Polypro or Merino Wool?

[Hummer3T]

no need to buy expensive merino, but use
merino, went to an auction of merino, got 6 LS shirts or $4.00 each

[Gary Rieck]

Another for merino wool.  Watch some of the big sporting goods store for the next couple of month's.  They will be putting some of the winter stuff on big sales. Can pick up some name brands for half the price.

[Mike Bolin]

A few years back, I wore my merino base layers for 7 straight days on Canadian hunt. When I returned home, my was unpacking my stuff to wash and she asked me why I hadn't worn my wool underwear. DEFINITELY does not hold odor the way poly pro does. Like others have said, there will be some good deals coming up here shortly. Haven't tried the minus-33 but have heard nothing but good about it. Good luck! Mike

[grouseshooter002]

I also give Minus 33 a thumbs up. I haven't found any that is better for a base layer.

Grouse

[Terry Lightle]

merino wool

[tracker12]

I have gotten rid of all my poly base layer and only use merino wool.    I like smart wool or Ibex but my buddies are very happy with there first lite.

[dnovo]

I wore the poly you are talking about for quite a bit years ago before I knew about the wool. It did a good job of keeping me warm but if you exert much and sweat it becomes stinky fast. I can where my merino for over a week while hiking the mountains and sweating and it doesn't stink as much as one morning of sweating in the poly.

[johnnyk71]

Originally posted by tracker12:
I have gotten rid of all my poly base layer and only use merino wool.    I like smart wool or Ibex but my buddies are very happy with there first lite.

First Lite is great, even if it's not cheap. extremely well-made. I broke down and purchased the Springer vest today to go with the Chama long sleeve I've been wearing all season. the stuff absolutely rocks.

also, they are doing free FedEx ground shipping until Christmas day (thus the reason I broke down and bought my own gift today).

[LimBender]

Merino hands down - have some decent synthetic stuff and don't wear it anymore - unless other stuff is wet, lost or dirty.  I have a mixture of cheap, kuiu and first lite, and it's really done great in hot and cold, and definitely better on scent.

[Butchie]

Not even close...Merino!

[KSdan]

Merino is odor free.  The best.  I get high dollar merino sweaters from thrift stores.  I bought 15-20 this past year. $5ish a piece.  Sold some here on TG, gave some as gifts, and still have 3-4 now.  Work awesome.  (Only negative is you must hand wash them or shrink!

[Sam McMichael]

I prefer wool over any synthetic. Sometimes, in severe cold,  I will put silk underwear like the skiers use against the skin with wool underwear over that. This produces considerable extra warmth without increased bulk.

[reddogge]

I went from polypro to Minus33 merino a couple of years ago and I'd never go back. Feels great against the skin and I wore it for a week rifle hunting this year and it doesn't smell. BTW I play it safe and machine wash but hang dry mine.

[dino]

Woolpower (Klar Ulfrotte) direct from Sweden is the best stuff.  I've had two sets for over 10 years, it is super durable and I wear them a lot.  Machine washable and dryer safe and never shrinks.  Plus it is super warm and odor resistant. Poly doesn't hold a candle to quality Merino Wool.

[Kevin Dill]

Polypro...for those times when you just want to be left alone.

Merino for everything else!

[Butchie]

  Funny and so true Kevin.

[NoCams]

Yes, good one Kevin !

Now here is another funny one...... been wanting to use this Instant Graemlin for a long time and finally get to............  

[ozy clint]

tradgang sponsor TUSX has recently conducted a base layer evaluation during the development of their baselayer garments which provides real time, in the field comparisons between wool and polyester. interesting reading.

 http://www.tusxhunter.com/resources/base-layer-evaluation-synthetic-and-natural-fabrics.html

[Terry Green]

Merino Wool.....have had 3 pairs of tops n bottoms for years...like over 10.....I bought smart wool and I'm still wearing it.....and its not itchy......want to try some First Lite.

[Greg_M]

"Can you wash the merino wool like in the washing machine? I know you CANNOT do this with regular wool jackets and pants"

Glad I don't know this  ;-)

Cashmere sweater, wool pants, wool felt pac boot liners, merino long johns, merino base layer top. Regular top loading washing machine set to cold wash cold rinse, medium load (for a small load, I like to get rid of all the soap smell I can), delicate cycle. Currently on the drying rack ~ 15' from the woodstove.

 

Hopefully this is not considered airing one's laundry on a public forum...

Cheers,