Where would be the best place to find these?
Even better if they ever have any seconds or close-outs.
3Rivers carries them but they are not seconds or close outs. High quality though!
I got some, not 100% wool, at Cosco last week-not cold enough to try them yet. These were $20, not the $33 a piece I found on line, but they do look good and stitching is solid. Never saw any sheep in Viet Nam, but that's where these came from.
If you get them, make sure to store them in a place where you're sure there are no moths, or else take steps to prevent moths from eating them.
I bought a set of top and bottom merino long johns several years ago in an after Christmas sale and put them away in an old footlocker I use to store backpacking things. Months later, when I got them out to use them, they were full of holes. I don't mean one or two, but a dozen or more holes. I don't remember what I paid for them on sale, but retail was $100 or more, down the drain.
Some people have told me that they come equipped with moths from the store. So when I got replacements, the first thing I did was to freeze them in my freezer for a month or so to kill any hitchhikers. Then, even though it gets my wife's nose out of joint, I put some moth balls in with them when I stored them. No more holes, although my wife still complained about the smell of moth balls two weeks into our backpacking trip.
Minus 33 at Hanksclothing.com :thumbsup:
Be sure to check that the wool comes from a provider that guarantees non mulesing on their stock. Mulesing is most common in Australia. Other than that merino wool makes great clothing for cold days. Here in Norway it is a necessity during the coldest winter days. Good hunting :)
Keep an eye on camofire.com Got some core4 tops on there. Black or camo.
I wear my wool long johns all the time. I have a pair of smart wools and a pair of cabelas. I like them both but I like the cabelas better. I work outside so I wear the,all winter.
Check out Sierra Trading Post. Last week I was able to get 5 pieces (3 tops and 2 bottoms) for about $200 total. They have closeouts on several brands. I got Smartwool and First Lite brands. All were 100% merino wool. Also, if you order, they send you a gift certificate for your next purchase.
Minus 33, love them.
I bought mine from sierra trading post last year. Sign up for their deal flyer and you can run across a 25% off and free shipping pretty often. I got the medium weight smart wools. I tried another pair first, and sent them back. The smartwools were worth the exra $$.
Smart wools for me! Worth every penny!
Thank you for the tips on where to buy and also for the moth prevention. I would never have thought of that.
I have used the lighter weight SmartWool before, but darned if I can find where I hid them.
Irv Eichorst
www.truesouthadventures.com (http://www.truesouthadventures.com)
-33 for me. They are proven and fit well too.
I just got mine last week, off the big auction site, good price, got minus33 and really like them. Mid wt top and bottom, and expedition wt 1/4 zip top. Now last nite I ordered a Sherpa vest from asbell, my heavy wt wool shirt and my wool vest, on top and I am good for some cold weather here in ne wi.
QuoteOriginally posted by SveinD:
Be sure to check that the wool comes from a provider that guarantees non mulesing on their stock. Mulesing is most common in Australia. Other than that merino wool makes great clothing for cold days. Here in Norway it is a necessity during the coldest winter days. Good hunting :)
Ever seen a fly blown sheep?
As for the OP, Sierra Trading Post is your best bet.
Okay, I'll bite. What's a mulesing...donkey songs? If it's anything like m-o-l-e-s-t-i-n-g that may be common with sheep in Australia, but it's a felony here in the US of A! lol
Here's some wool notes:
After a bunch of research, I decided on Cabelas First Lite Merino heavy weight...mostly because I have points to spend. 3 Rivers Ullfrotte sounded really good and I would have bought that if it wasn't for the points I can use.
Neither 3R nor Cabs has great pricing or much for discounts like the Sierra Designs or Campmor, but their selection is good if you need something right away.
I have some of Asbell's pullovers and highly recommend them. (bought second one as a gift)Roger Norris can fix you up with a new hooded pullover with chest handwarmer pocket and drawstring bottom. Very nice.
I was just needing base layers now.In reading some other reviews, I learned that Cabela's Wooltimate with windshear is too noisy for bowhunting and that their Polartec Thermal Zone Base Layer has seam unraveling issues.
Just thought I would pass this on as you all have been kind enough to offer me some direction.
Thanks again.
Irv Eichorst
www.truesouthadventures.com (http://www.truesouthadventures.com)
I got a pair of Minus 33 Expedition Weight (heaviest) Bottoms should be here tomorrow. I already have the Minus33 Merino Wool 708 Denali Expedition Full Zip and it was so warm had to have the bottoms. Got the mid weights also couple yrs ago. Good stuff.
Close to three decades of bowhunting and I've tried just about everything. The Smartwool heavy weights are the best long underwear I have ever owned. They are a bit pricey but worth every penny. Kept me warm on a single digit waterfowl hunt on the Madison River in Montana and countless other places.
There are REI stores popping up everywhere and they carry them. You can stop by and check them out. REI has a customer loyalty membership and I get coupons and discounts all the time and you can use them on Smartwool. Get the sock liners too!
-Brian
Pro Guide Direct has several brands and styles of Merino wool, plus we are a guided/outfitter there,lol! I love wool, just done' get a lot of use for it here in Fla.
REI has a selection as does Sitka gear.
I was going to say use your Cabela points Irv. I actual like the Polartech better then the Merino wool for base layer. I have a fair amount of Firtstlite stuff and like the pants and tops but the base layer wool is itchy to me if I sweat but the Polartech is fine and I think it's warmer. I've had zero "unraveling" issues as well.
I also just got some Woolmate pants and they are not noisy at all. To warm if your end up walking around much but for sitting in the cold and blow we had last weekend, they worked fine.
CJ
Smart Wool or Ibex is the best brands I have found. I have it from tee shirts to heavy weight sweaters.
I have the wooltimate vest and pants and have no issues with noise. That's the main reason I bought them. Silent, comfy, and warm. Just don't want to wear them walking. I am a big fan of minus 33 as well.
Store them in their own plastic bin with a tight lid
and
I would suggest finding another way to moth proof them than mothballs. Something like cedar or another easy to wash out method, so when you go hunt, the animals don't freak out with the smell.
Just sayin and yeah we all "just hunt the wind" already.
Check out FirstLite The videos are interesting too.
http://www.firstlite.com
I buy mine at REI. I buy Smart wool almost exclusively. Well worth the $$$
Kris
Irv, there is a shop just north of you that sells minus 33 underwear. I didn't cringe at the cost and they had a fair amount in stock. Eskimo Comfort, Berlin WI
I bought my first pair a few weeks ago and I am impressed. I will be trying the expedition weight for ice fishing, but so far don't need it.
ChuckC
Just find some first lite. Lots in classifieds. Best stuff bar none!!
I use smartwool. Best I've found.
My Merino wool longjohns came from Campmor. I also got a set bonded with silk, and the moths don't like them as well. I put all my wool in the freezer for a few days, at least annually. Campmor also has Smartwool, which is Merino wool.
I bought -33 this year and they are great. They are pricey but I was able to use my uniform allowance so the boss paid for them. :bigsmyl:
I just got my airblaster merino ninja suit in the mail. It appears to be well made. I got a good deal on it on amazon. It has a very interesting design that I hope works as well as I have read.
Jon
I bought some Smartwool from Sierra trading post back in 2001 before my first trip to Alaska. It is still going strong. I wear it a bunch during every hunting season.
I always wear a set of silks underneath. By changing the silk weight, I can adjust for weather conditions.
Unfortunately, I break enough PO cedar arrows while shooting to keep the closet smelling good and moth free.
Thanks much for all the help guys.
Irv