Where are some of the best sources to get some really great quality merino wool long underwear? I see KUIU is a sponsor here and they have a great looking product....just wanted to see other options before I make take the plunge....and to make price comparisons as well! :help:
I just started using merino myself this year. Went with Minus 33 from Working Gear.com. So far have been extremely happy with both the quality and comfort. Wish I had bought some long ago. KUIU and Sitka have good names as well. I just don't have personal experience with those.
I love my Ullfrotte wool underwear. Google will give you info. about it, can't remember where I bought it a few years back, but it is a lifetime purchase worth the money.
I have been looking at Kryptek. I have a friend that has both KUIU and the Kryptek and he likes the Kryptek better.
I've used Merino wool long johns from: Filson, Ice Breaker and Minus 33. The Filsons were OK but didn't last, Ice Breaker were good quality but expensive. Hands down the best I have used from a value perspective is Minus33. I have always wanted some Ullfrotte but at twice the cost of Minus33 I'll stick with what I have. I currently have and use a set of 260 wt. Ice Breaker and a set of 400 wt. Minus33. You will never be warmer than when you have your Merino on. When it's real cold I use both sets of long johns, and one or two Merino wool sweaters on top and wool whipcord pants. I also have Merino neck gaiter and balaclava.
I usually just buy whatever is on sale at Sierra trading post. But smartwool has seemed to last the longest.
I've used SmartWool, Minus33 and FirstLite. They have all been excellent quality, but I have usually been able to find the best prices on the Minus33.
I go to Goodwill/Salvatio Army stores and find old "Shetland Wool" turtle necks -cheap. They are so warm I only use them when on a stand or for emergency.
Check out backcountry.com They have a bunch of different brands and sales often. I prefer the Icebreaker.
QuoteOriginally posted by goldflinger:
I love my Ullfrotte wool underwear.
I love mine too. 3 Rivers and Bighorn are sponsors and both carry it.
Do they itch?
QuoteOriginally posted by Marc B.:
QuoteOriginally posted by goldflinger:
I love my Ullfrotte wool underwear.
I love mine too. 3 Rivers and Bighorn are sponsors and both carry it. [/b]
I've had mine about 7 years and they are,still in good shape.
I'm a big fan of my Minus 33 drawers. No itch at all, and much more comfortable than the synthetic stuff.
I have been wearing Minus33 merino long underwear for a number of years and am extremely satisfied.
Regards,
Grouse
I have Kuiu, Smartwool, FirstLite, Core4, Ice Breaker and Cabela's, and all of them are good. It really depends on the particular item of clothing as to which I like the best, but for most purposes, I like the Kuiu as well or better than any of them in the two weights of long underwear that Kuiu produces. Some of the heavier weight FirstLite and Icebreaker Merino clothing, like the sweaters and vests, are super-nice, but I don't wear them as much, preferring instead some lighter weight alternatives that are just as warm and can be compacted more for travel. I have seen the Ullfrotte, which seem to be really nice and warm too. There is some argument about where the best Merino wool is grown. Ullfrotte gets its wool from Patagonia, while Kuiu gets its wool from New Zealand or Australia. They both seem nice to me. In wool socks, I have used Smartwool, Lorpen and Cabela's socks. Again, all of them are nice, but I like the cut and construction of the Lorpen socks best. They are not 100% Merino, but they are great. I'm wearing a pair right now, as I do most days.
When I dress totally in wool for hunting, which normally only happens when I get to drive my truck to the hunting site, I love wearing Merino socks (with Merino liner socks if needed), Merino long underwear (sometimes two sets of different weight or a thin Merino sweater instead of the second top), perhaps a Pendleton wool shirt, a heavier (400 weight) Merino sweater or vest, and an outer wool shirt or jacket like the Shrew Longhunter shirt or one of the many nice Asbell shirts/jackets/Mackinaws (I like the new ones with the zippers for easier off/on and access to underlying layers and equipment).
Allan
I believe the Ulfrotte is aiso known as woolpower, it is available through Bighorn gear, another sponsor.
Eric
I bought some Cabelas ECWCS Merino wool in the polar weight (warmest) and it is extemely comfortable and very warm! Couldn't have asked for a better set of long underwear I don't think
I haven't tried any of the other's however, just thought I would throw out a positive note about the ECWCS from Cabelas
I have and wear Ulfrotte,KUIU,Smartwool and Icebraker. As been stated they all are good. All can be worn next to the skin without any irritation. The Ulfrotte is a terry weave and traps air better so I would say in very cold it might have the advantage. What wonderful garments these sheep give us! No, No, No odor! Just love that on backcountry hunts.
minus 33 is good and not too expensive
Thanks for all the info everyone!
Camofire.com has the Core4Element tops right now. They run true to size. I bought some a few weeks ago and they are holding up well so far and fit well.
I have kuiu, smartwool, and Ivanhoe. They are all good. I'm actually wearing a smartwool shirt now. Go to sierratradingpost.com I was able to get 2 black smartwool 250 weight shirts for $34 each. Combined that's cheaper than one 250 weight from kuiu. I do like the increased size from kuiu though, so I can actually wear a large 185 kuiu shirt over a large 250 smartwool.
I have kuiu, smartwool, first lite, and some northface. It's all a matter of personnel preference. I love all of mine but lean towards the kuiu.
I have both Ullfrotte and Minus 33 in there heavy insulation and I like the Minus 33 better. It is very comfortable when on. No itching at all.