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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: bagada on September 14, 2016, 03:24:00 AM

Title: Best Merino Base Layer
Post by: bagada on September 14, 2016, 03:24:00 AM
Minus33 sells a Heavyweight(for merino) hoodie that I scored on Amazon for 130 free shipping. The price just jumped to 170. Bummer. I really thought it would be a good deal for wearing under a fred asbell.
Title: Re: Best Merino Base Layer
Post by: katman on September 14, 2016, 07:11:00 AM
This may help.
http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=147979#000000
Title: Re: Best Merino Base Layer
Post by: Tim on September 14, 2016, 07:31:00 AM
I have had most of the merino wool brands over the years and I've found the Smart Wool wears the most comfortable and holds up very well.   The 400 gr seems to hold it's shape better over time (not stretch as much), over the 200 gr.  However, the 200 is the most comfortable.   Lot's of merino brand options out there these days.
Title: Re: Best Merino Base Layer
Post by: dhaverstick on September 14, 2016, 08:00:00 AM
I like the Minus33 stuff but I think the medium weight is the way to go. Many times you can find base layers in that weight for almost half of what the heavy weight costs. Just put two layers of it on and you are good to go.

Darren
Title: Re: Best Merino Base Layer
Post by: on September 14, 2016, 08:26:00 AM
I have experience only with First Lite, and I love that stuff!

Bisch
Title: Re: Best Merino Base Layer
Post by: ChuckC on September 14, 2016, 08:56:00 AM
I add my vote for the Minus 33.  Note... I have not tried the rest, so couldn't say it is best, but I can say I like it a lot.  I have several pieces.
ChuckC
Title: Re: Best Merino Base Layer
Post by: FoCoBlackWidow on September 14, 2016, 02:01:00 PM
I'm a fan of Icebreaker, and First Lite is excellent as well. I wear it for everything from warm, early-season mountain hunts to November whitetail hunts.
Title: Re: Best Merino Base Layer
Post by: bagada on September 14, 2016, 02:06:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by dhaverstick:
I like the Minus33 stuff but I think the medium weight is the way to go. Many times you can find base layers in that weight for almost half of what the heavy weight costs. Just put two layers of it on and you are good to go.

Darren
Thats what I used to do until I realized that the heavier tighter weaves hold up much better to heavy use. Some thin shirts have gotten holes in 2 months. The thicker the wool it seems to last exponentially longer. Lets say 2 200 gram shirts last 2 months each (everyday use). A 400 gram shirt will last 2-3 years or more of everyday hard use and still look brand new. Just my experience. Yes I do wear the same shirt for weeks as long as its wool.
Title: Re: Best Merino Base Layer
Post by: Jake Scott on September 14, 2016, 03:11:00 PM
I can't speak to all the major brands, but my Sitka merino bases are extremely warm, especially when used in conjunction with a heavier synthetic base in extremely cold weather.  3 seasons in and still in like new shape.  I've also heard rave reviews about first lite.

Jake
Title: Re: Best Merino Base Layer
Post by: Yewbender on September 14, 2016, 10:49:00 PM
I have Woolpower and Smartwool, love them!