result is an ultralight material that fights stink and noise, just like the Merino you love, but dries three to five times faster and brings improved durability to the table thanks to the 37.5 - infused fibers. Explore the Technology section on our website to learn more about the fabrics.
FIRST LITE AND 37.5 ACTIVE PARTICLE TECHNOLOGY OUTERWEAR
Question: Why does First Lite use 37.5 Active Particle Technology in their outerwear?
First Lite chose 37.5 because it is the most advanced technology on the market. Active Particle Technology means it is more breathable, allowing it to finish the job of evacuating moisture and stinky bacteria that the First Lite Merino base layers begin. Where many, bigger fabric brands will leave you a sweaty mess at the top of the ridge, 37.5 helps you stay dry, comfortable and odor free. Explore the Technology section on our website to learn more about the fabrics.
ORDERING FIRST LITE PRODUCTS FROM GEARFEX
Question: I want to order an item that I saw on www.firstlite.com but do not find the item I am looking for at www.gearfex.com ?
At GearFex we have put a lot of thought into choosing the best First Lite items for the European market. We have selected items based on our personal experience and extensive use of First Lite products in Europe since over 10 years. With the time we will add more and more products from the full First Lite product line. So, if you cannot find a First Lite product on GearFex but would be interested in that item specifically, you can always contact us under support@gearfex.com . We can then either point you to a good alternative that we do already stock or we can let you know if we are planning to bring that item you are looking for to Europe in the near future.
Question: I want to order a First Lite item that I saw on www.firstlite.com and also found on www.gearfex.com ,but do not find the color/camo pattern I am looking for?
As mentioned above we have made a selection of products, but also colors options and patterns for the European market. Concerning camo patterns, we have decided (together with the team at First Lite) that at this point, we will only offer the First Lite FUSION camo in Europe. Concerning solid colors, we want to offer all solid colors that you will also find on the First Lite website. Nevertheless, it can be that you might see a color option somewhere that we are not offering. This might then be a color that will be discontinued in the near future and we are therefore not keeping it in stock. If you have any questions on colors or camo patterns you can always contact us under support@gearfex.com .
Question: If an item is out-of-stock, can I backorder the item and have it shipped to me when it is available?
Though we do not take back orders, we get several shipments throughout the year. Please contact us at support@gearfex.com for more information on when to expect your desired style. Also we recommend that you sign up for you newsletter as we will send out emails with information on new arrivals and back in stock items when we receive larger shipments.
Question: Do you ship outside the EU?
We do ship to the UK, Switzerland and Norway, but it still is a manual order entry. We are planning to change that in the future. If you are from one of the above listed countries and would like to place an order with us, please contact us directly at support@gearfex.com .
FIT, SIZING, AND CARE
Question: What size should I buy my First Lite Garments in?
Please see our Size Chart. In general, our experience has shown us that First Lite products run a little large for European standards. E.g.: If you wear a XL normally, please take a moment to check our Size Chart and maybe consider a LARGE instead.
Question: I normally wear a 2XL for my shirts and jackets, but only find sizes up to XL on www.gearfex.com for most items?
First Lite products a sized and fitted to US American standards. Experience has shown us that the products run a little large for European standards. This means if you think you need a 2XL, please check our Size Chart first as we believe XL will most likely be the correct fit for you in First Lite products. There is one item that would be an exception of this, which is the Men’s Sawtooth Hybrid Jacket. This jacket has a unique cut and is intended to fit snug, but some people would wear it more as a jacked over a wool shirt or thicker layers and then like to go one size up compared to all other First Lite items (which they would order in their standard size). Also the Brooks Down Sweater and the Uncompahgre Puffy Jacket are two items that would make an exception since they do not stretch at all. So this means if you are a big guy, you might want to go for the 2XL on those items.
Question: How Should First Lite Garments Fit?
First Lite base layers are designed to fit comfortably snug as they perform at their best when in direct contact with your skin. Outerwear and pants should fit as expected, with attention to cut that allows for easy movement without excess material. Any First Lite piece should be form fitting but not restrictive.
Question: If I purchase a size LG in my lightweight and base layer pieces, do I need to size up to XL in my mid/heavyweight and outerwear pieces to accommodate for layering?
No, you will not need to size up when adding/layering over multiple pieces. Our top layering pieces are designed to be worn as a system and sizing should remain consistent throughout our product line. So, if your size is LG according to our Size Chart, please order all your pieces in LG.
Question: How should I care for my First Lite gear?
You can learn more about caring for your First Lite products at our care page here.
ORDERING FHF GEAR PRODUCTS FROM GEARFEX
Question: I want to order an item that I saw on www.fhfgear.com but do not find the item I am looking for at www.gearfex.com ?
At GearFex we have put a lot of thought into choosing the best FHF items for the European market. We have selected items based on our personal experience and in consultation with the team at FHF Gear. With the time we will add more and more products from the full FHF Gear product line. So, if you cannot find a FHF Gear product on GearFex but would be interested in that item specifically, you can always contact us under support@gearfex.com .
Question: How do I find the correct size FHF Gear Bino Harness for my binoculars?
FHF Gear has a nice video on Features and Sizing of their Bino Harness which you will find below the product on in our shop. Further you can also do directly to FHF Gear to check out their sizing chart.