Gear We Love: First Lite Uncompahgre Puffy Pants

Every year the guys at First Lite reach out to a network of avid mountain hunters to see what products they’d be most excited to see. For a couple of years, I suggested that they put together what I described as a pair of “glass pants.” Basically, I was looking for a set of packable insulated breeches that could be zipped on and off over my regular hunting pants when I got cold. I envisioned something extremely light, really warm, with zippers on the legs.

While I don’t want to overstate my influence on First Lite, I’m thrilled to say that they took my advice, coincidentally or not, and created the Uncompahgre Puffy Pant. These are the perfect insulated pants for backpacking hunters who don’t want the extra weight of heavy insulated pants but don’t like freezing while hiking around camp at night or perching on a cold, windy tit. They roll up smaller than a bottle of Nalgene, weigh just 18 ounces, and sport a water-repellent finish. Also, they dry extremely quickly.

The next time you’re trying to decide between freezing your ass off or wearing your giant insulated Carhartt bibs, pick up a set of Uncompahgre puffer pants. You will feel really happy with yourself.