Best Merino Wool Base
Contributors to this thread:Equipment
From: ChasingFAHL
19-Sep-17
Hey everyone,
Im in search of merino base layers. I have used core4 element and didn't care for them since they made me itch. I really liked the kuiu that I had and I currently have a sitka top that Eastmans Hunting gave me for subscribing to them which is pretty nice. Im in the market for a pair of bottoms and was wondering what everyone suggested. They will be used for whitetails and duck hunting mostly with some western game mixed in as well.
Thanks!
From: loprofile
19-Sep-17
Smartwool
From: Trial153
19-Sep-17
Ibex
From: ChasingFAHL
19-Sep-17
What weight would be a good all around use?
From: Trial153
19-Sep-17
190-240
From: Trial153
19-Sep-17
190-240
From: Hawkeye
19-Sep-17
First lite Llano is the best Ive tried and most comfortable
From: MT in MO
19-Sep-17
I just ordered some First Light last night. They are having a sale right now...
From: Brotsky
19-Sep-17
Icebreaker, first lite, and smartwool, find one on sale and enjoy.
From: Bou'bound
19-Sep-17
Kuiu
From: BackStraps
19-Sep-17
For pants, I like the KUIU zipoffs. It is super convenient when you get hot and need to take them off without removing pants, boots, etc. The 145s work well for me for elk hunting and early-mid season whitetail hunting.
For cold weather whitetail hunting, I use a heavier smartwool product.
From: bigeasygator
19-Sep-17
Tried most of them. I like First Lite the best. It's the softest and most comfortable of the brands I've tried.
From: NoWiser
19-Sep-17
I've tried a bunch and First Lite and Smartwool are my favorites. I did not like my Core4 wool at all. It stunk so bad when it got wet I could hardly stand it and it was not nearly as comfortable.
From: Trial153
19-Sep-17
190-240
From: Backpack Hunter
19-Sep-17
First Lite has worked well for me.
From: wyobullshooter
19-Sep-17
I prefer First Lite.
From: bighorn
19-Sep-17
KUIU no complaints.
From: bb
19-Sep-17
I have most of them, I still like smartwool best
From: Bigpizzaman
19-Sep-17
First light fell apart on me, took it on a Mt Caribou hunt and it really let me down. Since I've switched to Kryptec, it's holding up well!
From: IdyllwildArcher
19-Sep-17
I absolutely love First Lite. That said, Kuiu's beanie and gloves were amazing on Kodiak this August in the rain and (slight) cold.
From: Buskill
19-Sep-17
I like Icebreaker cause it's comfy and they often have great sale prices.
From: Curtiss Cardinal
19-Sep-17
Woolpower aka Ullfrotte from Sweden.
From: HockeyDad
19-Sep-17
I like the KUIU tops and bottoms. Still wearing the original 185's I got when they first came out as well as a few new pair. As for bottoms... The KUIU Zip off bottoms are really nice and east to take off/put on..
Havent tried any other brands of merino to compare against tho.
From: oldgoat
20-Sep-17
I don't have any of their bottoms, but I have 5 First Lite merino shirts and they are frigging awesome! Have a couple of the Core4Element merino shirts and I actually like the camo on them better but they aren't near as nice of fitting or feeling.
From: Matt
20-Sep-17
I prefer Kuiu or Smart Wool w/ First Lite next and Kryptek after that (sleeves too long).
From: ChasingFAHL
20-Sep-17
Thanks everyone. After researching it a bit more I think Im going with the Smartwool NTS.
From: pointingdogs
20-Sep-17
First Lite
From: OFFHNTN
20-Sep-17
No question about it, for me it's FirstLite.
From: ChasingFAHL
20-Sep-17
I went with Smartwool NTS and got a great deal from sportsmans warehouse. Thanks everyone!
From: Thumper-tx
26-Sep-17
First lite for me.
From: dmann
27-Sep-17
Ive only used icebreaker, and its pretty comfortable. Would like to get some first lite to try out.
From: loprofile
27-Sep-17
I have used the same pair of Smartwool tops and bottoms since 2006. Worn pretty regularly and except for a few minor tears they are like new.
From: wild1
27-Sep-17
I have a Smartwool top that wasn't designed specifically for hunting, but was on sale for a steal, and it's been awesome.
Check out Sierra Trading Post for sales on Smartwool. It's a base layer so, for the most part, camo is not really a priority.
From: ChasingFAHL
27-Sep-17
I got my smartwool from Sierra Trading Post too. It arrived yesterday and it is by far the softest merino i have found yet!
From: DMC65
04-Oct-17
Take a look a t a product called coldpruf. Merino wool base layer tops and bottoms. I live in the north and work outdoors so staying warm , and dry, is imperative in the cold months. Wore duofold long johns , tops and bottoms, and was the best stuff ever. After legitimately 15 yrs of wear they finally started to wear out. I couldn't find them anywhere and after some online research found out they sold out to another company and aren't what they once were. I was at a local sporting goods store last winter and found the coldpruf display and checked it out. Looks to me like they have the old duofold patent or are copying it perfectly because everything about it is the same. I bought a set , top and bottom , for less than $50 and wore them ice fishing the next morning. Happy, happy, happy! Went back and bought a set for my wife , who is cold when it gets below 60, and she loves em too. I picked up two more sets for myself and a set for a friend and also his wife who hunt coues deer in the sky islands of southeast Arizona . Gets bone chilling cold there in winter. They love em too! Check em out, all as good as what the big name stuff is at less than half the cost. Made in U. S. A. Too!!! Hope ya see this post i think you'll like em too.
From: nvgoat
04-Oct-17
Love my First Lite merino. Second the support for Kuiu zipoff bottoms. Can see some occasions where they will be very useful. Anything by Icebreaker or Montbell is also good.
From: nvgoat
04-Oct-17
No experience with the Coldpruf described above but great prices on Amazon
From: Tracker
04-Oct-17
Ibex or smart wool for me.
From: Spiral Horn
04-Oct-17
Owned Kuiu, Smartwool, Ibex, Icebreaker, and Woolpower. None are junk, and all are a bit unique in weave and fit. Which set I'll reach for really depends on the activity. Smartwool and Woolpower are probably the most comfortable against the skin - what I'll be wearing if sitting a lot. For high exertion -- Ibex or Kuiu -- wore mostly Kuiu on a recent sheep hunt as i found it works well in varied conditions, durable, and dries fast. Ice Breaker doesn't fit me as well but it's weave is very warm.
Since you mentioned finding Smartwool for sale on Sierra Trading Post -- be content. Great product at a great price - you'll be happy.
