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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Werewolf on October 13, 2012, 01:08:00 PM

Title: Cold weather base layer opinions
Post by: Werewolf on October 13, 2012, 01:08:00 PM
Has anyone used or have any opinions on base layer thermal.what works for you in cold weather hunting?what do you recommend in the cold.
Title: Re: Cold weather base layer opinions
Post by: Rob W. on October 13, 2012, 01:21:00 PM
There have been a few threads pop up recently regarding base layers. Wool is always king.

I like wool and military poly pro.


Rob
Title: Re: Cold weather base layer opinions
Post by: SheltonCreeker on October 13, 2012, 01:34:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by Rob W.:


I like wool and military poly pro.
x2
Title: Re: Cold weather base layer opinions
Post by: Whip on October 13, 2012, 01:48:00 PM
I just switched over to all merino wool for my base layers this past year and love it.  I wish I hadn't waited so long.  Yes, they are pricy, although the Minus 33 that I bought isn't too bad.  Well worth the extra expense!
Title: Re: Cold weather base layer opinions
Post by: eagleone on October 13, 2012, 01:53:00 PM
I also switched to merino wool and
couldn't be happier, I convinced a buddy
to do the same- with the same results.
Merino isn't cheap but it's worth it.
Title: Re: Cold weather base layer opinions
Post by: YORNOC on October 13, 2012, 02:49:00 PM
best thing i ever did is switching to soft merino wool next to my skin. i have semi poor circulation, so when a normal guy is comfortable,  i'm already getting cool. people are different.  for someone who heats really fast and has no issues getting the chills, i'd go with something more tech for wicking.
Title: Re: Cold weather base layer opinions
Post by: Dan Adair on October 13, 2012, 03:27:00 PM
It cracks me up that it's year 2012, and in all this time the superior beings on the planet with opposable thumbs and brains, have yet to come up with better materials for insulation than wool, and goose down.
Title: Re: Cold weather base layer opinions
Post by: Werewolf on October 13, 2012, 03:49:00 PM
apparently God designs good stuff.
Title: Re: Cold weather base layer opinions
Post by: rastaman on October 13, 2012, 07:41:00 PM
I love my merino wool and it doesn't get smelly like polypro..
Title: Re: Cold weather base layer opinions
Post by: Craig on October 13, 2012, 08:03:00 PM
patagonia  

I worked outside and bought it years ago. The wind doesn't go through it. It has lasted me 20 years and still going strong.
Title: Re: Cold weather base layer opinions
Post by: RedShaft on October 13, 2012, 08:05:00 PM
merino wool, first lite, minus33, kuiu.
Title: Re: Cold weather base layer opinions
Post by: Marc B. on October 13, 2012, 08:08:00 PM
Another vote for Merino wool.
Title: Re: Cold weather base layer opinions
Post by: NoCams on October 13, 2012, 08:23:00 PM
Not sure but I think everyone here loves their merino wool as much as we do....  :readit:  

Time for another thread and subject, haha ! Totally agree with what others said above, "Try as he may man cannot come up with a better insulator than what God made when he made sheep !"...  :campfire:
Title: Re: Cold weather base layer opinions
Post by: macbow on October 13, 2012, 08:23:00 PM
Same here with the merino wool. I have the Swedish brand that shows them just wearing,it in extreme cold.
Title: Re: Cold weather base layer opinions
Post by: rastaman on October 13, 2012, 08:23:00 PM
merino wool, first lite, minus33, kuiu.

I think these are all merino wool..
Title: Re: Cold weather base layer opinions
Post by: RedShaft on October 13, 2012, 08:26:00 PM
yes, they all 3 have merino wool. search them. find whats best for. you also best thing about it is the way it breathes. the sweat don't lay against your body its pretty neat. a big difference compared to other stuff. and the price is about the same.
Title: Re: Cold weather base layer opinions
Post by: Spinealigner on October 13, 2012, 08:27:00 PM
I am a wool fan thru and thru.  I wear as much of it as I can
Title: Re: Cold weather base layer opinions
Post by: rcoulas on October 13, 2012, 11:09:00 PM
I worked in the bush for many years and now shear sheep. I have worked outside most of my working life and tried a number of clothing materials. Wool is king, I wear Stanfield one piece wool long underwear in the cold weather. Wool breaths and wicks moisture very well and keeps you warm even when wet, plus if you use wool it keeps me working! If you smoke or tend a fire synthetics are just dangerous!
Title: Re: Cold weather base layer opinions
Post by: Fletcher on October 13, 2012, 11:31:00 PM
Wool is great stuff and good wool, like Merino, you can wear right on your skin.  I use lightweight Merino wool sweaters that I find at sales and thrift stores.  They work really well without having to take out a loan.  I picked up some extras over the summer and have them for sale in the classifieds.  I wish I could find some Merino sweat pants.   :D
Title: Re: Cold weather base layer opinions
Post by: Canyon on October 14, 2012, 12:33:00 AM
Okay I'll be the dissenting voice (well not really I like wool too)I actually wear silk as my base layer then wool.
Title: Re: Cold weather base layer opinions
Post by: AWPForester on October 14, 2012, 09:45:00 AM
I have got polpro's from the military.  Real warm and works real well.  I have a couple different brands of oly pro's from silk to midweights, they work rel well.  But nothing works like wool.  Always warm, always.  And it doesn't over heat you like polypro's either.  God Bless
Title: Re: Cold weather base layer opinions
Post by: Roger Norris on October 14, 2012, 10:36:00 AM
I am a huge wool user (and seller) but I have to admit, my Merino Wool longjohns are reserved for REAL cold. I like silk until it gets into the teens.
Title: Re: Cold weather base layer opinions
Post by: Stykbowslim on October 14, 2012, 10:48:00 AM
As others have stated, Merino wool is a great product for a base layer, however there is nothing wrong with wearing synthetics during certain situations.

For example; synthetics will do the job if you're taking short hikes to a morning or evening stand without building up a sweat, or if you're not going to be around an open flame.

I use synthetics and Merino wool base layers and as Canyon stated; silk does a nice job as a base layer under wool.

In regards to the different types of Merino wool base layers that I have or have used; Icebreaker, Ipex, Minus33, Woolpower, Filson and Kuiu, the first three manufactures make a very high quality product. I purchased the Kuiu because it had a camouflage pattern, however I find the Kuiu Merino (250) wool course and scratchy, and the zipper support material irritating on both the 185 and 250 Zip-T's.
Title: Re: Cold weather base layer opinions
Post by: Easykeeper on October 14, 2012, 10:55:00 AM
Merino wool for me too.
Title: Re: Cold weather base layer opinions
Post by: Orion on October 14, 2012, 11:30:00 AM
I'm with Canyon.  Silk as the first layer, then merino wool.  Nothing feels better of keeps one warmer.  I layer additional wool over that.
Title: Re: Cold weather base layer opinions
Post by: Werewolf on October 14, 2012, 01:26:00 PM
thanks guys appreciate the help!
Title: Re: Cold weather base layer opinions
Post by: Dan Adair on October 14, 2012, 02:20:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by Craig:
patagonia  

I worked outside and bought it years ago. The wind doesn't go through it. It has lasted me 20 years and still going strong.
Capilene of today isnt the same as it was 20 years ago.  In fact, the brew has changed at least twice since then.  It would be a good one for downhill skiing though.

But like all synthetics, if you wear it more than a couple days, it's going to STINK.
Title: Re: Cold weather base layer opinions
Post by: AkDan on October 14, 2012, 05:12:00 PM
there's a lot of questions that need to be asked.  I like both wool and poly though i lean a lot more towards wool.

Activity (stands, hiking, spot stalking etc), how long (all day sits, all day hikes 30 minute jaunts), and how much am I carrying (usually packing a load on my back) will dictate how I do or dont dress.

I did just get the heavy minus 33 top and so far really like it.  Smart wool makes good lighter gear, my old army polys work very good.   I've heard good about first lite, and a few other companys.  

You're better off layering lighter layers than having heavier layers on.   Sweating is your enemey and everyones body perspires.
Title: Re: Cold weather base layer opinions
Post by: lunchbucket on October 14, 2012, 08:34:00 PM
I really like my Justin Charles merino wool base layers.Merino wool is simply amazing and last a long time.I have had mine for years.
Title: Re: Cold weather base layer opinions
Post by: Sam McMichael on October 15, 2012, 09:03:00 PM
I also like merino wool. All wool is a bit scratchy to me, so I often wear the light weight silk longjohns popular with skiiers under it.It is very warm, especially in the relatively mild winters we have in Georgia.
Title: Re: Cold weather base layer opinions
Post by: Montanawidower on October 15, 2012, 09:27:00 PM
I guess I'll go against the grain.... I'm a big fan of silk under merino wool.  

Silk is natural and will not funk up like poly.  

Its is softer than anything and wicks moisture like poly.  

Even the highest quality merino wools still feel a little itchy compared to silk against my princess skin.   :)
Title: Re: Cold weather base layer opinions
Post by: TxAg on October 15, 2012, 09:58:00 PM
Minus 33
Title: Re: Cold weather base layer opinions
Post by: Retnuh Wob on October 15, 2012, 10:48:00 PM
My moto is never substitute something man mad for something God made unless there is an awfully good reason.

I avoid synthetics because I know the kind of toxins that are used to make them that continue to off gas for years. Merino wool is fantastic but I use silk too. You can find both in thrift stores for  pennies on the dollar for what you would pay retail.  A little hole here or there does not bother me when I am out in the woods. I layer so that I can adjust quickly to temperature changes.  Wool ith a little heavier than some synthetics but by layering you can keep overal weight dow and as has been mentioned it does not develop the odor that synthetics do.
Title: Re: Cold weather base layer opinions
Post by: bdgr on October 16, 2012, 01:21:00 PM
I like the non compression under armour garments with wool layers over the top.  I usually have to hike a fair piece to my stands and that combo seems to wick the best for me.  I have two different levels of cold gear I use depending on the temp.  expensive but will last 20 yrs.
Title: Re: Cold weather base layer opinions
Post by: Ferris Bugler on October 16, 2012, 01:51:00 PM
Yep, Merino Wool.  Check out backcountry.com  they always have stuff on sale.  I prefer the Icebreaker.  For cold weather and sitting go with stuff over 260.  Love the stuff.