Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Backpack Hunting Merino wool base layers

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.

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.

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.

http://darntough.com

Guaranteed 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.

I didn't notice any difference in sweat with DarnTough, but I do think they are more comfortable.

Minus 33 lasts twice as long as Smartwool before popping holes.

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.

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!

Columbia makes some pretty good merino wool underwear.

And I thought it was a band...

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.