Merino Wool

[cherron]

Also, check out REI Garage sales. I have picked up many returned merino wool items for pennies on the dollar.

[dsundrwd]

I switched from synthetics to Smartwool in early 2012 to wear under my waders & as a base layer. I have found that they don't stink as early or as much as my synthetics would. I really like them. Even on a hot day when i wear the bottom layer under my waders it feels comfortable. Just my .02, but i am glad i made the switch.
Like you, I was scared off by the prices but I just kept an eye on online pricing until I saw a good sale & then pulled the trigger. You won't regret it

[sparky]

I go with synthetic just because it is way cheaper. You can get them at target or walmart now for like 10 or 15$.

Pants are different, I am a believer in a decent pair of pants and I found wool to be exactly what I was looking for.

[paul]

I like Merino base layers - comfy, wick well,ventilate well. But I gave up because they wear out too fast. As in my polyester longs outlast the wool at least 3 to 1. Given that the wool costs at least twice as much that means 6 to1 cost ratio. Too bad.

[Ikan Mas]

Synth doesn't stretch like wool when you wash it, especially when you hang it over a bush. Synth dries faster. Synth doesn't absorb 60% of its weight in water when wet. Stink? Everything stinks unless you wash it (which I usually do on the trail). Merino is nice for socks, and cold weather, but in the summer for backpacking? A synth Mountain Hardwear shirt and a brief pair of running shorts, that's all I need on the trails.

[oldranger]

On Presidents day weekend I hit a Factory outlet Icebreaker store. Ended up buying several pairs of medium weight socks at 6.00 per pair and a pair of 150 wt. boxer briefs and a 260 weight zip neck top. Have now worn both skiing. The boxer briefs will now be part of my backpacking outfit--primarily because they weigh but 2.0 oz compared to my previous lightest pair of Underarmor at 2.8. The zipneck worked great on a cold day of crosscountry skiing (<20°) when combined with an underarmor shortsleeved T and an REI softshell jacket. Not sure if it will be used backpacking. If so it would be my extra layer that I take on Sept. trips. Key will be comparable weight of other alternatives I own.

Haven't worn the socks yet.

What I was bummed out about my visit was that they had a really sharp car coat for town use that was about 1/3 retail price that I really liked--but not in my size.

Mike

[fishmonger]

bought the merino hat I was looking for at the recent Patagonia sale. In fact, I got two - a really thick and warm one, and the really thin one I can wear at night or under a helmet. Under $15 each, love them.