I'm thinking about getting 1st lite or minus 33 wool base layers to replace my UA coldgear. Any options which is better since both are about the same $. Also If anyone knows if these do go on sale so I can save some $ I would appreciate it and best place/price? Please PM me because if some company not w/ TG I don't want to break any rules
Thanks
Just a suggestion but base layers don't have to be camo. If you want value, solid color stuff is less expensive.
I found out this AFTER I bought camo stuff.
Minus33 is great and not too expensive
I've used my FirstLite quite a bit and love it.Bought it from their website when it was marked down. Minus33 would have been my first choice otherwise
Keep an eye out for Duckworth Wool. Brand new American company that does everything in the states; from sourcing the wool to sewing the actual garments. Definitely keeping my eyes open for their garments when they release the product line sometime this summer. And from what I could see online, the prices are comparable and some even less than other high-end wool manufacturers.
QuoteOriginally posted by awbowman:
Just a suggestion but base layers don't have to be camo. If you want value, solid color stuff is less expensive.
I found out this AFTER I bought camo stuff.
I have smart wool from REI as a base layer works great and you can I buy it on clearance during their sales. I do have first lite and find it comparable and I wear it as my only top layer during the day some times. I used UA cold gear for a while still do sometimes I don't dis like it, I just thing for about the same price I'd rather have the wool.
I have a bunch of clothes from both first lite and minus 33 that I mainly use for work as a commercial crabber and for doing wildlife surveys which involves hiking in in the dark, often in the rain or snow. Both do a great job at keeping me comfortable but I do find minus 33 to be slightly more durable. Also for socks, I'd recommend Darn Tough by Vermont.
Check out the KUIU wool base layers they are a Sponsor here.
I have had three brands of merino wool base layer, Filson, Ice Breaker and Minus33. So far Minus33 is the best value and most durable. Looking forward to seeing what Duckworth is producing.
I use my Kuiu as a base later in cold and alone in hot weather. I like having it camo for that reason. I also us first lite.
I have 4 wool shirts and two leggings made by Core4 that where inexpensive, comfortable, and has held up well. They are sold thru Camofire online. I also have a Kuiu wool zip shirt that is excellant.
I have only used the Minus 33. Very good quality and can be found at a good price.
Smart Wool and Ibex are two other companies that are great products. I dumped my UA 5 years ago ad gave it all away. Way more happy with Merino wool products.
I like silk as my base layer, then the wool stuff on top of that.
I'm with Keith.
I have Minus33 Merino Wool Chocorua Midweight Crew. I'm not in love with it. It's nice and heavy but kind of drapes off me... I don't like the compression fit but I wish this stayed a little more snug to my body.
I have also found that although it's supposed to be inch-free merino wool... it itches me!
I agree with Keith Zimmerman, also. Silk under wool is both comfortable and very warm.
I'm a woolpower guy from 3rivers. I know it seems pricey, but I'm still using my first sets from 10 years ago and 3 or 4 of those years I wore them for 3-4 months straight filming. Great stuff!!
I only have experience with the Minus 33, so can't compare for you, but I love mine! Wish I would have found this stuff years ago.
I bought mine from Silberman's Army Navy (Workinggear.com). They had good prices, and from time to time run specials with 10-15% of any order.
Sign up on their site to get email notice of sales.
I have some wool power that's awesome stuff. You could wear it for days without it smelling. However I find it better for movement than long cold sets on stand. Where do you guys buy the silk base??
I use multiple layers of Smartwool under regular camo. When it gets real cold I start layering camp wool on top.
I have the KUIU 145 weight for early season and the wool power when it gets cold. You can catch it on KUIU clearance once in a while. I love it because it doesn't stink..even after a week in it. The 145 is about the right weight for early season with a long sleeve t or wool shirt over it mornings and evenings depending.
Oh, and silk too. Check Cabela's for the silk. They have a couple different style/weights and I think it starts at about $40 a piece
Just be sure you store it somewhere where moths can't get to it during the summer. Once I bought some expensive merino wool underwear in the summer, only to have it full of holes when I unpacked it the next winter. Sometimes I think it comes equipped with moth larvae from the factory, so I freeze it for a while before I put it away.