OK, I am looking at some new long undies (finally). I want wool, not modern fibers.
What is the current thought on good quality, warm, soft, non itchy undies ?
ChuckC :campfire:
Minus33. 100% Merino wool that feels like cotton. It's like putting on a handwarmer for your body. I have two sets, a light one that is around 200 wt. and the heavy duty that is 400 wt.
Kuiu, sitka, and first lite.
Merino is what you want. I have SmartWool and Ulfrotte and like both. There are plenty of other brands and all have their fans and all are good.
Love my Ulfrotte' but they have just about priced themselves out of the market IMHO.... My next set is going to be a light weight Minus 33 or First Lite. Once you wear merino wool you will never go back to anything else. God made it perfect..... :readit:
Minus 33. I finally broke down last year and spent the money, and didn't regret it one bit. Love em. You can find em a little cheaper on the big auction site.
I have been out of that market for a while and couldn't think of any of the names of the top contenders. I need to replace what I got and intend to do so with some quality gear.
Thanks for the names,I will research and purchase !
ChuckC
I have Minus33, Smartwool and Woolpower. I use all three, sometimes in combination. I like them all, quality materials and workmanship. I think my favorite, if I had to narrow down to one, would be the Woolpower; mine are 400 weight. I'm going to purchase their base layer 200 weight this year.
Tom
A thin base layer followed by expedition weight, both in merino wool, although I have read that silk makes a nice base layer too. All mine is older Justin Charles (out of business) so I can't comment on brands.
All I have ever used is (now) 30 year old duofold, which was not all that great at THAT time. I think I will be very happy with any good quality long undies. I want merino wool, good quality. Even the cheap stuff lasted me half my life, I expect no less from the good stuff.
Do I buy the good stuff from / thru a store or is it all from on-line vendors ?
ChuckC
Chuck,
I know Minus33 can be purchased on line but there is a store in Berlin that also sells it -
Eskimo Comfort
199 Broadway St
Berlin, Wisconsin 54923
Might want to call them first to make sure they have the size/style you are looking for.
I've had real good luck with Filson. They seem to really hold up to a lot of use. Before I retired and moved to the sunny Southwest, I farmed in upstate New York on the Canadian border. Good wool long underwear was essential to nearly all outdoor activities, working or playing, once the cold weather set in. Good luck in your search.
I also have a bunch of different wool and minus 33 wins hands down!
I've had great luck out of Hanks in NY.
from what I'm seeing there is now an expedition weight.
one thing about the -33...wash it inside out!!! I FTFI and my heavy weight top ended up a tad bit fuzzy.
The smartwools are nice, as are duofold tops (I have both the thinner tops). But I think cost vs warmth, the -33 winds by a longshot.
I am a true Believer in the Big R, or any farm store, HillBilly Red Union Suits with the Flap in the back! Work well for My Purposes, from Cold Stalking, Ground Hunting, to Fine Jammies in the Sleeping Bag!!