Best merino base layers

[little_feather]

Ok guys,

I'm a sweater... whether walking a mile or more, or 150 yards to a set, I'm sweating. I've tried scent blocker regular and fleece base layers along with patagonia capilene. I've double up on the capilene using capilene silk weight under capilene mid weight, and capilene under the scent blocker. I'm at my wits end. Tired of freezing my butt off, so I want to try merino. Hoping to get ideas of what to look for in a quality base layer for moisture wicking and warmth.

Anyone else out there a sweater like me?

Thanks in advance!

[oldskool]

minus 33

[eidsvolling]

Part of the solution might involve better venting. I won't buy shell jackets and similar pieces for the backwoods without pit zippers. And as far as I'm concerned, the notion that chest zippers are an effective substitute is believed only by product designers who never leave the confines of Boulder and various SoCal locations.

As to your specific request for good merino baselayers, as an owner of every baselayer fabric available since cotton flannel, I can recommend the Minus33 stuff, particularly if you can find good discounts or don't mind the stiff prices:

[eidsvolling]

Quite the echo in here!  

[little_feather]

In case it helps with responses, I pack all my outerwear on my pack/climber when walking in. Not too concerned about venting until I get to the stand, but I see where you're going with that

[Jack Hoyt 75]

First Lite makes some awesome base and mid layers in Merino.  Worth the money!

Everyone here seems to like Fred Asbell wool outer layers.  I am happy with them.

One tip about getting sweaty.  Start the walk to the stand cold, very cold, even very underdressed. It won't be long till you warm up from the walk. Put all your other clothes in a bag and carry them along.  If you still get hot, stop and breath.  Then get fully dressed once near stand and spray down with Code Blue.  

Simple and common sense but i never want to be "wet" when i get to my stand. It works well for me but I am not a heavy sweater.

(Well I guess others posted while I was typing.  Anyway I answer your question, First Lite)

[little_feather]

Here's a question... does it defeat the purpose if I were to wear the silk weight patagonia under the merino?

The capilene is meant to wick moisture, but I have questions on how effectively sweat will wick from that into the wool.

Did I just answer my own question? Lol

I only have experience with First Lite merino wool, and I absolutely love it!!!!

Bisch

[old_goat2]

As mentioned, if your not cold at the truck, your dressed too heavy. Carry your outer layers to the stand.

[TxSportsman]

I love First Lite Merino Wool for base and mid layers!

[yth-mnstr]

Wool power from 3 rivers.  It is pricey, but I've been using the same set since 2004.

[BowHunterGA]

This season I purchased a set of LL Bean Cresta mid weight 250 Merino wool base layers and I have been VERY pleased with them. Before next fall I will have a lighter weight pair as well. If you look into the LL Bean Merino base layers I will add that surprisingly their sizes seem to run a bit large. I normally need XXL in everything but if I bought these again I would go with XL instead.

[ThePushArchery]

Filson heavy weight merino thermals. Awesome.

[South MS Bowhunter]

I purchased First Lite just before Christmas and have now wore them about 4 times since getting a cold spell.  Mine are the Light and Mid weight and I have been pleased with everything about them.

[cynical_ant]

Icebreaker! First Lite is good too, but Icebreaker was the first to bring Merino to the masses. They have limited camo options, but lots of earth tones. I wear base, mid, and heavy weight layers, plus socks(which they have some that are hunter/fisher specific. Awesome) on my hunt with Fujimo in November I was full wool, plus my Helly Hansen Imperteck rain gear, and an ASAT suit over top. Was really comfortable.

[cynical_ant]

Icebreaker! First Lite is good too, but Icebreaker was the first to bring Merino to the masses. They have limited camo options, but lots of earth tones. I wear base, mid, and heavy weight layers, plus socks(which they have some that are hunter/fisher specific. Awesome) on my hunt with Fujimo in November I was full wool, plus my Helly Hansen Imperteck rain gear, and an ASAT suit over top. Was really comfortable.

[agross1]

I am in the same boat as you.   Do yourself a favor and just do it.    I struggled for a long time justifying paying that much money for long johns.   I finally did it and bought some minus 33 bottoms and a quarter zip top.    First thought was how much more comfortable they were.    I liked them immediately.   As mentioned already,  carry most of your layers in your pack.  Unless it is bitter cold , I only wear my merino top while walking out to hunt.  It may feel cold at first but you will warm up walking.   Better to be chilly at first and comfortable on stand , than hot walking in and sweaty and cold once on stand.    The merino wool breathes , not wind proof but warm.   Also even if you sweat wool keeps insulating.   Another plus is that it doesn't stink .   I can wear it for weeks and it still doesn't smell.    
     Unfortunately mine were stolen out of my truck on a fishing trip, so I am in the market for another set.     The big auction site is usually the cheapest but shop around.     Didn't mean to be so long winded but I was in the same boat you are and waited way to long to finally take the plunge.

[agross1]

I recommend the quarter zip top so you can regulate the heat better as well.   It zips down to about the center of your chest .  I was glad I got it instead of the regular pullover.    Hope some this helps.

[Ron Vought]

I use and very much like First Lite base layers. I just wonder why there are no manufactures making a turtle neck merino wool base layer.

Ron

[Terry Green]

First Lite