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Post by cheaptentguy on Feb 14, 2021 18:29:15 GMT -8
Thinking about getting a nicer pair of base layers. Any takes on Smartwool 250 vs Patagonia Capilene vs other stuff out there that's merino or a similarly performing synthetic?
Money is somewhat of a concern, but I'm willing to invest a little bit to have a quality product by a good company. I like the idea of the Smartwool odor situation, but i'm open to suggestion.
Been wearing a pair of cheap synthetic bottoms and a Stoic merino blend for the last 5 years or so. They've served me fine, but I want something that will keep me a little warmer, especially over longer trips.
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Post by cweston on Feb 14, 2021 19:13:23 GMT -8
I would go with the merino, but it’s def a personal decision. I’ve had Patagonia Cap pieces that I like over the years.
What is the primary usage? 250 weight might be too warm for me for summer use in camp, but YMMV. I wear Icebreaker 200 baselayer bottoms on 3-season trips.
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Post by cheaptentguy on Feb 14, 2021 19:17:14 GMT -8
Winter camping in the southeast and base layer for hopefully future trips out west where higher elevation might call for a warmer layer.
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Post by cweston on Feb 14, 2021 19:29:26 GMT -8
I personally would buy Smartwool or Icebreaker merino. If they’re too expensive, I’d probably stick with cheap synthetic, tbh. Good synthetics will be almost as expensive as wool and I prefer the anti-stink of wool.
If you actually hike in them in the winter, then synthetic might provide a little better moisture wicking, though.
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Post by hikerjer on Feb 14, 2021 20:30:20 GMT -8
While I like merino wool and have several pieces of Smartwool and Icebreaker, my personal preference most of the time is Patagonia Capilene. Reasons: it's considerably more durable. It dries faster than wool if it does get wet. It's not as expensive. While wool is nice, I think capilene is a better long term investment. The exception, of course, is socks. I always go with wool but not necessarily with morino. Just one man's opinion.
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reuben
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Post by reuben on Feb 15, 2021 1:51:45 GMT -8
Yah, another vote for Capilene, for all the reasons Jer stated.
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FamilySherpa
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Post by FamilySherpa on Feb 15, 2021 5:40:51 GMT -8
Pretty much everything Jer said. Wool feels nice, but if it accidentally gets thrown in the drier, it shrinks & stretches in really weird ways. There's also the pest issue. Bugs and moths absolutely love some wool in your drawers or closets.
My only real complaint with Capilene is it seems like Patagonia constantly changes the name/weight system they use for baselayers. I never know if i'm buying the same product. Also, the elastic waist bands crap out pretty quickly in my experience.
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Post by cweston on Feb 15, 2021 5:58:40 GMT -8
I just want to clarify, as a merino fan, that I agree with everything said here.
Merino is expensive, not just because it is expensive to buy, but it won't last as long as good synthetic pieces. It just wont. I've got Capilene pieces that are 15+ years old.
That's why I say merino is a good choice if you're mostly going to wear it in camp, and you're willing to pay the price for it's unmatched stink control. (I also wear my merino tops for everyday life in the cooler months.)
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Feb 15, 2021 8:07:39 GMT -8
I’ll also throw in that before you invest in wool undies, be sure you are comfortable with the stuff next to your skin. I get the impression that most people are fine, but I can’t bear it.
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Post by johntpenca on Feb 15, 2021 8:16:09 GMT -8
Cabellas! Hands down the best option. Patagonia just sucks and is way overpriced.
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Post by hikerjer on Feb 15, 2021 8:30:05 GMT -8
Patagonia just sucks and is way overpriced. Oh, the cut is deep, John.
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Post by johntpenca on Feb 15, 2021 8:49:08 GMT -8
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Post by johntpenca on Feb 15, 2021 8:50:17 GMT -8
Oh, the cut is deep, John. How so?
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zeke
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Post by zeke on Feb 15, 2021 9:10:41 GMT -8
OK, we all are aware of the $$$$ of Patagucci, but maybe you should give us a little background on why you think they suck? This is a well known, and well respected, outdoor brand, but obviously your experience was less than favorable.
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FamilySherpa
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Post by FamilySherpa on Feb 15, 2021 10:42:46 GMT -8
Is Patagonia's actual gear & tech clothing really more expensive than comparable brands?
Sure their "lifestyle" wear is more expensive than something you'd find in a department store, but I dont feel like their rain shells, base layers, running shorts, etc are really more expensive than their competitors. That being said, I typically buy during their semi-annual sales, so its entirely possible I just haven't noticed.
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