Base layer options...

Joined
Feb 25, 2014
Messages
503
Location
South Dakota
Looking to upgrade my base layers and am looking for some first hand testimonies. What's everyone using? Pros/cons of different brands. Appreciate any reviews and input. Thanks!
 
I have owned a lot of differnt base layers over the years and nothing beats merino and the best merino os first lite, Hands down.
 
X2 on the merino wool. I have the Kuiu merino and the icebreaker merino. I absolutely LOVE my Icebreaker brand as it is all that it's advertised as. The Kuiu is a complete waste of money. It's itchy and not very warm, which is why I bought it in the first place.
 
Take a look through previous threads on this....but I can sum it for you.

Most on this site will tell you Merino Wool.
Kuiu wool is brining up the rear to firstlite, Ice beaker, Ibex and even Sitka. The guys above got it exactly correct. First Lite in most opinions is far superior to anything else on the market. We all agree :-)
 
X3 on the merino. I got my first set of quality merino this year and it was definitely best thing I've worn for base. I purchased the Smartwool brand because I've had a couple pair of there socks and loved them. The Smartwool was great.
 
If you'll be wearing it extended periods of time (i.e. longer than just one day) you'll want merino. If you're only going out for a day then can change, poly base layers work just fine too. I have both, but for elk hunting it's always merino now. It keeps me cooler, doesn't hold onto the 3-day funk like poly, and with First Lite.....is actually comfortable.
 
Get merino wool.

I have nuyarn kuiu and first lite, they are both great but my kuiu wool is more comfortable. Can't go wrong with either imo
 
I have First Lite, Smart wool, Ice Breaker, and Kuiu. First Lite is my favorite followed closely by Smart Wool and Ice Breaker and then Kuiu. The Kuiu is the most itchy to me but I have not tried the new Ultra merino. If you dont need camo there are good deals out there in the non hunting brands too.
 
Kuiu merino is my least favorite. Terrible hand, washing is a pain and every piece I have the stitching looks like I did it myself. Smartwool is nice but doesnt last. Icebreaker is okay. No complaints there. But again first lite is amazing and fair price for what you get.

On poly base layers, dont get the shiny stuff like under armour. Patagonia capilene is good and I have a few piecea from craft that I like.
 
I do not understand the itch concerns from KUIU. I have not experienced that in the 4 years I have owned the original base layers. I own 2 sets of the original 185's, 1 set of the 250. I also own a set each of the new ultra merino 145 and 210. The ultra is unbelievable, but I loved the originals also. After 4 years of heavy usage, I finally may have to retire 1 pair if the 185 bottoms. I have no experience with the others.
 
X2 on the merino wool. I have the Kuiu merino and the icebreaker merino. I absolutely LOVE my Icebreaker brand as it is all that it's advertised as. The Kuiu is a complete waste of money. It's itchy and not very warm, which is why I bought it in the first place.

907, curious which layer was itchy?
 
I have the Kuiu 145 and it is good stuff. I do not find it itchy at all. It is my first set of merino wool so I can't speak to the others. For colder weather I may go with first lite stuff because of the recommendations from guys on here. I am not saying this to start another brand fight so please do not piggy back off of this statement; if Kuiu does not have it in stock don't order it because who knows when you will get it. But if you are looking for a light weight merino set I like the 145 by Kuiu.
 
Not sure which weight I have, but it's the new...latest n greatest far type of weave that's "going to change the industry forever"... I think the way its made is what makes it itchy, not the wool. It feels like it has a ton of starch in it. And yes, I've washed it to make sure it wasn't because it was new.
 
I have both first light, and KUIU! Chama first light hoodie is awesome, supper soft and a great piece. I'm large in KUIU, but my first light is a touch to big. Kuiu 210 zip and love this. I think it's warmer then FL, and super soft as well. Can't see how some say it's itchy. The stitching on both are not the best. But can fix easy. Nothing big at all. Ill stick with KUIU because cheaper.
 
I guess I should have been more specific in my original post. I am going with merino wool. Was more so curious on the different brands. Have been eyeing the first lite but haven't pulled the trigger due to promotive being back ordered on my size. Figured it gives me extra time to shop around. Appreciate the responses. Is the inseam longer on the first lite than on the kuiu 145 zip off? I don't really care for how the kuiu is higher than my sock line. I understand the concept behind it just don't know if I like the feel of it.
 
907, I own it all. The only way the KUIU Basel ayers would itch is if you had the original 250 as a next to skin layer. I call BS on this. KUIU base layers are made in New Zealand by the The Merino Company. The new Nuyarn made by The Merino Company has zero itch, even the heavy layer.
 
I guess I should have been more specific in my original post. I am going with merino wool. Was more so curious on the different brands. Have been eyeing the first lite but haven't pulled the trigger due to promotive being back ordered on my size. Figured it gives me extra time to shop around. Appreciate the responses. Is the inseam longer on the first lite than on the kuiu 145 zip off? I don't really care for how the kuiu is higher than my sock line. I understand the concept behind it just don't know if I like the feel of it.

It didn't take long for me to adjust. I actually prefer the new fit. Keeps boot fit more comfortable with less heat. You won't be disappointed in the Ultra Merino.
 
Huntaholic, I have put in close to 500 plus miles a year in my gear. There has not been one base layer problem for me from KUIU in the 4 years I have been a customer.
 
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