Does it have to be Merino Wool?

[RainbowDash]

I dont want to spend 60+ dollars on a shirt I can make myself with similar weight regular wool.

[Just Bill]

I don't know if you can get regular wool at the same weights.
Itchy problems aside- you'll be more likely to overheat.
But if you can make it yourself- cheap enough experiment.

[Tuckahoe]

When commes to merino wool, as a fiber it has smaller scales which make it softer and more comfortable against the skin, plus it generally has a better warmth to weight ratio than other wool fibers

[RainbowDash]

I wish I could find a place that sold merino near by. Its only 15 a yard in NZ but shipping is insane.

[Connie]

http://www.oregoncyclewear.com/woolcyclingjerseys.html

you might consider a wool cycling jersey made for bicyclists.

I picked up one on-sale at a famous Palo Alto bicycle shop, marked down. It had three pockets, at the back, I thought were ideal for handwarmer packets, if terribly cold. Never needed. But that shirt was a comfort.

It was not merino wool, but all wool used for bicycling shirts are comfortable woolens made for wearing direct against the skin.

I like half-zip mock turtleneck.

[RainbowDash]

http://www.oregoncyclewear.com/woolcyclingjerseys.html

you might consider a wool cycling jersey made for bicyclists.

I picked up one on-sale at a famous Palo Alto bicycle shop, marked down. It had three pockets, at the back, I thought were ideal for handwarmer packets, if terribly cold. Never needed. But that shirt was a comfort.

It was not merino wool, but all wool used for bicycling shirts are comfortable woolens made for wearing direct against the skin.

I like half-zip mock turtleneck. Thats actually a good idea! That link had a clearance section and I love me' a clearance section!

[tiptoe]

I have found merino base layers on sale from time to time (about $40) at sierratrading.com, the clymb, and elsewhere. Keep a lookout in the next few weeks, especially after Christmas.

[Just Bill]

Easy enough for you to modify- take the back pocket(s) off- I wore a cycling top once and they don't play well with backpacks.

[Connie]

mywatsons.ca has reasonably priced 150 merino.

I also like my Stanfield's Red Label wool-nylon union suit, from Canada. Too warm for backpacking, wool-nylon blend is comfortable against the skin.

[RainbowDash]

I have found merino base layers on sale from time to time (about $40) at sierratrading.com, the clymb, and elsewhere. Keep a lookout in the next few weeks, especially after Christmas.
Im actually looking forward to black friday/ cyber monday next year because of that. I am hoping to save a ton on last years gear and since I'm class of 2016 I've got a while to get everything together. I'm sewing my own mid layer, bear bag, compression bags, and sleeping quilt.

[tiptoe]

Seems to me that everything is on sale pretty much nonstop these days, especially if you don't need the item right away. I really like my Icebreaker merino top and bottoms. They feel good against the skin, block the wind, don't stink, and keep me toasty warm. And they don't weigh much.

[Just Bill]

Im actually looking forward to black friday/ cyber monday next year because of that. I am hoping to save a ton on last years gear and since I'm class of 2016 I've got a while to get everything together. I'm sewing my own mid layer, bear bag, compression bags, and sleeping quilt.

FWIW- I believe Patagonia still offers a one time 50% off coupon to Thru-hikers.
They also have several sales on past season stuff through the year from 30-50% off. I have gotten most of my merino pieces this way- women's gear is even easier to score from them. There is still some stuff available now- http://www.patagonia.com/us/shop/web-specials-womens-baselayer?k=1E-6M-ga

I make a lot of gear- but never been good at clothing since I don't know how to sew.

[Tennessee Viking]

I found an eBay seller for Merino Wool survival blankets (71x62) for about $40+10 shipping. http://www.ebay.com/usr/prepandmore?_trksid=p2047675.l2559

[freightliner]

A few years ago I bought a sewing machine and had a lot of fun with it. While I was practicing I bought one of those Walmart fleece blankets for a $1,99 it turned out to be the best shirt I have ever made. It is very soft warm and lightweight. Because it was a practice shirt I didn't bother making any hams but it turned out it never unraveled so you don't even need to ham it. It did seem to curl up a little bit but hey just tuck it in and forget about it. My favorite one is I made it with a hood and a tail so when I bend over I don't smile at everybody.

[RainbowDash]

A few years ago I bought a sewing machine and had a lot of fun with it. While I was practicing I bought one of those Walmart fleece blankets for a $1,99 it turned out to be the best shirt I have ever made. It is very soft warm and lightweight. Because it was a practice shirt I didn't bother making any hams but it turned out it never unraveled so you don't even need to ham it. It did seem to curl up a little bit but hey just tuck it in and forget about it. My favorite one is I made it with a hood and a tail so when I bend over I don't smile at everybody. Im making my mid layer pretty much the same way except with hems and things lol.

[freightliner]

Oh that's funny my phone spelt hems like hams. I should really proof read better. At least you know what I was talking about. I love being able tell my phone what to type and it types it for me man I'm getting lazy.

[RainbowDash]

Oh that's funny my phone spelt hems like hams. I should really proof read better. At least you know what I was talking about. I love being able tell my phone what to type and it types it for me man I'm getting lazy. Autocorrect makes fools of us all :)

[Tuckahoe]

Autocorrect makes fools of us all :)

Im pretty good at it all on my own.

[rocketsocks]

Autocorrect makes fools of us all :)
only when I drink a lot of it, gets me bouncin' off the walls.
https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRxSqxc24y69YHzPkIHbQO8BWbQY-Q5GbCJMhfZ_0_MOnJ0Jsur:scene7.samsclub.com/is/image/samsclub/0040640530307_A%3F%24img_size_380x380%24

[fastfoxengineering]

FWIW- I believe Patagonia still offers a one time 50% off coupon to Thru-hikers.
They also have several sales on past season stuff through the year from 30-50% off. I have gotten most of my merino pieces this way- women's gear is even easier to score from them. There is still some stuff available now- http://www.patagonia.com/us/shop/web-specials-womens-baselayer?k=1E-6M-ga

I make a lot of gear- but never been good at clothing since I don't know how to sew.

What is this 50% off Patagonia coupon you speak of. I've heard of similar coupons but a Google search comes up with nothing on my end.

[tiptoe]

RainbowDash, check out http://www.sierratradingpost.com/icebreaker~b~10021/clothing~d~5/searchwithin~base-layer/womens-clothing~d~6/ just to get an idea of what's out there, even if you don't want to buy now. If you register for this site, you can get really good offers and codes. The shipping isn't cheap, but often there are deals on that, too. (disclaimer: I'm not affiliated with sierra trading, but I have bought from them several times.)

[RainbowDash]

RainbowDash, check out http://www.sierratradingpost.com/icebreaker~b~10021/clothing~d~5/searchwithin~base-layer/womens-clothing~d~6/ just to get an idea of what's out there, even if you don't want to buy now. If you register for this site, you can get really good offers and codes. The shipping isn't cheap, but often there are deals on that, too. (disclaimer: I'm not affiliated with sierra trading, but I have bought from them several times.)
Thanks I wrote that down in my "Big Book of Appalachian Trail Things" . I have reached Twilight Sparkle levels of organzation. I have a check list for my check lists. Ive got everything down to grams and how much it cosrts including tax lol.

http://youtube.com/?#/watch?v=u8_I5eFOISY

[Honuben]

I know I am in the minority here, i know... But i am not on the merino wool bandwagon. I have some pieces - short sleeve tee(icebreaker), Lightweight longsleave (patagonia), and midweight long sleeve (smarwool) all bought on sale. Total that up and i spent way too much on that .... Stuff. I found an older nike running LS shirt whch is synthetic and half the price of a long sleeve merino piece and that shirt is probally ten years older. SS synthetic tees are Inexpensive and easily replacible on the trail if the smell gets too bad. Also synthetic is more durable than wool. So no, imho it doesnt have to be merino.

[Dogwood]

Thanks I wrote that down in my "Big Book of Appalachian Trail Things" . I have reached Twilight Sparkle levels of organzation. I have a check list for my check lists. Ive got everything down to grams and how much it cosrts including tax lol.

http://youtube.com/?#/watch?v=u8_I5eFOISY

That was pretty lol. :p;)

[Dogwood]

Tell us why you think it(?) has to be wool at all.

[daddytwosticks]

I know I am in the minority here, i know... But i am not on the merino wool bandwagon. I have some pieces - short sleeve tee(icebreaker), Lightweight longsleave (patagonia), and midweight long sleeve (smarwool) all bought on sale. Total that up and i spent way too much on that .... Stuff. I found an older nike running LS shirt whch is synthetic and half the price of a long sleeve merino piece and that shirt is probally ten years older. SS synthetic tees are Inexpensive and easily replacible on the trail if the smell gets too bad. Also synthetic is more durable than wool. So no, imho it doesnt have to be merino.
Agree. I've always just used cheap Wal-Mart synthetic tees with great success. Sure they stink, but so does every other part of my body after hiking days on end. :)

[RainbowDash]

That was pretty lol. :p;)
Im so white and nerdy. I'm going to be the one with the irish tin whistle playing "Guess That Theme Song" and quoting Monty Python and The Holy Grail.

[RainbowDash]

Agree. I've always just used cheap Wal-Mart synthetic tees with great success. Sure they stink, but so does every other part of my body after hiking days on end. :) I was considering bringing one of those actually.

[Tipi Walter]

I know I am in the minority here, i know... But i am not on the merino wool bandwagon. I have some pieces - short sleeve tee(icebreaker), Lightweight longsleave (patagonia), and midweight long sleeve (smarwool) all bought on sale. Total that up and i spent way too much on that .... Stuff. I found an older nike running LS shirt whch is synthetic and half the price of a long sleeve merino piece and that shirt is probally ten years older. SS synthetic tees are Inexpensive and easily replacible on the trail if the smell gets too bad. Also synthetic is more durable than wool. So no, imho it doesnt have to be merino.

I like my old Icebreaker t-shirts and looked to upgrade but they are $70 a piece which seems outlandish for a mere t-shirt so I'm back to using my older North Face synthetic t-shirts until they wear out.

I got on the old polypropylene bandwagon in the early 1980's and they became my go-to baselayer tops and leggings. I melted a few in town dryers and their stank is terrible. Stayed with the polypro craze for many years, then I went with the Duofold blends and later tried the Patagonia 4-level bottoms and tops. Now it's Icebreaker or Smartwool merino all the way for me. Love my Icebreaker midweight 260 bottom leggings and my sandwiched Icebreaker zip neck 260/320 tops with the thumbholes. My Icebreakers are part of my standard winter load and I don't leave home without them.

http://tipiwalter.smugmug.com/Backpacking2006/Subzero-Blizzard-and-the-16th/i-x5fmcGz/0/L/Trip%2065%20004-L.jpg
And let's not forget SILK! Part of my current standard load is a long sleeve silk top against the skin as a hiking baselayer---in-camp sleeping layer and it's silk against the skin with the T-shirt over it.

http://tipiwalter.smugmug.com/Backpacking2007/The-Hangover-Mountan-Clearcut/i-dd8QV5t/0/L/TRIP%2069%20045-L.jpg
Another non-merino option is HEAVYWEIGHT SILK tops as shown here. Yes, you can get heavy silk tops and sandwich them together to form an excellent midlayer.

http://tipiwalter.smugmug.com/Backpacking2009/3-Georgia-Boys-and-a-Big-Black/i-kkxhvwt/0/L/TRIP%2091%20140-L.jpg
But heck for in-depth winter backpacking and winter camping I love my Icebreaker tops with the zip necks. The Icebreaker balaclava is also very nice in 260 weight and gets sealed by the zip necks when needed.

[Old Grouse]

"Twilight Sparkle?" I had to look that one up.

[QiWiz]

Seems to me that everything is on sale pretty much nonstop these days, especially if you don't need the item right away. I really like my Icebreaker merino top and bottoms. They feel good against the skin, block the wind, don't stink, and keep me toasty warm. And they don't weigh much.

+1 on Icebreaker; their garments are first rate in warmth and comfort

[msupple]

For Tipi Walter

http://www.amazon.com/Icebreaker-Mens-Tech-Short-Sleeve/dp/B00DJ9BVIO/ref=pd_sim_sg_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=093D6YSSM396BE9SR4T9

Start replacing them now. :)

[Dogwood]

Thanks I wrote that down in my "Big Book of Appalachian Trail Things" . I have reached Twilight Sparkle levels of organzation. I have a check list for my check lists. Ive got everything down to grams and how much it cosrts including tax lol.

http://youtube.com/?#/watch?v=u8_I5eFOISY


Im so white and nerdy. I'm going to be the one with the irish tin whistle playing "Guess That Theme Song" and quoting Monty Python and The Holy Grail.

Sounds like you know thyself. Sounds like you're comfortable im your own skin. That's good - I guess. :)

[Dogwood]

Thanks I wrote that down in my "Big Book of Appalachian Trail Things" . I have reached Twilight Sparkle levels of organzation. I have a check list for my check lists. Ive got everything down to grams and how much it cosrts including tax lol.

http://youtube.com/?#/watch?v=u8_I5eFOISY


Im so white and nerdy. I'm going to be the one with the irish tin whistle playing "Guess That Theme Song" and quoting Monty Python and The Holy Grail.

Sounds like you know thyself. Sounds like you're comfortable im your own skin. That's good - I guess. :)

[Dogwood]

Tipi, I'm sorry, Sir Tipi Walter, where's your sword?

You seem very attached to your work role.........at Medieval Times. :D

[Dogwood]

Tipi - everything he said.

IB 150 wts tees are the longest lasting most comfortable 150 wt merino high end tees to me. The Smartwool 150 NT comes in a close second. I live in them. I rarely have paid full retail. When I see them on various outfitter shelves in previous yr versions out of season for about $35 I purchase several at a time. It takes some shopping though to get them at this price pt. I snagged a few 260 wts this way for what I consider an unheard of bargain price. Heck I have a IB 260 wt 1/2 zip that's still usable after 10K + miles. IBEX makes some quality high end merino pieces too. To save a few merino dollars look for the slightly lower priced Minus 33 brand.

[Tipi Walter]

For Tipi Walter

http://www.amazon.com/Icebreaker-Mens-Tech-Short-Sleeve/dp/B00DJ9BVIO/ref=pd_sim_sg_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=093D6YSSM396BE9SR4T9

Start replacing them now. :)

Thanks for the link! I do love the tech Tee's.

[Jake27]

It's all a personal preference.me personally I enjoy polyester because all my wool shirts did not last long and are very expensive.

[Tipi Walter]

For Tipi Walter

http://www.amazon.com/Icebreaker-Mens-Tech-Short-Sleeve/dp/B00DJ9BVIO/ref=pd_sim_sg_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=093D6YSSM396BE9SR4T9

Start replacing them now. :)

Thanks again for the linkage. I now sit wearing one of three IB tees I bought on Amazon due to your link. Excellent as always and one of them will be my Tee for a January trip.

[OwenM]

Personally not a fan of merino for active use in a humid environment, but for anyone interested in Icebreaker stuff-do yourselves a favor and check out IB's web specials page.
Most of the selection didn't interest me enough to click on, but it's a good chance to get something to try out for a decent price if you're curious, and they have the men's Oasis and women's "everyday" 200wt bottoms listed at 25% off their 65% off clearance price in all sizes. $23.62 and $15.75(!!!), respectively.
btw, when in doubt, size up. When they say "slim fit", they aren't kidding.
http://us.icebreaker.com/en/web-specials