Warmest Base Layers

[bkbk12]

Just wondering who you guys think make the best, warmest base layers. I need to order up a set and have been looking at the under armour 4.0 but cant find a whole lot of information on it I don't mind spending the money I just want the best I can get trying to cut back on the bulky clothes its hard to shoot the recurve with those big sleeves. Any help is appreciated.

[FerretWYO]

UA 4.0 is great if you are not moving a lot. There are also several companies that make wool base layers. I prefer KUIU and red ram.

[pukwana]

I recently bought some minus33 merino wool base layers and like it alot. Its very warm and soft, the most comfortable I have tried.  I think its all I will use from now on.

[Jim Wright]

Merino wool is hard to beat. Different weights are available for different levels of physical activity.

[Pete McMiller]

ditto - Merino, it's all I wear.

[rice]

I wear silk long johns, followed by under armour or thermax, then a wool or berber fleece. Best system I have found to date.

Of course Oklahoma is not known for its cold temperatures, Up until this last week, that is.  

[kadbow]

Merino wool for me.  Not only is it warm and comfortable but it doesn't stink up like the synthetics do.

[Tajue17]

sorry to hi-jak this thread but staying on the subject with a question to you guys with the merino wool what brands are you using,, also the wool base layers how are you washing and drying?  finally have any of you bought a size too big and shrunk them on purpose for a tighter weave?

[Pete McMiller]

minus33 is the best bang for the buck IMO.  Standard washer and dryer.  They don't shrink when washing.

[Ray Lyon]

I've had no trouble washing Smartwool long underwear in cold water and drying in dryer. I wear the thin stuff so it breaths and transfers to the next layer.  Look for it on sale at the end of the season in cross country ski shops or backpacking stores or other outdoor places. The local cross country ski shop has a buy one, get one for one penny sale at the end of the season and that's where I typically get mine.

[DaDVM]

Wool by far the warmest, after switching to wool, you couldn't pay me to wear under armour base layers again

[NormanDale33]

Merino wool for me too. Especially if you plan on going back country ever. I wear the same under garments all week and the smell is minimal...seriously. It is all I wear.

Look on backcountry, skiing and backpacking sites for stuff on sale. I prefer Icebreaker if on sale, if not look at Kuiu or minus33. I have hard a hard time with smart wool smelling like our horses do after I start to sweat for some reason. PM for places to find it.

[njloco]

Smart/Marino wool !,

[bkbk12]

Okay so Merino Wool it is have any of you guys used the minus 33 compared to the First lite ?

[Pete McMiller]

Not compared to First Lite but I have had Filson Merino, IceBreaker Merino and Minus33 Merino.  The Minus33 has been the best.  Icebreaker is 2nd - quality was good but the price was high.  Filson is last as I didn't think the quality of the knit was very good.  I have not had any Ulfrotte as the price is out of my budget.

[Sam McMichael]

I prefer the silk base layer topped with merino wool. It is light but very warm. Fortunately for me, it doesn't usually get cold enough around here to need any more under layers than this, especially when topped by wool trousers.

[Mojostick]

I like compression UA Cold Gear against the skin and merino wool for the next layer. If really cold, then the Simms fleece union suit, made for Winter wading in icy rivers, over the first two.

[Al Dente]

I have merino bottoms and top from Filson.  Warm, but not made very well in my opinion.  The knees wore out really fast and have had to be sewn up.  Not worth the money.  Go with other merino wool makers.  Also, I like the Cabela's ECWCS stuff.  Really warm, and not bulky, even the polar weight stuff.

[Bama Recurve]

I made an investment in some Ulfrotte wool. Love it. Much better than UA in my opinion. Base layer doesn't have to be tight. In fact a little loose is better.  
 http://www.woolpower.se/en/material/ullfrotte-original-the-material/

[EHK]

I haven't tried the First Lite, but also have minus33 and like it a lot.  As others have mentioned, it's very soft, quiet, warm, and machine washable.