Base layers- merino wool vs synthetic

DiRTY DOG

DiRTY DOG

Well-known member
I thought I understood the theories behind merino wool vs synthetic base layers.

And then I watched Kuiu's Jason Hairston explain merino vs synthetic base layers and now I'm not as sure anymore. Hairston, who founded Kuiu and spent a lot of time developing top tier merino and synthetic fabrics for hunting clothing, says most people have it backwards

Merino as a standalone shirt especially when it's hot. (I especially agree with this, for example summer backpacking). But not very durable for busting brush. And for a base layer for lower activity in the cold when not sweating too much. Holds onto moisture and takes longer to dry. It's heavier, but feels warmer when wet. Never use more than one layer of merino when layering.

Synthetic when it's wet and/or cold and you're layering clothes and actively hiking etc (sweating). And for sleeping. Mostly because it dries faster and transfers moisture away from your body and through layers. Can really smell bad depending on brand. Don't use any synthetics with elastic (spandex).

Something like that... What do you guys think?
 
I hike a lot on my western hunts and adventures, from hot dry summers to snowy mountains at elevation. I have mostly used merino wool shirts for all situations from Icebreaker, Kuiu, LLBean, and Cabela's. Kuiu is my favorite for fit and feel plus they carry non-camo solid colors. Icebreaker is also good but doesn't fit tall people very well. LLBean is just ok definately lower quality. Cabela's (Icebreaker by Cabela's) fit and feel was terrible.
 
Originally Posted By: jetmanIn my mind it is hard to beat wool, maybe silk.

I'm with this, with high quality fleece over the top depending upon temperature. I use mostly Sitka and First Lite.
 
I spent a lot of years running traplines on skis, snowshoes and horseback in northern MN and WI plus I worked construction in that country, once put siding on a grain elevator in ND at -40 on the the thermometer, no one even knew what windchill was or cared.

Base layer wicking T-shirt and shorts, synthetic unionsuit, lightweight in mild temps(above zero) and heavy weight when cold.

Mid layer, wool shirt with buttons or zipper to open to cool off, again weight depending on the temps. When really cold added a down vest as I didn't like a lot of bulk on my arms.

Outer layer, wool when it was cold 32oz wool bibs and mackinaw, cold enough that when snow would got on it it wouldn't melt. When it was warmer, polar fleece as it was lighter and would dry fast if it got wet.

For stand hunting I had a pair of insulated over pants, over booties and down jacket that went in my pack until I started to cool down after my hike to the stand or after still hunting for a while(until I found a good place to wait.

I spent a lot of those year running lines out of a tent and three years living in a tent after my diviorce so being out in the cold wasn't an occasional thing, I lived it.

As far as cloths stinking, I didn't get a bath very often but did put clean T-shirt and shorts on every morning, easily rinsed out in a kettle and hung over the stove or ceiling of the tent. The longohns styed pretty good for a long time and the synthetics were easy to rinse out also., for baths once a week I'd build a big fire outside and hang a blanket up as a heat reflector and stand between the fire and the blanket with a big pot(large soup pot) to scoop hot water out of for the rinse and hair washing. I did spin around a lot to warm the back side when it was down in the minus temps.
 
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If I think I will get wet, wool next to skin, breathable outer layer. Hiking covering ground, with pack, in anything above freezing. A breathable base and a vest, 2-3 other layers in the pack, 1 will be wool. I have went synthetic under wool(base type) and a light jacket in cold dry weather, seems to work if you avoid sweating, 1/4 zips help.
 
I have a different situation than most, for me it is heavy silk base layer then heavy merino second, and wool shirt.
This combo first gives a comfortable no bind fit with more comfort and less fatigue. It also has a broad temp comfort range.
No big sweat uphill with freeze downhill.
Great odor control, quiet, and lasts for years.
They all come in several advertised weight options with good warranty as I tested it once.
My heavy silk from Cabelas must be over 10 years now.
The merino from Firstlite, Smartwool, Filson is over a decade in two weights, light gram for early season and heavy gram for late.
A friend has Woolpower he swears by.
 
As with most items, their are various choices with the same product and many different products.

Old school was 100% wool for base layer. To my knowledge, the best was Canadian Blue Label back in the day, based on what I was told. Very expensive and I couldn't afford it.

Some might remember the Canadian Blue John's - Cabelas sold them back in early 1970's - extremely expensive at the time and the company didn't stay in business long but were/are the best I've ever run across. I purchased 2 complete outfits and still use them when the temps drop below -15*F and for whatever reason I need to be outside for an extended period of time.
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My normal "go to" material choice for base and mid-layer clothing now is Merino wool. Lots of choices out there, but my choice for purchasing is the WoolX brand. I try and purchase sale items, if possible, as merino is usually quite expensive, for me anyway.

For most of the winter months I wear the merino T-shirt with their heavy weight Blizzard 1/4 zip for mid-level. I also wear that combination around the house.
https://www.woolx.com/?gc_id=925487511&a...ASAAEgJtHPD_BwE

Outer ware - If temps are -10*/-15*F, or warmer, I wear a wool coat - anything lower and especially with a wind, I'll go with a heavy down jacket. I have the Empire Camp Coat, as my wool coat, which I find very useful with their particular pocket design - the internal D-rings will keep your vehicle keys safe, believe me, that's important in cold weather.
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I have the Wood's Expedition Down Coat for extreme cold with wind conditions, this particular down coat is no longer manufactured anymore - but there are other very nice and warm heavy down jackets on the market for extreme conditions - for a price of course, so if you have the need, they are out there.
https://empirecanvasworks.com/product/camp-coat/
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Today we have a lot of selections, some go high tech, low tech or off the wall tech - it's all good. Just like our hunting gear, some look like they're a model for Cabella's, while others look like they just came off their construction site.

Many years ago I purchased a winter camo jacket & bibs insulated with thinsulate for my winter hunting activities and they still do just fine with my Blue John's and WoolX under layers. A fur cap and mitts keep me warm enough on most days - there's just some days humans should just stay indoors.
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The fur on that cap is Lynx - Why Lynx, one can only guess.
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Originally Posted By: AWSI spent a lot of years running traplines on skis, snowshoes and horseback in northern MN and WI plus I worked construction in that country, once put siding on a grain elevator in ND at -40 on the the thermometer, no one even knew what windchill was or cared.

Base layer wicking T-shirt and shorts, synthetic unionsuit, lightweight in mild temps(above zero) and heavy weight when cold.

Mid layer, wool shirt with buttons or zipper to open to cool off, again weight depending on the temps. When really cold added a down vest as I didn't like a lot of bulk on my arms.

Outer layer, wool when it was cold 32oz wool bibs and mackinaw, cold enough that when snow would got on it it wouldn't melt. When it was warmer, polar fleece as it was lighter and would dry fast if it got wet.

For stand hunting I had a pair of insulated over pants, over booties and down jacket that went in my pack until I started to cool down after my hike to the stand or after still hunting for a while(until I found a good place to wait.

I spent a lot of those year running lines out of a tent and three years living in a tent after my diviorce so being out in the cold wasn't an occasional thing, I lived it.

As far as cloths stinking, I didn't get a bath very often but did put clean T-shirt and shorts on every morning, easily rinsed out in a kettle and hung over the stove or ceiling of the tent. The longohns styed pretty good for a long time and the synthetics were easy to rinse out also., for baths once a week I'd build a big fire outside and hang a blanket up as a heat reflector and stand between the fire and the blanket with a big pot(large soup pot) to scoop hot water out of for the rinse and hair washing. I did spin around a lot to warm the back side when it was down in the minus temps.

You needed a much better divorce attorney!
 
She got all the payments and I got to live where ever I wanted and didn't have to bother with a job for a number of years, just hunted, fished, and trapped. I'd do the beet harvest in NW MN for a grubstake for that years trapping season and if I ran short of cash a little firewood cutting or part time construction until I had what I needed. It was a good life and the experience was priceless.

 
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When comparing merino wool and synthetic base layers, it's essential to consider their specific benefits in different conditions. Merino wool is excellent for lower activity levels in cooler weather due to its warmth and moisture retention, making it feel comfortable even when wet; however, it's less durable in rough environments and takes longer to dry. On the other hand, synthetic fabrics excel in wet and active conditions, as they dry quickly and wick moisture away from your body, making them ideal for hiking or layering during intense activities.

For summer backpacking, you might prefer merino wool as a standalone shirt, while synthetics work better for sleeping or during high-sweat activities. Ultimately, choosing the right base layer depends on your specific activity and environmental conditions. For more information on high-quality materials, check out Merino Protect
 


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