Merino wool

Joined
Feb 25, 2014
Messages
2,416
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Pennsylvania
First lite merino is my choice. Fit is good for me. As far as durability if you are breaking brush or in briars it will get trashed.
Its an undergarment and i treat it as such.
I tried black ovis and fit was aweful for me.
 
Joined
Nov 6, 2017
Messages
587
Location
WA
Sales at Voormi only happen rarely and don't typically save a ton over their regular prices, unfortunately.

My River Run hoodie says 52% Merino 48% Polyester. My heavier weight High-E Hoodie is 42% Merino, 31% Polyester, 25% Nylon and 2% Lycra.

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How do you like that High-E hoodie? What's the inner fabric like?
 

twall13

WKR
Joined
Jan 21, 2015
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2,735
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Utah
How do you like that High-E hoodie? What's the inner fabric like?
I really like the High-E hoodies. I like them enough that I own two of them (one in camo and one in a solid color). It is a heavier weight than most grid fleece mid layers so I don't typically pack it unless I'm going to be wearing it more than packing it. In the winter I get a lot of use out of them as they breath well and are warm. The inner fabric is sort of like a grid type fabric. Here's a photo for reference of what it's like in the body and arms. The hood and upper chest/back is a softer mesh fabric (the gray fabric photo).
420649e4d7f1f269fcde017e678d1344.jpg
314a284ddf870d5bba5d130311884c21.jpg


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Joined
Nov 6, 2017
Messages
587
Location
WA
I really like the High-E hoodies. I like them enough that I own two of them (one in camo and one in a solid color). It is a heavier weight than most grid fleece mid layers so I don't typically pack it unless I'm going to be wearing it more than packing it. In the winter I get a lot of use out of them as they breath well and are warm. The inner fabric is sort of like a grid type fabric. Here's a photo for reference of what it's like in the body and arms. The hood and upper chest/back is a softer mesh fabric (the gray fabric photo).
420649e4d7f1f269fcde017e678d1344.jpg
314a284ddf870d5bba5d130311884c21.jpg


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Thank you, much appreciated!

I’m on the fence about picking one up as my one and only mid layer. I’m too hot (on the move) to wear anything more than a t-shirt until the temps hit the 30’s, might be perfect or might be too heavy…
 
Joined
Nov 28, 2021
Messages
17
The durability of my Black Ovis and Core4Element merino was not very good. Kuiu and so far SG have been durable. I stay away from cheap merino now.
Interesting, I’ve actually found the Black Ovis to be very durable for me. I think it’s one of the rare values you can find in merino.
Sales at Voormi only happen rarely and don't typically save a ton over their regular prices, unfortunately.

My River Run hoodie says 52% Merino 48% Polyester. My heavier weight High-E Hoodie is 42% Merino, 31% Polyester, 25% Nylon and 2% Lycra.

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Yes, Voormi is crazy expensive and sales are usually just 5-10% off with very few choices remaining. That said, it’s probably my favorite brand. I own about a dozen Voormi pieces and I bought all of them but one on eBay. It’s worth it though, even used.
 

g_man

FNG
Joined
Nov 7, 2024
Messages
3
I always wear merino as a base layer than throw some wool garment over the top of it to layer. I’m a fan of duckworth and minus 33. They make some quality products
 

Block

WKR
Joined
Nov 13, 2018
Messages
557
My first few attempts at wearing merino led me to swear I was a synthetic guy for life. ITCHY city with some brands. Eventually gave first light a try and that’s all I wear now. Love their merino. You can literally wear the compression shorts or long sleeve for days in the back country and not feel sticky or smell.. 1/2 a days hike in synthetic and ur balls are brutal…
 

Bump79

WKR
Joined
Oct 5, 2020
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The durability of my Black Ovis and Core4Element merino was not very good. Kuiu and so far SG have been durable. I stay away from cheap merino now.
I've got to say - I picked up a Kuiu 145 and the durability has been already significantly worse. It's has a real knack for getting holes in it. I wouldn't put it remotely on the same level of even the Core4element or Black Ovis. Interesting how people can come to different conclusions.
 
Last edited:
Joined
Jul 30, 2015
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Lenexa, KS
I've got to say - I picked up a Kuiu 145 and the durability has been already significantly worse. It's has a real knack for getting holes in it. I wouldn't put it remotely on the same level of even the Core4element or Black Ovis. Interesting how people can come to different conclusions.

I think people selling textiles change the product far more often than we realize. And they either do that by changing specifications or changing manufacturers. No one is making their own stuff. They can't control variation. I have two pairs of pants, same size same model, different colors, fit differently.

Back to merino, I think a 90/10 merino/nylon blend is what I'm after. I wouldn't ever buy 100% merino anything.
 

Bump79

WKR
Joined
Oct 5, 2020
Messages
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I think people selling textiles change the product far more often than we realize. And they either do that by changing specifications or changing manufacturers. No one is making their own stuff. They can't control variation. I have two pairs of pants, same size same model, different colors, fit differently.

Back to merino, I think a 90/10 merino/nylon blend is what I'm after. I wouldn't ever buy 100% merino anything.
Fair - that could be the issue. I've seen the same issue with the FL Corrugate pants, I can't destroy mine and others say they are fragile. Mine are 8 years old now and I wear them on nearly every hunt in difficult conditions.

Personally, I think I like the poly/merino blends best. Polyester dries faster than nylon as it absorbs less moisture to start with. I might be trying these:

 
Joined
Sep 28, 2018
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2,230
Location
VA
Kuiu and first light make a good merino garment. Just depends on intended purpose

I really like my Origin Merino hoodie/mid layer.

60% is probably the lowest percentage I'd get on a merino garment
 
Joined
Nov 18, 2024
Messages
2
I absolutely love my Voormi gear, can’t say enough great things about their grid merino. As others mention, it is very expensive, and their manufacturing schedule is a real mystery. I have been waiting for a Sportsman’s hoodie for 3-4 years now, no luck.
 

twall13

WKR
Joined
Jan 21, 2015
Messages
2,735
Location
Utah
I absolutely love my Voormi gear, can’t say enough great things about their grid merino. As others mention, it is very expensive, and their manufacturing schedule is a real mystery. I have been waiting for a Sportsman’s hoodie for 3-4 years now, no luck.
I've been waiting for a Sportsman's hoodie for about a year now as well. Hoping to have it for a 2025 moose hunt. When I asked they said they had plans to make some in their Blowdown pattern. I'd love one in that or Bourbon color if they ever make it available again.

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