Synthetic vs. Merino

[dihardhunter]

Merino, no "ifs", "ands", or "buts"...Kevin R did a nice job of laying out the reasons why.

 

[Brushstomper]

Merino all the way for all the reasons all ready stated! First Lite has great stuff!

 

[Mr Drysdale]

I have been using the Polar Weight polar tech power dry from Cabelas. Very warm. Granted I hunt pretty local and a high mountain in my area is 800'. Mostly stand hunt, not a lot of hiking and no overnight. Hope to try some merino in the future.

 

[squirrelduster]

I have noticed the same as one of the comments above. When the synthetic stinks and you wash it the smell pretty much goes away but as soon as you heat it up it is horrible. Seems the older it is the shorter period of time it takes to stink. I took one of my older sets out of the drawer last week and by the time I got to the truck it stunk so bad I couldn't stand it. I took it off and put on a heavy wool shirt.
The merino from Firstlite and Kuiu are awesome, they both use quality low micron wool and don't itch. Sitka is not quite as small of fibers and everything else is bigger than Sitka.

 

[NVBird'n'Big]

The reoccurring smell with synthetics everyone is talking about, for me, seems to be worse with my cold weather gear. The hot weather thin stuff isn't as bad which is why I've stuck with it but the thicker stuff can hold that smell in for some reason.

 

[Sawfish]

The reoccurring smell with synthetics everyone is talking about, for me, seems to be worse with my cold weather gear. The hot weather thin stuff isn't as bad which is why I've stuck with it but the thicker stuff can hold that smell in for some reason.

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.

 

[Retterath]

bought some first lite for hunting this next year, i have had a lot of synthetic and can't stand how it smells so bad so we will see how the first lite works.

 

[ScottR]

You will be happy with it!

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk 2

 

[tdub24]

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.

Last year I wore Kuiu 185 top with the Attack pants and couldn't of been happier with how the merino wool performed. As you know, mornings are chilly and midday can be 100+, the 185 helped to keep me warm at first light then shielded my skin from the sun rays keeping me surprisingly cool. Most mornings I did use a jacket to help though. I really can't say a negative word yet about Kuiu and all their products.

I probably should of said this was archery.

 

[NVBird'n'Big]

Last year I wore Kuiu 185 top with the Attack pants and couldn't of been happier with how the merino wool performed. As you know, mornings are chilly and midday can be 100+, the 185 helped to keep me warm at first light then shielded my skin from the sun rays keeping me surprisingly cool. Most mornings I did use a jacket to help though. I really can't say a negative word yet about Kuiu and all their products.

I probably should of said this was archery.

Thanks Tdub! I just got the Kuiu 230 top, I plan for it to be my only top layer during archery and early season, I plan on picking up the 185 long sleeve as well and hopefully the guide vest for when it gets a little chillier. The attack pants are next on my list though! I will keep my UH hot gear around but it's looking like merino all the way from now on.

 

[tdub24]

I think you will be happy.

 

[tttoadman]

merino for me.

because I was layering challenged until I started seeing this better clothing a couple years ago. All I know is I am comfortable and don't stink up the countryside.

 

[d.kerri]

This has been a remarkably helpful thread- thanks for all the input.

 

[25contender]

Another great thing about Merino besides the low stench factor is how it wicks all the moisture away from the body. Since I started wearing it as base-layers and mid-layers I have never felt sweaty or damp even on warm days. That is a huge plus. Even hen you pair it with good mid-layers and quality top layers it works great at keeping that moisture away from the skin.

 

[Shooter09]

Merino Wool for sure, I wear First Lite head to toe.

 

[Matthoek21]

Got a question regarding the Sitka base layers. Saw where someone made point about sizing. I am 6'4" 210pds. and am wandering will the Sitka fit me or should I look at others? I know Sitka is small as far as pants and other items. Are the base layers made to fit smaller and tighter? I like a little room in my stuff. That's why I shifted from UA cold gear b/c of how tight it fit and how it made me itch. I have some old Smartwool that I love but it is finally wearing out. Will gladly buy Smartwool but thought about trying something new. How does Sitka compare to Smartwool?

 

[Boehunter]

Im 6'3 220 i wear a 2x in all sitka base layers i also wear a 38 tall in the mountain pants the fit is good. I also bought some russell merino when it was so cheap and i wear that in a 2x. Buddy has first lite my sitka and russell seem to perform the same.

 

[marcusvdk]

Merino wool for me. After having synthetic and then trying out merino wool i will never go back

 

[squirrelduster]

Thanks Tdub! I just got the Kuiu 230 top, I plan for it to be my only top layer during archery and early season, I plan on picking up the 185 long sleeve as well and hopefully the guide vest for when it gets a little chillier. The attack pants are next on my list though! I will keep my UH hot gear around but it's looking like merino all the way from now on.

The 230 top is my favorite piece if gear. I wear it constantly unless it's really hot. Super comfortable and keeps you warm and dry. Early season deer when it's hot, usually around 100, I wear the 185 shirt and a guide coat first thing in the morning. Take the coat off and wear the shirt the rest if the day.

 

[Bughalli]

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.

I like wool in hot weather, but prefer a short sleeve to give a little ventilation. Don't really need camo on your arm anyway.