Yuma Vs TraceUpdated 23 days ago
When it comes to hunting in scorching temperatures, staying cool, protected, and comfortable can make or break your day in the field. That’s where First Lite’s Trace and Yuma Product Lines come in. Both are built with hot-weather performance in mind—but each serves a slightly different purpose based on fabric, function, and use case.
Here’s a breakdown to help you decide which lineup is right for your hunt.
The Trace: Built to Breathe
The Trace line is made with a unique Kinetic Grid™ fabric—a lightweight synthetic material designed for maximum airflow. If you hold it up to the light, you’ll actually see micro-perforations that allow for exceptional breathability. This design makes Trace gear incredibly light, cool, and comfortable, especially when you're on the move or dealing with high heat and humidity.
It's also tough enough to stand up to brushy environments and long days in the sun, offering great durability without compromising airflow. Many of our team members layer Trace pieces over merino wool to combine odor control with breathable sun protection, especially for hunts that start cool in the morning and heat up fast.
Best For:
Active hunts in hot, brushy terrain
Wearing over a merino base layer
Maximum breathability and durability
The Yuma: Sun-Blocking and Bug-Repelling
The Yuma line uses a different synthetic fabric—smooth, soft, and ideal as a next-to-skin layer. What really sets the Yuma apart is its built-in sun protection and insect repellent treatment, making it a top choice for open-country hunts, humid climates, and days when the bugs are relentless.
This system is dialed for bright, hot weather when you don’t need the extra warmth or layering—just gear that wicks sweat, blocks the sun, and keeps you from getting eaten alive.
Best For:
Scorching hot, sunny conditions
Next-to-skin wear
Buggy, exposed environments
How Our Gear Experts Wear Them
Yuma is our go-to for the hottest, brightest days—especially in buggy or exposed areas. Worn next to skin, it’s cool, protective, and simple.
Trace gets pulled into the lineup when we’re dealing with varying temps, rougher terrain, or want a lightweight layer over merino for the ultimate balance of cooling, comfort, and sun protection.
Final Thoughts
Both the Yuma and Trace lines are optimized for hot weather performance, but their strengths shine in different ways. Choose the Yuma for next-to-skin simplicity with added protection from sun and bugs. Opt for the Trace when you need lightweight layering that breathes like a champ but can still handle the rough stuff.
Whichever you go with, you’ll stay cool, dry, and focused—exactly how hot-weather hunting should feel.