Merino wool base layer

iashow

WKR
Joined
Aug 23, 2020
Messages
536
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.
Michael,
I am interested in your FL merino you have listed but am not able to PM you yet. If it is still available, feel free to PM me.
Thank you
 

newbie247

FNG
Joined
Dec 31, 2024
Messages
8
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.
First lite
 
Joined
May 30, 2022
Messages
6
Academysports Magellan pro for me. Catch it end of season like now and it's half off pretty much. Stock goes fast once it hits on sale though. Wear pretty much everyday from late oct. To may-june.. going on 3 years now.
 
Joined
Nov 23, 2024
Messages
16
Location
Florida
I really enjoy the Kuiu Ultra Merino 120 long sleeve. The cut and fit of it fits me well. I also have the Sitka base shirt but the cut is different and doesn't really fit me as well as the Kuiu.
 

Davyalabama

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Feb 23, 2023
Messages
164
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.
Smartwool has stuff on sale for around $50 a piece right now.
merino tech - works for me - right now it's a little more expensive on Am$%^&, don't know why. It is usually cheaper, it will go down in a few weeks, maybe days.

Merinotech does have a 40% off on their site right now.
 
Joined
Feb 26, 2024
Messages
33
For heavy weight base layers I haven't found any hunting brand on par with minus33 expedition weight 400 g/m2. I don't get those out until it gets down into the teens, we'll below freezing, for stand hunting.

For mid weight merino base layers there are hundreds of budget options. Can often find deals on camofire or go hunt sales.
 

FRANKBUCK

FNG
Joined
Dec 17, 2024
Messages
22
I am curious as to how many of our contributors have tried the Minus 33 stuff. I see ColPenguin has and seems to like it. That appears to be what Barney's recommends and sells. I just wondered if it is worth the money. I realize all Merino wool is NOT created equally and you get what you pay for regarding itch or hopefully lack thereof, durability/longevity, etc. I am considering the Expedition weight bottoms but wonder if they are going to be too heavy/hot when hiking. I generally run cold when sitting, but have no problem sweating when climbing. lol Would love to see the difference between the Expedition weight and the Mid-weight. The ideal situation would be to go somewhere and try them on, but that is difficult in today's online world. I am also looking at the expedition weight pullover. Any info would be greatly appreciated!!
 
Joined
Feb 26, 2024
Messages
33
I am curious as to how many of our contributors have tried the Minus 33 stuff. I see ColPenguin has and seems to like it.
I have the mid weight minus33 as well. Those are 235 g/m2 which I think is comparable in weight to a lot of mid weight hunting brand layers. I've had one pair of mid weight minus33 for four seasons. I wore a pinhole in one knee of the pants and stitched the pinhole and it stemmed any further tearing.

Haven't tried enough different mid weight hunting brands to compare. I haven't really seen anything as heavy as the 400 gram like what minus33 has though.

Wooly is best budget merino boxers, in my opinion. Nice and soft.

I have a Browning half zip merino hoodie that I got from camofire. Have had the stitching fray on it after a couple washes and zipper seems like it may not hold up. Would pass on it based on zipper/stitching quality.
Minus33 merino gloves are too small fit. The First Lite merino gloves have odd sized fingers. Black Ovis merino gloves are too loose. I haven't really found merino glove liners that I really like.
 

FRANKBUCK

FNG
Joined
Dec 17, 2024
Messages
22
Thanks. I had Icebreaker in the past but wasn't that impressed with it. Wore one of their shirts next to my skin for a grizzly/caribou hunt and after 8 days had skin irritation on my chest. I have never wore any merino wool boxers as I'm half afraid of the results. lol
 
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