Friend of mine is a kuiu geek. He likes them cause he says stuff is long in the arms and torso. Guess he’s built like an orangutan. Standard stuff works for me, but I definitely don’t want something that rides up when I bend down. I hear some brands are softer. The softer the better. What do you guys like? Thanks

Ps couldn’t find anything here via search, but I’m sure his has been discussed before.

I have kuiu and first light wool shirts, hoodies . Not very durable. Have lots of tears but maybe that's just wool

You can pick up skre, smart wool shirts on sale typically cheaper a bit fuller cut. But that's just My opinion . Post hunting sales coming up

Thanks. Figured there would be some sales coming. I appreciate the feedback. Was looking at skre. Tough decisions....

I like the Smart Wool half zip 250 and Smart Wool 250 bottoms. I wear Ramblersway tees and long sleeve tops next to skin and the house brand of wool underwear from BackCountry.

Icebreaker.

Look around for sales like Sierra. etc.

Smartwool is what I use. Just received some today that I am going to give to my grandson for his birthday. About $150 per set.

Smartwool socks rock, they're great for year 'round wear !

I like these;

https://www.minus33.com/collections/mens-wool-clothing-types

Have two sets finishing up season 4.

Have been very happy w/ MidwayUSA OD Level One base layers for < $20/pop on sale...

MidwayUSA Men's Level One Long Sleeve Base Layer Shirt

MidwayUSA Men's Level One Short Sleeve Base Layer Shirt

MidwayUSA Men's Level One Base Layer Pants

And then just layer accordingly from there.

Like the short sleeves for Spring and Fall, when the intraday temps can vary quite a bit.




GR

Another vote for minus 33 merino. They used to be inexpensive but they must be catching on now.

Thanks guys. Appreciate the advice. I'm looking hard at the minus 33. Seems to have good reviews and I like the color selection and variety of styles offered. A bit less money than kuiu or first light.

Only merino I've worn is darn tough socks. I like them A lot.

I’ve used a lot of brands of merino, and I like Kuiu, but I wait for it to go on sale.

I have a bunch of Minus33 stuff and really like it. You're right about the pricing, looks like they've gone over the top.

Smart Wool fits great, warm but not too hot. Been -10 to 10 above for 30 plus days this winter so far and wore them every day.

You didn't ask but I'll pontificate away: what is the application?

I love merino and wear Icebreaker. In fact, I lived in a set of Icebreaker 260 all week while deer hunting in NW PA. BUT - I only wear merino next to skin when I'm not going to sweat. I sat most of the week in treestands with no more than a 1/2 mile walk to the stand. I walked in with base and mid layers and bundled up upon arrival. If any sort of output is required (r.e. hiking) and sweat will occur, I've gone to all synthetic next to skin. Synthetic dries way quicker when wet than merino. There is truth to cooking yourself dry with a good, thin synthetic next to skin and some form of midlayers that move moisture. The "warm when wet" deal with merino is BS IMHO.

As to merino, I've tried most because I find my skin is sensitive to some. The finer the yarn, the better for me. Icebreaker is what I settled on.

Good luck.

I have a couple of Kuiu merino T-shirts, too thin and not durable enough for me. I have a pair of zip on Minus 33 bottoms and I've very impressed with them. I'll try more Minus 33 stuff based on the bottoms.

Looking for some less expensive options. Anyone ever use Merino Tech? And opinions of same. https://merino.tech/collections/mens-long-sleeve-shirts

Thanks Joe

On temps around 32* I'll start with a thin and heavier Kuiu Merino - maybe with a vest. If I get to a place that I'm going to spend time to glass, I'll replace that set without a dry set and put them in a plastic bag. Have done that many times and it just works for my style.
Below 0*, I'll do the same and add a lighter down jacket and peel and replace as needed.
But everyone is different. Good luck.

It's interesting, because my experience is exactly the opposite.

Every synthetic base layer I've had has left me cold and clamy after sweating. Merino, I never feel that way. I find that I run hot compared to others.

I like smartwool bases and have several heavier 200-280 mid layers that I like too.

I had a sitka bottoms and they were loose for size and didnt fit right. I have one kuiu midlayer and it is fine.

I have the Kuiu merino 1/4 zip and the peloton 1/4 zips for next to the skin base layer. I prefer the synthetic peloton by far. They are vulnerable to snags and pulls. Good to have a durable shell. Their vented pit jackets are great for hiking when its cold.

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.

Yes, even best/most expensive 100% wool doesn’t dry as quickly as synthetics, plus it generally a bit more scratchy.

These days performance fabrics are not limited to high end brands, and good stuff can be found at the big box stores at a fraction of the price. I live in baselayers during the winter for work, and a lot of my work baselayers come from WalMart or STP.

Not wool, but as an added note I mostly wear silk bottoms hunting, skiing, work, etc. It’s amazing to me how such a thin base layer can be warm, and yet it is the best at regulating temperature. The only time I wear something heavier is if I’m taking a stand somewhere and not moving much, or if temps start approaching single digits.

silk has been a staple for us for years. Fishnet works wonders too.

Keeping the skin dry, by transporting the moisture to the outer layers, avoids evaporative cooling.

The MidwayUSA Level One Base Layer Shirts and Pants are 210 GSM 92% Polyester 8% Spandex, w/ SILVADUR antimicrobial technology.

Then flannel/fleece/wool, and 100% cotton rip-stop BDU's as a shell.




GR

I’ve got Kuiu, First Lite, Sitka & black Ovis base layers all are fine as far as fit & comfort. The lightweights are about the same I like the Kuiu better in the heavier weights & mid layers.

SWANNDRI

I can't tell you how many times I looked at Smartwool socks at $20.00 a pair before I broke down and spent the money. Best money I ever spent, comfortable year 'round and wear like iron I'm still wearing the ones I bought 7-8 yrs. ago.

So far I’ve picked up a minus33 long sleeve and midway USA short sleeve. I can wear them but find both a little itchy. I’m thinking of trying alpaca, but can’t find anything in stock. Has anyone used alpaca wool for a base layer?

I’ve got some darn tuff merino socks and love them.

I hate being cold so have tried Kuiu - love their heavier layers, First lite, minus 33, Sitka, black Ovis and they seem to vary depending on thickness hood etc. Last 2 purchased were from Misway I was pleasantly surprised. Will get some 3xl’ for my offensive tackle grandson this year based on the value.

I recently bought merino wool bottoms from Meriwool. It's slightly cheaper than some of the other name brands out there, but they are soft.

the T's that Cotco used to carry were Karbon brand. Karbon's website doesn't have them any more. There are a few floating around on Ebay but the prices are $40+ for what Costco sold for $20.

Im a Big fan of the light weight and medium weight offerings from Minus33. I have a pair of Expedition weight bottoms but not a huge fan. Just a little too heavy for my taste if I am active. If your just sitting, their great..

I started using the higher-tech (non-scratchy) wool base layers as soon as they came out. Icebreaker, smart wool, REI house brand merinos, and first lite.

The first lite merino hoody has probably become my favorite item, but I doubt you will find it on sale. It seems to pill up and look bad quicker though, if you care about that.

But otherwise, all of the above brands seemed to last a long time and basically worked the same. Buy the stuff on sale. REI is nice because you could actually try it on first.

Mostly I've settled on the 250 weight for tops and bottoms, but if you're a big dude those might get hot.

whatw orks for me may no work for others. I use a light synthetic spandex layer agaisnt my skin and a heavy -33 layer on top of that. then a sitka/kuiu type pant. My upper system is a Sitka heavyweight hoody and a wool shirt. i carry puffy pants and coat in my pack. my feet sweat so I don't wear insulated boots often but do keep a set of bot blakets in my pack too and smartwool or darn tough socks

im absalutely no help with this one as everything i use for clothing is browning other then my boots

Obvious.