who makes the best merino base layers

[apphunter]

What merino wool manufacturer makes the best base layers for the money? What features do you prefer and which ones do you avoid? What about a specific manufacturer has the best value?

 

[Gutpile]

I only have two. First lite and Kuiu. First lite is softer and has a more "cottony" feel. I'd pick them any day. Not saying to avoid Kuiu but it's just not as soft and comfortable.

 

[danarnold]

i HAVE sITKA,FIRST LITE,C4E,AND MINUS 33
i PREFER THE MINUS 33 MOSTLY BECAUSE ITS COMFORTABLE, BETTER VALUE ALSO

 

[castandblast]

I have been really pleased with Icebreaker Body Fit 150. It's smooth as butter after the first wash. I've been using it for three years and it's holding up great. Of course, I don't go anywhere near the dryer with it!

 

[land cruiser]

I asked this question on another forum and got a response in favor of first lite. Bought 4 items - great product.

 

[keepitwiredtight]

My favorite Merino is the stuff Filson's is selling. I have First Lite and some others and Filson's merino offerings is what I compare all the other to. I know there a lot of First Lite supports on here and I'm not trying to start a pissng match, but Filson's mid-weight shirt is comparable to wearing both the Llano and Chama by First lite (52 gram difference in FL's favor if I remember correctly) for about the price of one of the FL shirts. I can effectively handle tons of weather conditions with a Filson's base layer and a tight weave polyester layer (Sitka traverse QZ) over it. This past year's elk hunt had me wishing for this setup over the FL one that I brought.

That being said Filson's is made for outdoor activities not necessarily for the hunter. I think it could have a slightly more athletic fit and thumb hole cuffs. No camo offerings either. And I have no plans on selling my Llano it a good shirt too.

If there's one thing I've learned from this site it's.....the best product out there is the one the works best for you.

 

[gmajor]

FirstLite llano qz is my go to shirt for everything, and in the cooler seasons I use an Ibex beacon button down shirt over that. I love that beacon shirt. Ibex has some really nice wool on their baselayers too.

 

[Jason Snyder]

I have a lot of Minus33. I buy solids only. I really like the 1/4 or 1/2 zips on the tops.

 

[WestDan]

I have kuiu, first lite, and icebreaker. Really like the first lite. Kuiu isn't as comfortable.

 

[GibsonKuenzi]

Have the new kuiu nuyarn and first lite.

Kuiu is better imo. Not sure about the old stuff but the nuyarn rocks.

 

[davescarp]

all my merino is icebreaker that i get from sierra trading post pretty cheap. the quality imo is great, and is super comfortable. if you don't need camo it's a great option.

 

[rodney482]

Firstlite.... Ive stopped trying other brands

 

[duchntr]

Ibex merino for me

 

[ckleeves]

Have the new kuiu nuyarn and first lite.

Kuiu is better imo. Not sure about the old stuff but the nuyarn rocks.

The old Kuiu was decent but nothing great. I haven't got enough time in the Nuyarn to really see how durable it is but if it holds up it will be my favorite right up there with Icebreaker. I'm impressed so far with it.

 

[airlocksniffer]

My tops are First Lite for camo reasons. I have Icebreaker bottoms from STP that are really nice too.

 

[Daniel_M]

Minus 33 gets my vote, because it's more abundant on the local shelves at a cheaper price point. Plus the merino chonies can be worn for 7+ days and not smell a rotten swamp.

 

[Ross]

First lite for comfort, softness and non itch for me....the Chama gets lots of use here

 

[Slim Jim]

First lite for comfort, softness and non itch for me....

Agreed

 

[Joshmarquez]

Kuiu has a pretty sweet system with the full side zips, and surprisingly pretty comfortable.

 

[Gutpile]

The Kuiu is just not soft. I got two quarter zips (145 and 210) and the collar doesn't relax when unzipped like the First lite does and then it rubs on your chin. It's not the end of the world but I wish it didn't. Also the First lite has the thumbholes which make layering nice. I poopood that feature as being very yuppie but I really like it. The FL Chama QZ is really really nice!!!! I actually wear all of the time. Kuiu sort of doesn't feel like Merino to me. It's a little stiff and not near as soft but the fleecy layer in the 210 is interesting. I do have a theory that the camo makes the fabric a little stiffer, perhaps solids wouldn't be that way. My FL stuff is all either black or earth with one asat T shirt which isnt quite as soft as the other solid stuff.

That said I do like Kuiu. It does what it's supposed to do and it is comfortable. First lite is just a little more comforable to me.

From the two I have experience with I'd go with First lite just from a softness and comfort standpoint. It just feels like cotton.