Synthetic vs. Merino

[atrietch]

I choose Merino wool, and I don't think I'll ever go back to synthetics for my base layer system in the backcountry.

Resists odor, and can be worn for days, even weeks without washing.
Lightweight and it has a exceptionally high warmth to weight ratio.
Breathable, helps prevent overheating.
Easy care, machine washable.
Firesafe, it is self-extinguishing and unlike synthetics, it won’t melt and stick to your skin.
Drys and wicks well. Not quite as fast as synthetics, but the world isn’t perfect….

This^^
Merino is truly amazing

 

[JMSZ]

I agree that merino is better, but I am surprised to hear all of the comments about synthetic holding the stench, and about the stench coming back on a recurring basis even after washing. I am curious to know what everyone is using to wash their synthetics. I use Sport Wash, which is a product of Sno-Seal to wash all of my synthetics, down, and wool garments, sleeping bags, etc., and have not had that problem. It also has a UV-Killer.

I'll have to try that, I have a couple of Columbia synthetic t-shirts and several pairs of Under Armor shorts and every time I wear them, after about two hours, they smell like I've been wearing them to the gym for several days in a row without washing them.

That really sucks, because I love them. The Columbia shirts are really bad with stains, too. I don't know what I got on them, but every single one permanently looked like I'm wearing my lunch on them a couple of months after I got them.

 

[AT Hiker]

Merino wool for me when it comes to hunting for extended periods of time. I use synthetic stand hunting for whitetails around home (mainly because I already have synthetic and I can wash it as needed).

I have some red ram merino wool I bought from Sierra Trading Post for a steal and does an excellent job.

My buddy wears Swift Wick merino wool socks all day every day (work, hunting, etc). He has worn the same pair for over 2 weeks and I kid you not they did not stink. Amazing stuff. I would never willing wear the same socks that long, but its a testimony to merino wool for sure.

 

[Mule3006Elk]

First Lite.

 

[NVBird'n'Big]

The new kuiu ultra merino looks pretty sweet!

 

[woodtick]

The new kuiu ultra merino looks pretty sweet!

If it is any better than the old stuff it will definitely the stuff to have!!!

 

[woodtick]

My First Lite has just about worn out in two seasons. I was impressed to start now I'm wondering if it was worth the money!

 

[NVBird'n'Big]

That's crazy, stuff's not cheap! I got a few kuiu tops this spring and can't wait to put em through the ringer, I've been impressed so far but havnt hunted in em yet. I am excited to pick up the new stuff, I didn't get the lightest layer before and now with the vents on the side of the ultra I'm glad I waited.

 

[chiefgobbler]

I agree with Merino. However, my First Light bottoms barely made it through one year. I wear them from spring Turkey hunts all the way through cold weather duck hunts. I just watched the video introducing KUIU's Nuyarn Merino on their web site. Very impressive. My next base layer purchase.

 

[NVBird'n'Big]

I'm just excited to toss my stinky old Under Amour!

 

[woodtick]

I'm just excited to toss my stinky old Under Amour!

Amen to that!! It was a great day when I did this!

 

[tim]

I like the wool tops and synthetic bottoms.

 

[swmoelk]

Anything that touches my skin I want to be merino.

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk

 

[OregonJim]

I'm a little old and slow to come around.
Perhaps it is the fact that I have to work in polypro undergarments pretty regularly and it's been that way for years.

I put on my first mid weight merino wool top (First Lite) yesterday.
I had purchased a set of light weight APX bottoms at Cabelas a while back but hadn't broke them out.
I made a point of getting a little sweaty while wearing them and sure enough they are performing as advertised.

I'm sold on this stuff !!!!!
I'm tag poor this season so swapping out will be slow but I see it on the horizon.

 

[OregonJim]

I'm a little old and slow to come around.
Perhaps it is the fact that I have to work in polypro undergarments pretty regularly and it's been that way for years.

I put on my first mid weight merino will top (First Lite) yesterday.
I had purchased a set of light weight APX bottoms at Cabelas a while back but hadn't broke them out.
I made a point of getting a little sweaty while wearing them and sure enough they are performing as advertised.

I'm sold on this stuff !!!!!
I'm tag poor this season so swapping out will be slow but I see it on the horizon.

 

[AzCamoLife]

I ordered a few items from First Lite recently and these are the most comfortable clothes I have worn. After testing out the merino on the trail and a scouting trip I can tell you that I will for sure be building a full layering system from First Lite.