Wick Vs Kiln Vs Furnace vs Rugged WoolUpdated 23 days ago

First Lite made history as the first company to print camouflage on merino wool—and we still take pride in doing it better than anyone else. But merino isn’t one-size-fits-all. We’ve developed a range of merino wool garments to suit every season, every pursuit, and every type of hunter. From early-season archery in the heat to brutal late-season sits in the snow, there’s a First Lite merino system built for it.

Here’s a breakdown of our four core merino lines—Wick, Kiln, Furnace, and Rugged Wool—to help you dial in the right layering system for your hunt.

Wick: Ultralight and Year-Round Ready (150gsm Weight)

Best For: Hot weather, active hunts, and next-to-skin layering

The Wick is our lightest merino wool option at 150 weight, and it’s the go-to choice when temperatures are high but you still want all the benefits merino brings to the table—breathability, odor control, and performance when wet.

It’s ideal for 65°F and above, but don’t let that limit you—many of us on the team wear it year-round as a base layer thanks to its unmatched next-to-skin comfort and odor-fighting capabilities.

Kiln: The Do-It-All Midlayer (250gsm Weight)

Best For: Early to mid-season hunts and versatile layering

The Kiln is the 250-weight workhorse in our merino lineup. It’s perfect as a standalone piece in the 40–60°F range or as a baselayer when temps drop lower.

We think of it as the most versatile piece in the system—warm enough for those crisp early morning sits, but breathable and comfortable enough to keep on as the day warms up. If you're looking for a one-layer solution for early fall hunting, the Kiln is hard to beat.

Furnace: Peak Cold Weather Comfort (350gsm Weight)

Best For: Late-season hunts and low-activity cold weather days

The Furnace is our warmest standard merino piece at 350 weight, and it’s designed for the coldest hunts of the year. When snow starts to fly and you’re glassing ridgelines or posted up in a treestand, the Furnace will keep you toasty without sacrificing comfort.

It’s got a roomier fit and ultra-soft feel that honestly makes it feel like pajamas you can hunt in—no joke. Some of us wear it around town too. It’s that comfortable.

Rugged Wool: Built for Brutal Conditions (420gsm Weight)

Best For: Stationary hunts, chores, and extreme cold

When we say Rugged Wool, we mean it. This is the heaviest, most durable merino we’ve ever made—designed for the toughest tasks and the coldest conditions. At roughly 420 weight, it’s thicker than our Furnace and nearly indestructible.

This stuff isn’t for hiking ridges or putting on miles—you’ll sweat right out of it. But for duck blinds, ice fishing, or cold mornings on the farm, Rugged Wool is king. And unlike your granddad’s old scratchy wool, this gear is soft, flexible, and itch-free.

Final Thoughts: Picking the Right Piece

Whatever season or pursuit you’re planning for, First Lite’s merino lineup is built to match. Layer right, stay warm (or cool), and keep after it.