Review: FirstLite Fuse Henley Base Layer

The FirstLite Fuse Henley is a long sleeve 200gr merino wool base layer with snap buttons for easy on-off. Other than the snaps the Fuse Henley also sports thumb holes so that you can keep your top from riding up your arms as you layer up for the cold. I found it especially helpful when I was taking on and off my gridded fleece hoody that clings a little tighter to your body.

This season and last I used the Fuse Henley as a base layer for my system when spring turkey hunting. As the day wore on I’d take layers off while still maintaining camouflage. It’s easy for the Colorado sun to crank down on you during the spring season. Walking in you can see your breath, walking out you’ll need some high SPF. Important for these large temperature swings is the fact that merino wool wicks sweat and moisture away from the body. This allows for sweat to evaporate from the outer layer of the clothing. Trecking in and out of your stand location the buttons allow you to vary the amount of skin exposure you have to the air. A little air conditioning goes a long way on a hard hike.

The fit is true to size, at least for me as a Large and is constructed of FirstLite Aerowool. The 200gr weight puts it in the higher end of FirstLite’s Ultralight and Lightweight category of insulation. This weight means you can use it for practically anything. If it’s going to be cold, choose a bulkier mid layer. The only downside I found was when I was only wearing this layer with a backpack the straps caused some level of pilling in the shoulder areas. Since it’s made of Merino wool it’s just as suitable for early season as late.

The shirt is available in the two FirstLite exclusive patterns, Fusion and Cipher as well as Black, Dry Earth, Conifer, and Ash Grey. MSRP for the Fuse Henley is $100, and you can purchase it directly from FirstLite’s website.