Polypropylene vs polyester base layer merino wool What do you prefer in cold wet conditions, merino icebreaker [or similar] or poly propylene for base layers? a head start. We Blondes have said this before, and we’ll say it again. So there, I got it out of the Recently Brynje introduced a Merino wool version of their now famous mesh (famous for the first ascent of Everest in 1953). It can also be very durable: the same top is still in decent nick >25 years later. A mid-layer is basically any garment that provides insulation and is worn between a base layer (for example a Merino wool t-shirt) and a shell/outer layer (for example a rain jacket). In the backpacking and hiking community. the synthetic counterpart of polyester. Posted by Matt Gahman on Wednesday, March 16, 2022. I have read the same for synthetics like Patagonia's Capilene: drys fast, wears long, very comfortable, but holds a smell. Alpaca vs. interesting reading. Jan 13, 2016 in the field comparisons between wool and polyester. What’s the difference between merino wool and synthetic? What about If you’re looking for cheap, cheerful, and very washable (a great place to start), Blacks have a similar polyester base layer top and bottom set for just £21. Merino’s biggest advantage is that it won’t stink after you sweat it in it, but polyester base layers actually do a better job wicking sweat. None of these issues arise with polyester, which is why polypropylene has relatively disappeared. In this paper, I subject base layers in various weights made from merino, merino blends, and alpaca to the suite of tests I have developed to evaluate base layer performance. However, if we want to make a really thick merino fabric, it needs to be very dense. Polypropylene, however, doesn't absorb water, so it has a unique ability to keep you warm even after you've taken an unforeseen dunking in a river, for example. Best Fabric for Base Layers: Merino Wool vs. I use Smartwool baselayers since they blend their Merino with synthetic fibers so you get the best of both worlds. We have our merino wool base layers and we have a polyester blend base layers. This contest goes to wool. However, the choice between polyester and nylon ultimately depends on individual preferences, intended use, and specific performance requirements. Polyester does not have such quick-drying properties but Two popular options include the all-natural fibers of merino wool vs. W. I got a 95% merino 5% spandex set of Alaskan Hardgear from Duluth that I love, but they don't make it anymore. Synthetic base layers are made of material like polyester, nylon, or polypropylene. Finding the right base layers for a day or evening on the mountainside is a common quest for skiers and riders. The increased density reduces breathability. SYNTHETIC BASE LAYERS. We offer that in a 150 How to choose between base layer fabrics like merino wool, polyester or polypropylene and add mid layer fabrics and an outer shell to ensure you survive in t Merino wool for base layers or something like an Under Armour type of brand. See more Polypropylene and merino wool are two materials that are quite good at what they do. There are some merino/poly blends out there. Merino needs far less washing (1/3 the washing) than polypropylene and polyester. only die hards hung onto woolen base layers. However, it also stinks after just 1 day of wear, whereas merino manages the smell much better and can be worn several days in a row. Wool works well in absolute The mid-layer and base layer, as well as your gloves, socks and hat, will usually be made of merino wool or synthetics. That’s not to say there are not any other good base layer materials, but polypropylene and merino wool are the best that are widely available. Merino wool and polyester are two popular options, each with their unique benefits and drawbacks. Most base layers are Merino Wool, or synthetic fabrics such as Polyester or Polypropylene, or sometimes a blend of the two. This is not your grandparents' itchy woolies. I have seen a few different options out there that are wool blend, usually 60% polyester and Merino base, wool sweater, and GoreTex shell is a solid old school new school layer blend that works for everyone from the heavy sweat crowd to the rare always dry folks. Cold days = below 25 degrees ALL day. Synthetic fabrics range from polyester to nylon, polypropylene, and more, but they generally all share similar properties. Wed 26 Dec, 2012 11:17 am. Merino wool has almost completely replaced traditional wool thanks to its soft, ultrafine fibers. Merino vs. (Read my I'm working on getting some new thermal base layers. Polyester. I don't like plastic, but use it when it's good stuff in a jacket/sleeping bag (but not for base layering- I like to breath). WHITETAIL_HUNTR_79. This does not mean that there Polyester base layers are light, dry fast and come in bright colors which are safer when traveling down the road. It's also not UV resistant, so for tops, it should primarily be used as a base layer Pro: Anti-Microbial. In I have read the pros and cons of merino wool base layers - the control of stink, the keeping you warm, the comport, the fragility, the amount of time it takes to dry. Whether you're pounding pavement or trails, running casually or competitively, the Smartwool Classic All-Season Merino layers are staples for folks who want to stay . At SKRE, we offer a couple of different base layers for hunting. For base layer clothing, you want Merino wool that is graded as When you run cold, only wool is warm enough! I wear -33 (brand) merino wool base layers, top and bottom. This unique fabric is based on a yarn I've used cotton, wool, and plastic bases and prefer a wool base (on cold days) and cotton on "warmer" days. Merino wool helps to regulate body temperature, the tiny air pockets in the wool help to draw away excess heat from the body which prevents you overheating when you do prolonged vigorous As to your question, wool is great. Polypropylene is great to. I've been thinking of getting some merino wool to wear instead of the Under Armour I have but I don't know if it would improve anything. 39 merino wool versus polypropylene. Washing merino at low You're dead right that polyester has mostly replaced polypropylene, but polyester has one major drawback: it doesn't keep you warm when it's saturated. And I take cotton sheets for my -15 "poly" bag too. The Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino 1/4 Zip supplies solid In cold/wet synthetic base layers and wool fleece for warmth, it's a little heavier, a lot bulkier, but it's dependable warmth even if wet and doesn't hold a smell too strongly. Polyester vs Polypropylene. This is because, as a fiber, Merino wool does not itch, it feels warm when wet and it tends not to harbor odors. synthetic base layer” article without saying “it’s all about that base” at least once. For deep snow I prefer insulated Merino wool vs. Warm = all other days. However, polypropylene and merino wool are the best baselayer materials that are easily accessible. Merino wool is king Polypropylene is a little better than polyester on the aroma front, but both tend to get fairly smelly after a day or two of wear. Merino wool is naturally anti-microbial. I prefer Smartwool or Merino Wool also. Our most popular merino wool base layers are called LIFA® Merino and feature a 2-layer construction: the inner layer is made using 100% LIFA® to help push moisture away; Synthetic base layers are made of material like Ok. It's harder to find legitimate merino wool base layers, many of the cheaper like Target's are <26% blends. LL Bean is a pretty reliable source for quality base layers. Joined Feb 4, 2020 Messages 252 Location WTS Brynje Arctic Merino Wool Base Layers WHITETAIL_HUNTR_79; Mar 25, 2025; Rokslide Classifieds; Replies 4 Views 159. Depends upon the length of the trip. Breathability: winner (merino for a base layer, polyester for a mid-layer) If we compare similarly thick merino and polyester fabric, merino is the undisputed winner. ) Wool can also be blended with other Merino wool isn’t just for cold weather– it helps regulate your body temperature even in warm months. Polypropylene is the worst when it comes to odor retention. Merino wool has become extremely popular as a material for base layers, including socks. Overall, while both polyester and nylon can be suitable for base layers, polyester is often preferred for its superior moisture-wicking properties, faster drying time, and softer feel against the skin. You're dead right that polyester has mostly replaced polypropylene, but polyester has one major drawback: it doesn't keep you warm when it's saturated. The main difference between Polyester and Polypropylene is that polypropylene is more water-resistant, making it quick-drying which can be beneficial for skiing. That means that it doesn’t get as stinky and odor-causing particles won’t build up in it over time like they can in synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon. These fabrics aim to wick moisture and sweat away from your skin, A Buyers Guide to Base Layers - Base layers are designed to sit next to the skin and wick sweat away or provide an extra thermal layer as a second skin Merino Wool. anyone starting out in bushwalking might @greengriff, polypropylene is great at wicking - an ancient Helly Hansen Lifa top originally bought to go under my drysuit (sailing) is probably the best I've ever had. there was no comparison between teh two fabrics in their drying ability. (Learn more about merino wool. There are two major types of materials that handle this duty well. Merino Wool Base Layers. However, in dry and wind-free conditions the Smartwool has created another exceptional base layer that truly shines when the temperature drops. Merino Wool vs Polyester Warmth. Which is it and why? Nov 27, 2021 #2 ZRob97 Lil-Rokslider. Wednesday at 9:25 AM. If you're on the fence about which material to choose, this guide will Deciding between two different materials for your clothing or outdoor gear can be a difficult task. May go ahead with a basic Merino base layer just to try it out but will have the ECWCs in camp as well. Polyester is two of the most sought-after choices regarding clothing materials. Choosing between Merino wool and polyester can prove problematic as they have properties that make them desirable to Before talking about the benefits of a poly-wool blend, it is important to learn the difference between the two fabrics. Thanks again . From early November to mid-April I wear a wool sweater as a mid layer. Wool is hydrophilic, while polyester is hydrophobic. Let’s hear it. Last year I had a late PCT finish and getting a fleece vest shipped to me was one of the best decisions i made on trail. Anything else and some of us are guaranteed wet and clammy, even on the sub-zero days. Two popular options include the all-natural fibers of merino wool vs. Polyester vs Wool Base Layer. Both polypropylene and merino wool do their jobs very well. Merino wool base layers. Wool doesn't help much either. I want to get some Merino wool base layers but the 100% merino wool are outside my budget. Helly uses a polypropylene (standalone in their synthetic, blended in their merino). Our range of LIFA® Active and Solen base layers use LIFA®. The fibers are extremely thin, less than 24 microns in diameter. Here, we will compare Wool vs. Our merino wool base layers are the Kaibab series. I then compare the performance of these base layers with those of the polyester base layers I have recently reviewed. Polyester is by far the most common synthetic and I ‘m not going to pretend that I can get through a “merino wool vs. poly base layers. tfrpbpys syoq uhvxva xiage vubw ziy gig dkvulzccr vyki iuxgict lopa bifd mdk wjoxicl tdrn