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base layers

L

Laker

New Member
Joined
Jan 7, 2015
Messages
26
I am looking at replacing my current base layers with something new. I do not need it to be activated carbon (I wear that as my outer layer) and really would be prefer it not carbon. Base layers are worn against the skin and will need regular washing. I would like advice on what is the best option for staying warm and can stand up to use/ abuse / and regular washing. I want warmest available without bulk.
 
Laker said:
I am looking at replacing my current base layers with something new. I do not need it to be activated carbon (I wear that as my outer layer) and really would be prefer it not carbon. Base layers are worn against the skin and will need regular washing. I would like advice on what is the best option for staying warm and can stand up to use/ abuse / and regular washing. I want warmest available without bulk.
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I started using merino as base layers 2 years ago & will never go back. Just keep your eyes out for good deals. I have first lite & pnuma wool bases now. It doesn’t stink & isn’t as tight as compression poly style base layers.
 
X2 on not going back and wait for deals. I got mine from Minus33 a couple of years ago. It has held up quite well. Many washes and still looks new
 
Same for me. After purchasing First Lite I'll never go back to Under Armour. If you're spending long days in a tree you can't beat the comfort and warmth of merino base layers and socks. I wear FITS merino wool socks and I can wring sweat out at night and the next morning there will be no odor.

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swampsnyper said:
Winter sale at kuiu.
http://www.kuiu.com/search?cgid=winter-sale&trk_msg=T5B1LAN4DLO4L9AAF19U8L83E8&trk_contact=85J8IBQS2M1V9NJ64TIJRHDREO&trk_sid=FF1QCES5AK3QMUSUCMBMH59DIS&bxid=04BA847134B2B421D4B75421B5&utm_source=Listrak&utm_medium=Email&utm_term=http://www.kuiu.com/search?cgid=winter-sale&utm_campaign=Winter+Sale+Jan+5th+–+9th+• Save+Up+to+50%+Off+Select+Products+and+Colors


I have the merino and synthetic. If I’m going sit in a blind or on the ground I use the merino. If I’m gonna be exerting energy I go synthetic.
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what does the merino offer that synthetic doesn't and viceaversa? Price different?
For bowhutning, what I really desire is to wear the base layers and then my activated carbon suit over that. I would ideally want to eliminate all my mid layers that I have relied on because i needed the extra warmth. In order to do that I think i need a superior base in terms of warmth. From what i am thinking, that means merino?
 
Laker said:
what does the merino offer that synthetic doesn't and viceaversa? Price different?
For bowhutning, what I really desire is to wear the base layers and then my activated carbon suit over that. I would ideally want to eliminate all my mid layers that I have relied on because i needed the extra warmth. In order to do that I think i need a superior base in terms of warmth. From what i am thinking, that means merino?
Click to expand...

I don’t think a base layer is ever going to be warm enough to eliminate mid layers. It’s just part of a layering system. That depends on where you are and time of year though. I’m talking about around freezing and lower.
 
This year I tried cabelas e.c.w.c.s.
Polar weight thermals.
Layered with a fleece 1/4 zip jacket ****ies jeans over on bottom then insulated walls coveralls not an extremely heavy set and a baclava
I have not gotten cold in 0- 5 below winds under 10 mph . Hands and feet are a different story. Huge improvement over under armour cold gear. Sound like merino wool is next on my list.
Has anyone used kuiu down jackets or pants? What was the noise level ?


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Iowabucksnbass said:
This year I tried cabelas e.c.w.c.s.
Polar weight thermals.
Layered with a fleece 1/4 zip jacket ****ies jeans over on bottom then insulated walls coveralls not an extremely heavy set and a baclava
I have not gotten cold in 0- 5 below winds under 10 mph . Hands and feet are a different story. Huge improvement over under armour cold gear. Sound like merino wool is next on my list.
Has anyone used kuiu down jackets or pants? What was the noise level ?


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Those Cabela’s polar weight was not breathable for me and I’d build up a sweat. I have a kuiu down vest that I use as a mid layer and I like it. I was thinking of getting a down set for a mid layer. It’s too expensive to use as an outer layer in my woods. It would get tore apart. YouTube reviews say it’s too noisy as an outer layer for bow hunting. I’d imagine it is.
 
swampsnyper said:
Those Cabela’s polar weight was not breathable for me and I’d build up a sweat. I have a kuiu down vest that I use as a mid layer and I like it. I was thinking of getting a down set for a mid layer. It’s too expensive to use as an outer layer in my woods. It would get tore apart. YouTube reviews say it’s too noisy as an outer layer for bow hunting. I’d imagine it is.
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Thanks swampsnyper!


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Iowabucksnbass said:
This year I tried cabelas e.c.w.c.s.
Polar weight thermals.
Layered with a fleece 1/4 zip jacket ****ies jeans over on bottom then insulated walls coveralls not an extremely heavy set and a baclava
I have not gotten cold in 0- 5 below winds under 10 mph . Hands and feet are a different story. Huge improvement over under armour cold gear. Sound like merino wool is next on my list.
Has anyone used kuiu down jackets or pants? What was the noise level ?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
I have the kuiu puff pants. They are the same thing as any other puff jacket, just camo. They make friction noise when worn as outer layer, but midlayer under my savannah coveralls they don't make any noise that Ive had deer notice under me.

Benefit of these are packability. Puff jackets especially are something you can stuff in your pack or have it clipped to the outside somewhere in case you need it...they stuff into their own pocket making them roughly the size of 1.5 softballs, but weigh next to nothing. Downside of puff-pants for us is they need to be donned at the base of the tree or at the truck

In the end you don't want these as your outers due to the material noise, so camo isn't necessary. Buy an rei clearance jacket
 
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sb220 said:
I have the kuiu puff pants. They are the same thing as any other puff jacket, just camo. They make friction noise when worn as outer layer, but midlayer under my savannah coveralls they don't make any noise that Ive had deer notice under me.

Benefit of these are packability. Puff jackets especially are something you can stuff in your pack or have it clipped to the outside somewhere in case you need it. Pants really need to be donned at the base of the tree or at the truck (for saddles)

In the end you don't want these as your outers due to the material noise, so camo isn't necessary. Buy an rei clearance jacket
Click to expand...

Thanks


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Laker said:
what does the merino offer that synthetic doesn't and viceaversa? Price different?
For bowhutning, what I really desire is to wear the base layers and then my activated carbon suit over that. I would ideally want to eliminate all my mid layers that I have relied on because i needed the extra warmth. In order to do that I think i need a superior base in terms of warmth. From what i am thinking, that means merino?
Click to expand...

Merino for base layers are definitely the way to go. As far as what it does that synthetic doesn't, merino does not stink. It is naturally anti-microbial and does not develop the funk or odors that occur with synthetic layers. The lack of odor also means you do not need to wash it as frequently as a synthetic. This is the stuff people wear back country hunting for a week with the same layers. There is also no shine from merino, no UV signature. Merino regulates temperature better than any other material as well, it has a natural ability to warm you when cool (wool also retains a massive amount o its warmth when wet), but it also has the ability to keep you cool when the conditions are hot. It transfers moisture extremely well which allows it to evaporate and keep you cool. Now it is not the cheapest option and durability can be an issue, especially if you are wearing it as an outer layer and busting brush, but if you are sitting in a saddle then there is no reason in my mind to select a synthetic over merino wool. I use first lite for all of my hunting clothing and they are routinely touted as having the best line of merino garments. But like others said keep an eye out for sales, or scour facebook sell pages for people dumping their stuff for next years line up. These pictures are of me wearing a 145g weight merino short sleeve underneath a 230g weight merino hoodie and the temperature is probably around 80 degrees. These pictures were taken late september early october in NJ. If you are looking at eliminating your mid layers all together (I don't recommend) I would look at a base layer with at least a 230g weight, most likely a 330g weight. If you have any questions about first lite feel free to ask, I am part of their R&D staff.
 

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Fishnet undies. Now, I know everyone is trying to picture me in fishnet underwear. Stop that!! That's just weird. As crazy as it seems, fishnet underwear will add warmth to anything you wear. By simply adding fishnet underwear to what ever else I was wearing I could pick up an additional 10 degrees of comfort. I've used it for years but I need to get a new set, mine seemed to have shrunk over the years...:flushed: Now Merino wool undies with fishnet under then might be just the ticket.
I think I'm going to order these...

https://www.wiggys.com/clothing-outerwear/fishnet-long-underwear/
 
IDK if core4element is still in business but I have two of their Merino wool tops that I've been wearing very frequently hunting, outside, around the house, as a base layer. After probably hundreds of washings they are finally developing holes. Absolutely worth the money, I think I paid around $25 each for long sleeve 190 weight tops.

Merino wool completely has my vote. I wear wooly clothing company 150gsm (very lightweight) tops to work every day, and they're the only undershirt I've found that I don't stink at the end of a 12/16 hr shift.

I don't like Merino wool boxers, just not as comfortable as under armor. Otherwise Merino leggings are awesome. Can't beat Merino wool for a base and mid layer. I like Merino, fleece, top layer for active stuff.
 
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