REVIEW: 2 Seasons with the First Lite Origin Hoody

Can First Lite’s tactical synthetic hoody perform as well as its merino counterparts?

The move to merino wool has been a game changer in the field. Odor-resistant (my favorite feature) and warm, I vowed never to return to synthetic fabrics in my hunting clothing. So when First Lite introduced the Origin hoody ($170), it was met around here with some initial skepticism. 

Perhaps it was the past trauma of tossing expensive synthetic garments after a week in the backcountry left them riddled with permanent pit funk. While I appreciate the moisture wicking, quick-drying reputation of synthetics, their track record with me has been far less than stellar in the odor management category. 

Let’s say I was wooed by the Origin’s potential as a lightweight, warm outer layer that seemed perfect for chilly days in the turkey woods or uplands. I was also drawn to the idea of hand warmer front pockets and the built-in face mask for those all-too-common situations when I leave mine in the truck. I wanted something slightly warmer than my Kiln hoody but not at the expense of added ounces. 

I’m 6’0”, and 200 pounds, so I picked up a large in Fusion, my preferred turkey pattern. I immediately put it to work on some mid-April Idaho gobblers. 

Could the Origin unseat my faithful Kiln as my go-to hoody? Here’s my assessment after two years of hard use. 

Design 4.5/5

First Lite crushed it with the form and function of the Origin Hoody. The shooter’s cut (longer sleeves for greater articulation in the arms without binding the body fabric) offers the tremendous range of motion I’ve come to expect from the brand. There’s a sense the fabric is moving with me (and not against me) when I reposition on a Tom or swing on a covey. I’ve had to fabricate a new cadre of excuses for missing chukar now that I can no longer blame it on an ill-fitting sleeve.

Its lightweight fleece is toasty warm on chilly mornings but regulates body temperature well enough that I don’t have to instantly shed layers when the work starts. The kangaroo pocket performs as expected as an oasis for numb fingers or a place to rest your hands when hanging around the fire. Nothing revolutionary here, but it’s an upgrade over the kiln. 

The integrated face mask is nice in the event you leave one at home, but it certainly doesn’t tip the Origin into the “must buy” category. I found the mesh mask comfortable in a variety of conditions, and the small perforations help prevent fogging on optics or sunglasses. The mask is not particularly easy to deploy, but it stays in place nicely. I’m surprised how much warmth it adds when used in conjunction with the hood on chilly mornings. 

I was so smitten by my Fusion Origin that I picked up a second hoody in Ash Grey for upland season and other times when my wife puts a moratorium on all the camo. Unfortunately, the Ash Grey model is more restrictive across the shoulders with a slightly shorter sleeve than my Fusion, rendering it more of a pint night garment than my go-to for serious wingshooting. This consistency issue has occurred so many times with different colors of the same size and style gear that I’ve just come to expect it from First Lite, hence the 4.5/5 rating.

“Two long turkey seasons and a six-month upland season have not compromised its durability. I can’t say my Kiln performed as well in this category.”

Durability 5/5

I’m not gentle on gear, and I expect expensive ($170) clothing to earn its keep in my turkey hunting wardrobe. The Origin does not disappoint. With the exception of a few snagged threads,  this hoody looks as fresh as the day it was delivered. Two long turkey seasons and a six-month upland season have not compromised its durability. I can’t say my Kiln performed as well in this category.

I expected it to smell like an old gym bag within 15 minutes of use like every other fleece garment I’ve hunted in.  With its 37.5 fleece and HeiQ Pure tech woven in, First Lite promises the Origin will provide moisture management as well as odor control. Here I am, a serious skeptic of synthetics, admitting to you that the crew at First Lite delivered on the promise of odor control. While not as mind-bogglingly resistant to BO as their merino wool offerings, the Origin Hoody can handle multiple sweaty hunts without soiling. It also smells good as new after a wash.  

‘Merica 0/5

The only thing American about this garment is its design, otherwise it's a 100% imported product. 

Conclusion:

The Origin Hoody is pricey, no doubt, but its soft, featherlight and durable fleece appears built to withstand multiple years of hard use. Indeed, it’s my new go-to hoody for gobblers and upland.