Merino tops getting holes

[Rwill]

I have a couple merino tops Kuiu specifically, and they are turning up with holes all over them, like freakin expensive swiss cheese. Am I just a total rookie and there is some kind of merino eating insect that eats only that and nothing else? Anyone else have this issue? I love my Kuiu gear especially my new Yukon jacket!

 

[sodaksooner]

Probably a moth of some sort. Store them in a drawer with some cedar.

 

[doverpack12]

I have a first lite shirt that has the same problem. I left it on the floor for awhile and it got holes all over. I sewed those up and washed it put the shirt away and the next time I took it out I had more holes. No idea why or how, didn't affect the merino shirts above or below it in the tub. That first lite shirt is from 2011 if I remember correctly. The holes first appeared in fall 2012 or early 2013.

 

[Huntr]

I have experienced the same, although not with my Minus 33 tops. All I use now.

 

[Backpack Hunter]

Never had it happen, although I have heard of it. Have you contacted the manufacturer?

 

[tipsntails7]

Moths love merino... Mine goes in rubber made totes

 

[goldenarrow]

It's moths eating the wool. My kuiu shirt came with a tag that said to store it sealed in plastic. I just keep them in a ziplock bag.

 

[Rwill]

No I haven't contacted Kuiu, It's super weird that it doesn't happen with the other stuff I have. Merino socks etc. just like doverpack12 said it seems like every time I pick it up there are more holes. I'll get with Kuiu and let you guys know what they say.. I did have the top in my ceder drawer after I first got it it's been in my pack and gear pile through deer season.

 

[Rwill]

Huh I guess my merino will live in plastic from now on Thanks for the tip

 

[Stresd]

Had the holes happen to one of my tops that I accidentally left out. Since then I make a point of storing in plastic freezer bags in a cedar trunk. No holes in any of my Merino since then.

 

[Poser]

As a precaution, you can wash them, dry them, stick them in the freezer for 24 hours before storing them. That will ensure that the moth larva have been killed.
I apparently picked some larva up while hunting in CO in Sept. I had washed my base layers when I got back home, but when I got them back out once it cooled down here in Oct, I had some holes as well.

 

[Steeliedrew]

I have two kuiu ultra merino shirts. Both developed a number of holes after a 4 day September elk hunt. The holes happen to be where my pack belt rides so I assume it's from the pack belt sitting there. Although I don't believe the belt is moving around much at all causing wear on the shirts.

My first lite red dessert boxers also developed a giant hole in the butthole area too after that trip. Those base layers were all new before the trip. I'm pretty confident the hole in the boxers was caused by the amount of hiking I did over the week but man what a disappointment. we sure pay a premium for merino gear! I'd hate to think I'll have to buy new layers each year. I store mine in a Plano container.

 

[FreeRange]

I love the light weight of my Kuiu 125 LS but it is very susceptible to tearing on brush. My icebreaker merino is so much tougher but heavier weight. There's a trade off. Lightweight merino for the warm season, holes just make it cooler and help to break up your profile right? My core4 lightweight merino has actually held up better than the kuiu. Just got a firstlite llano, curious to see how it holds up.

 

[ACC]

Mice can damage your merino also, I had a brand new pair of core4 chewed up bad one nite while sleeping.
They could also be responsible for some of the small holes you may get.

 

[5MilesBack]

Just got a firstlite llano, curious to see how it holds up.

I've had a couple FL Llano's for about 6 or 7 years, and they're perfectly fine. Merino won't hold up to brush or such as an outer garment, but holds up just fine as a base layer. Except the lowers, they still seem to take a beating even under camo pants.

 

[Where's Bruce?]

Probably not moths...I have the same experience and keep all my gear is those big ScentAway ziplock bags. Merino degrades...especially when you wash it. Gentle cycle, cold water and hang dry. It'll still dregrade but the process will take a bit longer. A small hole here or there is no biggie, still keeps ya comfy.

 

[5MilesBack]

Probably not moths...I have the same experience and keep all my gear is those big ScentAway ziplock bags. Merino degrades...especially when you wash it. Gentle cycle, cold water and hang dry. It'll still dregrade but the process will take a bit longer. A small hole here or there is no biggie, still keeps ya comfy.

Maybe it's the detergent some are using? Like I said, I've been using mine for 6-7 years now without any holes. I use Sport Wash.

 

[Brock A]

One of my old Kuiu Merino tops had a few holes in it. I couldn't figure out why until I was looking at them while wearing my backpack. Everywhere a buckle, slider bar or any hardware touched my shirt while hiking had a small hole.

 

[CrabbyMcNab]

My minus33 developed holes which I assumed were from the pack straps and heavy loads. But then I noticed the holes under the arm pits.
Only on one shirt though, not the others.

 

[VernAK]

I've had it happen also.....the mice and voles will quickly chew holes in your merino if left on the ground briefly.