BEST base layer next to skin for cold weather

[Guru]

http://shop.kuiu.com/base-layer-c3.aspx

The best base layer I've ever worn...

[Hopewell Tom]

Thanks for the link Guru. I'm in the market for some new pieces and will try the lighter top and bottom. I really like a Zip-T.

[lone hunter]

Ulfrotte/woolpower merino. Been wearing it daily for the last two months, layering different weights. Only base layer I would trust where I live.

[dino]

Ulfrotte merino wool is a base lay for Sweedish, NATO and US cold weather troops.  I've been using it for 10 year and it is phenominal.  Not only is it warm but durable too.  I wear it alot at never worn a set out yet.  I see that many hunting clothing companies are coming out with merino wool base layers too.  They work! dino

[Good Stuff]

Originally posted by lone hunter:
Ulfrotte/woolpower merino. Been wearing it daily for the last two months, layering different weights. Only base layer I would trust where I live.

x2!

[bentpole]

Smart Wool for me.

[Exit Felix]

Merino by Kuiu, First Lite, or Icebreaker

[Pete McMiller]

Merino for me as well.  Icebreaker 260 + Minus33 400 + Two Merino Sweaters + a windbreaker and I'm ready for anything.

[doug77]

Merion wool for me. I have First Lite,Justin Charles and Minus 33 base layers in the light and heavy weight and work great.

doug77

[swp]

Can't go wrong with merino or silk in my opinion. I have been wearing a double layer of merino and my sitka mnt. shirt and two vests (icebreaker & sitka) and have only had a coat on once so far this year while bowhunting.

[Burnsie]

Is Justin Charles still in business, Web site says its web store front is closed??
I never knew of all the different companies selling merino wool, Minus 33, KUIU, First Lite, Woolpower, Icebreaker....etc.  and it seems as though everyone likes whatever brand they happen to have.  So, will a guy be pretty safe going with one of these brands, are they pretty much the same,  I don't have the time or money to try them all out for comparison.

[wv lungbuster]

Don't buy Cabela's ECWCS, I know that much.

[Pete McMiller]

I already wear a merino balaclava and a neck gaiter when it gets cold but I see now that there is a merino wool hooded sweatshirt from Minus33.

[doug77]

Troy, of the mernio wool i have listed the Justin Charles is by far the most comfortable next to the skin. I beleive JC is still in business but it's spendy and  I postive some of the other wool every one has listed it just as good.

doug77

[Mojostick]

I've tried about every combination and I've found the best overall for my style of Michigan deer hunting is UA Coldgear as the base, then Woolpower over that.

I used to be co-owner of a fly fishing store, here in Michigan. While made originally for under waders in colder temps, I also highly suggest the Simms fleece union bib over every other base, in really cold temps. The nice thing is it traps in all the heat and adds no bulk on the arms for bow shooting with already bulky arms if wearing clothing for cold temps...
 http://www.simms-flyfishingoutfitters.com/simms/s/viewitem.aspx?p=und-sim-guid-bib  

A couple of my Michigan deer hunting buddies went and bought the Simms suit and all said it's among the best purchases they've ever made, for dealing with the cold.

As far as the UA base, then woolpower over it, then the Simms suit, when you wade in an icy river in January while steelhead fishing, you quickly find out which combo's work best. In my opinion, UA Coldgear is the best base. Just make sure you buy big. Most XL guys will easily want 2X or 3X and it will still offer compression.

[jonsimoneau]

Wool Power merino wool is the best I have ever tried..although there are other merino wool manufacturers that I have not tried.  I wear it everyday at least 6 months out of the year both for hunting and work.  Buy BOTH layers, and don't mix it with cotton, except for possibly your outer shell, and you will stay warm when it is cold, and cool when it is warm.

[mwosborn]

I love the silk.

[Dimondback]

I have done well with UA Coldgear for wicking with a fleece mid layer to hold the warm air and then either a "soft shell" or wool depending on the weather. You can always add layers of fleece or wool in between for more insulation without much weight addition.

My vote is for under armor cold gear hands down!

Bisch

[Ulysseys]

Smart wool for me - Jersey pines to Colorado basins easily the best stuff I've worn. I always have it on regardless of the temp.