|
|
Post by cweston on Oct 7, 2020 17:33:57 GMT -8
Merino pieces are incredibly expensive. I have SmartWool socks and Icebreaker underwear (long and boxer briefs), that are exclusively for hiking, if for no other reason than that for what I paid for them, I want them to last forever.
I also have had several somewhat more affordable Stoic merino pieces over the years. Their ankle-height lightweight merino socks are my warm-weather staples. They're a little too low for mid-height boots, but I do put a decent amount of miles on them doing "casual hiking" around home: walking the dogs, 2-5 mile strolls in the woods, etc.
I also have a couple 150 weight merino crews that I do wear (mostly in camp & to bed) BPing, but also wear a lot under another shirt in the winter. They're both on their last leg, but I've had them several years and they've worn pretty well. I think I've purchased all of these on SteepAndCheap over the years for pretty good prices.
All of their merino tops now seem to be blended fabrics. The two crews I have are 100% merino.
I really like a lightweight merino LS crew or T-shirt for everyday wear under a button-up shirt in cooler weather, but there's no way I'm paying what name brand merino pieces cost for that usage.
|
|
rebeccad
Trail Wise!
Writing like a maniac
Posts: 12,666 
|
Post by rebeccad on Oct 8, 2020 14:04:09 GMT -8
Merino is wonderful in theory. For me, in practice (tested via some shirts and long undies gifted to me), it’s a no go.
|
|
|
|
Post by cweston on Oct 8, 2020 14:12:16 GMT -8
Merino is wonderful in theory. For me, in practice (tested via some shirts and long undies gifted to me), it’s a no go. I remember you saying that in the past. It’s too bad: it’s really an ideal fabric for travel and BPing in particular—stays fresh WAY longer than any other fabric I know of. |
|
|
|
Post by cheaptentguy on Oct 22, 2020 14:55:25 GMT -8
My main long sleeve/base layer type shirt is a Stoic Merino half zip. It's been great for a few years now, serving me well sleeping at night or hiking. My replacement will likely be Patagonia or Smartwool, primarily because I like the companies better, but I can vouch for that stoic shirt being a solid piece, especially if you're just getting into hiking/backpacking.
|
|
|
|
Post by georgeofthej on Oct 22, 2020 22:28:42 GMT -8
I've got a light Smartwool shirt, a medium weight shirt, and medium weight long underwear. I like the long underwear and shirts for sleeping. I also like the light shirt for hiking. All three have a quite a few of the little holes that this fabric develops after a few years, but I'm not worried enough about that to buy new ones.
|
|
|
|
Post by bluefish on Oct 23, 2020 3:15:40 GMT -8
I have a few Ibex quarter zips that were bought with small discounts when they folded. I like them, but they are biking and BPing ONLY, since they cost as much as gold. Mine too have the moth hole problem. Ventilation.
|
|
BigLoad
Trail Wise!
Pancakes!
Posts: 12,911 
|
Post by BigLoad on Oct 23, 2020 10:25:25 GMT -8
I have a few Ibex quarter zips that were bought with small discounts when they folded. Their downfall was disappointing, but I was pleasantly surprised to see last year that they were back up and running. |
|
