Durable thermals

[DirtyDusty]

I got some first lite merino thermals last year for a 9 day back pack hunt. I liked them, but 9 days last year and 7 day hunt this year, and they are shredded. Are there more durable merino options? Or is merino just not a long term product?

 

[Titan_Bow]

What do you mean by shredded? I have kryptek merino that's seen 4 seasons now and the only issue is the pattern has faded. They,ve been through many backcountry adventures. I also have some cheap merino I got from sierra trading post and they have held up OK. I did wear a whole in those in the back where my backpack pad was sitting. I have a probably 10 year old set from minus 33 that's a thicker merino and they are still just fine, no significant signs of wear. I think the thinner lightweight merino in general is going to be less durable, hence why I usually buy from the clearance rack and shop for the material more than the brand. That being said, I would be pissed if I dropped a hundred bucks or more on a merino base layer that did not stand up to a few hunts.

 

[DirtyDusty]

By shredded, I mean there are holes all over. Kinda like runners in a ladies panty hose.

 

[Willow]

Most likely from moths. Make sure you store your merino wool with fresh cedar or they'll wind up blessed by the moth larvae.

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[DirtyDusty]

The holes started in them during the first trip. They were new then, just had more pop up the second trip.

 

[KMT]

My smart wool bottoms are probably 9 years old and are just now showing signs of wear. I use them all winter skiing, for hunting, and during the summer if needed. Minimum 60 days per year.

 

[Hunter6]

I've had some first lite thermals top and bottoms I have had for 5 years that are still perfect and I wear them a lot. I work and play outside so they get a lot of wear.

About a year ago I started wearing the light ss shirt as my everyday under shirt and they are still going strong. I bought four and only one has a small hole in it but still very wearable

Not sure y yours didn't last.


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[TheCougar]

I just got some kuiu 145 merino bottoms. They are definitely thinner than I was expecting. I've heard they are warm for their weight, but I am interested in the durability. Either way, I bought them solely because of the zipoff feature, which is money!!!

 

[Brendan]

I only own a couple pieces of their gear, but the zip-off bottoms from Kuiu are money - start the day layered up and then be able to remove them without taking off boots or gaiters...

Ive had mine for 3 September Elk trips, and no holes or issues.

 

[toddb]

Wish I could put them on as fast as they come off. Do lover them though.

 

[Frito]

I've got some thin merino tops from Costco a few years ago by Paradox. They were cheap and hold up to everything and I use them constantly for hunting, by themselves backpacking and lots of snowboarding, and I fall constantly. I'm sure they are heavily blended with a sythetic so a true all merino might not be as durable. For bottoms I wear the black Carhartt's...not sure what they are called but I've had the same luck with them and they are very warm. I'm sort of a redneck about this stuff though, so I've gone the cheaper route. I'm sure there's better stuff out there.

 

[boom]

wow..you are tearing up FL merino? you wearing them ever as outer layers?

mine are pretty good still..i need some holes so i can get smaller sizes now..but whatever.

 

[5MilesBack]

You must be in the brush a lot. The only merino I have with holes is my Cabela's merino base bottoms that are 9 years old. But I wear them 24/7 while I'm up elk hunting, normally 20+ days a year. My 8 year old FL Llano still looks like new after the same usage.

 

[DirtyDusty]

I may have just gotten a bad pair. First pair of merino, so I wasn't sure what to expect out of them.