3/4 vs Full Length Base Layers?

[cornfedkiller]

I've been wearing Minus 33 bottoms for the past several years and like them, but getting my hands on that new merino-x from FL has really made me think about some bottoms, but I was disappointed to find out that they only offer the 250 weight in the 3/4 length.

I think I'd rather have full length bottoms, but for those of you that use the 3/4 ones, what am I missing? Whats the advantages/disadvantages of them vs full length bottoms?

 

[toadmeister]

I got some 3/4 Aerowool from FL also. I'm 6'4" tall so these are more like 5/8 on me ... but I digress.

Early season their just sort of a light pair for me. Better than just the boxers but not too warm down the lower legs.

Late season, there's times I wear 2 layers of socks and tall boots,where the full length adds a little too much bulk.

So they are a bit of a compromise for me. I actually like wearing them as pajamas too. Ms Toad don't mind.











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[fngTony]

I don’t have any from firstlite, just commenting on the length. It makes sense for the zip off feature for the ones from kuiu. My pair from skre also fit 3/4. Honestly it just felt weird at first. Once used to it it’s no big deal. If the exposed part of my leg gets chilled I pull my sock up.

 

[5MilesBack]

Most of the regular sizes are already 3/4 length on me, but I hate the cuffs tight around the middle of my calves. It's not like I need wicking of the sweat from my knees to my ankles, but I prefer the cuffs to be at least close to my ankles for comfort.

Kind of like the long sleeve base layers where the cuffs are around my forearms. I don't really need sweat wicking from my forearm to my wrist so that's not a big deal for me, as I'll even wear short sleeve base tops.

Minus 33 is the only maker I can find that makes the bottoms long enough in their Tall, but they only come in like a 220ish weight in a Tall. I'd prefer a 170ish weight, but the 220's work as well......just a little warmer than I'd like, but I'm not as sensitive to the temps in my legs.

 

[GPool1842]

Been curious about them as well. Ended up doing the 200 and the 350 since they both come in full length. I may pick up the 150 or 250 3/4 later on to try.. I don’t know if I would like them or not..

 

[hunter1181]

I prefer the 3/4 with long socks to make up the difference. But I am only 5'5" so they run longer on me.

 

[ericF]

3/4 work just as good as full length in my experience and then you don't have to worry about the extra clothing within your boot. Either way, the zip on/off feature is probably the greatest thing ever done with base layers in my opinion. I don't know why other companies haven't started offering this more, but not having to take your boots on and off to switch your baselayers is great.

 

[Trial153]

I have to get a pair. I often skip bottom bases for the very reason that i dont like it under my socks.

 

[Superkodiak38]

I have the 3/4 length aerowool. I put them on and it made my legs colder ! Of course I was just trying them on, I'm sure under a pair of pants it will help keep me warm. I am bringing them along if for no other reason they are light and I will wear them in my sleeping bag at night If I need to. I am interested to see how much difference they make. I am wearing over the calf socks and gaiters so there is some logic to the 3/4 length as far as bulk and boot fit goes.

 

[5MilesBack]

but not having to take your boots on and off to switch your baselayers is great.

The only time I switch out my baselayers is after a week straight of wearing them. I even wear them to bed. That's why I wear merino. So taking off my boots isn't an issue at that point. I would hate some zipper against my skin on my base layers. Seams are bad enough.

 

[Desk Jockey]

I like my kuiu zip offs. If you wear taller socks and/or boots the lower leg is covered already. For low top boots maybe they don’t work.

Back to the kuius it is great to take them off while wearing my boots.

 

[Kevin Dill]

I tried 3/4 bottoms. They were TIGHT around my calves and thighs...as in leaving indented circles after wearing. I've never wanted to drop base layers while hunting, but that's me. In colder weather I always sleep in my base layer and I'm not fond of either having to wear tall hunting socks in the bag, or having my lower calves/ankles feel cool in the night. Anyway...no 3/4 for me. I'm glad guys like them. I do my shopping with the companies that offer full length bottoms from 150 to 250 weight.