Polypro or Merino Wool?

[buckeyebowhunter]

Been considering some new base layer stuff, Ive looked at the U.S. military issue polypro stuff and the prices are nice. But i have also heard that the merino wool is better, but the prices are a bit on the steep side for my budgets. I just wanted to hear what you guys thought about these?

[wooddamon1]

The polypro stuff I had was fine for keeping you warm as a base, but I noticed it could get clammy and held odors even after washing. I use fleece now, but I'm looking for some merino to replace it after this season. Should be some killer deals soon...

[doug77]

Minus 33 Merino wool. It's all I use from Sept. thru March 7 day a week.

doug77

[slowbowjoe]

I'm a big fan of wool, but don't do well with it next to my skin. For that first layer, I prefer a very thin silk, Capilene, or Polartec. I gave up on polypro many years ago.

[wvboy]

merino wool next to the skin. hands down.   most polypro gets stinky.

[McDave]

Originally posted by wvboy:
merino wool next to the skin. hands down.   most polypro gets stinky.

+1

[bowtough]

Merino wool rocks!  

[Pete McMiller]

Buy just one piece of Minus33 merino wool - really doesn't make a difference which piece - and you will never ask this question again.

[ChuckC]

I have to say it...  I agree with most of the above.  Wool does it better.  

I bought that single piece of minus 33 (just one of several brands of merino wool) this fall, I have ordered more since.  I can tell the difference, especially in the "stink" department.  

I tend to keep things and have kept old Duofold (which is OK and I always thought highly of) for way too many years to be normal.  I suspect any expenses for my wool will be amortized over, well, the rest of my life.

Chuck

[agross1]

Originally posted by Pete McMiller:
Buy just one piece of Minus33 merino wool - really doesn't make a difference which piece - and you will never ask this question again.

I was hesitant to spend the money on this stuff.  Man do I wish I would have done it a long time ago.   Love it.  It's more comfortable and keeps you warm even if you sweat in it.  I have worn it many times over without washing it and it doesn't stink at all.  Some wool can be itchy but not this stuff.   It's worth the investment.   I found my minus 33 stuff a little cheaper on the big auction site.   I don't even wear my poly stuff anymore.

[damascusdave]

I have serious issues with durability of merino wool...great while it lasts if you can buy it right

DDave

[Stone Knife]

I wear wool right next to my skin as a base layer and love it. Poly-pro gets too smelly

[TSchirm]

I think all the above statements about Merino wool are right on.  You might look at Sierra Trading post for Merino wool base layers.  They have lots of specials quite often that makes it more affordable.  I am in a budget challenged time right now, but got 2 sets of long underwear, both tops and bottoms, for under $200.  Some places the same items would have been $400.  Great stuff!

[buckeyebowhunter]

Can you wash the merino wool like in the washing machine? I know you CANNOT do this with regular wool jackets and pants and such i have seen the horrible outcomes from doing this. But I noticed you guys were saying the polypro gets stinky, wouldnt the merino get stinky if you couldnt wash it?

[Pete McMiller]

No problem in the washer or dryer.  I think some might say not to put it in the dryer by I do all the time.  Polypro holds odors and I swear never lets them go.  Merino on the other hand, I can wear for a week and still not be as bad as polypro after one day.

[TRAP]

Minus 33 Rocks, the best I've ever found and yes you can wash it and dry it.  

I have some Ullfrotte brand Merino which is very warm also but not near as durable and doesn't keep it's shape as well as the Minus33.

Minus33 is very reasonable on the big auction site.

Trap

[NBK]

Kuiu merino is the only base layer I wear the entire season.  I feel it regulates temp way better, dries super fast and most importantly, it doesn't stink!

[DarkTimber]

Minus 33 and Kuiu here also.   I'd just about as soon wear cotton as Polypro as a base layer...both make me feel clammy but at lease I don't have to smell myself with cotton.

I've been so impressed with the Minus 33 that I buy the lightweight short sleeve T's use them for my gyp shirts as well....No more funky smells.

[Wolfshead]

Got to say that I bought some Kuiu this season and I am extremely happy with it
Durable and it works great!
Soft too absolutely no itch

[smoke1953]

There is absolutely no contest, end of story.