Merino wool

[MattMan81]

@ricky racer or who ever what else have you tried compared to the fishnets? I feel like I am always looking for the ultimate under garment. Last few years I have used the under armour fleece base layer. I feel it has done a good job. But still feel like there can be improvement. I know I will heat up even more with the saddle set up than going up stands. Is that stuff noisy? Or pretty quiet?
Has anyone tried it compared to the Merino wool?
Wish I had the time and money to try all the options.

 

[ricky racer]

@ricky racer or who ever what else have you tried compared to the fishnets? I feel like I am always looking for the ultimate under garment. Last few years I have used the under armour fleece base layer. I feel it has done a good job. But still feel like there can be improvement. I know I will heat up even more with the saddle set up than going up stands. Is that stuff noisy? Or pretty quiet?
Has anyone tried it compared to the Merino wool?
Wish I had the time and money to try all the options.

Pull that fleece or merino wool base layer over fishnets and you'll really notice a difference. The fleece/wool will stay drier and do it's job better. The fishnets let your perspiration evaporate like it's supposed to instead of having the fleece/wool hold the moisture against your skin. Also, it will create tiny little air pockets under the fleece adding to the total insulation value. I've never heard of undies of any kind making noise...

 

[Boomah21]

The fishnets take a little to get use to (at least it did me) but it works incredibly well...I stayed so much warmer wearing them then with out.

 

[Boomah21]

Oh but u might get looks at deer camp lol

 

[sojourner]

Well, I threw my hat into the ring with brynje fishnets. I ordered the merino wool ones. I spoke to a rep and he said that the merino wool fishnets has the same heat retention as the non merino wool. He also said they are stretchy (they are) and they fight the BO funk better. I tried them on and they are stretchy and comfortable.

I wanted to try the wiggys, but they don’t stretch and trying to talk to him with questions is less than a stellar experience. I still love my lamilite from wiggys.

I’ll see how the brynje fishnets do and reevaluate after the season. Maybe if I sell enough unused kit, I’ll try the wiggys fishnets.

 

[GCTerpfan]

Well, I threw my hat into the ring with brynje fishnets. I ordered the merino wool ones. I spoke to a rep and he said that the merino wool fishnets has the same heat retention as the non merino wool. He also said they are stretchy (they are) and they fight the BO funk better. I tried them on and they are stretchy and comfortable.

I wanted to try the wiggys, but they don’t stretch and trying to talk to him with questions is less than a stellar experience. I still love my lamilite from wiggys.

I’ll see how the brynje fishnets do and reevaluate after the season. Maybe if I sell enough unused kit, I’ll try the wiggys fishnets.

I'm interested in your thoughts after you get them. I've been on the fence with fishnets, I like the idea of merino fishnets.

 

[mtsrunner]

Well, I threw my hat into the ring with brynje fishnets. I ordered the merino wool ones. I spoke to a rep and he said that the merino wool fishnets has the same heat retention as the non merino wool. He also said they are stretchy (they are) and they fight the BO funk better. I tried them on and they are stretchy and comfortable.

I wanted to try the wiggys, but they don’t stretch and trying to talk to him with questions is less than a stellar experience. I still love my lamilite from wiggys.

I’ll see how the brynje fishnets do and reevaluate after the season. Maybe if I sell enough unused kit, I’ll try the wiggys fishnets.

[mention]sojourner [/mention] did you get the regular wool thermomesh or the light version? The regular has an insert in the shoulders (knees for pants) that should be good for durability, but the inserts could also negate the reason you wear mesh (airflow/moisture transfer)

 

[Plebe]

I’ve bought pieces from First Lite, Meriwool, LL Bean, and Icebreaker.

Honestly, there appears to be only minuscule differences in quality/durability between most of these. With that said, my icebreaker has been the first to wear out, and feels thinner than the same weight/GSI in LL bean crestawool but I’ve owned/used/laundered the icebreaker longer/more than the others.

Of the ones listed here, the sizing is good on all of them for me except the LL Bean crestawool which ran short in the torso.

Comfort is subjective as well, but for me, First Lite is the clear winner in this category, but not by an astronomical margin. Worth the difference in price? Having it in a camo pattern is worth it for me, even though camo patterns are not necessary to kill deer.

Honestly, I have been very impressed with the Meriwool, and plan to buy more of there stuff. this would definitely be my “best budget” pick.

Ultimately if I were to rate my satisfaction among these, I would say:
FL>Meriwool>icebreaker>ll bean

I've run First Lite for a long time, and I would agree that the comfort of my merino base layers is unmatched in wool. But, my experience is that they haven't been all that durable. I don't know how their current product line relates to what I have, so maybe that isn't relavent anymore. I have one thicker FL full zip that is just indestructible.

I have to agree with the camo statement. This may not Be relevant for all hunters, but I'll share an experience from last year that leads me to prefer camo over solid:

Hunting some public pretty deep in I was surprised over a day and a half how many other hunters stumbled upon my position....several setting up shop within a stones throw. Well, frustration got the better of me and I climbed down and packed up to relocate.

Typically I have my FL ASAT baselayers on, and pack my outerwear when not on stand so I don't overheat. That day, I had changed to an all black Scentlok baselayer bottom because I was damp with sweat when I arrived at that spot and wanted to be warm and dry. Who needs camo when it's hidden under camo right?

Well, I started on my way to a new destination but paused about 30yds from where I was hunting to scan down into a bowl before continuing and was startled by a big buck running right at me. I was dead still, and that buck ended up picking me out and hauling off leaving a doe he must have been working.

I'll never be in that bucks head to know for sure, but the wind was totally in my favor and he got within 20yds of me before changing course. I think my black baselayer bottoms gave me away and that was that.

I'll be in camo baselayers from now on.

 

[sojourner]

I'm interested in your thoughts after you get them. I've been on the fence with fishnets, I like the idea of merino fishnets.

I received them. I just tried them on for fit. Have not worn out in the field yet. Been super hectic at work. They will get their usage from rut onto late season.

They are soft, stretchy and comfortable. The reinforced sections appear to be thin merino wool. Not concerned with that with regard to efficacy.

I spoke with a customer rep guy named Keegan (SP?) and I asked if i should be wearing anything under the shirt and Longs and he recommended their boxer shorts. He also recommended the boxer shorts in one size down. I did that. I am really impressed with the boxer shorts wrt to fit and comfort. In fact I just ordered more pairs of the boxer shorts before replying here (saddle hunter effect and all ).

I’ll try to remember to update after I get some time out in the field in cold weather.

 

[blt348]

Meriwool is my favorite brand merino due to comfort, cost and durability! No stink, stay cool, stay warm, what else could you want in a base layer garment? Check out meriwool briefs....super comfortable and can wear them for days in the backwoods without stink! I love me some merino!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[sojourner]

[mention]sojourner [/mention] did you get the regular wool thermomesh or the light version? The regular has an insert in the shoulders (knees for pants) that should be good for durability, but the inserts could also negate the reason you wear mesh (airflow/moisture transfer)

The regular wool thermo mesh.

I thought that same thing also. I was told by customer rep Keegan that there was no perceptible difference wrt heat. I figure out this way, worse case scenario, the shoulders , knees and crotch will be just like wearing regular merino wool.

My plans are to wear the fishnets, then a light merino underlayer or mid weight merino underlayer on top of that.

 

[GCTerpfan]

The regular wool thermo mesh.

I thought that same thing also. I was told by customer rep Keegan that there was no perceptible difference wrt heat. I figure out this way, worse case scenario, the shoulders , knees and crotch will be just like wearing regular merino wool.

My plans are to wear the fishnets, then a light merino underlayer or mid weight merino underlayer on top of that.

@sojourner , Had a chance to use these yet? Thoughts? I am about to pull the trigger but, I am torn on the Merino fishnets or the Super Thermo poly fishnets. My thoughts are the merino will fight odor better but, the poly wont absorb any moisture so would make you feel drier.

 

[sojourner]

@sojourner , Had a chance to use these yet? Thoughts? I am about to pull the trigger but, I am torn on the Merino fishnets or the Super Thermo poly fishnets. My thoughts are the merino will fight odor better but, the poly wont absorb any moisture so would make you feel drier.

I am sorry, but I have only been out a handful of times (some non-serious health issues). And none of the days required merino. Heck I was out three times last week and hunted in the 50s and 60s. Not common for PA.

I’ll be going out tomorrow through Saturday, and it looks like. Ore warm weather. I do get after it for late season, and when that gives me field time, I will definitely update.

I would choose the merino just so I would not be a stinky mess. Merino still retains warmth when wet. I sweat a lot. For most of the season, I put on and take off my base layers at the tree. I do this to alleviate any sweating.

 

[Allegheny Tom]

I use both Icebreaker and Minus 33, no complaints about either. I'll watch ebay auctions throughout the year and pick up used pieces really cheap. I'm sure the other brands are also fine, just pay attention to the merino percentage. Some will say it's merino, but only use 30%. I look for 80%+.

Last year I also started using Brynje mesh base layers as my next to skin. It seems ridiculous, but they make a huge difference. I sweat less and stay warm with less layers.

Those Brynje look really interesting.
I bought so net underwear from Wiggy last year and I hated it. Wiggy requires you to speak with him before you order to confirm you are ordering the proper size, so I did speak with him. When they came, the bottoms were not even usable because the cuff would not fit over my heel/ankle to even put them on! The uppers were just plain uncomfortable.
And returns were a pain. Restocking charges were outrageous so I just exchanged for a vest...which took forever to receive.
I'd still like to try some nets, care to comment further on the Brynje?

 

[Waylon mark]

I've been singing the praises of fishnet base layers for years but it seems no one is interested in it because the guys on TV or YouTube don't push the stuff. I've used fishnets for decades to keep me warm in Michigan. It's nice to see someone else figured it out and is reaping the benefits of fishnets. I wear Wiggy's fishnets.

Fishnet Long Underwear

Manufacturer of the finest sleeping bags and outdoor gear in the world. Nothing keeps you you warm & dry in cold, wet conditions like Wiggy's!

www.wiggys.com

I've been really interested in these ,even for work ,running purlins on a 81' wide 20' tall in 18 degree weather is cold but still always sweat and get clammy and cold then sick if this truly keeps sweat of skin and the 2nd layer doesnt soak it up I'm all in .it just sounds really weird

 

[Chimney7]

I read the OPs post and that was about it. It made me think of something I've said here before and I'll say again, hopefully someone can find it helpful.

Just because it's not camo doesnt mean it's not great outdoor gear. L.L. bean, Eddie bauer's, patagonia, rei, and a lot of others make phenomenal outdoor gear. They just dont market to hunters.

 

[ricky racer]

I've been really interested in these ,even for work ,running purlins on a 81' wide 20' tall in 18 degree weather is cold but still always sweat and get clammy and cold then sick if this truly keeps sweat of skin and the 2nd layer doesnt soak it up I'm all in .it just sounds really weird

It doesn't keep sweat off of your skin, it allows your sweat to evaporate instead of being absorbed by your base layers (second layer) and holding it next to your skin.

 

[HappyChappy]

Meriwool is my favorite brand merino due to comfort, cost and durability! No stink, stay cool, stay warm, what else could you want in a base layer garment? Check out meriwool briefs....super comfortable and can wear them for days in the backwoods without stink! I love me some merino!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Meriwool boxers are the most comfortable underbritches I’ve ever worn.
Get a pair or two, and your fruit will thank you.

 

[WestGoesEast]

The first light stuff is a merino blend. How does it hold up in the washing?Does it shrink or lose its shape?

Because First Lite is a merino blend, I have never had an issue with shrinking (insert joke here). Not saying you should wash it all the time, basically I wash it maybe two to three times per season (once after elk season, once at the end of archery season in January). It is mostly merino so it won't hold scent as much as synthetics, so you won't need to wash often. I have had my set for 4 years now, killed everything in it. I used to wash it cold then air dry, now I don't even worry about it, just regular wash and dry.

 

[Anobody]

Black ovis wool is nice and a on camo fire all the time