Going to hike the appalachian Trail in sept for about a week, and instead of buying the yuppie colors in merino I have decided to buy some earth tone or camo shirts that can serve both hiking and hunting purposes. Any recomendations ? Prices ?
I only have one, wish I had bought more of them, it's from core4element and it's a thin light weight hoodie, great underlayer when it's cold and not to hot if I have to strip down to it when it warms up. They still sell them just not in this camo pattern or at the close out price I bought it.
I'm really liking my Merino from First Lite. It's been working well in terms of durability and smell after use. I wash mine after every hunt and so far, no shrinkage either.
I really like the kuiu merino series. They have different weights for colder or warmer temps & they are extremely comfortable and soft on the skin.
Take a look at the First Lite Llano. If you're looking for solid colors, they have black,pine and and dry earth (brown). The Llano QZ is my favorite light weight base layer.
If you go to the First Lite website and look at the dealer locator tab. Now is a great time to catch some sales. The dealers are trying to dump inventory for this years new clothing release from First Lite. I've been buying FL gear this winter at huge cost savings!
Kuiu has the most options
First Lite or Kuiu
I haunt the discount sites. Campfire, the club, etc. they always have good deals on merino cycling through.
Kuiu, Smartwool and Ibex are worth looking at.
I have kuiu, first lite, core 4, ice breaker, cabelas and like them all. The only one I have had problems with is the lightest weight one that has picked up a few holes from brush. I don't think it is a brand problem just the light fabric.
Love my kuiu wool
I love Smartwool but am sure any quality Merino wool top would be excellent. I would like to try First Lite or Kuiu or any other for that matter.
Kris
IBEX and Smartwool.
Mine are all Filsons.
Sitka gear zip top....nice camo pattern ...works really well
I have 2 first lite and 2 smart wool. Firstlite have developed small holes in them. They are comfy and on the big side. They are camo. The smart wool are solid. Definately softer material and fits tighter for the same size. Anything happens to smart wool. REI will take it back and give me a new one. No question. Ive been wanting to try the Kuiu material. Just Havnt gotten around to buying some.
I am wearing a shirt right now that is a merino/polyester blend...it seems to have many of the good qualities of pure merino but also seems substantially more durable...my issue with pure merino is that a small pull will turn into a big hole very quickly
DDave
I've used wool power for years. I now prefer the offerings from Sitka Gear. In the early season I wear the merino top by itself. The camo pattern imprinted into the wool makes this possible. Then I just add layers as needed when the temps drop.
I wear Justin Charles and Woolpower. Have and use all weights. Wears strong.
Ditto on Filson - I have four tops of different weights that have lasted without any holes - 2 green, one charcoal grey (discontinued color), one black (discontinued color)
Quality that lasts....
Keep the wind in your face!
Shoot straight, Shinken
:archer2:
Smart wool, icebreaker. No need to buy "hunting" merino
I use Armani Cachemire wool a Little expensive but cozy and light weight. Lol
might take a look at Schnee's rifleman's shirt.
I like Redington the best right now, and it's fairly cheap. Whatever you do, look for blends with 80:20 wool:nylon, since it'll be stronger and more durable. And protect it from moths! After washing and drying, store your merino in a ziploc bag and freeze it for a day (to kill any larvae) before you put it back on your shelf.