Base layers other than merino

[Rob5589]

I am looking for some base layers/thermals for Id in a couple weeks. I can't do merino due to sensitive skin. For outers I have Carhartt Force poly/cotton lightweight shirts and FL puffy and Cabelas Microtex pants.

Any rec's are appreciated, thanks.

 

[xcutter]

Sitka Core series. They make different weights. Great stuff.

 

[Steve O]

Yep. I've compared Sitka base layers against merino since day one. The newest version they brought out last year caused me to make the switch totally to their synthetics. Light, mid, and heavy are all great. I do not miss the merino at all.

 

[jspradley]

How do the sitka base layers handle the stank? That's my biggest problem with synthetics.. if I can smell my stanky sac then there's no way the animals cant... lol

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[Trial153]

The new Sitka core bases are excellent handling odors. On Both extended trips I made last year they did very well. I added a couple more pieces this year into the mix.
And for guys that are stand hunting deer I really think synthetic base layers blow away merino as far as warmth.

 

[cgippe]

Cant go wrong with the KUIU Peloton multiple weights. love them

Here is a KUIU 20% off code if you spend over 200. KUIU

 

[Steve O]

How do the sitka base layers handle the stank? That's my biggest problem with synthetics.. if I can smell my stanky sac then there's no way the animals cant... lol

It's called Polygene. I don't know how it works but I know it does work.

Last fall I moose hunted 250 air miles NW of Fairbanks. I switched out a merino and a lightweight Sitka synthetic each day under my Fanatic Hoody. No stank to either and I was always more comfortable in the synthetic.

This year I spent a week climbing around in the alpine on Kodiak Island. I took an extra lightweight synthetic Sitka top, but never needed it. That included packing out my deer and gear. Great stuff.

I'm an engineer and I'm always testing and comparing things--and I like to be comfortable when I get to get away!

 

[jspradley]

Thanks for the info! I like my merino base layers but I'm always up for better, more durable options. Now to wait for cabelas to put their sitka bases on clearance....

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[Kotaman]

Yep. I've compared Sitka base layers against merino since day one. The newest version they brought out last year caused me to make the switch totally to their synthetics. Light, mid, and heavy are all great. I do not miss the merino at all.

Me too! Spent 17 days in the Yukon with two Sitka Core Shirts. Odor was kept at bay and the thing I like most over merino: They dry WAY faster.

 

[Lawnboi]

Yep. I've compared Sitka base layers against merino since day one. The newest version they brought out last year caused me to make the switch totally to their synthetics. Light, mid, and heavy are all great. I do not miss the merino at all.

I'd agree. I'm not a really stinky person to begin with, but I prefer a good synthetic. Everything is better but odor control IMO. If I were a smelly person I may stay with merino, but synthetic has so many more pluses in my opinion. I'm done buying merino base layers

 

[GKPrice]

Cant go wrong with the KUIU Peloton multiple weights. love them

Here is a KUIU 20% off code if you spend over 200. KUIU

I've read several recent Peloton reviews that flatly state while the stuff is warm and light the "stink" issue is very present

 

[GKPrice]

As I age I have discovered some truths that can't be ignored, for me one is that I develop smells after exertion that are not the same as 8-10 years ago - Don't know why or what causes it (other than age) but I can say with authority that it's "there" - I wear IceBreaker merino wool Tshirts and boxers no matter what, YEAH wool USED to make me itch but not as soon as I discovered this stuff (I have Sitka boxers too, JUST as good) I have tried it all as it emerged every season or two, for warmth there are some great new innovations but for the "next to the skin" layer first and foremost give me New Zealand wool stuff and I'll be happy and warm and smiling (and my tent companions too I hope)

 

[Josey D]

Steve O, what do you think about the Fanatic Hoody vs the heavy weight core zip T?
I use the lightweight core for my base & a first light chama & or patagoinia R1 as my insulation layers but was wondering if the one of the sitka hoody's would be better than the first light. I am mainly looking at alpine hunts where you are moving & work up a sweat than break to glass & still make it back to camp at night. Think Kodiak goat in October or NW Alaska in late Sept, or brooks range in Aug/Sept.

 

[Steve O]

I think the Fanatic Hoody is the nicest piece they have ever made. I'd classify it close to their mid core than the heavy. Probabably just a hair lighter than the mid actually. The only time I have had it off in Alaska in the past two years is to change the light base under it. It is even perfect for sleeping in with the hood and built in "gloves" pulled out. Makes you feel like you are back in the footy pajamas of your youth . Even the built in face mask works great when deployed and doesn't get in the way. I wear it every single time I am out deer or turkey hunting as well. I bought an extra plus a black one this year and will do the same next year so I will have them into old age. I sent their customer service an email to ask them to make it in open country also.

I'm not 100% sure how it would compare to the First Lite and Patagoina pieces you reference as I have not used them but I think the FH is an incredibly versatile and comfortable mid layer and would fit very well in the situation you are describing--and many others.