Fishnet base layers. They work, and you want them.

[Windrunner17]

I just bought some wool pants from varusteleka and thought it was odd I had to pay a customs fee I never had to pay before. That must be the same tariff. Almost reconsidered buying them with the extra money.

That’s a bummer considering the Aclima Woolnets are basically my biggest must have for hunting gear, but I have enough to last for now.

 

[omicron1792]

It’s not tariff related. UPS and other companies are charging import duties and people think it’s tariffs.

I orders some gun parts from Germany for 800. UPS tried to charge me 800 dollars as import fee. I fought it and had it removed but probably took 12 hours of my time on the phone and emails.

 

[DirtyTerp1]

It’s not tariff related. UPS and other companies are charging import duties and people think it’s tariffs.

I orders some gun parts from Germany for 800. UPS tried to charge me 800 dollars as import fee. I fought it and had it removed but probably took 12 hours of my time on the phone and emails.

Interesting. Might throw an email their way, I picked them over fedex because my local driver is better.

 

[Dobermann]

Is there something about them that justifies paying twice what you’d pay for Aclima?

No idea. And I don't think they've come up in a thread here yet (couldn't find 'DFND' in a search).

I think they were mentioned on an Exo podcast a few months back, and we've just been waiting until they were available on their website. Problem is that they haven't announced this via their email newsletter - so who knows if what they have in stock now is just a limited military over-run as we'd been told, or if they're now a permanent line.

Either way, someone needs to try them ...

@Formidilosus @fwafwow? We need your bodies for science.

 

[fwafwow]

It’s not tariff related. UPS and other companies are charging import duties and people think it’s tariffs.

I orders some gun parts from Germany for 800. UPS tried to charge me 800 dollars as import fee. I fought it and had it removed but probably took 12 hours of my time on the phone and emails.

This could vary by country, timing and product. I ordered stuff from Italy some time ago - no tariff. After the tariffs were imposed, I bought again and UPS charged a broker fee - and the tariff (although it might have been listed as "customs duty"). The seller knew and had warned of a 15% tariff, but it was significantly higher.

Others experienced the same from Varuste - https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/varuste-tariffs.427611/

Finally, if you buy something and get hit with the tariff, you may be able to reduce the UPS broker fee, at least if you have an existing account with UPS. I was prompted in advance of delivery the option to pre-pay and they dropped the broker fee from ~$27 to $15.

 

[fwafwow]

Either way, someone needs to try them ...

@Formidilosus @fwafwow? We need your bodies for science.

I was thinking of pulling the trigger. They did look a little more substantial (but I didn't spend the time to compare fabric weights or weave width - if that's even a thing). The color was a little cooler too, but not as practical/flexible. Black is classic. It works well at the clubs - but probably more ideal for someone in better shape.

I'm not listening to that podcast, but if the day tomorrow is slow, I could see me searching for some reviews on them.

@Dobermann - did you ever order the t-shirt version?

 

[Dobermann]

It works well at the clubs - but probably more ideal for someone in better shape.

I'm not listening to that podcast, but if the day tomorrow is slow, I could see me searching for some reviews on them.

@Dobermann - did you ever order the t-shirt version?

I just spat chocolate over my keyboard. You owe me.

No idea what podcast it was ... maybe about 4-6 months ago??

I haven't ordered any DFND yet...

 

[fwafwow]

I just spat chocolate over my keyboard. You owe me.

No idea what podcast it was ... maybe about 4-6 months ago??

I haven't ordered any DFND yet...

Hold my beer

 

[id_jon]

If they had my size I'd order. 100% wool and made in USA justifies that price to me

 

[fwafwow]

If they had my size I'd order. 100% wool and made in USA justifies that price to me

I was thinking the same thing. The single review on their site is not great. And there seem to be no reviews from writers etc. - yet. I’m on the fence. But maybe for science.

 

[Dobermann]

I was thinking the same thing. The single review on their site is not great. And there seem to be no reviews from writers etc. - yet. I’m on the fence. But maybe for science.

Maybe @ExoMtnGear can comment. I'm pretty sure it was Steve who discussed DFND on a podcast ...

But yes, science.

 

[sndmn11]

Wool that isn't merino sounds itchy

 

[fwafwow]

Wool that isn't merino sounds itchy

I didn't catch that.

 

[Ajsomp]

DFND is 25% off right now for Black Friday

 

[FZMT]

It’s not tariff related. UPS and other companies are charging import duties and people think it’s tariffs.

I orders some gun parts from Germany for 800. UPS tried to charge me 800 dollars as import fee. I fought it and had it removed but probably took 12 hours of my time on the phone and emails.

On 7/30/25 the federal government removed/suspended the previous “de minimis exemption” that allowed people importing $800 or less to avoid paying tariffs. In doing so, the exemption also ‘exempted’ importers from filing the paperwork required to actually pay the tariff.

Unless the sender fills out the import/tariff paperwork (that must be done now that the de minimis exemption was removed) and pays the tariffs companies like UPS are forced to fill out the paperwork and pay the tariffs themselves.

The “processing fee” charged by UPS/FedEx/etc is massive, often greater than the tariff itself.

Barring reinstatement of the de minimis exemption, the best solution is for the sender to pay the tariff and fill out the paperwork on behalf of the customer. This way, you may pay the tariff but you avoid the “processing fee”.

I believe Varustereleka offers the option to have them pay the tariff (and file the paperwork) in advance and pass the cost on to you, which is great because it would potentially save the buyer significant UPS/FedEx fees. Hopefully Varuste follows suit.

 

[fwafwow]

I believe Varustereleka offers the option to have them pay the tariff (and file the paperwork) in advance and pass the cost on to you, which is great because it would potentially save the buyer significant UPS/FedEx fees. Hopefully Varuste follows suit.

This is a great suggestion/hope. Thanks for the post. You prompted me to see what is on sale at Varusteleka.

Wow - this is a (seemingly) very clear explanation of the tariffs and how they are handling.