Merino wool base layer

[Yellowriver]

I know this has been asked alot but here it goes again. Best merino base layer for ne Iowa bow hunting, late muzzy and ice fishing. I know that’s a wide range but that’s what it’s going to be worn for. Trying to stay under 125 bucks for top and bottom. Thanks in advance.

 

[ChrisAU]

IMO the best merino is First Lite. However, with a $125 tops budget I'd go Black Ovis. I tend to like a really light merino base layer and then layer with synthetics on top of that for warmth. With that philosophy you could get into First Lite once the sale goes public tomorrow possibly.

 

[OldGrayJB]

Some of this is personal preference. A lot of guys don't like the cheap stuff you can get at REI because it makes them itch. Others don't have a problem with it. I've had good results with the Blackovis stuff. It's probably the best for the money.

 

[5MilesBack]

My question is........are you going to be sweating a lot on that Iowa hunt and hunting in the same base layers for days on end without washing them? If not I'd use synthetic base layers. Merino excels with a lot of exertion and when you're wearing the same clothes day after day. I've never found merino to be all that warm. So if warmth is what you're after I'd try synthetic polar weight.

 

[manitou1]

Black Ovis has served me well. I run a lot of it. You probably want the heavier weight ones for sitting.
When immobile, I use the heavier Black Ovis merino with a grid fleece mid layer, then top layer.

 

[bruno59]

I have using the black ovis merino for a couple years now just keep looking on camofire and it will be on sale maybe once a week for the price point you can't beat it

 

[Mule3006Elk]

Merino base. I use FL. Never used another so nothing to compare it to. Very comfortable no itch.

Merino is frail so you caution if you're brush busting. You will get tears or snags at some point.

I use merino as a base then a Sitka synthetic over it. Still breaths well and protects the merino.

 

[Yellowriver]

Yep I sweat. Bow hunting is short walks. Late muzzy is some drives hour plus walk or half hour walk in knee deep snow Then sitting. Ice fishing is mile plus dragging sled of gear. In all cases I carry a coat for after I cool off. I try not to wash my stuff to much. Always hangs in basement with 78 degrees and low humidity. Have seen Black orvis on camo fire. Just not heard much about them.

 

[Tbone58]

I want to try the black ovis. I’ve heard good things. They say it’s more of an athletic fit. Which I think Would be fine. I personally like first lite. Buy once cry once. I still have the same stuff from 7 years ago and use it in similar ways.

 

[Dtp465]

Catch black ovis on sale like others have said and it will serve you well.

 

[Michael17]

I would also look into the MidwayUSA brand merino. It softer and more comfortable than Black Ovis and very reasonably priced. They aren’t always available, but in my experience it is the best value merino out there.

 

[Oregonboy]

I’ve had both FL and Black Ovis and I think the FL is better made and more comfortable. I believe they’re having a 20% off sale starting tomorrow. Extend your budget a tad and you won’t be sorry.

 

[Ddog]

FL is the best, but with that budget I'd look at LL Bean. $60 a piece on sale right now for 200 weight stuff.

 

[RCB]

Look on amazon for generic merino wool shirts and base layers. There’s a handful of suppliers that make good stuff at a lower price. I had good luck with minus33 (mid weight long johns) but I’m sure others work too. I have a merino wool neck gaiter from first lite; it seems no different to me.

 

[toddh]

Smartwool has stuff on sale for around $50 a piece right now.

 

[324matt]

I like the filson 280g merino. Its great!

 

[gearguywb]

Does Black Ovid have a discount code for RS members?

Looking at their stuff as well as FL

 

[ChrisAU]

Does Black Ovid have a discount code for RS members?

Looking at their stuff as well as FL

Rokslide10

 

[gearguywb]

That code didnt work for me.

 

[AZ_J]

I second or third or whatever any and all things Black Ovis Merino. I have lightweight and midweight tops and bottoms and they do the trick for me in AZ for whatever climate I am in.