Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Backpack Hunting Merino wool advice sought

Has anyone tried them all and have an opinion as to which is softest? I have smartwool bottoms that I really like, and a smrtwool T that is itchy enough to be annoying. Looking for a top but one that isn’t itchy.

Try totally USA sourced and manufactured Duckworth!!
Thank me later..

The heavy weight Midway stuff was awesome in cold, windy weather this past weekend. I'm glad I bought it when it was 40% off.

Kuiu is my favorite, not a big fan of FL as it hasn't held up as good as my kuiu, always wait for a sale!

My Filson merino is probably the softest merino I have. They just don't offer as many varieties as the others and it can be pricey.

I'll have to try the Kuiu. My FL has been good to me but after two seasons is in need of replacement.

I've got mostly Black Ovis. It isn't quite as soft as my KUIU, but price isn't near as much either. I don't find it uncomfortable though. Often Black Ovis will have a 40% or 45% off sale on it from their regular pricing. Can't speak as to how it compares to the higher cost alternatives.

Being a skier for many years, I always shopped at ski shops for underlayers and I like the comfort of them compared to a lot of others. There are tons of different temp rating levels with ski wear just like most wear but the prices are substantially lower than this over priced hunting clothing I see on line. Check out some places that stock skis and other winter equipment and see what they stock. You'll save some serious money and be comfy when being extremely active like skiers are....

Bob

I have Woolpower to wear next to skin. I try to find it on sale. I find it very comfortable and warm.

Another vote for Minus 33. I also have Icebreaker. My icebreaker top has raglan sleeves whereas the Minus 33 has the regular seam. They both work for me. The Minus 33 seems softer and it looks better though I'm not likely to wear it except under another shirt, sweater or jacket. The raglan sleeves would be preferred for archery or technical climbing. I suppose I prefer the -33 since I have several of them and the bottoms.

I’ve had good luck with Minus33 and black ovis.

I just ordered some minus33 stuff. Supposed to be here on Monday. I’ll post my impressions if anyone gives a rats ass.

We've all got boxes and boxes of rat's ass.

I’ve been looking as well. Think I will try a set of Stone Glacier.

I've been living in LL Bean merino last few years. Seems to do what I need it to while fishing or hunting. Smart Wool was ok years ago.

I wear silk first depending on temps. But I've spent many a cold water day in waders with LL Bean bottoms on under my simms and happy.

Synthetics suck.

I'd be curious what you think.

So, my minus33 arrived. I wore it around the house a bit. Initial impression is pretty good. It fits well and true to size. It’s not cut real snug. Arm length is good for me and plenty long in my the torso to stay tucked.

I got a 1/4 zip and some bottoms. Only tried the shirt. On bare skin, I found it just a wee bit jaggy. I expect I’m more sensitive than many to itch. It’s nothing near as bad as when I leave the barbershop. If it gets better with a washing, I don’t think I’ll even notice it. As is, it’s wearable. I’ll give it a few hikes this week and see how it goes. I have nothing else merino to compare it with so can’t be much help there.

This thread has cost me 190.00 I ordered another pair of expedition weight bottoms along with a medium weight top. This way I don't have to fight with my wife over who gets to wear the minus 33 wool.

I like the COSTCO Paradox poly and Merino blend zip neck tees and long johns. I find for the $20 Canadian price for the tops and less for the bottoms that they are 1/5 the cost of KUU merino tops and they last 5 times longer and dry 5 times faster. I back pack hunt, cross country ski, hike etc and the Paradox stuff works way better than Merino for me. The exception being that I love the COSTCO Merino wool socks and Ice Breaker Merino boxer shorts.

One word: Filson.