Testing the Superior Performance of Merino Wool Layers

1 merino wool base layer replaces and outperforms 4+ synthetic layers

If you’re a big woods hunter, hiker, angler, backcountry enthusiast or enjoy any combination of recreation and physical activity out in nature, you’ll appreciate that the success of our adventures depends heavily on our choice of clothing. It has to endure heat, cold, sweat and wear and tear. It has to be the best, and you can’t bring a lot, so what do you wear? 

Wool is the best possible outer layer for big woods hunting, and an essential component of the Big Woods Bucks System. Other activities like skiing, hiking and fishing have their own outerwear requirements, but what if the benefits of wool made it the ideal base layer for every outdoor pursuit? It’s supposed to breathe well, wick moisture, stay warm when wet and not stink. Sounds like a winner. So I put it to the test.  

Early spring in northern Maine means notoriously unpredictable weather. On a 4-day, 3-night remote camping trip I stood a good chance of seeing a full year’s worth of weather. But I packed light anyway, wearing the same 3 articles of Minus33 merino wool clothing the entire time: 

I also wore Minus33’s over-the-calf wool socks, but because I was wearing rubber boots I changed my socks daily. I also brought 2 pairs of pants, a flannel and a hoodie. But the three Minus33 undergarments stayed on the entire time; I even slept in them. If this experiment worked, one set of base layers would replace FOUR sets of synthetic alternatives; a huge savings in space and weight. 

Sure enough, conditions cycled through hot, cold and wet the whole time. Temperatures ranged from the mid-30s to the low 70s, it rained half the time, we had dense fog, bright sun, and stiff wind. We did a rigorous 7 mile hike one day and sat around in a humid tent in the rain another day. The wood stove had the tent baking at bedtime and freezing when the fire went out. Tough conditions.  

The experience proved merino’s ability to outperform all other materials in these conditions. I was comfortable and dry, and the clothes felt the same on the last day as they did on the first. They weren't sticky or spent, and they didn’t smell, not even of woodsmoke from the campfire. Minus33 does a nice job blending the wool with other fabrics to keep them soft on the skin and stretchy for good fit, while retaining the performance qualities of wool and resisting wear. I’ve had that ¼-zip midweight top for 6 years and wear it hunting, skiing, hiking and fishing and it’s still in excellent shape, performing like it did when I first got it.  

I’m convinced that merino base layers are the highest performing and best layers for all outdoor activities. If you haven’t tried them yet, you should treat yourself to the experiment and make your entire base layer merino. I bet they’ll become your favorite go-to layer all year long. They cost more than your average underwear, but if one outfit can outperform and take the place of four, you’re actually saving money and space in your pack at the same time. Minus33’s merino clothing is priced competitively and is the best value on the market. Check them out and get free shipping over $50 at www.minus33.com