Choosing between the First Lite solitude or sanctuary can be something of a nail-biter when you are gearing up for hunting season.
The significant difference between the solitude and the sanctuary is that the former has a slimmer, more athletic design, while the latter is bulkier and warmer.
Other than that, there are some other minor differences between them. If you want to know more, then read on.
A Quick Comparison Table
| Specification | Solitude | Sanctuary |
| Build | 100g insulated body with 60g insulated sleeves and hood. | 200g insulated body with 160g insulated sleeves and hood |
| Features | 37.5 active particle technology, windproof membrane, DWR finish, and many more. | 37.5 active particle technology, windproof membrane, DWR exterior, and many more. |
| Fit | Medium | Medium-large |
| Recommended temperature for usage | Between 20F-45F | Below 20F |
| Actual Weight | 49.4oz. (3 lbs.) | 58oz. (3.6 lbs.) |
| Price | Around $300 | Around $375 |
Key Differences Between First Lite Solitude And The Sanctuary
After looking through the table above, you should now have a pretty good idea about each characteristic of the First Lite Solitude and the Sanctuary. But if you feel like you need some more details than what is provided on the table, then read on.
Now, let’s go into more detail and break down every characteristic between the two kinds of jackets.
- Jacket Build
Winter is usually considered the prime hunting season.
Most regions where hunting is popular have brutal winters where temperatures can drop below 20F.
In such conditions, if you are preparing to go hunting, it is important to have an outer layer of clothing that both keeps you warm and protects you from the elements without hindering your movement or being noisy.
The First Lite jackets, Solitude and Sanctuary, both make for great outer protection when out hunting in the cold and wet. They are very similar in their purpose and looks. However, when it comes to their build, there is a significant difference.
The First Lite solitude is made from 37.5 synthetic insulation materials. The jackets have an athletic cut and are made to fit true to size.
The body of the solitude weighs 100g, and the sleeves and hood weigh 60g. Both the body and sleeves/hood are made from the same aforementioned synthetic insulated material.
This is hidden underneath a silent, brushed, two-layer Catalyst softshell fabric. This layer makes the jacket deadly silent while also regulating your body temperature, regardless of the weather conditions.
All these characteristics help make the First Lite solitude the ideal outer jacket for you when you are out in the wilderness, braving the cold, waiting for the perfect prey.
Like the solitude, the First Lite sanctuary is also made from the same synthetic insulated material. But the sanctuary has a bulkier build than the solitude.
The body of the sanctuary weighs 200g, which is twice as much as the solitude’s 100g. And the sleeves and hood of the sanctuary weigh 160g, which is almost 3 times as much as the solitude’s 60g.
While the solitude’s insulated layer is hidden under a two-layer softshell fabric, the sanctuary is constructed of six total layers of fabric and insulation. The six layers are carefully positioned to maximize warmth.
Also Read: Differences Between KUIU Super Down Pro And ULTRA Jacket.
- Jacket Features
As far as hunting jackets go, both the First Lite solitude and sanctuary offer a host of different features.
All these features help to maximize comfort and help you focus properly on the hunt.
Both the First Lite solitude and the sanctuary use an exclusive 37.5 active particle technology.
This technology absorbs excess moisture and helps maintain body temperature. It also traps odors, which can give away your position to any potential prey.
Both jackets use a windproof membrane that protects you from the biting winds of winter. They also have a durable water-repellent or DWR finish. This helps repel moisture from rain and snow.
The jackets also utilize KitLink zippered pass-thrus on either side of the jackets. This helps you access any pockets of interior clothing, including the solitude and sanctuary bibs.
The solitude comes with a removable 3D Turret hood. This feature allows for better vision and a wider field of view when out in the wilderness. The sanctuary does not have this feature, however.
Both jackets come equipped with tree stand harness pass-thrus. This helps you secure yourself properly to tree stands. They also have insulated hand pockets with a seal-tight gasket to help block out the cold.
The solitude has a built-in shooter’s sleeve for optimized capability with different firearms. The sanctuary, on the other hand, is constructed with biomechanically accurate shooter’s sleeves, shoulders, and hood.
The solitude has a two-way front zipper system. This helps with comfort and accessibility. The sanctuary does not have this feature.
Both jackets are equipped with two gear loops on the chest. These help in anchoring range finders and calls.
- Jacket Fit
Both jackets are made true to size, meaning if you generally wear size large clothes, you should also purchase a size large jacket.
But the solitude has an overall slimmer, more athletic build. Because of the fewer layers, the solitude has a less bulky fit.
On the other hand, the sanctuary was made for withstanding extreme cold. As such, it has many layers of insulation and fabric. This gives the jacket a larger, bulkier appearance than the solitude.
- Recommended Temperature for Usage
As mentioned before, Solitude was made for average colds. So, the jacket has fewer layers and is slimmer than the sanctuary.
First Lite recommends using the solitude for temperatures between 20F and 45F.
Once temperatures drop below 20F, First Lite recommends the sanctuary. The sanctuary being bulkier and having more layers than the solitude easily keeps you warm even in extreme temperatures, such as below 20F.
- Actual Weight of the Jackets
When out hunting, chances are you will be walking around quite a bit in the cold. It helps to not be overburdened in these situations, as that can tire you out quicker.
Due to its added bulk and layers, the sanctuary weighs more than the solitude, weighing around 59 ounces, or about 3.6 lbs. On the other hand, due to its slimmer build and fewer layers, the solitude weighs around 49.4 ounces or 3 lbs.
- Price
The price understandably plays a big role in making the final decision. Due to its extra bulk and ability to keep you warm in extreme temperatures, the First Lite sanctuary will cost you a bit more than the solitude.
As of now, according to the First Lite website, the sanctuary goes for $375 while the solitude is sold for $300.
Which Jacket Should You Buy?
Both the sanctuary and solitude are very good choices for outer protection when out hunting. They offer similar features and benefits at almost similar price points.
The differentiating factor comes down to the condition of the weather. The sanctuary would be a bit too warm and uncomfortable for temperatures over 20F.
So, if the temperature stays between 45F and 20F, Solitude would be the better choice. However, if temperatures regularly fall below 20F, you should choose the sanctuary instead.
Also Read: Differences Between First Lite Furnace And Kiln Baselayer For Hunting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Below are some frequently asked questions about First Lite jackets and their answers.
The Sanctuary 2.0 is the warmest First Lite jacket. It is capable of keeping you warm even in temperatures below 20F.
Yes, the First Lite solitude is made of silent fabrics that make it quiet when you are out hunting.
Sanctuary has a DWR exterior that repels moisture from snow and rain.
Yes, Sanctuary has a windproof membrane.
Final Thoughts
Both the First Lite solitude and sanctuary are high-quality jackets that offer excellent exterior protection when out in the cold wilderness.
If you have to choose between them, I will have to say that for extreme colds, Sanctuary is the better choice. And for moderate colds, Solitude is likely the better option.
I hope this article on the First Lite Solitude Vs. Sanctuary helped make the best choice for you.
