I use the First Lite Men’s Furnace Quarter Zip as a true cold-weather merino midlayer, built for heavyweight insulation during long sits and late-season hunts.
The piece uses 350g Merino-X EXP (95% merino/5% spandex), and the brushed fleece interior grabs heat fast. I like it most when I’m inactive and need steady warmth without a lot of bulk.
The field-first layout stays simple and effective. I vent fast with the quarter-zip on climbs, and the high collar blocks drafts when I’m glassing or posted up. I also get cleaner layering thanks to flatlock seams and modified raglan sleeves.
Thumb loops keep the cuffs planted, so shells and gloves slide on without snagging or leaving wrist gaps. The merino stays quiet and manages odor control well, which helps when I need close-range, stealth-focused movement.
Key takeaways
- Warmth: Heavyweight 350g merino with a fleece interior traps heat fast without feeling too puffy
- Venting & coverage: Quarter-zip and high collar dump heat on climbs and block drafts when I’m glassing or sitting
- Comfort under load: Flatlock seams and modified raglan sleeves cut chafe and sit better under pack straps
- Layering efficiency: Thumb loops keep sleeves set while adding shells or gloves, reducing gaps at the wrists
- Stealth & scent: Merino helps control odor and stays quiet for close-range, stealth-focused movement
Warmth and Insulation
This midlayer targets real cold. I rely on its heavyweight 350g Merino-X EXP fabric (95% merino wool / 5% spandex) and brushed fleece backing to trap heat fast and stay comfortable during long, inactive sits. The fleece interior adds loft without feeling puffy, while the stretch helps it stay close to my body so warmth doesn’t leak out at cuffs or waist.
How I use it in the field
I get the best results with these setups:
- Late-season elk: base layer + this midlayer + windproof softshell to block gusts.
- Tree stand: heavy base + this midlayer + insulated outer layer, then vent on climbs.
- Hands: pair it with Aerowool touch liner gloves to keep dexterity.
Check current pricing and availability at Amazon here!
First Lite Men’s Furnace Quarter Zip – Merino Wool Fleece Camo Hunting Long Sleeve, Insulated Midlayer, Hunting Gear For Men
This image is property of Amazon.com.
Comfort and Layering Features
Flatlock seams keep the inside smooth, so I can wear this quarter zip for long days without hot spots. I notice the difference most on high-movement climbs, where raised seams usually rub. The seam layout also helps the piece sit cleanly under midlayers, so it doesn’t bunch up when I add insulation.
Movement-friendly design details
A few small construction choices make layering feel effortless, especially under a pack. Here’s what stands out in real use:
- Flatlock seams reduce chafing at common friction points like shoulders and underarms.
- Modified raglan sleeves improve pack compatibility by shifting seams away from strap pressure zones.
- Ergonomic thumb loops keep sleeves planted when I slide on a shell or glove, which cuts down on constant readjustment.
For cold setups, I like pairing the thumb loops with lightweight liners, like the Aerowool touch liner gloves, to seal gaps at the wrist.
How I layer it for all-day comfort
I run it as a next-to-skin base when it’s chilly, then add a light puffy for stops and a shell for wind or precip. The sleeves stay put, so insulation layers slide on fast and stay aligned.
Check current pricing and availability at Amazon here!
First Lite Men’s Furnace Quarter Zip – Merino Wool Fleece Camo Hunting Long Sleeve, Insulated Midlayer, Hunting Gear For Men
This image is property of Amazon.com.
Venting and Weather Protection
I rely on the quarter-zip to control heat fast. I crack it open on hard climbs to dump moisture, then zip it up again before glassing or hitting a shaded ridge. That quick adjustment keeps my base layer working instead of soaking out. I also like that the zipper gives me a wide opening so I can vent without peeling layers off.
Quarter-zip control and collar coverage
The high collar earns its keep when wind starts cutting across my neck and upper chest. I zip it fully to emphasize warmth and block drafts, then fold it down once I’m moving again. A few habits keep it effective in real conditions:
- I vent early, before I sweat through, then close the zip as soon as effort drops.
- I pair the collar with a neck gaiter in blowing wind for a tighter seal.
- I keep the pull tab accessible under a shell so I can adjust without stopping.
- I match hand warmth with light liner gloves so I don’t over-zip just to feel warmer.
Check current pricing and availability at Amazon here!
First Lite Men’s Furnace Quarter Zip – Merino Wool Fleece Camo Hunting Long Sleeve, Insulated Midlayer, Hunting Gear For Men
This image is property of Amazon.com.
Odor Control and Stealth
Superfine 20.5 micron wool gives me two advantages that matter most at close range: it keeps stink in check and it stays quiet while I move. Wool manages odor better than many synthetics because it handles moisture swings without feeling clammy, so I don’t get that fast “gym bag” smell after a long hike in or a sweaty climb. I also like how this fabric stays calm when I brush past cover. It doesn’t crackle, and it doesn’t feel slick, which helps me keep my movement controlled when animals are inside bow range.
How I keep scent down and noise low
A few habits help me get the most out of the wool:
- I air-dry it after each hunt instead of sealing it in a tote right away.
- I wash cold with a mild detergent and skip heavy fragrances.
- I layer smart so I don’t overheat on the approach and soak the fabric early.
- I pair it with quiet handwear; the First Lite Aerowool touch liner gloves fit that role well.
For a deeper breakdown of the fabric and real-field use, I refer back to my notes on the Aerowool touch liner merino camo gloves.
Check current pricing and availability at Amazon here!
First Lite Men’s Furnace Quarter Zip – Merino Wool Fleece Camo Hunting Long Sleeve, Insulated Midlayer, Hunting Gear For Men
This image is property of Amazon.com.
Fit Feedback from Customers
What people report about warmth and sizing
I see consistent praise for how warm and high-quality this piece feels, especially for cold sits and slow, glassing-heavy days. Fit feedback varies, so I treat sizing as a layering decision rather than a simple “true-to-size” call. I plan the whole system, including base layers and handwear like the First Lite Aerowool Touch Liner gloves, before picking a size.
Here’s how I think about it:
- I size up if I’ll wear a thick base layer or add insulation underneath.
- I stay true-to-size for active use where I want less bulk and better mobility.
- I check sleeve and torso length first, since warmth means nothing if gaps open up.
Check current pricing and availability at Amazon here!
First Lite Men’s Furnace Quarter Zip – Merino Wool Fleece Camo Hunting Long Sleeve, Insulated Midlayer, Hunting Gear For Men
This image is property of Amazon.com.
Practical Details and Reviews
I like gear that I can use hard, clean fast, and trust season after season. This piece checks those boxes with practical perks that matter in real use. I can toss it in the washing machine after muddy hikes or long travel days, then get it back into rotation without babying it. Being made in the USA adds confidence in consistency and workmanship, especially when I’m relying on it for cold mornings and long miles.
What stands out in daily use
A few details make the difference for me:
- Machine washable care makes it easy to keep fresh between trips.
- Made in the USA, which I associate with steady build quality.
- Backed by 133 customer reviews, so I’m not guessing how it performs outside of my own testing.
- Pairs well with lightweight hand layers; I often match it with Aerowool touch liner gloves when I want warmth without losing dexterity.
Check current pricing and availability at Amazon here!
First Lite Men’s Furnace Quarter Zip – Merino Wool Fleece Camo Hunting Long Sleeve, Insulated Midlayer, Hunting Gear For Men
This image is property of Amazon.com.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
From Bozeman, Montana. Former outdoor guide who distrusts ultralight gear claims. Reviews based on real trips, bad weather, and exhaustion.
