base layers-merino vs synthetics

[Robertsj22]

So i hear everyone talk about merino and the benefits but the more research i do it seems a person who hikes and then is stationary for long periods of time would be better suited for synthetics due to how well the shed moisture and dry. Anyone see this in real world testing? and what brand of synthetic would you recommend?

 

[RADunfee]

For sweaty people like me I love synthetics like Polyester. It dries faster than Merino but doesn't have the advantages of Merino. In the GA heat I could never go scouting in the summer in Merino. I buy cheap polyester jersey-like material stuff from wherever I find it. I have high end stuff for cold but not for hot. Merino gets fuzzy over time also even if you wash it properly. I like it for cold weather baselayers only.

 

[Fins_N_Tines]

I sweat a lot and love merino, but have switched to the sitka core lt weight hoody and so far my real world testing on trail runs and scouting trips into the mountains have been very positive. Thy synthetic poly is drying so much faster. I can be soaking wet and be dry in 15 minutes in that core lt weight.

 

[Drenalin]

I still prefer merino, just don’t care for the next to skin feel of Sitka or others I’ve tried. A merino blend in a 150 or 170 weight splits the difference enough for me. Stone Glacier Chinook is an awesome base layer.

 

[Moserkr]

I prefer not to stink after day one of seven, so I went back to merino. Durability sucks but I havent found another way that deals with stank. Merino is more comfortable to me too.

 

[amassi]

Merino here as well except for very hot archery hunts I like the kuiu Gila hoodie

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[Fins_N_Tines]

I still prefer merino, just don’t care for the next to skin feel of Sitka or others I’ve tried. A merino blend in a 150 or 170 weight splits the difference enough for me. Stone Glacier Chinook is an awesome base layer.

Yeah i have the SG chinook hoody and it’s awesome but takes twice some times 3 times amount of time to dry. On a backpack hunt we’re I don’t bring any extra clothes staying dry is name of game. I agree that the SG chinook is money though.

 

[5MilesBack]

I prefer merino because it actually absorbs my sweat from off my skin. The synthetic just seems to move it around on my skin, but not really get rid of it. So for sweating......merino. For cold stationary activities........synthetic.

 

[Bump79]

My preference is merino in 150 gsm or less. Polyester just doesn't seem to move moisture if I'm actually perspiring.

We need to start differentiating between synthetics though. A Nylon/Polyester blend is actually really nice and does move moisture since nylon can absorb about the same amount of water as merino. It ends up being very durable as well.

 

[HuskerHunter97]

I prefer merino for base layers (other than boxers) the First Lite wick long sleeve with a hood is my go to top. First Lite is about to have their pre season sale, could pick up a piece or two to try.