Merino wool

[Brian Fahs]

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.

 

[johnnytheboy]

Huge difference, devoldand Byrne are night and day better than anything else!

 

[The Ri Guy]

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]

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).

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[The Ri Guy]

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).

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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…

 

[*zap*]

lightweight hoodies are where it is at for the active cooler temp wear.....

 

[grantonean]

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]

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]

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]

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.

 

[35WhelenAI]

Minus 33 is good for me. I am 6'11" tall (yeah, no lie) and their XL tall sizes are right on the money.

 

[Dos Perros]

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]

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:

Men's Ridgeline Half Zip Hoodie (Black)

At Born Primitive Outdoor, our mission is to provide you with technical gear, to tackle any challenge you encounter. These products are the direct result of our collective experiences. We painstakingly research and field test every piece of apparel to uncompromising standards.

bornprimitiveoutdoor.com

 

[doc holiday13]

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

 

[Greenheadsmt]

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]

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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