Opinions on BEST Merino Base Layers for COLD stand hunting
Please share your opinions and experiences.
Thank you!
I've used and have several pieces from Minus33 and Smartwool. They are both very good. Most importantly is using the right weight for the conditions. I like the quarter zip with the turtle neck, allows for some venting. All of my base layers are in the 200 weight. They seem to cover a broad range of temperatures. Paired with good wool outerwear and you're good to go.
I use Minus 33 and First Lite. I particularly like the First light quarter zip with a hood.
First Lite Furnace hands down. The Henley version of the top is a little snug on the neck if you don't have a skinny one. The quarter-zip is the cat's pajamas.
I hunt in December in northwest lower Michigan. Some of my hunts are in 10° weather with some wind. Battling the wind is the tougher gig over the base layer in my opinion. I have used smart wool, silk and Craft (cross country ski racing designed long underwear) base layers and they are all good. The real key for me was getting the outerwear right. I use Gray Wolf Woolen wool, lined with their windblocker material in my bibs and the wind block combined with comformax insulation in a 1/2 zip pullover. I can wear a couple of very light layers under this and stay on a December tree stand sit for four hours in about any weather. If I had it to do all over again I would just get the wind block liner in the pullover so that I could use it in more weather opportunities then just super cold.
I also have the Ulfarotte Merino wool underwear in 400 weight from three rivers. Very warm but it's got a lot of fluff to it. I will often wear silk (sheer thickness) under the Ulfrotte and then the Gray Wolf outerwear and stay warm and quiet on super cold sits
Camofire has the Blackovis merino half price today. It is very good. I have about everything Firstlite makes and I think the Blackovis is just as good for a fraction of the price.
Smart Wool under and Gray Wolf and Asbell outer.
Wool X . It gets cold where I hunt, this is good comfortable and long lasting wool .
I have used Smartwool and Patagonia wool base layers and been very happy with both of them when hunting and fishing in temps well below zero (F).
Matt
For me First Lite is the industry leader in merino. I use it exclusively for about everything from 0 degrees to 45. Use layers for cold and stay toasty.
Mike