Been considering some new base layer stuff, Ive looked at the U.S. military issue polypro stuff and the prices are nice. But i have also heard that the merino wool is better, but the prices are a bit on the steep side for my budgets. I just wanted to hear what you guys thought about these?
The polypro stuff I had was fine for keeping you warm as a base, but I noticed it could get clammy and held odors even after washing. I use fleece now, but I'm looking for some merino to replace it after this season. Should be some killer deals soon...
Minus 33 Merino wool. It's all I use from Sept. thru March 7 day a week.
doug77
I'm a big fan of wool, but don't do well with it next to my skin. For that first layer, I prefer a very thin silk, Capilene, or Polartec. I gave up on polypro many years ago.
merino wool next to the skin. hands down. most polypro gets stinky.
QuoteOriginally posted by wvboy:
merino wool next to the skin. hands down. most polypro gets stinky.
+1
Merino wool rocks! :thumbsup:
Buy just one piece of Minus33 merino wool - really doesn't make a difference which piece - and you will never ask this question again.
I have to say it... I agree with most of the above. Wool does it better.
I bought that single piece of minus 33 (just one of several brands of merino wool) this fall, I have ordered more since. I can tell the difference, especially in the "stink" department.
I tend to keep things and have kept old Duofold (which is OK and I always thought highly of) for way too many years to be normal. I suspect any expenses for my wool will be amortized over, well, the rest of my life.
Chuck
QuoteOriginally posted by Pete McMiller:
Buy just one piece of Minus33 merino wool - really doesn't make a difference which piece - and you will never ask this question again.
I was hesitant to spend the money on this stuff. Man do I wish I would have done it a long time ago. Love it. It's more comfortable and keeps you warm even if you sweat in it. I have worn it many times over without washing it and it doesn't stink at all. Some wool can be itchy but not this stuff. It's worth the investment. I found my minus 33 stuff a little cheaper on the big auction site. I don't even wear my poly stuff anymore.
I have serious issues with durability of merino wool...great while it lasts if you can buy it right
DDave
I wear wool right next to my skin as a base layer and love it. Poly-pro gets too smelly
I think all the above statements about Merino wool are right on. You might look at Sierra Trading post for Merino wool base layers. They have lots of specials quite often that makes it more affordable. I am in a budget challenged time right now, but got 2 sets of long underwear, both tops and bottoms, for under $200. Some places the same items would have been $400. Great stuff!
Can you wash the merino wool like in the washing machine? I know you CANNOT do this with regular wool jackets and pants and such i have seen the horrible outcomes from doing this. But I noticed you guys were saying the polypro gets stinky, wouldnt the merino get stinky if you couldnt wash it?
No problem in the washer or dryer. I think some might say not to put it in the dryer by I do all the time. Polypro holds odors and I swear never lets them go. Merino on the other hand, I can wear for a week and still not be as bad as polypro after one day.
Minus 33 Rocks, the best I've ever found and yes you can wash it and dry it.
I have some Ullfrotte brand Merino which is very warm also but not near as durable and doesn't keep it's shape as well as the Minus33.
Minus33 is very reasonable on the big auction site.
Trap
Kuiu merino is the only base layer I wear the entire season. I feel it regulates temp way better, dries super fast and most importantly, it doesn't stink!
Minus 33 and Kuiu here also. I'd just about as soon wear cotton as Polypro as a base layer...both make me feel clammy but at lease I don't have to smell myself with cotton.
I've been so impressed with the Minus 33 that I buy the lightweight short sleeve T's use them for my gyp shirts as well....No more funky smells.
Got to say that I bought some Kuiu this season and I am extremely happy with it
Durable and it works great!
Soft too absolutely no itch
There is absolutely no contest, end of story.
no need to buy expensive merino, but use
merino, went to an auction of merino, got 6 LS shirts or $4.00 each
Another for merino wool. Watch some of the big sporting goods store for the next couple of month's. They will be putting some of the winter stuff on big sales. Can pick up some name brands for half the price.
A few years back, I wore my merino base layers for 7 straight days on Canadian hunt. When I returned home, my was unpacking my stuff to wash and she asked me why I hadn't worn my wool underwear. DEFINITELY does not hold odor the way poly pro does. Like others have said, there will be some good deals coming up here shortly. Haven't tried the minus-33 but have heard nothing but good about it. Good luck! Mike
I also give Minus 33 a thumbs up. I haven't found any that is better for a base layer.
Grouse
merino wool
I have gotten rid of all my poly base layer and only use merino wool. I like smart wool or Ibex but my buddies are very happy with there first lite.
I wore the poly you are talking about for quite a bit years ago before I knew about the wool. It did a good job of keeping me warm but if you exert much and sweat it becomes stinky fast. I can where my merino for over a week while hiking the mountains and sweating and it doesn't stink as much as one morning of sweating in the poly.
QuoteOriginally posted by tracker12:
I have gotten rid of all my poly base layer and only use merino wool. I like smart wool or Ibex but my buddies are very happy with there first lite.
First Lite is great, even if it's not cheap. extremely well-made. I broke down and purchased the Springer vest today to go with the Chama long sleeve I've been wearing all season. the stuff absolutely rocks.
also, they are doing free FedEx ground shipping until Christmas day (thus the reason I broke down and bought my own gift today).
Merino hands down - have some decent synthetic stuff and don't wear it anymore - unless other stuff is wet, lost or dirty. I have a mixture of cheap, kuiu and first lite, and it's really done great in hot and cold, and definitely better on scent.
Not even close...Merino!
Merino is odor free. The best. I get high dollar merino sweaters from thrift stores. I bought 15-20 this past year. $5ish a piece. Sold some here on TG, gave some as gifts, and still have 3-4 now. Work awesome. (Only negative is you must hand wash them or shrink!
I prefer wool over any synthetic. Sometimes, in severe cold, I will put silk underwear like the skiers use against the skin with wool underwear over that. This produces considerable extra warmth without increased bulk.
I went from polypro to Minus33 merino a couple of years ago and I'd never go back. Feels great against the skin and I wore it for a week rifle hunting this year and it doesn't smell. BTW I play it safe and machine wash but hang dry mine.
Woolpower (Klar Ulfrotte) direct from Sweden is the best stuff. I've had two sets for over 10 years, it is super durable and I wear them a lot. Machine washable and dryer safe and never shrinks. Plus it is super warm and odor resistant. Poly doesn't hold a candle to quality Merino Wool.
Polypro...for those times when you just want to be left alone.
Merino for everything else!
:biglaugh: Funny and so true Kevin.
Yes, good one Kevin !
Now here is another funny one...... been wanting to use this Instant Graemlin for a long time and finally get to............ :deadhorse:
tradgang sponsor TUSX has recently conducted a base layer evaluation during the development of their baselayer garments which provides real time, in the field comparisons between wool and polyester. interesting reading.
http://www.tusxhunter.com/resources/base-layer-evaluation-synthetic-and-natural-fabrics.html
Merino Wool.....have had 3 pairs of tops n bottoms for years...like over 10.....I bought smart wool and I'm still wearing it.....and its not itchy......want to try some First Lite.
"Can you wash the merino wool like in the washing machine? I know you CANNOT do this with regular wool jackets and pants"
Glad I don't know this ;-)
Cashmere sweater, wool pants, wool felt pac boot liners, merino long johns, merino base layer top. Regular top loading washing machine set to cold wash cold rinse, medium load (for a small load, I like to get rid of all the soap smell I can), delicate cycle. Currently on the drying rack ~ 15' from the woodstove.
(http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z130/Greg_M_/misc_1/wool_1_zpsmn2cfkpq.jpg) (http://s194.photobucket.com/user/Greg_M_/media/misc_1/wool_1_zpsmn2cfkpq.jpg.html)
Hopefully this is not considered airing one's laundry on a public forum...
Cheers,
QuoteOriginally posted by Kevin Dill:
Polypro...for those times when you just want to be left alone.
Merino for everything else!
Man, isn't that the truth. It gets so bad after a couple days you can't stand yourself!
QuoteOriginally posted by ozy clint:
tradgang sponsor TUSX has recently conducted a base layer evaluation during the development of their baselayer garments which provides real time, in the field comparisons between wool and polyester. interesting reading.
http://www.tusxhunter.com/resources/base-layer-evaluation-synthetic-and-natural-fabrics.html
I to participated in this study along with Ozyclint and 28 others.
Along with the field testing The guys at Tusx did some fairly intensive lab tests to, this data should lead to some pretty awesome base layers.
You guys seem to like the merino a lot, has anyone had any issues with the wool garments being fragile compared to polyester ?
Just something I noticed.
Mark.
Keep an eye on CamoFire.com. They have had merino base layers at 50+% off almost every week.
Mike
Mark....no.
just like my 15 year Gray wolf pull over has outlasted many a polar tech or fleece
I like wool for an outer layer, but I am one of those unfortunate guys who cannot even wear merino wool next to my skin. I have tried it and within a few minutes I am itching like crazy.
I wear DuoFold synthetic for a light to mid weight base layer, but as I get older I am learning that I need something heavier for colder weather.
So, does anyone have a NEXT BEST AFTER MERINO idea? I am thinking of trying Cabelas ECWCS Thermal Zone base layer next.
I scored some merino shirts at a thrift store, not made for out doors but works Pretty well For 4.99
Well I live near Ft.Polk and have access to a surplus store so I have lots of military surplus stuff. The poly pro stuff is really good. Not too stylish but very good and 10% the cost of merino wool.
Chuck
So is polypro different than polyester?
Have several different layer of ECWCS which have served me well and they don't stink but then am not wearing them all day long. Only wear while on stand but do wear many days in a row.
Love wook and use it as outer layers, always had the old Duofold tops and bottoms because they had a cotton liner-I too am sensitive to wool next to my skin but have never tried Merino wool.
FYP, most of the ichyness of wool outer garments come from the use of coarser wools and uncleaned wool(containes microscopic piesces of vegetation) too.
I now wear wool socks almost daily so maybe my skin is gradually getting used to it. Will be trying Merino wool for base layers this year.
i have used both wool and synthetic base layers in cold wet climates, namely new zealand, for the last 5 years. i found wool dries slower and is less durable but doesn't get stinky and is marginally warmer.
poly dries much much faster, is alot more durable but tends to get more stinky.
i've come to the conclusion, at least in cold wet climates, that the primary role of the base layer is to wick moisture from the skin and dry as fast as possible. it is not a layer that adds warmth via insulation. that task is performed by the outer insulating layers. where the baselayer fits into the providing of warmth is it's ability to dry fast after a big sweaty push up a mountain before adding extra layers for warmth, therefore not trapping a wet baselayer under dry outer layers.
i know wool insulates when wet but i've found that, at least in NZ conditions, dry synthetic under proper layering is warmer than wet wool.
no sense in wet wool under a down jacket for example.
i like wool too and i find it's better suited to colder drier conditions where there's less physical exertion.
Well I like a lite manmade layer with the merino over the top. We got our first merino mid weight from First Lite this year and absolutely loved them on our elk hunt.
Mike
Love my merino wool for a base layer. My wife bought it for me 5 years ago. She happened to see some guys walking by talking about the good deal they got on these merino wool long johns, and thought I'd probably like it for a Christmas present.
Got to love gals like that.
QuoteOriginally posted by wingnut:
Well I like a lite manmade layer with the merino over the top. We got our first merino mid weight from First Lite this year and absolutely loved them on our elk hunt.
Mike
sounds like a combo that gets the best of both worlds.
mike- did you happen to notice if the synthetic underneath still stank and did it transfer into the wool?
joe....what brand did you use that made you itch?....some merino is processed different than others....and it depends on where the sheep are from.
just curious
ozzy....if the stink doesn't transfer from the body to the wool..... then I would not think it would transfer to the garment either from another garment but that's just my take
ozzy....if the stink doesn't transfer from the body to the wool..... then I would not think it would transfer to the garment either from another garment but that's just my take
In my opinon, wool is more comfortable when the temps warm up in the afternoon. I have had some polys thermals on when the weather warmed up and I could not stand it. Doesn't happen to me in wool. 2 years ago I hunted the Prince of Wales area for 3 weeks, it was wet most of the time. I was very comfortable and dry with my Wool as a base and outer layer. Very happy with my SmartWool.
Gilbert
I will say that after 20yrs of playing Army, I can pull out my polypro and roll through memories of diferent crap hole countries and field time based on the smells they hold.
The new waffle shirts have been better, but wool is still tops.
I have an original mil issue wool sweater, use to wear under BDUs, but it went through the dryer once and looks like I stole it from one of my kids... That and I think I have gone up a size or two since I was 20. Those were way too thick to be a base layer, but are nice when you can find them.
That said, I will run the newer silkies up on my skin and thrift store wool shirts over them, and that combo with a quilted flannel is perfect sitting down into the 20s, as long as you didn't get to hot walking in.
Terry,
It was first lite. They say their merino is "super fine" but it drove me crazy. :banghead:
The idea of layering merino over a synthetic base layer makes a lot of sense. I think I'll give that a try.
I wear multiple layers of wool. How much and where depends on the hunt (walking or sitting on stand).
Merlino is my preferred base layer.
I have some Duofold that is falling apart but it's got good mojo so I can't throw it out.
Merino everyday I'm in the mountains!
First Lite is good and I really like the Fusion camo. It's great for September deer and Elk hunt where its frosty in the am and hot in the afternoon.
Icebreaker is now making layers in camo patterns (real tree). They are the industry leader in merino and I've had an Icebreaker top now for more than 10 years and its as good as new. I just picked a new LS zip on real tree and am very happy with it.
Fit is a big thing with Merino. A lot companies don't have the weave down like Icebreaker does and the fit is very baggy and loose, and gets baggier with age. Ice breaker have always held their shape for me. The actual fit is more athletic, where as First Lite is a little more round in the mid section.
My suggestion is to buy quality and it should last your years to come. Take care of it - don't wash hot or warm, wash cold and always hang dry.
Picked up my first merino wool base layer shirt this year(first lite), now have a pair of bottoms and 2 more tops, love the stuff, light layer for mild conditions, midweight for colder.
Skokin joe, put a layer of silk next to skin then merino, should work well for you.
QuoteOriginally posted by ProAlpine:
Merino everyday I'm in the mountains!
The actual fit is more athletic, where as First Lite is a little more round in the mid section.
The older I get, the better First Lite seems to fit me ;)
I just wear minimal clothes up top for he hike so I am too cold to stand still and tie the warmer stuff around my waist until I get to where I am going to be. Then let my self warm up slowly as I add layers to a temp where I am just a hair short of comfortable. Besides if I am too comfortable I'll probably fall asleep when I find a place to hunker down. If I do this it doesn't really matter much what the layers are made of. I have to work to keep dry as I am a human furnace and sweat easily even when I don't feel like I am expending much energy at all.
QuoteOriginally posted by ProAlpine:
Merino everyday I'm in the mountains
... where as First Lite is a little more round in the mid section.
Looks like I found the one for me.
Went to silk as a base layer several years ago. Never looked back. Never found anything more comfy under my wool hunting shirts, coats and pants.
Minus 33-warm,comfortable (no itch),no stink, and NO STATIC.
I own a lot of wool garments including many types of merino wool and have found the Woolpower line of garments made in Ostersund nothern Sweden to be the warmest and most comfortable .
--------------------------
Black Wolf
TALL TINES
Smokin Joe: You might try pure silk or a silk cotton blend as the first layer under wool. Pure silk is rather thin and you might still feel the wool through it. A silk cotton blend is thicker and should keep the wool off your skin. Then just layer with heavier thicknesses of wool if you need to.
I'm not particularly allergic to wool, but have used silk and wool for as longs as i can remember. Tried the polypropylene and poly ester stuff. Polypro in particular really stinks on me after a few hours. Polyester isn't far behind. No stink with wool, and warmer to boot IMO.
actually itching is not any allergic reaction....some skin is not as tolerant of the 'pricking!' of the many ends of the wool fiber. I itch too with regular wool outer garments next to my shin....and I had some Filson themals also that itched....its all in the fiber and process that stops the 'pricking' effect.
:campfire:
I know the stuff I referred to as "Silkies" is a full synthetic super thin of underwear. It's just what we have called them, sillies, ninja suites... Whatever it is, the ultra thin poly layer, then a wool/fleece/poly pro layer, then an outer shell or gorges has held me through some of the most ridiculous weather out there.
Correct. Allergy is the wrong word. Sensitive would have been better. Agreed that type of wool makes a big difference,but some are also more sensitive than others.
After skating today with polyester (polypropylene, fleece, etc) it reinforced why I hunt with only wool. That stuff doesn't do well at dealing with moisture. I've never felt clammy in wool like I do with fleece. Not even a contest. Everything non-wool or non-down compares to the best....wool or down
I am a wool fan as well. First lite is having a sale right now. Might as well try it at a discount.
Marino wool if you can afford it. By far a better product.