Merino base layer

[Clay Hayes]

#5777

Can anyone tell me what the difference will be between a lightweight (170 gr) and midweight (230 gr) merino wool base layer? I found what seems like a fair deal here http://www.minus33.com/

I do a lot of still hunting in north Idaho. Lot’s of time slinking around but lots of climbing in steep country too. I don’t want to get the heavier stuff if it’s going to be overkill.

ch

[Brennan Herr]

#44488

I have minus 33 wool and like it a lot…get two light weight and layer it…I also got the hood and it is very nice…hope that helps

[Brennan Herr]

#44492

come to think of it I am wearing the midweight in my profile pic on the left…

[Bruce Smithhammer]

#44500

Clay –

For what it’s worth, I have a 185 and a 250 Merlno layers from a different manufacturer. I’ve worn the 185 while in in 70 deg. weather and been comfortable. It wicks and breathes very well. The 250 is a great intermediate layer, or base layer, for colder weather. Combine the two, and it’s surprisingly warm without feeling bulky at all. You can’t beat Merino for base layers in my opinion.

[skifrk]

#45090

the 2 numbers refer to the supposed thickness of the thread weave and amount of material. So a lower number means lighter weave, with woll underwear on the lowest number I can often see my finger the other side when I put it inside. I think either will work based on how warm a person you are and the requirements you have. For me when hunting where I move a bit like for elk I go with the ligthest weave since I naturally produce a lot of body heat. However if it is where I am going to sit a lot and it is cold out I will go with the heavier weave and usually stay pretty warm. For rme I tried the minus 33 and did not like the fit so I go with Ibex which seems to fit me better.

[David Coulter]

#46765

In a local store end of season sale I bought the expedition weight Minus 33 top and bottom and recently got a midweight zip top for an early Christmas present. I love the stuff. It’s very good in a wide range of temps, as is said above. I’ve been wearing versions of smart wool socks for years and will be sticking with them. It’s worth the money in my book and now that it’s getting more common there are more options and more deals. dwc

[stalkin4elk]

#46826

Minus 33 is better than other big names I have used and less money. Layer like the others suggested, but for really cold then 200 layered with 400 will keep you comfy below zero with a good outer jacket. I also like the 400 bottoms under microtex pants when hiking in cold better than reg 24 oz. wool pants because it not as heavy or sweaty.

[Troy Warner]

#47611

Thanks for posting this thread, and the website. I haven’t seen prices that low for merino wool long johns unless they were seconds/flawed.

[David Petersen]

#47926

$58 for longjohn bottms is out of my price range, way out. Even so, I have a pair of Merino pants and all my socks are Merino and I’ve nearly worn out a shirt that was a gift several years ago. (With Merino and washable nylon blend wool, you can get away with machine washing cold or warm and hang drying. But never put wool in a dryer even on air dry (no heat). You’ll find the lint trap full of wool and do it often enough and you’ve ruined the garment. Hang-dry only in my experience.) Nothing else comes close to Merino for warmth, general comfort, and washing convenience. I say “Get some!” if you have the do-ray-me. 😀

[Clay Hayes]

#47941

Thanks for the info guys. I know what to write Santa for now..

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