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Joined: Feb 2003
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Campfire Outfitter
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OP
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Feb 2003
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I'm looking to buy some new merino wool base layers. Some of the prices are steep.
Activity is October elk hunting in Colorado. Temp range will likely be teens to 50. I hunt alot in this temp range in a couple of States each year so I can get multi-purpose from base layers in that range. I adjust using various base/outer layers.
What are you guys wearing that is a good value - not the cheapest but value for the dollar?
Thanks.
Adversity doesn't build character, it reveals it.
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Joined: Feb 2003
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Campfire Outfitter
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OP
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Feb 2003
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I'm also curious what sock/sock system you all are using. Been using Smartwool but wonder what else is better.
Thanks.
Adversity doesn't build character, it reveals it.
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Joined: Dec 2005
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Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
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I have merino from Kuiu, smartwool, and Ibex.
I don't notice a quality difference between them. I use the Kuiu 185 weight more than anything, and add a heavier weight top when it is colder. If moving/climbing, I'm usually stripped down to just that 185 weight top, and then layering back up when I top out or stop to glass. Bottoms are tougher to layer, and I adjust with puffy pants with full length leg zippers there.
For socks, I prefer darn tough over most everything else. That said, because my boots are mail ordered at the last minute, I use a poly liner and Carhartt boot socks (thickest ones I can find). The combination takes up enough space to get a good fit.
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Joined: Dec 2005
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Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
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Check out STP for Ice Breaker and Smartwool, I vary 180 to 260 weight depending on temps.
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Joined: Feb 2003
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Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
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Not too sound like an idiot - what is "STP"?
Adversity doesn't build character, it reveals it.
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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First Lite Chama Hoody is badass....
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Campfire Member
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Check out STP for Ice Breaker and Smartwool, I vary 180 to 260 weight depending on temps.
Im guessing Sierra Trading Post
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Joined: Feb 2003
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Campfire Outfitter
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That makes sense. Kind of funny, I was on STP when I posted that question. You'd think I would have put 2 and 2 together...........
Adversity doesn't build character, it reveals it.
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Joined: Apr 2012
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Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
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For socks, I used to use smartwool and and have moved on. I use Darn Tough as my go-to sock for all outdoor purposes...they are simply indestructible. Recently I have been using the Dahlgren alpaca wool. These are the best/warmest socks I have ever used.
Last edited by setch; 09/17/14.
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Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
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For socks, I like the REI branded wool hikers. Nothing really different over Smartwool, which I also like, but they are cheaper.
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Campfire Regular
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1st choice - first lite 2nd choice - ice breaker (can find a deal now and then which moves it to 1st choice when happens) 3rd choice - everything else
Socks - Darn tough and if going cheap cabelas branded.
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Campfire Greenhorn
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Campfire Greenhorn
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I base layer Minus 33 from head to toe during hunting season. The mid-weight stuff is super soft against the skin and it never gets the stink of synthetics. Someday I'll find some Ice Breaker on sale and try that out - looks nice as well.
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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Not too sound like an idiot - what is "STP"? I thought it was an engine oil additive. Oh well............
My home is the "sanctuary residence" for my firearms.
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Campfire Member
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MEC.ca still has a sale on some of their Merino Wool Zip-Ts. They're about as good as my Icebreaker tops for way less.
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For socks, I used to use smartwool and and have moved on. I use Darn Tough as my go-to sock for all outdoor purposes...they are simply indestructible. Recently I have been using the Dahlgren alpaca wool. These are the best/warmest socks I have ever used. X2 first choice Darntough 2nd
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Campfire Greenhorn
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Campfire Greenhorn
Joined: Jul 2011
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I am a fan of SmartWool's 150gm2 crew top and bottoms for those temps. A great buy can be had on "camofire" for the Core 4 Merino in the 190gm2.
7mm-375Ruger Stiller TAC 300 Broughton 5C 9tw @ 28" Jewell Trigger Greybull Precision stock 180VLD @ 3145fps
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Campfire Tracker
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I've been using smartwool for years for no good reason except I found it locally, it's been fine, but a couple of years ago I caught a sale on patagonia merino long johns and felt they were a major step up in quality and seemed to be even less itchy. Besides they were made in America (at the time anyway). "Dahlgren" if memory serves me right (was 30 years ago!) this was the brand that carried boiled wool sweaters & jackets and other clothes. I only had their hat but talked to someone who had the boiled wool jacket and it was unbearably hot for anything but the most extreme weather. Thanks... I'll have to look them up. Jerry So much for memory serving me right... it was dachstein http://www.bradleyalpinist.com/cart..._id=476&zenid=Knz1Odj5jwn1gv4KGFKS33
Last edited by jerrywoodswalker; 09/23/14.
Si vis pacem, para bellum
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anyone tried this stuff?http://www.alexoutdoors.com/html/400_and_600_gram-_full_zipper-_monkey_paw.htm
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Everything i find is $95 though.
Last edited by ihookem; 10/02/14.
But the fruits of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,faithfulness, Gentleness and self control. Against such things there is no law. Galations 5: 22&23
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Lostleader posted, "1st choice - first lite 2nd choice - ice breaker (can find a deal now and then which moves it to 1st choice when happens) 3rd choice - everything else"
STP (Sierra Trading Post) is having a good sale on Icebreaker stuff right now. Their current eMail offer is 35% off plus a $20 eDeal on orders more than $125.
I just got an Icebreaker Tech long sleeved underlayer shirt for $36, a Quattro Full zip hoodie for $71 and boxer shorts for $15.57. All these prices are lower than anything I could find anywhere else.
This will be my first chance to try wool instead of synthetics at prices I can afford.
Because we're here lad. No one else, just us.
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I haven't noticed a large quality, comfort or warmth difference between any of the upper tier brands that have already been mentioned. I just watch camofire and steapandcheap for good deals and pick up what I can, when I can.
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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First Lite Chama Hoody is badass.... Next on my "get" list. FirstLite rocks. As does KUIU, and SmartWool. Can't attest to the rest. Darn Tough socks are the finest I've ever owned and they have a "buy for life" (I.e., wear them out and they will replace them for free) warranty. Of course, my wife is learning to knit. I am very much encouraging this.
America needs to understand that our troops are not 'disposable'. Each represents a family; Fathers, Mothers, Sons, Daughters, Cousins, Uncles, Aunts... Our Citizens are our most valuable treasure; we waste far too many.
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Mar 2006
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I'm also curious what sock/sock system you all are using. Thanks. http://darntough.comGuaranteed for life. The best & most comfortable socks ever.
"I never thought I'd live to see the day that a U.S. president would raise an army to invade his own country." Robert E. Lee
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Joined: Oct 2010
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Campfire Greenhorn
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Campfire Greenhorn
Joined: Oct 2010
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I'm also curious what sock/sock system you all are using. Thanks. http://darntough.comGuaranteed for life. The best & most comfortable socks ever. Thanks! Might have to give these a try. I like my Costco-special fake Smart Wools, but my feet always seem to get sweaty so looking for something different.
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Jul 2011
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I'm also curious what sock/sock system you all are using. Thanks. http://darntough.comGuaranteed for life. The best & most comfortable socks ever. Thanks! Might have to give these a try. I like my Costco-special fake Smart Wools, but my feet always seem to get sweaty so looking for something different. Darn Tough is PRICEY, but worth it. I've worn out SmartWools and the fake SmartWools, and had similar sweaty issues with both. I don't seem to have that problem with the DTs, and have yet to kill a pair.
America needs to understand that our troops are not 'disposable'. Each represents a family; Fathers, Mothers, Sons, Daughters, Cousins, Uncles, Aunts... Our Citizens are our most valuable treasure; we waste far too many.
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Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
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I didn't notice any difference in sweat with DarnTough, but I do think they are more comfortable.
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Mar 2011
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Minus 33 lasts twice as long as Smartwool before popping holes.
The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time by the blood of patriots and tyrants.
If being stupid allows me to believe in Him, I'd wish to be a retard. Eisenhower and G Washington should be good company.
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Joined: Mar 2006
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Mar 2006
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I'm also curious what sock/sock system you all are using. Thanks. http://darntough.comGuaranteed for life. The best & most comfortable socks ever. Thanks! Might have to give these a try. I like my Costco-special fake Smart Wools, but my feet always seem to get sweaty so looking for something different. I talked to the man about sweaty feet. He said you can wear these socks until they'll stand up on their own, they could be stiff or crusty and still perform properly. They may be expensive. But, it's the only sock I need in my hunting pack and I never even doubt they will do their job. It's a go-to for me.
"I never thought I'd live to see the day that a U.S. president would raise an army to invade his own country." Robert E. Lee
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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The costco socks are definitely a "best buy". I love them.
I give my feet a blast of antiperspirant to deal with the sweaty foot. Liners help, but I've yet to find a sock that will keep my feet completely dry.
At $11.99 for a 4 pack, it's a sore dick.
I'll check out the Darn Toughs. Lifetime warranty on a sock? Sounds interesting!
“Life is life and fun is fun, but it's all so quiet when the goldfish die.”
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Campfire Tracker
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Columbia makes some pretty good merino wool underwear.
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Campfire Tracker
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Not too sound like an idiot - what is "STP"? I thought it was an engine oil additive. Oh well............ And I thought it was a band...
I probably hit more elk with a pickup than you have with a rifle. I have yet to see anyone claim Leupold has never had to fix an optic. I know I have sent a few back. 2 MK 6s, a VX-6, and 3 VX-111s.
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Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
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Ulfrotte over silk base for me. Smartwool liner socks under cabela's ultimax with my redwings are pretty warm and dry if you are still hunting. All rubber insulated boots still get pretty sweaty after a full day of use. Might go back to Sorrels.
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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I'm also curious what sock/sock system you all are using. Been using Smartwool but wonder what else is better.
Thanks. www.darntough.com
"I never thought I'd live to see the day that a U.S. president would raise an army to invade his own country." Robert E. Lee
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