Interesting and very informative discussion.
. My question concerns the mid weight. Are you saying fleece, like the Sitka Fanatic, is better than a merino wool layer, like the Kuiu Ultra Merino or the FL llano? If so, what properties does the fleece have that the merino wool does not?
thanks
Yes. Synthetics like fleece for the same warmth/weight absorb almost no water, and dry significantly faster than merino due to merinos ability to absorb water into the fibers. Merino absorbs water into the fibers, while the outside does not. That's why if both a synthetic and merino both get a little damp- the merino will feel drier. The problem is that it takes about twice as long to dry a merino versus a synthetic, and merino is not near as good at drying with body heat going from high activity to no activity.
