Base layers

Joined
Jun 22, 2019
Messages
374
What does everybody prefer for base layers? It would mostly be for October/November high country elk. I’ve heard first lite has the best merino but I’d like to hear some personal experience of first lite, Sitka, kuiu, and possibly black ovis


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

ericF

WKR
Joined
Oct 4, 2016
Messages
631
Location
CO
First lite for top base layer. Their wool definitely has a better feel than the others. For bottoms, I go Kuiu because of the zip on/off feature. It is amazing not having to take boots off to throw on some base layers after you have hiked to your glassing location. Conversely it is even better to just stand up drop your drawers and unzip the baselayers and start hiking. Before Kuiu there were so many times that I was hiking and overheating, but it just wasn't worth it to stop and take boots off in order to drop the baselayer.
 
Joined
Jul 25, 2017
Messages
10
Location
Aberdeen, SD
Ive tried merino and synthetic base layer tops, and I personally prefer synthetic. I dont wear baselayer bottoms, I just throw puffy pants on immediately if I am going to stop and glass.
 

brisket

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Oct 13, 2018
Messages
196
Location
Texas
First lite merino or Sitka lightweight top. No bottom baselayers until it’s really cold. Just use puffy pants when you stop
 
OP
Bojangles21
Joined
Jun 22, 2019
Messages
374
I probably won’t get use bottoms, I run hot, so if I do get some bottoms it’ll be a lightweight for real cold or just get puffy pants. But do you guys think a first lite kiln or a Sitka midweight zip T would be enough with a good jacket over the top?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

brisket

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Oct 13, 2018
Messages
196
Location
Texas
I use a llano or wick or core lightweight with a fleece midlayer. I sweat like a fool, so moving is typically just the baselayer down to the mid 30’s. Below that the fleece goes on. Once I stop I immediately put on a puffy and/or the fleece and puffy pants

Basically I’m trying to sweat as little as possible, and have as little layers sweat soaked as I can
 

1shotgear

WKR
Rokslide Sponsor
Joined
Jun 8, 2015
Messages
1,256
Location
Denver, CO
I run the Sitka core light weights that time of year. They dry really fast and help a lot with keeping you warm in those colder mornings.
 
Last edited:

MillCreekMike

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Aug 15, 2017
Messages
111
Location
Whidbey Is WA
I run FL's Wick qz top & boxer/briefs. I switched to Kuiu zip off/on bottoms. I wear the Wick stuff next to skin and then add Kiln, Klamath, Uncompagre or Kuiu bottoms as needed for the conditions. The Wick stuff does as it's name suggests. Sometimes I'll wear just the corugate guide jacket or Kuiu Pelleton over top when on the move, then puffy up when glassing.
 

Tick

WKR
Joined
Jun 2, 2017
Messages
382
Question for the guys wearing the Kuiu zip off bottoms. Does the bump on the waist line at the attachment points cause any discomfort? Rubbing from pants or pack belt at those spots?
 

LightFoot

WKR
Joined
Feb 21, 2016
Messages
1,488
Location
Texas & Alaska
Question for the guys wearing the Kuiu zip off bottoms. Does the bump on the waist line at the attachment points cause any discomfort? Rubbing from pants or pack belt at those spots?
I never had any issues with the merino 210 and 145 zipoff.

Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk
 

LightFoot

WKR
Joined
Feb 21, 2016
Messages
1,488
Location
Texas & Alaska
I have used sitka, kuiu, and first lite. They are all good products.

Pick the pattern you like and get all you could afford.

Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk
 

bmf0713

WKR
Joined
Jan 25, 2017
Messages
319
I wear Sitka merino core bottoms all the way up to 75 degrees. And I really like my SKRE kanatai top to the warmer temps also. Merino wool to me feels more like temperature regulating than a thermal like synthetics. I think it actually helps wick sweat and keep me cooler in the warmer temps.
 
OP
Bojangles21
Joined
Jun 22, 2019
Messages
374
I’ll probably stick with all Sitka since I get 40% off so that really really makes me lean to them haha what do you guys think about the midweight tops?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Joined
Dec 27, 2012
Messages
5,346
Location
Colorado
I'm a First Lite guy and use the base layers all year. I run the Llano tops for movements during the fall on those chilly mornings and use the Chama hoody as a second layer when I stop. I have both the Halstead fleece and the new Kalamath fleece that I have used as a third layer as well, but normally I will have a puffy on by that point.

Usually I will use the Chama and the bottoms to sleep in at night, until its later in the year and there's a significant amount of snow on the ground and then I will switch to my EXP top and bottom for sleeping.

I have a sawtooth jacket from First Lite, but I haven't really found a use for it. Same goes for the fleece pieces. I have them as a back up I guess, I am still working through what the best use for them is.
 
Top