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Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Winter Camping and Activities :: Base layer
 
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Primitiveman
12/06/2013 11:53AM
 
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
 
Primitiveman
12/06/2013 11:52AM
 
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!
 
Frenchy19
12/04/2013 03:37PM
 
Smartwool, weight depends on weather. I have their light, medium and heavy weight long johns and zipper tops.
 
butthead
12/04/2013 09:40PM
 
"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
 
Arlo Pankook
12/04/2013 10:35PM
 
Patagonia wool for me. It seemed expensive at the time but it lasts. I have worn the same two pair forr almost eight years.
 
Doughboy12
12/05/2013 09:05AM
 
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...;-)
 
SevenofNine
12/04/2013 02:28PM
 
I'm curious what everybody uses for a base layer? Material? Brand?
 
Doughboy12
12/05/2013 11:03AM
 
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.
 
schollmeier
12/05/2013 09:37AM
 
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
 
landoftheskytintedwater
12/04/2013 03:27PM
 
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.
 
SevenofNine
12/04/2013 07:19PM
 
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.
 
Doughboy12
12/04/2013 02:55PM
 
Used to use Under Armour... It seems to have shrunk ;-) and is too expensive to re-buy.
Now I use a poly t-shirt.
 
butthead
12/04/2013 03:38PM
 
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
 
McVacek
12/04/2013 09:09PM
 
Wool. Icebreaker or Smartwool. Or Ibex. A great investment and you'll stay warm too!