do some searching, tons written on this topic. Get some of both...they both have some incredible items. After a few years using both here is my system for most of this year.

Top
-KUIU merino lightweight
-FL Ucompaghre jacket or patagonia primaloft puffy or army fleece jacket
-Sitka Stratus

Bottom
-First lite merino pants (Kanabs now obsidans)
-Sitka stratus bibs

 

Sitka outer and mid layers are better, but subalpine you will be selling yourself short on. I wear the mountain set real early in bow, but once it’s gets cooler you can’t beat the EV2. The stratus and fanatic series are dead quiet, no noise at all. You won’t find that with first lite or the subalpine.


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For quiet, it is hard to beat Sitka EVII. I'd recommend the Stratus set. Plenty of layering options for warmth under it to get you through the season in Tn.

 

Since First Lite took their stuff out of stores I have stuck mainly with Sitka. For the same price its nice to be able to try stuff on rather than do the whole shipping back and forth. Considering First Lite went to a direct to consumer route you would have thought their prices would have gone down a little.

 

I’m not a fan of the guess and check system with FL either. Seems like if you are going to be paying a lot for camo clothing that you really should be able to touch it first. I’ve personally had 2 items that weren’t what I anticipated but ended up working out well.

Though I’m not sure the comparable items are really the same price in their heavy outer pieces. Incinerator Vs sanctuary is a 1300$ vs 750$ situation. I haven’t compared any other prices though.

 

Sitka's Fanatic jacket is designed for bow hunters. Silent material, easy access storage for hand warmers and a rangefinder. It also is one of the few camos I've found with a safety harness pass through port.

EV2 is the only color you can get the majority of their whitetail stuff in. And it's my favorite.

 

Both are good companies. I have both and use both. I worry about function and camo I could give two ****s about. You won’t go wrong with whatever you choose.

 

In TN I think you really need some of the colder weather stuff that Sitka makes. Both base layers are phenomenal. Stay away from the merino wool
Pants from First light. They will tear very easily and you will be mad you wasted the money. I don’t think you can go wrong with either company.

 

Sitka is better IME. Every sitka piece i own (stratus vest, stratus pants, goretex "elmer fud" hat, and some random hunting pants) is literally the best thing in that category i have ever owned. I really wanted to like first lite because the camo color is so much better so I bought a Woodbury jacket and a fleece. The Woodbury was heavy, loud, and the pockets would get snagged on everything walking through the woods. On top of all that it wasn't even very warm!

 

I dont think one is "better" than the other. I actually use both. I like the Sitka jackets especially the fanatic. The lay out is great and it is very warm. I also use the First Lite sanctuary 2.0 bibs and they are wonderful and very warm as well. The FL materials are actually quieter than the Sitka, though both are very very quiet. I have FL base layers (merino) and they are very soft well made garments. For mid layers I like the Sitka again for the features vs what FL offers. They are both great gear and will serve you well. Most of my choices are based on personal preferences and situational hunting. What works for me in a blind or treestand may not work for the guy on the move spot and stock out west or chugging up a mountain for an elk. Lots of good options. FL has sizing charts on their web page, and I used them for what I ordered, and it was spot on for me. I am 5' 10" and 190 and the large fit perfect per their measuring charts. Hope this helps.