Whitetail System Comparisons: Solitude vs CoreUpdated 23 days ago
If you spent time in the whitetail woods over the past few seasons, there’s a good chance you’ve heard about—or hunted in—the Solitude System. It was a trusted mid-season setup, built to tackle the rut and the variable weather that comes with it. But as with any good gear lineup, evolution is inevitable. Enter the Core Whitetail System, the next generation of First Lite's cold-weather treestand gear.
Let’s break down the differences and see how the Core System builds on the legacy of Solitude—while making some smart, hunter-driven upgrades.
Solitude: A Proven Mid-Season Performer (Now Discontinued)
The Solitude System earned a reputation as a dependable workhorse, built to thrive in the heart of the rut—ideally suited for temps between 50°F and 32°F. It featured a 2-layer SoftShell construction with a fleece lining and 37.5 active particle fill, which helped regulate moisture and reduce odor.
This system prioritized silence and warmth without bulk. The bib came with full side zips, making it easy to layer and get in or out at the truck, plus 60g insulation throughout for comfort during long sits. The jacket added a bit more insulation with 100g in the torso and 60g in the arms and hood, striking a nice balance for those cool but not brutal mid-season hunts.
Core System: Smarter, Lighter, Warmer
The Core Whitetail System, designed as the direct successor to the Solitude, takes everything hunters loved about the original—and makes it better. With refined fit, upgraded insulation, and an integrated design, it’s built to be your go-to for all-day sits in temps ranging from 45°F down to 20°F.
Right out of the gate, the Core Jacket and Bib utilize PrimaLoft® Gold insulation—80g in the body, 60g in the arms—giving you a superior warmth-to-weight ratio and better packability. It’s a system built for long sits in cold stands without weighing you down.
The windproof membrane has also been improved, making this setup even better suited for those blustery November days when thermals swirl and staying still is key.
Some of the best upgrades are in the usability and layering compatibility:
More room in the forearms to prevent layering bulk.
Microfleece lining for added warmth and noise reduction.
Removable hood for versatility based on weather or personal preference.
Magnetic KITLINK pass-throughs, letting you connect the jacket to the bib’s built-in muff pocket—a simple but game-changing design for keeping your hands warm without losing access.
A streamlined collar gives you improved peripheral vision—because we all know how fast a buck can slip through your shooting lane.
So, Which System Wins?
The answer comes down to availability and performance. The Solitude System is no longer in production, so if you already own it, you’ve got a solid piece of gear for mid-season. But if you’re looking to upgrade—or replace a worn-out setup—the Core Whitetail System is a clear step forward in fit, function, and all-weather comfort.
Choose the Core if you want:
Better layering integration
Lighter, more packable warmth
Longer range performance down to 20°F
Smart design features that improve stand time and mobility
In short, the Core System does everything Solitude did—but better.