Best Merino base layer (smoothest & most comfortable for a week)

[voidecho]

The only merino I have is the First Light Chama Hoody, which is considered Mid Weight. I've found it a bit itchier than I was expecting after all of the talk on here and other sites about how merino isn't itchy.

I'm wondering if the Mid Weight isn't necessarily supposed to be worn directly on the skin, but rather over a a Light Weight shirt like the LLano.

First Light specifically lists the micron level of the Llano as 17.5, but doesn't list the micron level of the Chama. I'm guessing it's not as fine.

Bottom line, I wouldn't recommend the Chama as the best next to skin base layer.

 

[mtswampfox]

bought two pieces of patagonia t's off e-bay last summer. by far the softest of all that i have. my favorite go to in the se ga heat .

 

[ffparamedic]

I've got some Minus33 that I wear for deer season and really like it.....

 

[Huntr]

Smartwool, Minus 33 and Icebreaker for me. I would be embarrassed to admit how much I have spent on different companies merino, but these will be all that I buy in the future...well, until something new comes along

 

[westrnwild]

Icebreaker....best I've used....go to clymb.com and get it 70 % off....yeah $100 item for $30

 

[rodney482]

Firstlite by far

 

[katdaddy2013]

Great sale.XXL or XXXL sizes only. Maybe next time.

Icebreaker....best I've used....go to clymb.com and get it 70 % off....yeah $100 item for $30

 

[westrnwild]

Stuff goes quick...but they will have more, always seem too

 

[InDeep]

Also look into stoic merino. I have been using them for about 5 years and they are really impressive for fit and feel and durable as FL or ice breaker. I have there full merino and their blend and the blend still smells good after 4 days and the full merino has been used running for over 15 days and still couldn't smell BO so I called it at that! lol

 

[Corbo74]

Great choice in my opinion it's a little pricy but by far the best. wish you the best luck with what ever you use it for Where's Bruce.

 

[Hawkeye]

Of the three I have used, Kuiu, FirstLite, and REI Smartwool, I would have to rate Smartwool and Firstlite as #1. As much as I hate supporting REI I give the nod to FirstLite. I was not impressed with the scratchyness of Kuiu. I talked with one of the guys at the SCI show and it looks like improvements are coming with their merino line.

I will keep my eyes open for sales on the ice breaker. Sounds like you all have had some good luck with it.

 

[katdaddy2013]

Which one, the 150 or 200? thanks.

Also look into stoic merino. I have been using them for about 5 years and they are really impressive for fit and feel and durable as FL or ice breaker. I have there full merino and their blend and the blend still smells good after 4 days and the full merino has been used running for over 15 days and still couldn't smell BO so I called it at that! lol

 

[dreamingbig]

I love both my kuiu and FirstLite merino base layers. I don't have a problem with either of them. Very comfortable and both companies are 100% PRO hunting which is important to me.

 

[Nick Muche]

Hard to beat the First Lite Llano. Most of the other Merino I have tried (think long list) hasn't felt near as nice next to the skin as the First Lite.

There was a comment up above about the FL Chama being itchy. I have worn the chama next to my skin before and didn't notice much, however, if you wear the Llano underneath it, like a system, you will not itch at all. The Llano is thin and very soft.

 

[voidecho]

There was a comment up above about the FL Chama being itchy. I have worn the chama next to my skin before and didn't notice much, however, if you wear the Llano underneath it, like a system, you will not itch at all. The Llano is thin and very soft.

Yeah, I'm thinking about getting the Llano for my next to skin layer and then putting the Chama over it if I need another layer. It's not super itchy, just itchier than I was expecting. It's my first piece of merino wool clothing, so I wasn't sure what to expect.

 

[Ryan Avery]

Tried pretty much all of them. First Lite and Smartwool are my top two. First Lite is a RS Sponsor and Pro Hunting so the choice is easy

 

[Bughalli]

I have Kuiu, Firstlite and Krytec. They're all very very close, but would give the edge to Kuiu. It's just a little softer on the skin, but they're all comfortable. Kuiu is also the most expensive. The difference in price isn't proportionate to the difference in comfort. That said, if you're going to wear something for multiple days, does the extra cost really matter. I was surprised how well they work. You'll never put a synthetic on as a base layer again.

Never tried Icebreakers. But I've never had issues with mine in the dryer. Pretty sure I've put all mine in the dryer at one point or another, but could be wrong.

 

[LJ Buck]

First Lite Gets my vote 100%

 

[MTbowhunter36]

First Lite, Icebreaker and Minus 33 are all top shelf.

 

[outdoor_matt]

good choice the icebreaker is awesome stuff...super comfy and super durable...hope yours lasts for a long time.