Under Armour vs. Merino Wool

[Mikeha33]

I have read a lot of posts about merino wool being the cat's meow of base layers, and that most guys that have used it, swear by it. I have a heavy merino wool sweater that I wear hunting when it gets cold, but I don't own any merino base layer clothing, yet. I do however, have the Under Armour 3.0 base system, which IMO, is awesome stuff. As you all know, the first time prepping for a DIY backpack elk hunt is rather costly, buying everything new (to me), so I am on a pretty tight budget. Have any of you worn the UA stuff into the back-country, and if so, how did it perform in a wide temperature range, under extreme physical activities, over a weeks time? I think I'll be OK with it, but I'd rather hear it from someone who has experience with it compared to merino wool.

[switchback270]

You'll be ok with it as you said. I used two under armour T shirts and the boxer shorts last year on my hunt in Colorado the first week of September Temps were in the 70-80 range. With my experience, they got to smelling pretty rank after a day or two. I don't have a review to compare them with merino, yet. I've picked up some core 4 stuff from camofire and have a big order of first lite stuff arriving here on Friday. I can't wait to try them out in October on my rifle hunt. Good luck this season buddy.

[aron]

Steve mentioned one of the my biggest benefits of merino wool versus UA (polyester). Merino doesn't take on the stink factor like polyester does. If you find a good merino, I find it a more comfortable material as well. The wool will also help insulate better when wet as polyester will lose most of its insulating properties.

That beings said, it doesn't mean your UA gear won't work and it will get you by just fine. The UA gear will work in just as good of a temperature range and under extreme activities. It will also dry quicker than a merino wool. If you are just getting into it, I would stick with the UA gear and spend that additional money somewhere else beings you are on a budget.

[diggerson]

I'm a fan of merino base layers over UA. Works as good, or better, than UA for temp control IMO. For warmth they are about the same, but when you want to cool off, I think merino works better. And the stink factor seals the deal. Like others have said, I can wear merino for days on end in the field with no noticeable funk. UA and other synthetics get the funk after a day.

switchback270, I'll be interested to see what you think of the first lite stuff as compared to core4element. I have quite a bit of C4E, just wondering if the cost premium for FL is worth the jump. I'm totally happy with C4E, just wondering how much better FL could be. Other than that cool ASAT pattern.

[Z Barebow]

I agree with previous posters. If you like UA just go with it. You don't "need" merino wool, it is just nice to have.

I no longer wear my UA base layers and have migrated to merino wool. Same reasons as above.

I do a lot of running in the winter. With UA, when I stopped I would freeze to death. With merino, I'll still be wet but will be comfortable. All of my tech running clothes seem to develop a permenant funk no matter what I wash them with. As soon as I sweat, they reek. Merino stuff does not smell.

In the off season, watch places like Sierra Trading and Steep and Cheep and Camofire. This is where I have purchased all of my merino and I have never paid full price, just be patient and the right deal with come along.

[pointysticks]

UA stuff, i am pretty ripe by the end of the day. two days, forget it.

i used to just hunt "Easy" before. we camped with a trailer and an available shower. i never got that funky because i changed out my clothing so often.

out of a backpack, i couldnt imagine my stink. it would be brutal.

one time, in AZ we stayed much longer than expected. the deer were out and moving. we had to run to town to toss everything into the laundry and buy more food. there was no way we dug thru the dirty clothes bag to recycle some synthetic.

[ferris bugler]

Don't cancel your hunt just because you can't afford new under layers. Elk will smell you regardless of what you are wearing if the wind is blowing at them. With that said I like merino because I can't smell it, it is more comfortable than polyesters, and it does a better job of regulating temps just like stated above.

[switchback270]

Diggerson, I will try to post up a review on this thread after some in the field use in October.

I just checked and the clothes arrived at my house a little bit ago. Can't wait to get home and out of this office lol.

[Bowhunter]

I like merino wool because it doesnt stink and still keeps you warm if wet. I have some underarmor cold gear and cant stand the compression fit. The UA makes my arms and legs itch too. I have UA loose fit in light colors that I wear in hot weather alone. They seem to dry quickly and feel cooler than cotton tee shirts.

[WindedBowhunter]

Mikeha33 IMO they are both great products!

Where I like Merino Wool better is on 3+ day backcountry hunts. This will keep the weight of your packed garments down, naturally assist in keeping your stink down...

Merino is a little better naturally at keeping you cool when it hot weather and keeping you warm when the temps get cooler.

UA, you need to get the system for the temp range that your activity is in.