Wicking Underwear
- Thread starter wpwiest
- Start date
Registered User
New member
- Jul 30, 2013
- 15
Merino is by FAR the best way to go due to its superior wicking ability over synthetics. Merino wool fibers are some of the finest found in mother nature - I would much rather have this next to my skin over a synthetic. Merino are tiny fibers in diameter which allow it to be worn directly next to your skin without any irritation or itch like most people associate with wool. YIPPE!!! The composition of wool makes it warm AND cool, not to mention odor-resistant, flame-retardant, durable, anti-static, and a UV protector. Now if that is not enough (LOL), merino will dry faster and has natural odor fighting ability. Think about how bacteria grows - in a warm moisture environment; if you can evaporate that moisture faster, you will create less odor. Granted sweat itself has no odor however, if it remains on the skin in time bacteria will develop and create unpleasant body odors due to the warm moist environment. Merino reduces the opportunity for odors to generate because it is more efficient than other textiles at absorbing sweat and evaporating it into the air. I have spent a tremendous amount of time educating myself this year and have read study after study that have shown that bacteria are more attracted to the smooth, positively charged surface of a synthetic fiber over the scaly surface of a Merino fiber which carries no charge. ALL of the above reasons are why I have decided to ditch every high end piece of synthetic clothing I have and made the switch to all merino clothing this year. I couldn't be any happier with my decision. Synthetics make me feel clammy and I hated how they stunk like a wet nasty dish rag after just a day or two of hunting/sweating. You will now see that all the high end companies who make hunting clothing are starting to release merino options.
Word of advice - the lower the micron counting of the merino wool, the softer the merino will be. On the flip side the lower the micron counting the more expensive it will tend to be. From what I have seen 17.5 micron is the lowest (softest) merino available in hunting clothing.
As to whether to purchase a backpacking/hiking pair over another....I cannot answer that question. This year I am using hunting underwear in a 17.5 micron count. The ones I purchased are super long down the thigh so they will not ride up/bunch up, have a gusseted crotch (more room for the goods) and in my opinion, the most important thing, do not have seams in the inner thigh to create a place for chaffing. They weren't cheap at $50 a pop but WELL worth every penny and wouldn't trade them for anything! I had a hard time justifying the price too but once I educated myself about merino wool and its vast superiority over synthetics, I was ready to pay with ease. Best piece of advice I can offer is do some homework.You can thank me later when you realize it will be one of the best investments in your hunting gear. 8)
p.s. I am not trying to promote anything here nor push you one way over another. I am just giving my two cents and what I have learned this year by reading A LOT.
Word of advice - the lower the micron counting of the merino wool, the softer the merino will be. On the flip side the lower the micron counting the more expensive it will tend to be. From what I have seen 17.5 micron is the lowest (softest) merino available in hunting clothing.
As to whether to purchase a backpacking/hiking pair over another....I cannot answer that question. This year I am using hunting underwear in a 17.5 micron count. The ones I purchased are super long down the thigh so they will not ride up/bunch up, have a gusseted crotch (more room for the goods) and in my opinion, the most important thing, do not have seams in the inner thigh to create a place for chaffing. They weren't cheap at $50 a pop but WELL worth every penny and wouldn't trade them for anything! I had a hard time justifying the price too but once I educated myself about merino wool and its vast superiority over synthetics, I was ready to pay with ease. Best piece of advice I can offer is do some homework.You can thank me later when you realize it will be one of the best investments in your hunting gear. 8)
p.s. I am not trying to promote anything here nor push you one way over another. I am just giving my two cents and what I have learned this year by reading A LOT.
Thanks for the info on merino wool. I just got a set of smart wool mid weight tops and bottoms for my elk trip this year. Just a heads up, you can get sweet deals on Sierra Trading Post. If you search for internet coupons you can get an additional 35 to 40% off the already discounted prices. I tried on the top at REI, looked at the $95 price tag, put in back on the rack and went home and ordered the exact same thing for less than $50 with shipping.
woodbutcher
New member
- May 23, 2013
- 9
Moved from MT to Philly for grad school a few years ago. Learned what humidity and heat was. Went out bought all under Armour boxers and have never gone back to anything else. Expensive, yes but well worth the money for the comfort
Backpack Hunter
New member
- Jan 2, 2013
- 364
I'm a fan of merino wool, it does what it is supposed to do which is move moisture away from you.....and it doesn't retain the funk like other materials.
