Best baselayer options
Whitetail Deer
What is everyone using for baselayers for stand hunting? Ive got some older stuff and need to upgrade. I tried the search function but it didn't work for me. Thanks.
Mostly wool from First Lite. I have sets of wick, kiln, and furnace. I only wear the furnace for stand hunting below freezing. Have a couple Meriwool longjohns I like a lot as well.
For 'stand' hunting, thicker is better as long as you don't sweat it out on the walk in. Mid and outer layers count more when not 'active'. Wear a light or midweight base, and pack in a heavier 'second base', plus midlayer(s). Better to be a bit cool walking in, then bundle up on stand.
I really like the DRI-Equip Long Sleeve Moisture Wicking Athletic Shirts I get from Amazon. They're about $18. Despite having athletic in the name, they are not tight fitting.
Over this shirt I either wear the Kuiu Peloton 97 or 200 depending on temperature.
This set-up keeps me warm and from getting wet from sweating when I am hiking and exerting myself.
For long johns, I have a lightweight model from Duluth I really like for the same reasons as the DRI-Equip that I mention above. If it's really cold, I have a heavyweight pair from Cabela's and Sitka that work well.
Thin merino base and a mid-weight fleece over that with other layers as needed has been the warmest I've found. There are good deals to be had if you shop around. Merino-Tech (?) and First Lite for wool. I got some nice fleece base layers from 32 Degree for cheap that work great. Lots of options out there.
i use minus33 and first lite baselayers,, works for me... first lite is having a sell going on right now,, 20-40% off,ends dec. 2nd ,,i believe
very thin breathable shirt (either merino wool or a dryfit type t-shirt) then a pnuma heated vest then an insulative layer (like merino 250 if it is below 35). I usually do not turn the vest on unless I have underestimated my other layers.
The best gear upgrade I have made in the last 10 years is likely the pnuma heated vest.
Thick merino wool. I like the First Lite Furnace stuff for when it's getting below freezing. I adjust the outer layers for temps and wind.
I appreciate the replys. Ive been looking at First Lite, Sitka and Kuiu some. Specifically looking for first and second layer quality stuff. Thanks again.
I don’t think the company matters too much for base layers, but a thin layer of merino wool. Then a thick layer of merino wool. Then a waffle knit layer of synthetic. Then add two adhesive body warmers to the first layer of merino. Then add a good jacket like the fanatic from Sitka. Then add couple hand warmers in the kangaroo pocket. Warm.
Merino (I like First Lite) and an electric heated vest
I had a pair of first lite merino about 10 years ago. They were insanely short for a guy that is 6’3. To top it off they tore easy. So I looked elsewhere the next year.
Now days I just wear 2 different pairs. When temps are above 10 I wear a Cabelas mid weight and when they are below 10 I wear Sitka heavy weight.
No reason for those particular brands. Just happened to catch them on sale. Neither one are merino either.
Thin base layer of Badlands for me.
Wool, wool, and wool. Merino.
I have a few (Smartwool) pieces with a higher synthetic component for warmer weather and sweat management, but I also own Ibex, Black Ovis, Icebreaker, Ortovox and others. The sheep don’t know who’s buying their wool, and I can really only tell by the labels.
I'd second the heated vest suggestion. No matter what you're using, add a heated vest. Makes a huge difference.
Just FWIW….
I used to hunt at this time of year in northern Minnesota, and the only way that I could stay in a tree for extended periods was to insulate the hell out of my lower body. For bow hunting, I find it very important to have upper body mobility, and I am seriously considering my heated vest options these days. But lower body? As long as I can move my feet pretty quietly, there is no limit to how much insulation I will use. I actually used to hunt in a sleeping bag. With a couple of Nalgene bottles full of screaming hot water tossed down into the bottom. More recently, I have become a big fan of chemical heat packs strapped over my kidneys, and handwarmers in the pockets of my overalls; not only to heat the blood in my femoral arteries, but to keep my hands warm at the same time.
Another fan of merino. I wear a merino undershirt every day. Been a while since I bought base layers, but I have a really thick First Lite top that is merino that I like. It’s too hot to walk in much
For bottom I like the Kuiu zip off merino bottoms. If I get down and need to walk far, or track something, they zip right off without completely removing your pants or your boots. Handy
Are the Furnace long johns tight fit? I much prefer to have a loose fit as I have 27" thighs. If so, are thee other brands of similar merino wool with a looser fit?
I'm sitting here eating breakfast in my Furnace long johns right now. They aren't a tight fit on me but they definitely would be on 27" quads!
Lots of really great advice on this thread. I also have a light fleece vest i pack in , when on stand i place 2 adhesive warmers one on each side if back , stays warm for 12 hrs For when its gets really chilly
Black Ovis Merino. Check Camofire.com for some great deals.
I wear 3 layers of 100% Marino, light, medium and heavy, it works good for me.
I’ll second Bake. The KUIU zip offs are great and handy but they are on the thin side. Zip offs are the way to go with elk hunting or backpacking.
Not to hijack the thread: Anyone wearing the Under Armor cold weather gear 4.0 and what are your thoughts?
I've been thinking of grabbing a set to try.
Ton of good stuff on here! Thanks again for all the information.
I have the Under Armor 4.0 bottom base layer. They are fantastic. I use them for basically everything I do outside during the winter months in the mountains.
I used to be a 'give me polar/expedition/4.0 base' guy, not so much now. Easier to sweat in. If anything I'd carry it in and put on only when moving less. The base layer doesn't need to insulate as much as manage moisture. The second (and third and maybe 4th) are for warmth.
Your mileage may vary...
My base layer is always Rhyno Skin, just because I don't want any ticks on me, despite my clothing being treated with Permithrin, I always have it as my first layer. Then it is wool, and a thermal union suit.
As a side note, if you are just stand hunting, I would put my outer garments, like a jacket, vest, pants, or bibs in my pack, then put them on when I get to my stand, so I don't over heat and sweat. that would bring on the chill rather quickly.
I love my Sitka merino bases. But I like my Black Ovis just as well. Compared to polyester stuff like under armor. It is amazing how long merino wool can go without stinking on an elk hunt.
Minus33 in the thickest form for me. They are soft and very warm. I very seldom ever see a good sale on them tho.
One thing about Black Ovis — I read on their site that some people feel that the fit is on the trim side, so I ordered up a size and wished I hadn’t.
Good news is that I tried hard to shrink them to fit and they simply do not shrink. Bad news is that they’re still a size too big.
I have Sitka and other baselayers, but I don't know that you need a high end brand. This link is to a set of 320 "long johns" for $52, and First Lite Furnace(350) is $77 on sale right now.
If you do want to go with First lite they have a bunch of stuff on sale for the holidays. The pair in the link are plenty warm and well built too.
Agree with others, that I don’t think it matters all that much on which merino base layers that you choose. Most of them are pretty good anymore. I didn’t care for the Kuiu baselayers when they first came out. (too itchy) They’re much better now. For treestand hunting, I LOVE my Cabelas polarfleece over the top of some merino baselayers. Unfortunately, like most Cabelas products that work great, they’re no longer available.
"Unfortunately, like most Cabelas products that work great, they’re no longer available. "
Too true. My old fleece pullover with windstopper is with me every day I hunt, even if it's back at the car.
For a good fleece midlayer look at the ECWCS on e-bay, generally around $55
Most of our base layers are Black Ovis merino from Camofire. We have been very happy with most every item purchased. In particular the merino hoodies in a variety of weights and the 3/4 length bottoms are favorites.
I've been very happy with the Black Ovis merino as well. Have several pieces now, all from Camofire at great prices.
I use merino (Icebreaker) under fleece. It hit -29C here this week. Brrr
I love grid inside fleece base layers. Wick great, warm, light, dry fast. I really like them. Several companies make them, and I've not found some to be massively better than others.
I haven't bought any merino in a while, but for me I don't really see the advantage that justifies the additional cost over polyester when stand hunting. In fact, I'm not sure it is better head-to-head. How many have a merino piece with holes in it for no reason? The few shirts I own all have holes. Take that for what it is worth. Like I said, I haven't bought any merino for some years and there could be improvements.
Lightweight merino under fleece.
"I don't really see the advantage that justifies the additional cost over polyester when stand hunting."
I like wool better on cold *damp* days, but perfectly fine with it being my second layer. (Plenty of cheap wool sweaters on e-bay ;-) )
For stand hunting, I do feel like my old UA base 2.0 set is warmer, but I get clammy walking around in it. Merino seems to wick moisture better for me which is the goal of a base layer. I also love the fact that it doesn’t stink up.
This year, I have worn the Cabela’s instinct merino short sleeve tee on every hunt. When a little cooler I add a set of Black Ovis 200 weight merino pant and 1/4 zip top. This has worked well for me. As T-Roy and others mentioned, when it really gets cold I layer a set of old Cabela’s polar fleece base layers on top of the merino.
I tried several black ovis merino pieces and settled on the 200 weight pant and 1/4 zip. I did find the fit a little odd. From piece to piece. The new sizing was supposed to be looser, but my old xl top fits great and I couldn’t even get a new xl top on so I sent it back.
I like the merino wool. The polyester stuff gets stinky while the wool doesn't seem to retain odors like that. And it doesn't get cold when you sweat.
Black Ovis merino has been good but sizing seems to vary. L will fit everywhere from snug and good on length to way long in the sleeves or arms.
