I'm curious what everybody uses for a base layer? Material? Brand?

Used to use Under Armour... It seems to have shrunk ;-) and is too expensive to re-buy.
Now I use a poly t-shirt.

I use the Cabela's military grade polartec medium and heavy weight long underwear. They also have a top layer of the same material with a hood. They're great. Only problem is I want another pair of both so that I can sleep in one, wear the other traveling, etc.

Smartwool, weight depends on weather. I have their light, medium and heavy weight long johns and zipper tops.

Merino Wool
Minus 33

Top and bottom, 230 g a bit heavier than other mid weights, flat seams are noticeably more comfy.

My choice after much trial and error.

butthead

quote butthead: "Merino Wool
Minus 33


Top and bottom, 230 g a bit heavier than other mid weights, flat seams are noticeably more comfy.


My choice after much trial and error.


butthead"

Thanks, I have a Denali Zip top from them on the way. I was wondering what weight you wore when you mentioned it in another posting.

Basically I have been moving to wool after being disappointed with the performance of REI MTS, Polypro and having used early versions of Polartec I want something better. It's been a long costly process.

Wool. Icebreaker or Smartwool. Or Ibex. A great investment and you'll stay warm too!

"Basically I have been moving to wool after being disappointed with the performance of REI MTS, Polypro and having used early versions of Polartec I want something better. It's been a long costly process."

The saying for me, been there done that, applies. Warm yes, melted if mishandled, stiffen with age, stinky, short wear life.
Merino was the last try at material, and was a winner. Different weights and brands finalized the choice for me. 40 years trial, hunting, camping year round, day to day use in warehousing and bulk (rail road type stuff), receiving and shipping. Nice thing is, most wool products last for a LONG time, making up the initial cost quickly.

butthead

Patagonia wool for me. It seemed expensive at the time but it lasts. I have worn the same two pair forr almost eight years.

I am always amazed at the fact that 10 minutes after I put on the poly T it reeks of BO...I swear its not me...;-)

quote Doughboy12: "I am always amazed at the fact that 10 minutes after I put on the poly T it reeks of BO...I swear its not me...;-)"

I have the same problem with pretty much all plastic clothes. I have some synthetic T-shirts that reek immediately after pulling out of the washing machine.

As for winter base layers I'm in the merino wool crowd. Some generic brand. My wife can't stand wool against her skin so she is using synthetic for a base layer and wool right on top of it. If wool doesn't make you itch like crazy then definitely go that route. Merino type wools are least itchy (don't bother me in the least) but some people (not many) are so sensitive to wool that they can't even wear merino against their skin

quote schollmeier: "

quote Doughboy12: "I am always amazed at the fact that 10 minutes after I put on the poly T it reeks of BO...I swear its not me...;-)"

...some people (not many) are so sensitive to wool that they can't even wear merino against their skin"

I'm a sensitive guy...but don't ask my wife, she would disagree.

quote Doughboy12: "I am always amazed at the fact that 10 minutes after I put on the poly T it reeks of BO...I swear its not me...;-)"

It is you!

Although now semi-tired I have been doing tree work in Minneapolis winters for the past 30 years. For the last 20 I have been wearing every combination of Patagonia Capilene undergarments available and it is unbeatable for warmth, comfort, durability and stench resistance. There is a reason it is so expensive but to me it is a bargain.
Jon