Layer question on clothes?

just ordered some first lite 330 and 230 merino wool bottoms

Hope they are as good as what they were priced. Can’t wait to try them out
 
Dirty Hippie:

The only "Smart Wool" I have used has been socks. They were OK but I wore through the heels pretty quick. Truthfully, this could be because of rough dry skin as an abrasive in the heel. I wear 8" LL Bean boots all winter and have since I was a kid growing up way years ago.

I have, quite frankly, started using some skin cream to soften both my heels and elbows.... Not manly perhaps but it does reduce the abrasion..... Go figure..... Wife thought it was the right thing to do.
 
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Originally Posted By: huntschoolDirty Hippie:

I may be wrong but "Smart Wool" is not 100% merino thats why they can be dried. I have not checked but you might want to check on the % of Merino in "Smart wool".

Just a thought.....

Smartwool states 100% merino Wool weaved in Vietnam.
Mine launder fine and it is soft somewhat similar to a jersey fabric. Smartwool does not have quite as heavy weight rating as others like first lite or Icebreaker which feels tighter woven.
I like the smartwool socks and have only needed a couple pair in ten years with absolutly zero wear.
 
I've got some Smartwool socks that have been worn on many backpacking and hunting trips, still going strong. Have found I prefer Vermont Darn Tough socks though, toe area just fits my extra wide feet better. And have some Smartwool long johns that haven't been used much. And Icebreaker long johns, which is why the Smartwool hasn't been worn much, just like the Icebreaker more (and love Icebreaker 100% merino T's for hot weather hiking). For sleeping in my tent in sub zero, I have some Woolpower heavy weight long johns. Have only worn them during the day hunting once, too warm for temps in the teens. And too warm for sleeping except single digits or lower.

But, end of the day, I wear UA synthetics more than anything else. Just the right amount of insulation for me, for most winter days of coyote hunting. The lightweight merino isn't quite enough and the heavyweight is too much. Just of the stuff I own. Easier to wash the UA too.

For the temps mentioned here, 30's and 40's, I don't wear any base layer though. I'm still wearing a lot of cotton stuff at that temp.

- DAA
 
On warmish days, I wear camo pants and a long sleeve camo shirt under my Kings Camo bibs and jacket. When it warms up I strip off my bibs.
If it's going to be cold I'll put on some compression under armour first. I wear whatever socks I happen to pull out of my drawer, my Wolverine boots have always kept my feet dry and warm no matter the temp.
If it's warmish, I'll wear mechanix gloves, if it's cold I have a pair of Under Armour cold weather gloves. They work well and aren't too bulky, I can still run the call and shoot.
I have a ball cap and thin facemask I always wear. If it's cold I'll put on my stocking cap and hood.

I've never put too much thought into layering or picking different fabrics vs others. It's just whatever.
 
Originally Posted By: 6mm06
Question about the merino wool - does it itch? I have worn wool in the past and it itched me to death. Maybe I'm missing something with merino?

it no longer itches and is machine washable and does not retain odor.great stuff
 
Originally Posted By: DAAI've got some Smartwool socks that have been worn on many backpacking and hunting trips, still going strong. Have found I prefer Vermont Darn Tough socks though, toe area just fits my extra wide feet better. And have some Smartwool long johns that haven't been used much. And Icebreaker long johns, which is why the Smartwool hasn't been worn much, just like the Icebreaker more (and love Icebreaker 100% merino T's for hot weather hiking). For sleeping in my tent in sub zero, I have some Woolpower heavy weight long johns. Have only worn them during the day hunting once, too warm for temps in the teens. And too warm for sleeping except single digits or lower.

But, end of the day, I wear UA synthetics more than anything else. Just the right amount of insulation for me, for most winter days of coyote hunting. The lightweight merino isn't quite enough and the heavyweight is too much. Just of the stuff I own. Easier to wash the UA too.

For the temps mentioned here, 30's and 40's, I don't wear any base layer though. I'm still wearing a lot of cotton stuff at that temp.

- DAA

I have heard about Woolpower for several years. Good to hear it is warmer. The cost is prohibitive or I would have some to keep my legs protected.
Wool for summer sounds weird however it works in dry climates for me.
 
Originally Posted By: huntschoolOK.... My Bad on the "Smart Wool"

Good to know. I guess my "wear outs" were more due to my rough, dry heels......

I was kinda joking about zero wear, being in the chair they don't get walked in. Under normal walking conditions they may have worn out in ten years. I still like them. Haven't tried the darn tough ones that DAA uses.
 
Originally Posted By: huntschooltripod3:

I was gonna make a bit of a joke about that but we dont know each other that well.......


I can take it, Really I joke a bit more than most know. It's difficult to see through text.
 


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