Polypropylene vs wool base layer reddit. But hey, we’re impressed.

• Polypropylene vs wool base layer reddit. I base the detail on its insulating quality when wet off the article Heat Transfer Through Moist Fabrics ANNA M. 14 votes, 36 comments. Base Layer Suggestions for warm weather environment? any suggestions for base layers for warm weather? Looking at Patagonia Capiline, KUIU Gila LS, or First Spear Field Shirt base layers. Reply reply flight_recorder • Reply reply More replies Hunterofshadows • Reply reply glitterfartmagic • Reply reply More replies bc5211 • We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. But hey, we’re impressed. I currently use a mixture of Smartwool and Minus 33. 100% Merino 95 merino / 5 synthetic blend 65 merino / 35 synthetic blends 50 merino / 50 synthetic blends At what point does the blend of synthetic cancel out the advantages of the 100% Dec 19, 2023 · See the best base layers for men for training outdoors in cold weather from brands like Smartwool, Patagonia, and Under Armour, as tested by fitness experts. Main thing is avoid cotton. So this is where my question comes in. I've been sporting Cabela's brand polyester-based long johns and spandex top. After that comes your warmth layer. Okay Merino and “durable” don’t really go hand in hand. Then add a coat or other layers as needed. Durability low pile rug cotton x polypropylene (olefin) x polyester x mix polyester and cotton Jan 25, 2023 · Here’s our comparison guide for polypropylene vs wool rugs including pros and cons, cost, durability, safety and cleaning tips. For example, Devoid base layers like this one show that they have a 100% synthetic inside material, and the merino is only on the outside. Minus33 is best bang for the buck, imo. I’m going to show you what I like and dislike about it. Most answers differentiate wool and synthetic as if that’s the only point of differentiation i… Jun 30, 2019 · It’s indeed hard to say which one is better because both materials have advantages and disadvantages. Merino vs. I like them better than all of my cheap base layer stuff, but it's about on par with my Capilene. There's no right answer because base layer warmth is contingent primarily upon thickness and weight, all else being equal. Having a linen or wool towel to lightly scrub your body (a towel shower) every night before bed will make a huge difference. Sounds like a very antiquateed and ill-informed rule. Either that or I’ve just gotten used to my own smell. synthetics for base layers. Share Add a Comment Sort by: Best Open comment Jun 6, 2025 · Find out which base layer—polypropylene or polyester—truly wicks moisture better in the cold and why your choice matters for ultimate warmth. I’ll wear a sweatshirt/flannel or lightweight puffer as a mid layer if it’s really cold or storming. I’m not sure about wearing the same wool shirt for a month, but I regularly wear a wool base layer when backpacking and haven’t had any issues with odor. The outer sock should be wool, although not necessarily Merino. Wool works even when wet, plus it doesn't hold stink like synthetics tend to. Warmth comes from your insulation layer. On very cold days I wear silk base layer and a heavyweight or expedition weight wool base layer on top of that. What say the ski reddit?? What are some good brands and prices? Any deals out there currently? Curious if there is anyone experienced with either of these baselayers, the Icebreaker 200 weight (merino wool) and the Patagonia Thermal Weight (capilene). The liner sock should be polypropylene, not polyesther -- polyesther does not breathe well. I'm looking to replace a 78/22 Wool and Prince T-shirt for one bag—I've finally gotten holes in it from my belt. Polypropylene is often used as a base layer in the production of clothing to make other fabrics more waterproof and improve their ability to draw out water to their outer surface for evaporation. Not trying to hijack OP's question, but I'm curious to see there's a few of you using merino as a base layer. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Merino wool is hard to beat as a base layer with Icebreaker being one of the most popular brands among kayakers. I recently completed a multi-day backpacking trip in an 85/15 merino/nylon shirt and was disappointed with its performance. Tencel is a semi synthetic, the same as viscose and rayon, made from the cellulose of tree or other plant fibres, like beech or bamboo. It's hard to bring the shape back exactly, but for base layer type stuff shouldn't matter too much. Manufacturers add synthetics for a variety of reasons, notably: Reduced cost of manufacture Increased performance characteristics (e. I still wear the ragged/ripped 100% merino clothing because of the comfort and lack of stink. This winter I traveled in Italy with these and a wool zip up sweater, wool vest and packable (but windproof / waterproof) REI rain jacket. Merino wool is the best option. Are the full wool (Smartwool, IceBreaker, etc) base layers worth it? ($100+ per garment). After searching through all of the reddit posts, I've come to the conclusion that Decathlon and Ridge Merino were decent brands at the low price point I was looking for. So I need to change my underwear multiple times a day. Nov 12, 2021 · Which is better and why? Merino wool for base layers or something like an Under Armour type of brand. quite a lot of processing. Ideally, I'd wipe myself clean and swap to a base layer I only use for sleeping, and hang my daytime base layer up to air out overnight. Does anyone have experience with t-shirts made from 100% merino and t-shirts made from 100% alpaca? I'm primarily concerned with which fiber is more durable and odor-resistant. I wore a north face lightweight polypropylene/polyester blend base layer that defies the laws of physics - dries instantly, doesn't smell, not too hot, not too cold. Are Merino Wool underwear/socks/base layers really that magical? I've read plenty of comments here, and seen plenty of bag and travel influencers rave about the multi-day wearability of the material. I was pretty keen to check out Icebreaker gear so made a stop at Paddy Pallin yesterday to get my size and was pretty disappointed by the fit Getting the Silk, is that bad for the little buggers, no clue. But I'm starting to hear flack from my wife regarding the lack of its durability, and the fact I have to keep re-purchasing them every Baselayers should keep you safe and comfortable while hiking. Nov 9, 2006 · What are the pros and cons of synthetic and merino wool base layers? Which fabric—polypropylene, Capilene, or merino wool—works better for layering, considering warmth, weight, and price? In the older days we used a base layer sock a wicking tight fitting polypro sock with a rag wool sock over it it kept your feet dry and for the most part blister free Jan 21, 2024 · Is Helly Hansen Base Layer really worth buying? Read this review to find out. There is very strong science to document this claim. A heavier weight means a warmer base layer. Personally, even at -15C temps I still prefer a lighter base layer (usually 150 weight merino, sometimes 200) to wick well, and then rely on a mid layer (or layers) and a shell for warmth, with a down puffy to hand for stops. It used to be that performance long underwear was always polypropylene, but now it is commonly polyester. Although polypropylene is commonly blended, you can find 100% polypropylene socks. Polypropylene also works, but tends to smell worse in short order. I usually HATE wool against my neck or skin, but the lightest base layers don't bother me at all. These types of socks are great for hiking and other outdoor activities. When I search for best base layer for treking, climbing, hiking etc I rarely see product from brand like Nike or Adidas. The performance-oriented models will As you said the insulating mid layer wool can be itchy when worn directly on skin. Jan 16, 2015 · Interested in opinions regarding Merino Wool vs the blends. g. N. Base layer question: Patagonia Capilene vs Smartwool Merino Seems like Merino is the gold standard from what I've read, but curious everyone's experience/thoughts? Oct 21, 2018 · The polypropylene fiber also accepts color with very little processing. In my youth, when I would bicycle and run 25 km a week commuting to work, my perspiration would stop smelling. I've been looking at alternatives that largely fall into two buckets: Merino/Lyocell blends Icebreaker Sphere II Smartwool Merino Sport Ultralight Ortovox Cool Tec Clean Merino/Polyester What do y’all use for your baselayers? I’ve been looking at BD solution merino, Smartwool 250, and HH Lifa. Polyester In this paper, I subject base layers in various weights made from merino, merino blends, and alpaca to the suite of tests I have developed to evaluate base layer performance. When you do wash it, it should be in cold water. Oct 29, 2023 · Hi All, In reading through the forums, there seems to be an abundance of preferences pertaining to merino vs. Merino wool is a natural fibre with anti-odor properties so if you sweat a lot these are a good option. 11 votes, 52 comments. Also use a base layer sock. They are thickkk, itchy as hell, and the hottest base layer you will find. The polypro liner sock serves two purposes: it wicks away moisture from the foot (either sweat or water you stepped in Or you might find you only like wearing the base layer when it’s cooler (say under 65F). Polypros are super warm and soft and cheap as hell. Hey friends I'm starting to invest in some decent hiking gear after wearing gym clothes forever, and looking to stock up on some merino base layers for some upcoming NZ and EU hiking (including all other walking in Australia and general day to day wear). Oct 16, 2018 · In the following you will find a comparison of base layer materials; Polyester, Merino wool, Nylon, Cotton and Silk. What base layers are meant to do is to prevent you from getting cold – this might sound like semantics, but it is not. Looking to upgrade my base layer game. I don’t have any of their base layers, but I have several pairs of smartwool socks that are between 15-18 years old and still in great condition. poly base layers. Worn the same smart wool base layers (top and bottom) 100+ days for maybe 4-6 years now. I have a couple of long sleeves merino shirts but I always use them as an outer or middle layer, on top of a sweat wicking shirt when the temp is under the freezing point. Looking to understand all base layer materials? Here we compare all of the common materials, the benefits and cons of each, and when to use. If you want warmer base layers, I think the fabric used in Arc'Teryx Rho series has fantastic soft skin feel without any potential roughness that even Merino can have. Merino wool socks, long underwear, and a long sleeve moisture wicking shirt are good for base layering. Was never cold, I had so many ways of layering. Socks are quite thick, and do hold up to the warm while wet theory (as all thicker wools do) but base layers, T's, and underwear are going to feel pretty cold, but better than cotton. Clothing advice for touring - Merino Wool or Polyester, is there a big difference? I need fewer layers than I would with a comparable jacket. Finally, wool does have some antibacterial aspect and (from personal experience) one can wear wool base layers for longer before they start to stink. Recs for a thermal base-layer to go over a lightweight base-layer in cold temps So disclaimer I live in way northern MI and it's basically Canada up here. Cheaper may mean sharper hairs thus itchier so be careful going to cheap or buying from unknown places/sites. Explain that? Maybe it is because of the loose fit? Nov 4, 2016 · Base layers will keep you warmer than being naked, or even wearing a t-shirt, but a real base layer (not so called “ thermals “) is not meant to keep you warm. , lift skiing), but lighter weight merino layers are very fragile. Very soft and warm, but not the most durable if exposed as an outer layer. If you get different layers you can combine them instead. Over that you can add something like a Patagonia R1, R1 Air or Army grid fleece which are also great at moving moisture but provide warmth. Mar 12, 2023 · The good news is that the Brynje Wool Thermo base layers don’t stink up nearly as quickly as solid Merino wool base layers, so you can wear them longer between washes. However, most merino wool used in modern clothing has the lanolin washed out, which is why some makers of base layers etc use a plastic coating on the fibres, to improve the drying time. Was wondering if anyone here had used both and what they thought? Or, of course, if there's anything that's better than either? Cheers! Ideally hoping to hear from someone who skis hard and gets sweaty. try merino wool. High recommended, especially if you run cold in winter. Cashmere, another animal wool is pain free, you get that from petting the things, but that wool is bad as a base layer, premium as isolation layer. For extreme cold, look for thermal clothing and base layers made from high-quality merino wool or advanced synthetic fabrics like polyester and polypropylene. For comparison I use UA cold gear or Nike hyper warm active base layers. They are priced probably in the $50 range. For stalking and walking hunting - go polypro. Dec 7, 2021 · It’s base layer season, and I’ve seen a lot of questions about brand and fabric recommendations. I actually find good synthetic shirts from Mountain Hardwear or Patagonia fit the best. " ----- (A question in response) "What activity levels were the particpants in your study subject to? Nov 27, 2021 · Ok. Want to get a few rugs for my house. My shirts are from unbound merino but would love to see if there’s a less expensive alternative as well. That said, I'm with everyone else endorsing the wool base layers. Reddit's OG off-piste sub for all things backcountry skiing/splitboarding. But getting wool smooth and fine enough to be knit into a shirt you’d wear in summer is a hard proposition that requires well…. I'm in South Carolina but going to be doing some colder weather camping/hiking this winter and, while it won't be crazy cold here (usually lows in the 20s-30s F at night) I feel I need to up my baselayer game. I'm currently looking to replace my older UA Base 2. I am a fairly sized man (6'1 206lbs) and somewhat on the hairy Slav side of the human spectrum. That should take care of your short sleeve base layer. The little second layer for moisture absorption and transport is key, and it should be as quick-drying as you can find; dry time should be as close to the Brynje as possible. Although the testers perceived differences in the way they felt, core temperature instrumentation showed 0 difference for the five common base layer knit types (1 by 1 rib, fleece, fishnet, interlock, and double layer rib using polypropylene). On really cold days it's Scheels Outfitters wool base layer or Minus 33 wool base layer. For example Merino wool is a better option for hiking base layers as it is naturally antimicrobial (which is very useful for multi-day hikes) while polyester is the material of choice for running base layers since such garments are lightweight. Merino’s biggest advantage is that it won’t stink after you sweat it in it, but polyester base layers actually do a better job wicking sweat. I wear a thin Merino wool base layer, and then my Santi BZ400 over that. HOSCHK Aug 16, 2023 · I have recent been on a deep dive on base layers and researching merino vs synthetics vs blends and stumbled upon fishnet base layers. stretch, moisture wicking) Reduced smell (actually, this is the reverse, where they add wool to normally 100%-synthetic articles) So if you buy Icebreaker or Smartwool you'll find a mix of merino blends based on the model. Looking for some base layer advice. But if you compare Merino wool to high-end performance synthetic fabrics from innovative outdoor apparel companies, you’ll find that the synthetics provide equal or better performance at a cheaper price and with better durability. I looked at some Merino Wool long sleeve tees and while they are nice, I can't justify spending upwards of $100 USD on one. Synthetics still transport sweat better, and so is my preferred base layer for high output activity where it's easy to regulate temperature by layering up and down. Choosing the best rug for your home can be extremely overwhelming as there is a wealth of options to choose from. Obviously I'll fix the belt situation going forward. Merino wool isn’t itchy. This can keep your skin and your base layer serviceable almost indefinitely, provided you manage to uphold your personal hygiene. My merino 200 top has been moved to active base layer or cooler night sleeping where the cap Thermal would be a bit much. Either way, you’ve got more layering options now! Polyester is tough and holds about 1/4 the amount of moisture than nylon; wool holds the most (relative to the fabric thickness). Therefore, your base layer needs to be wicking, something that draws the sweat away from your body. A good base layer provides moisture (sweat) wicking materials while being thin enough to allow you to add layers above it. Wool blends are the fancier shit and don’t smell as gnarly once you sweat in them. Does anyone have any experience with either 32 degree heat has basic polyester base layers for super cheap. Whats the difference between a Nike Dri fit fabric VS patagonia capilene or other similar product for hiking in term of breathability, ability to wick moisture, to stay dry? Because technicaly, they're both 100% polyester. I want to get some Merino wool base layers but the 100% merino wool are outside my budget. Reply reply EqualShallot1151 • True -- but the weight of the wool in a sock vs the weight of wool in a t-shirt/baselayer are drastically different. Keep in mind the purpose of a base layer is not insulation warmth but moisture wicking so choose a wool or synthetic one you like best. The layer above the Merino wool base layer can be loose fitting. Running in the cold with a very light wool pair of long underwear is just amazing. Anything thinner than that has questionable durability. It dries quickly, so shouldn't need to be in the dryer at all. Usually nylon for walking and wool for sleeping. Merino wool on the other hand, there are some ugly methods for that. Oct 11, 2021 · Merino wool wasn't a thing in those days, so I usually ran polypro/capilene on top of silk. Sep 12, 2024 · The Ridge Merino Aspect Midweight Wool Base Layer Long Sleeve Shirt, for men and women, is our most versatile pick, due to its breathable, merino-based blend and understated look. Edit: was just at CostCo, they have 4 pairs of kirkland merino wool blend . My preferred layer over top of Brynje is a polypropylene base layer from Gore Wear, a tip from u/mtnhuntingislife who has done a lot of testing on layering with Brynje. So, if the objectives for selecting your base layer are light weight, warmth and moisture management it’s clear that a mesh base layer garment made from polypropylene simply will outperform all other options. Wool base layers have a very low warmth to weight ratio. While it kept me cool and didn't smell, it was sopping wet for most of my hike. Merino wool is also good at wicking but if it does get wet, it stays wet for a long time. Merino wool or polypropelene base layers are your best options. I'm pretty sure this set was a lot cheaper that the Capilene stuff though. Major warmth without the itch. Base layer is something to be always on and not too warm that I have a need to remove. Jan 4, 2023 · Wool baselayer garments feel warmer than synthetic baselayers, but synthetic baselayers dry more quickly than wool. Alpaca vs. synthetics), fit, durability, cost, and more. Depending on quality of ski pants and temperature you may need something thicker though. If polypropylene is even more hydrophobic than polyester, isn't polypropylene an even better base layer since it absorbs less water? I wear a wool base-layer almost every day, and I work in an active job outside (because of work safety rules my base-layer must be flame retardant). Up to this point I've almost exclusively opted for merino wool (at least tops) for my base layer -- primarily due to odor control on multi-day hikes. You want to look for about 40-60% percent Polypropylene is awesome. Polypropylene will also work, but tends to smell worse in short order. Reply reply [deleted] • Reply reply There are polypropylene base layers, but they stink worse than polyester, wear out faster, are scratchier feeling, and can melt in the clothes dryer. Lightweight (silkweight) synthetic base layers work best if you are working hard as they move the most moisture - more than merino wool or thicker base layers. Hi, I've been searching through the Memorial Day sales thinking I should buy a base layer now. One note, I find that loose 100% synthetic shirts made by RailRyders don't stink much. Synthetic thin layers are far more durable. Don’t go under 150gsm. Patagonia Capilene Air is their warmest Thermal layer and it's a blend of merino wool and synthetic. There’s a lot of love for merino wool but I’m curious if anyone uses silk as a base layer during the winter. That said, base layers are designed to contribute to warmth via moisture dispersal. You feel the difference when it’s cold and you start to sweat because the wool still keeps you warm while the synthetic gets cold and uncomfortable. It may be because polypro melts easily if you put it in the dryer on high heat, or it may be because polyester garments are cheaper to manufacture. I checked out the Patagonia Midweight and REI-brand Midweight baselayers and was honestly pretty impressed with how nice REI's… I’ve purchased terramar in the past. Woven wool like in a wool flannel or chunky sweater, yes. Apr 15, 2019 · For low level use, merino wool has a great mix of next to skin comfort and odour resistance. Feb 21, 2024 · Here’s everything you need to know about your most essential layer. Looking for a pair of leggings I can use to layer w skirts in the winter, between Smartwool ($100+) and Uniqlo ($40+), which is better? Depends on use. I see there are some different blends out…. Cheap and they work well. Mid layer insulating wool isn’t Hence why wool is a superior choice for a base layer than down, but a down puffy jacket is a superior mid/outer layer for adding extra insulation. Wicking fabric should be next to your skin. Wool doesn't need to be washed after every wear. Wool is hydrophilic, while polyester is hydrophobic. I love them but they only get used on the coldest days where I'm not moving allot. I am curious to hear people's personal accounts of how these baselayers functioned. How would they stack up to 100% merino? Merino wool & polyester do the same ish but wool doesn’t stink so fast but dries slower n poly drys faster but it tends to stink quicker. Wool is only good as a thin anti-stink base layer for hiking or as a clean sleep/camp layer and for that reason you should only go for thin 150 weight wool. 0 leggings/crew with them going on 8+yrs of use. For a light weight layer, try Patagonia Capeline Cool Daily synthetics, they have probably the best skin feel of everything I tried. Disclosure: Brynje provided the author with baselayer garments for this review. I've been thinking of getting some merino wool to wear instead of the Under Armour I have but I don't know if it would improve anything. What are the pros and cons of each and which should you buy for winter hiking, snowshoeing, or skiing? Mid-weight merino (180 or heavier) base layers are great for some mid-winter activities (e. This allows more scope for layering up or layering down depending on the temp and on the activity level. Merino wool is very nice but pricy. I suggest looking into the USGI EWCS Polypropylene layers. Moreover, with the advances in techniques and machinery today, distinguishing between natural and synthetic fabrics became even more difficult as they Sep 2, 2015 · For example, I usually wear the following: Skin Base Layer: Merino/Tencel Close Body Layer: a Merino 150 gram sweat shirt Mid Layer: a 250 gram form fit pullover or a 350 gram Merino layer pullover, Outer Shell Layer: a wind and waterproof outer layer Remember you can cool down or keep warm by removing a layer as you see fit. 29 votes, 80 comments. I’m curious to know what experiences y’all have and if there’s another option I should be considering. Seems to works fine. They are much cheaper of course, but not sure at what cost. Which is it and why? Jun 10, 2025 · These days, base layers are typically constructed from natural fibers (Merino wool, bamboo, Tencel, and hemp) or a variety of synthetics (nylon, spandex, polyester) or a combination of the two. I don’t think I saw anyone say there were disappointed I got wool base layers for my trip to colorado last year and they felt so much more comfortable than the synthetic layers I normally wear. I'm curious what the collective ultralight wisdom is behind using mesh base layers. Do you find it… I'm working on getting some new thermal base layers. I’m pretty happy with both, but after about six years of daily wool base layer use I have some observations : -light weight garments such as boxer briefs and t shirts last about a season, but May 6, 2025 · We tested the best men's base layers of 2025 with options for every budget. Could anyone do a breakdown of the top sock materials, their uses and their strengths and weaknesses. Polypropylene is a warm synthetic, but they collect odors after a while, and I prefer natural fabrics for that reason alone. Some rules. They get weekly use in the cold months, and I still prefer them to all my new Darn Toughs. But for socks I still like the anti-odor and slightly-less-frigid-when-damp properties of wool. Smart wool vs under armor (wool vs polyester) What ones do you like for a base layer and why ? Feb 11, 2025 · We tested and found the best base layers for women including top picks from Smartwool, Icebreaker, Black Diamond, and more. I also find wool long sleeves have the same problem cheap synthetic shirts have-poor fit in shoulders and arms. Oct 8, 2024 · If you are comparing a cheap big box store base layer to Merino wool, of course, Merino wool is going to be better. Eddie Bauer also makes fantastic flannel lined khaki pants that I can wear when I'm not dressing like a lumber jack. I personally go for the 100% wool products. Technical fabrics and polyesters are good base layers. The only downside is stink but there are common anti-stink treatments these days. Would be worn stand alone, under thermal or combat top. SCHNEIDER AND B. It’s not great at handling lots of sweat though, for that your best bet is lightweight polyester or for super-rapid drying, polypropylene. Let’s hear it. Mar 6, 2025 · See our guide to the best baselayers of 2025, with reviews of the top synthetic and merino baselayer tops from Smartwool, Patagonia, OR, Icebreaker, and more. my favorite items are 100% or 85+% merino. It is in midlayers where you want to to concentrate on warmth. In the past they were labeled by 150 200 250 for the different options and was much less confusing. Synthetic base layers work fine. I have Patagonia capilene Thermal weight and for sleeping warmth I haven't found a better or warmer base layer. Oct 25, 2022 · Stephen Seeber BPL Member Companion forum thread to: By The Numbers: What’s the Best Base Layer Fabric? Wool vs. I have a merino wool icebreaker oasis 1/4 zip top for my long sleeve layer (the Smartwool NTS 250 is good too). A thin, mildly warm, moisture wicking base layer is part of the layering system such that I add more layers when I’m cold and remove layers when I’m hot. Both work, I greatly prefer merino wool, it works better for me. I've never worn them as an active base layer, but they're far warmer too sleep in than my other base layers. 39 votes, 81 comments. Sep 26, 2022 · See our guide to choosing baselayers, with tips on baselayer fabric weight, warmth, materials (wool vs. I use Smartwool baselayers since they blend their Merino with synthetic fibers so you get the best of both worlds. 57 votes, 42 comments. Dec 10, 2013 · Polypro was designed for active sports - so your sweat wicks thru to outer layers and does not lay clammy and cold against your skin. The main purpose of base layers is to help manage moisture. My goal is to purchase a couple pairs of baselayers Also I use different grades of merino wool for my bottom base layers and don't think I will switch any time soon. If you do accidentally shrink it, a little hair conditioner mixed with water can relax the fibers. But which fabric works best? In this article we compare merino wool and synthetics. Patagonia's thermal weight weighs less and allegedly keeps one warmer, but the merino wool works better when wet. Aug 1, 2024 · Choosing the right long underwear (base layer) is essential—learn how moisture-wicking materials, fabric weight and fit affect comfort in the outdoors. Poly layers are lightweight man-made fibres, but are v. Was thinking about merino wool given the excellent moisture wicking properties and it is a natural material. Dec 1, 2015 · The very thin wool base layers have durability issues, for example. Please tell me of the best merino wool base layers you have ever used or heard of? What did you like about them specifically?… Oct 14, 2013 · 100% synth as a base layer stinks very quickly, 100% merino doesn't stink, but is too fragile. There are great Youtube videos showing the effects and function of different base layers (wool vs synthetics). Those two, non-detachable low speed quads are the best season pass you'll ever own. The durability issues of 100% merino never really occurred to me for a long time, because my experience was with winter base layers. I wear wool tights in winter. effective at wicking sweat and dry out quickly. Start with a thin merino wool base layer. 250 weight merino wool ice breaker top doesn't even come close. I like my set, and I have no idea why it's not more widely used. I've been using Wiggy's mesh base layers… The 100% wool bottoms or "wooly's" as my family calls them are built for a previous age. Tons of snow, tons of ice, tons of cold, even just moving around casually I need to layer properly, if that gives you an idea of my situation. Not a huge wool fan and it's not scratchy or itchy at all. Ridge has a sale right now and Decathlon is about the price of the sale items at Ridge. My “lightweight” base layer is a lighter Rapha version, which you could always add for the hotter summer months if you decide you love the base layer but the wool is too hot in the summer. So far durability and performance have been solid. I can't stand sleeping in a dirty synthetic base layer and avoid polyester because of the smell. Hardly anyone uses polypropylene anymore. Nowadays I run merino on top of silk, then whatever is outside of base. Is this the standard or is this a marketing trick to get people to overpay for "merino wool"? Depends upon the length of the trip. After checking many popular base layer brands, I can see that some have very interesting product specifics. Ragg wool socks provide more cushioning, but all wool socks serve the purpose of keeping your foot warm even when wet. The other differences are if its 100% merino wool, or a blend with other wools or synthetics, and the weight. The base layer serves as a wicking layer to keep sweat away from your skin, and will also extend how long you can use your insulation between launderings. Nylon absorbs a lot of water, can't imagine it making for a good base layer. But for kids I buy the 32° baselayer sets from Costco. Apart from that they are kept in the emergency bag in the truck. Tends to be more expensive though and requires more care in washing. Have a few holes and patches now but still have at least 2 years left in them. Merino wool is naturally breathable, moisture-wicking and offers excellent warmth without bulk, making it ideal for frigid conditions. On looking at other forums and doing some more research it certainly sounds like these are pretty good. as a base layer, abrasion resistance isn't a big factor because that's what your hiking shorts are for. Top picks include Ibex, Patagonia, SmartWool, and more. When something got a hole you just patched it up and moved on. Alpaca wool is slightly superior to merino wool due to having hollow fibers TLDR: need recommendations for non-wool base layer (s) -- have only ever used merino wool and they're thrashed. What’s the consensus on polypropylene versus natural fibers like wool, jute, etc? Outdoor Research has recently started selling lightweight wool base layers. Dec 2, 2024 · The top merino wool base layers to keep you comfortable anywhere From the softest long-sleeves to the best hiking socks, here’s everything you need to stock your travel wardrobe. The fiber is often mixed with wool because otherwise it will quickly flatten. Oct 25, 2022 · We compare merino, merino blends, alpaca, and polyester fabrics as part of a framework to help hikers choose the best base layer. Hi all, im looking for some advice from people with experience with regards to sock material. I've read a few people raving about polypropylene being way better than Merino, but not in a skiing context. Polypropylene is strong and very durable with a high resistance to stains and dirt. Or do the polyester versions get the… Hi, I would like to try out net base layer clothing like the one from Brynje, but I would like to test it first to see if its something for me me or not, so I would like to ask if there are any reasonable cheaper products, that you know about? No cotton, ever. If you want to make sure you are properly snug and warm though then I would recommend a good fleece mid layer (personally I rate Reed Transpire Fleece thermals very highly). I daily the merino bottoms all winter. I have seen a few different options out there that are wool blend, usually 60% polyester and 40% merino wool. What’s the purpose of a thermal base layer? A base layer is your first layer of clothing; it sits directly on your skin and forms the foundation of your layering system. I took 1 of each on my last mountain climb n honestly I’ll be sticking to poly, . I haven't found any differences between cycling and hiking specific base layers. A good polyester base layer will far outperform merino wool. Currently I use under armor and Nike which are great for warmth but kinda lack on breathability which is why I was leaning towards investing in some merino. They have the classic thermal which was labeled 250 which is great winter base layer the intraknit is a heavier wool thus more thermal properties. bwushh rrdio zxzq tskat gioqe rwa mtbzp vdvf htinclhlj dfa