Capilene

[fulldraw1972]

Has anybody used Capilene for a base layer on an extended back pack hunt?
I bought a pair of bottoms this winter and have been wearing them to work religiously every day. So far I like them.
Was thinking about using them come September for my elk hunt. Your thoughts on it?

 

[KNPV PSD]

I wore Patagonia capalene level 1, 2, and 3 and they all worked really well at keeping me warm at work when not active but still regulating heat when I began moving. Only drawback is it stinks real bad after a 12 hour shift so I bet a hunt would be real ripe. I have switched completely to merino wool.

 

[rhunter424]

I wore Patagonia capalene level 1, 2, and 3 and they all worked really well at keeping me warm at work when not active but still regulating heat when I began moving. Only drawback is it stinks real bad after a 12 hour shift so I bet a hunt would be real ripe. I have switched completely to merino wool.

This. I've worn the same capilene shirts for multiple days, but given the choice I wouldn't do it. The smell after wearing it all day is pretty distinct, emphasis on the STINK. Under armor is the same way, if you have some of that.

Wool is the way to go for funk-less clothing worn multiple days.

 

[Eagle]

I'll echo what the others are saying. I've worn capilene 2 a lot, and have had the same experience. Seems to smell worse than most other fabrics out there after a day of use, main reason I love wool now, no stink.

 

[Becca]

Folks wore capilene base layers for a lot of years before merino wool got popular. As others have said it will stink much worse, and sometimes that smell doesn't even come out when you wash it. My other issue with synthetic base layers is they always felt cold and clammy to me when they got wet from sweat, and then took a long time to dry out. I pretty much wear merino everything now, because it doesn't stink, it's warm even when wet and it dries quickly. If the capilene works for you, and you aren't bothered by these things then go for it. Do you wash them nightly right now or wear a new pair to work each day? If so, you might consider wearing the same pair unwashed for more than one day and see if you notice the smell.

 

[fulldraw1972]

Thanks every one. I have been wearing a first lite merino base layer for my hunts. I am a tall guy so length has been an issue. I really like the qualities with merino just need it longer.

I have known UA stunk after awhile but I decided to try some Patagonia capalene for work. The fit is awesome. It does a good job of keeping me warm. I did try wearing the same set for a few days and didn't notice any stink. But then again not sweating at work and bathing every day probably helped that. Lol

I guess I will stick with merino just need to figure something out on length.

 

[DaveC]

It'll stink, eventually. The new anti-odor treatments are better. It'll also dry faster than wool and last exponentially longer.

 

[Wrongside]

It'll stink, eventually. The new anti-odor treatments are better. It'll also dry faster than wool and last exponentially longer.

My experiences exactly. I like Capilene, but not for base layers. Merino is a great base layer, but I prefer synthetic and like Capilene, for everything else. Pretty much just use merinos for base tops and socks now. I find the costs and lower durability of wool out way it's benefits for all other pieces, IMO/E.

 

[Becca]

My experiences exactly. I like Capilene, but not for base layers. Merino is a great base layer, but I prefer synthetic and like Capilene, for everything else. Pretty much just use merinos for base tops and socks now. I find the costs and lower durability of wool out way it's benefits for all other pieces, IMO/E.

Not to sidetrack this thread, but have you had serious durability problems with merino? I have worn the same couple of pieces for weeks on end for years and not had any trouble. Luke tore a hole in one t-shirt snagging it on something, but I suspect any fabric would have done the same under similar circumstances. I had a lot of problems with capilene snagging and running, but I haven't had any of the same issues with merino. We aren't particularly careful with stuff, but I do typically hang dry it when the manufacturer recommends it, though I doubt that makes much difference.

 

[MattB]

It varies by brand, but some of the merino stuff I have has developed holes inexplicably. That aside, I have used capilene and all the durability in the world won't offset the stink factor for me.

 

[Wrongside]

Not to sidetrack this thread, but have you had serious durability problems with merino? I have worn the same couple of pieces for weeks on end for years and not had any trouble. Luke tore a hole in one t-shirt snagging it on something, but I suspect any fabric would have done the same under similar circumstances. I had a lot of problems with capilene snagging and running, but I haven't had any of the same issues with merino. We aren't particularly careful with stuff, but I do typically hang dry it when the manufacturer recommends it, though I doubt that makes much difference.

Becca,

Maybe I just have abrasive skin... I find it significantly less durable overall. Things like holes in the fabric under pack straps or on the back under the pack, that enlarge quickly. Bottoms that had large holes from the hip belt after two trips. Easy snags. Or KUIU stuff that unravels at the seams.

Now you mention it, I do think Capilene is one I the less durable synthetics. But, I have several 'off brand' tops that are 10+ years old, worn often or daily for work and play, (I work outdoors) and still functional. On the other hand, it seems I'm lucky to get 2 years out of a wool piece. My favorite synthetics for the last several years are Mountain Equipment Coop and Helly Hansen. Durable and warmer for the weight than merino, for me.

All that said, I love merino as a base layer and still use it for tops and socks. Like MattB, I'd not trade it for synthetic base layers because of it's smell controlling qualities alone and own somewhere between 30-40 shirts. At $20 a shirt, Costco merino is a good thing!

Everyone's mileage will vary...

Sorry if we sidetracked your thread, Mr. OP.

 

[DaveC]

Not to sidetrack this thread, but have you had serious durability problems with merino?

Yes.

Multiple holes on the shoulder and hips inside a year is not acceptable in my book. Granted, I won't use baselayers over 140 grams/meter fabric weight. I'm sure the 180-200 g/m merinos are more durable, but for me their moisture retention is far too much.

 

[Colby Jack]

I wear capilene underwear and merino socks 365 days out of the year. My REI merino socks are amazing, and though not super breathable, I've yet to find a better pair of underwear than the capilene silk weight boxers. I have worn many pieces of merino base layers, most of them by smartwool, as I was able to make a prodeal purchase through REI as an employee. I love their T shirts, but the cuffs stretch on the long sleeves, and won't return to normal size until washed and dried. Ibex base layers, on the other hand, incorporated a synthetic cuff on a merino piece, and was the cure for that problem. My merino pieces have all, without fail, had random holes show up in the body of the fabric, not at a seem as I would expect. I'm not a smelly guy, as my wife will attest, but I have never had a problem with capilene being smelly on a hunt. I will usually wear the same base layer for a week. I do agree that the clammy feeling of the synthetics is aggravating, but the durability and warmth it provides has been paramount. I work outside almost everyday of the year in the Los Anchorage area, and being uncomfortable, i.e. cold, isn't an option.

 

[KNPV PSD]

Thanks every one. I have been wearing a first lite merino base layer for my hunts. I am a tall guy so length has been an issue. I really like the qualities with merino just need it longer.

I have known UA stunk after awhile but I decided to try some Patagonia capalene for work. The fit is awesome. It does a good job of keeping me warm. I did try wearing the same set for a few days and didn't notice any stink. But then again not sweating at work and bathing every day probably helped that. Lol

I guess I will stick with merino just need to figure something out on length.

If you like the fit and cut of Patagonia stuff, they make nice merino items as well. I have a merino 1/4 zip shirt that I love. I wear it fly fishing a lot because if I get the sleeve wet it dries very quickly.

 

[fulldraw1972]

Thank you. I will check it out.

 

[SJ-AK]

I have mentioned it before but it is worth saying. Patagonia is very anti hunting. They make good gear and I used to support them until I received one of their catalogs with a 3 page anti hunting article right in the middle of it. Your choice to purchase from them or not of course.

 

[jquarnberg]

I hear ya SJ-AK... love some of their stuff but hate how lib they are. I wanted to buy patagonia waders but decided to patron someone else. Fishpond too... hate these companies that support liberal BS.

 

[Bluto]

Or, send them lots of pictures with kills while wearing their gear, along with a sincere thank you note. Drives 'em nuts.

 

[fulldraw1972]

Wow I didn't know that. I love the way there bottoms fit but I have a hard time supporting a company that's anti hunting. Looks like I am on the search again for a longer pair of merino base layers.

 

[Wrongside]

I have mentioned it before but it is worth saying. Patagonia is very anti hunting. They make good gear and I used to support them until I received one of their catalogs with a 3 page anti hunting article right in the middle of it. Your choice to purchase from them or not of course.

Very good point and one of the main reasons what little Patagucchi I have, is bought from a local outdoors gear clearance store. I do like their Capilene tho...