Synthetic vs. Merino
- Thread starter ScottR
- Start date
NVBird'n'Big
Veteran member
I am in the process of switching from synthetic to merino, mostly due to the fact that my synthetic gear is older and due for replacement but also because of all the amazing things I have heard about merino. I am definitely late to jump on board with merino but I had enough synthetic Under Armor for every season to clothe an army from playing football. One thing I have a problem with with the synthetic is pitting it out too bad when I'm up in the hills for a while, this forces me to carry a little more clothing with me making my pack heavier. One of the best things I have heard about merino is that it is better at not holding in the smell after a few days of hard hunting and that you can wear it longer leaving the extra clothes at home. Not sure if it is true or not but I picked up some Kuiu base layers recently and am excited to put them to use on the mountain.
libidilatimmy
Veteran member
Other than a pair of fleece long johns I use, I only wear merino for base layers. The synthetics that I've tried, being UA products, seemed to work well as long as you were somewhat active, but didn't work that well if you weren't. Merino seems to provide just the right amount of thermal insulation whether active or not as well as the wicking properties it provides keeping you feeling dryer are my reasons for use.
25contender
Veteran member
- Mar 20, 2013
- 1,638
- 90
I only where Merino under layers now with synthetic top layers. Synthetic under layers don't curve the body odor problems after a few days like the Merino does. I have had great luck with the FirstLite base layers.
kesand72
Active Member
Merino wool all the way! Its now my favorite for base and mid layers.
And if you watch online sales like Sierra Trading Post it doesn't have to break the bank!
And if you watch online sales like Sierra Trading Post it doesn't have to break the bank!
kesand72
Active Member
Hey Scott, I ve noticed that my new posts don't show up under the "new posts" icon list. Any idea why??
Musket Man
Veteran member
I use UA cold gear mostly now. Before that I used military polly pros. I have never had Merino wool simply because of the price.
mnhunter
Active Member
I would argue that synthetics make the body odor issue much worse. I wear synthetics alot for working out, playing hockey, skiing, and it almost seems like even when clean the stink just goes dormant, and as soon as you get warmed up they reak again.
+1 on firstlite.
MT dreaming
Member
- Aug 14, 2013
- 58
- 0
I took two pairs of synthetic base layers on a recent week long XC ski and snowshoe trip. When I got home both pairs were quite ripe. I am planning my first elk hunt this fall and I think I will be changing to merino wool. I have had my synthetic for several years and it is getting a little worn. It probably will need replacing soon.
Kevin Root
Very Active Member
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….
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….
NVBird'n'Big
Veteran member
While this is very interesting info, I really hate to ask if there is a backstory as to how or why you know this. Hahah unless you are a firefighter I guess
NVBird'n'Big
Veteran member
Quick question for the merino guys. How do the light merino tops work in hot weather? Archery hunting in August here in NV can be damn hot, I really love my UH hot gear, it wicks the sweat and cools you down. I don't see myself switching to merino for this type of situation but I would like to hear if it's an option.
WapitiBob
Veteran member
RUTTIN
Veteran member
My thought exactly! Love that I can wear it on a two week hunt without having any odor issues.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….
HuskyMusky
Veteran member
I love how we re-invent the wheel?
not that they had quality wool base layers in the 50's? perhaps they did, but I hear they're nicer/itch free nowadays?
btw aren't synthetics with their super wicking abilities suppose to keep odor down? I would think they would be less odor than wool...? but I have heard wool handles odor better.
also on a side note, synthetic dyes etc... we keep coming back to "natural" makes us wonder why we keep looking to alternatives simply for profit/cheaper goods? ie. the theory deer can see UV which most modern dyes synthetic glow under a black light but the older natural/wool type stuff doesn't, sometimes I wonder if back in the day those hunters were actually hunting "smarter" than we are today...?
not that they had quality wool base layers in the 50's? perhaps they did, but I hear they're nicer/itch free nowadays?
btw aren't synthetics with their super wicking abilities suppose to keep odor down? I would think they would be less odor than wool...? but I have heard wool handles odor better.
also on a side note, synthetic dyes etc... we keep coming back to "natural" makes us wonder why we keep looking to alternatives simply for profit/cheaper goods? ie. the theory deer can see UV which most modern dyes synthetic glow under a black light but the older natural/wool type stuff doesn't, sometimes I wonder if back in the day those hunters were actually hunting "smarter" than we are today...?
25contender
Veteran member
- Mar 20, 2013
- 1,638
- 90
Mine are totally itch free and you cant even tell they are wool. The FirstLite boxers are the best boxers I have ever had. If they were cheaper I would wear them daily. As mentioned above over 5 to seven days mine stay pretty much odor free.
Kevin Root
Very Active Member
No, I'm not a firefighter, my son is studying to be one though.
I have been known to get a bit close to the campfire at times to warm up though. Attached is my backstory on the fire though.....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGsLGWBQuMc
[video=youtube;GGsLGWBQuMc]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGsLGWBQuMc[/video]
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NVBird'n'Big
Veteran member
Good to know Kevin, I will keep it in mind next time I have had one too many cold ones around the fire back at camp!
archer8524
Member
- Aug 31, 2011
- 74
- 0
extreme minnesotan
Member
I have been one for UA but have worn out the couple I had. Last fall was terrible when I pulled my UA shirt out to wear it and I couldn't even stand to wear it when it was clean cause of the smell. I guess 4-6 years from that shirt was a pretty good life, but couldn't believe after it was washed how bad it still smelled. I will be trying merino this year and looking at First Lite Chama Hoody if I can find one.