First Lite bibs

[VFL]

I’ll just add a counterpoint here! I have the NB set, and then the Sanctuary + Woodbury set... if I could only have one (Sanctuary or Solitude) I went with Sanctuary because I can make the NB work to the point that the Sanctuary kicks in. I’ve never regretted packing the Sanctuary bibs in when it’s 35 degrees, and then of course I’m covered for colder temps as well. For me the question is what’s trickier... layer the Solitude up for colder temps, or layering the Sanctuary down (minimal other layers) for warmer temps like mid 30s. Edit: I just think that for something truly treestand capable when the temps go down, it’s got to be packed in, I’ve never been able to comfortably hike any serious distance in something that’s going to keep me warm in stand.

If you had to pick between solitude and NB, which would you choose?

 

[VFL]

Kind of off subject,( well not too far), I have a set of FL bibs I bought maybe 7-8 yrs ago. They are neoprene for the most part. ASAT. Anyone know which bibs these may be? Apologies to the OP.

Maybe North Branch? I know they're discontinued...maybe post a picture of them in this thread? No need to apologize...

 

[neonomad]

If you had to pick between solitude and NB, which would you choose?

There’s a lotta variables!.. maybe number 1 being which state you’re in and when you like to hunt. I’ve never worn the Solitude so I can’t say for sure, Im going to guess the NB is (1) way less cozy / less warm, (2) louder, but (3) tougher in the briars, and potentially more athletic fit. Wonder if you’re experience is the same, I do feel bulletproof walking in NB, but if I don’t layer up I’m gonna get cold in em. It gets chilly pretty quickly in NE Ohio, so I’ll give the nod to Solitude, but if I already own NB I do think there’s merit in Sanctuary being a solid / maybe better compliment to NB for many days in Nov-Jan where the Solitude is going to require more layers. For me NB decent to high 30s and then the Sanctuary bibs come out. Then again Sanctuary - I think - is more expensive. Whatever you decide you’ll find what works for you in terms of layers. Could maybe bite the bullet order both try em on and send one set back?

 

[sdonx]

Could maybe bite the bullet order both try em on and send one set back?

I've done that a few times, works great... well only if you actually return the other one...lol

 

[VFL]

There’s a lotta variables!.. maybe number 1 being which state you’re in and when you like to hunt. I’ve never worn the Solitude so I can’t say for sure, Im going to guess the NB is (1) way less cozy / less warm, (2) louder, but (3) tougher in the briars, and potentially more athletic fit. Wonder if you’re experience is the same, I do feel bulletproof walking in NB, but if I don’t layer up I’m gonna get cold in em. It gets chilly pretty quickly in NE Ohio, so I’ll give the nod to Solitude, but if I already own NB I do think there’s merit in Sanctuary being a solid / maybe better compliment to NB for many days in Nov-Jan where the Solitude is going to require more layers. For me NB decent to high 30s and then the Sanctuary bibs come out. Then again Sanctuary - I think - is more expensive. Whatever you decide you’ll find what works for you in terms of layers. Could maybe bite the bullet order both try em on and send one set back?

I'm in northern NJ - some spots are easy walks and some can get dicey (briars, burs, etc.). I'm having a hard time believing/trusting the NB in 30 degree weather. Is the Sanctuary overkill for 30 degrees? How is the Solitude in 30 degrees? 20 degrees?

 

[Patriot38]

I'm in northern NJ - some spots are easy walks and some can get dicey (briars, burs, etc.). I'm having a hard time believing/trusting the NB in 30 degree weather. Is the Sanctuary overkill for 30 degrees? How is the Solitude in 30 degrees? 20 degrees?

I like the sanctuary for 30 degrees. Mainly because the zippers are so well thought out and open very wide to dump heat if you need to but also work in single digit or even below zero temps. I can put the bibs on over the thickest boots I own. Very well thought out. I dont own the solitude so I can't speak to them but I chose sanctuary to cover everything 30 and below.

 

[sdonx]

Not to hyjack this thread on First lite. I do love thier products. I bought a pair of used Stratus pants from Sitka. I think they are the perfect in between choice for my non insulated pants and my Sanctuary bibs. I am actually selling the pants and getting the bibs. FYI- First Lite just sent me a new pair of guide lite pants under warrenty. I had pulled the zipper off an ripped them. Great company.

 

[MJH]

To decide on one, you need to know what temp you are going to be out in. I go into pretty cold temps in the Solitude with layers.

This year I didn't even wear my Sanctuary (it wasn't really cold up here like it can be, and I tagged out mid-season).

 

[neonomad]

I like the sanctuary for 30 degrees. Mainly because the zippers are so well thought out and open very wide to dump heat if you need to but also work in single digit or even below zero temps. I can put the bibs on over the thickest boots I own. Very well thought out. I dont own the solitude so I can't speak to them but I chose sanctuary to cover everything 30 and below.

Yes I agree, I generally freeze in the NBs by the mid lower 30s. Maybe heated vests / pants offer new possibilities here, but the NB isn’t a great option for very cold hunts. Since I’m packing in, I’ve never seen much downside to Sanctuary in the 30s (note I have the Woodbury jacket, not the Sanctuary jacket. But let’s say it’s 34 degrees... I’d put the bibs on at the base of the tree, climb slowly with some zippers open. Setup, zip the pants and put the jacket on. If it’s 20 degrees the only difference is Id have an added layer on. But yes the Sanctuary is like a thin sleeping bag and to me feels fine in the 20s and 30s.