If you have chosen the First Lite Klamath and Furnace as your base layers for hunting, you should know the fundamental differences between both. The Furnace is a bit expensive but recommended for the colder season.
However, it offers less odor control.
In contrast, Klamath is cheaper and recommended for hunts where you need to run and gun during turkey seasons. However, it doesn’t offer much warmth as the Furnace does. They both are pretty good products depending on their specifications and usage needs.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Features To Discuss | First Lite Klamath | First Lite Furnace |
| Based Layers Construction | Heiq Pure Grid Fleece | Exp 350 Merino-X |
| Pricing | Cheaper | Expensive |
| Temperature Recommendations | Below 20F, 20F – 45F, 45F – 60F | Below 20F |
| Weight and Portability | Less weight with more portability with an Actual Weight of 13oz. | Heavier and less portable with an Actual 17oz. |
| Primary Usage | Waterfowl, Upland, Fishing, Spot & Stalk, Tree Stand | Waterfowl, Fishing, Spot & Stalk, Tree Stand |
| Recommended to use | All seasons | For colder seasons |
| Drying Speed | Faster | Slower |
| Hunting Recommendations | Recommended to use for more active hunts | Recommended to use for more standing hunts |
Key Differences Between First Lite Klamath and Furnace Base Layers
- Based Layers Construction
Both mid-layers are made with different materials.
When you look at the Klamath, it is made with heiq pure grid fleece.
This material doesn’t let the odor stay into Klamath mid-layer for hunting, and you can wear it even without taking a shower for days.
But in reality, it’s not recommended.
Compared to Klamath, the Furnace is made with merino fabric recommended for colder weather.
This material is highly durable and robust, preventing extremely heavy colder temperatures. But it won’t be much versatile as the Klamath layer is.
Also Read: Differences Between First Lite Conifer And Dry Earth Hunting Clothes.
- Temperature Recommendations
From the table, it would look like both layers are recommended to use below 20F temperature. But that’s not true.
Only the Furnace will stand better below this temperature. However, you can use Klamath till 20F.
But below this, it will be colder; this layer is not recommended for significantly colder hunts. Klamath is a mid-layer more suggested to use for colder weather.
- Drying Speed
If you wash both layers, the Klamath layer will take less time to get dried. In contrast, the furnace layer will take more time to get dried if you wash it in a while.
- Weight and Portability
With a 17 Oz weight, the Furnace layer is less portable and a heavy-duty layer under your hunting gear.
On the other hand, the Klamath layer is 13 Oz, which is supposed to be lightweight and more portable. It is not heavier like the furnace layer.
- Primary Usage
The usage recommendations for both First Lite Base layers also vary.
When it comes to Klamath, it can be used for more tasks and duties.
It includes using Klamath for Upland, Spot & Stalk, Waterfowl, Tree Stand, and Fishing.
In contrast, the Furnace layer is suitable for all the remaining objectives except the upland.
They do not recommend it for upland hunting as it’s less breathable and carries more weight.
- Recommended To Use
When you look at the Klamath layer, a large number of hunters recommend it to use for all-season purposes. It means you can have it for spring, autumn, and summer season hunting.
But at the same time, the Furnace layer is only suggested to wear during winter. That’s because the layer controls your body from freezing in freezing seasons.
- Hunting Recommendations
Based on the construction and material usage, the Furnace will likely be used where you need to stand still and do not need to run much. It includes hunting with a bow.
But the Klamath layer is worn when you go for more active hunting. It includes hunting with a gun etc.
- Pricing
You will have to spend a few more bucks for the Furnace layer. It is a little more expensive than the Klamath layer.
However, the price difference is only a few bucks. But the features based on this price difference vary a lot.
Klamath is a less expensive layer than a Furnace.
Also Read: Differences Between First Lite And Minus 33 Base Layers.
Which Base Layer Is Better?
Both First Lite base layers are great to consider. However, the selection will depend on the type of hunt, season, pricing, and other factors.
So, if you need to get a layer that might protect you from cold breezes, Furnace is a better choice.
And if you are hunting in the summer season, when you are running and sweating, Klamath is a good option. Hence, the selection is upon you!
Wrapping Up
First Lite makes some good hunting products. But if you have considered comparing First Lite Klamath and Furnace, both are great options depending on the needs of useability.
However, the Furnace is better for more standing hunting needs. In contrast, Klamath is good to consider when running behind the animals you hunt. It’s very easy to decide between both.
And I hope you won’t find that difficult!
