Underwear Question
 

Long underwear question that is.

I am planning an Elk hunting trip to Colorado this November. In looking at my current list of gear I decided to buy some new long underwear.

I am looking at getting a few sets of Merino wool long underwear.

The question is should I get the 100% Merino wool variety or something along the lines of 80% Merino wool 15% Polyester 5% Lyrca???

Does anyone have first hand knowledge of the pros and cons of each???

Thank you in advance.

Regards,
Steve

RE: Underwear Question
 

Get some UNDER ARMOUR. You will be happy

RE: Underwear Question
 

I for one think the more wool the better. ;)

RE: Underwear Question
 

I wwear UnderArmour long sleeve pant and shirt with skull cap under my football gear. In fact nearly the entire team wears it. I think this stuff is the best, they have cold weather and warm weather gear available, its the best out there. Under wear pants and shirt runs about 100.00 and it's worth every penny.

RE: Underwear Question
 

100% Merino wool is absolutely GREAT stuff!!!!!!!!!!!

RE: Underwear Question
 

I purchased MTP Hunt Series with Scent Eliminator Plus Polar Weight from Cabelas on sale. They are light weight and very very warm. Good luck.

RE: Underwear Question
 

Thanks for all of the replies!!!!

Regards,
Steve

RE: Underwear Question
 

I have not heard a hunter mention Capilene. It was designed for ice climbing years ago. It is hands down the best long underwear I have ever worn. It comes in 3 weights, to cover any situation.
Gselkhunter

RE: Underwear Question
 

I can not stand wool on my skin, so I have always used Polyproplene LJ's, socks and have been wearing Helly Hansen garmets for a number of years with no complaints. Warm, wicks moisture and light weight!

RE: Underwear Question
 

I go for 100% wool too. It breathes and keeps you warm even when wet. Filson has some great products although they can be expensive, but i think it's worth it.

Ant

RE: Underwear Question
 

FTL size.........Oh wait :D


Super Heavyweight and Lightweight expeditions.

RE: Underwear Question
 

What really is UNDER ARMOUR? I see the advertisements and I've seen some folks here on the Eastern Shore of Maryland wearing it for cold weather waterfowl hunting?

As a very thin insulator, does it keep you warmer than the thicker wool or propylene underwear?

RE: Underwear Question
 

I started using polypro's after talking with my girlfriends brother. He is a crabber in Alaska and swears by them. They are light weight and warm. Also the poly pros will wick the moisture away from the skin and keep you from getting all sweaty. If the morning is cold, it is not good to get sweaty , as when you sit down you will get cold. If I am going to hunt a mile or so from camp, I will wear my shorts to hike to the spot and then put my heavier clothes on when I get there. It is a little cold to start, but some brisk walking will warm you up quickly.

RE: Underwear Question
 

It's best described as performance gear. It wicks moisture away from your body, and is tight against your body giving some extra spring in your step. For example I wear the warm weather T-shirt when lifting weights, when I'm done the outside of the shirt is soaking wet, but when I take it off my skin is completely dry, I don't know how, it just is, this stuff is great.

RE: Underwear Question
 

I work for the USFS and I have to stay out all day in all weather. I tried alot of things and someone finally got me some Under Armor and it totally amazed me. It's keeps me warmer than a union suit and you really don't even know your wearing. THere is no comparison. Go buy some...seriously.

RE: Underwear Question
 

I too have Capilene and love it. Sounds like Under Armour is just as good.

If I were getting wool, I think I would opt for one with a polypro lining to avoid the itching. I know merino is not as itchy, but it still bothers me a little. Also, how do you clean wool long johns? With Capilene, I throw it in the washer and drier and it is ready to wear. If you do that to wool, it shrinks, so I think they recommend hand washing and hang drying.

The important thing to know about long johns for elk hunting is that you don't wear them for warmth. You wear them for moisture transfer. When you walk in the mountains, you SWEAT, no matter how cold it is. Therefore the long john layers mission is to transfer that moisture to outer layers of clothing where it can evaporate. I LOVE wool for outer layers, but LOVE my capilene for moisture transfer in my long johns.

Good hunting!

RE: Underwear Question
 

I have to agree that under armour is the way to go. it can be kind of spendy but its worth every last cent. i wore my old one and my new one at the same time this yr and only had on a hooded sweatshirt over top of them and i didnt get cold one time. we were hunting in about zero degree temps. every time too. It really helps wick away all moisture and like already said, you cant tell that you have it on. its not bulky in any way shape or form.

RE: Underwear Question
 

Get some UNDER ARMOUR, I love this stuff, we use it all the time in the army, its lite, and isn't bulky so it packs great. they make it for warm weather and cold weather so make sure you read the label.