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General Discussion => General Forum => Topic started by: wvhoyt19 on January 15, 2024, 05:47:39 PM

Title: Base Layers
Post by: wvhoyt19 on January 15, 2024, 05:47:39 PM
Looking for recommendations on base layers for turkey hunting. Base layers that can add dome warmth, wick away moisture and comfortable for putting in several miles a day. Thanks in advance!!


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Title: Re: Base Layers
Post by: MossyOak92 on January 15, 2024, 05:48:40 PM
First lite. It hurts the pocket book but it is worth it.
Title: Re: Base Layers
Post by: Gobspur on January 15, 2024, 05:55:16 PM
Yep, first lite or Kuiu zip off long johns.  Game-changers.

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Title: Re: Base Layers
Post by: slicksbeagles1 on January 15, 2024, 06:01:46 PM
Kuiu wool the big plus is the bottoms have zip off bottoms so you don't have to take your boots or pants off to take them off makes layering up and down easy They also have synthetic built the same way I have both and prefer the wool Forloh makes synthetic but no zip off bottoms but made in the USA
Title: Re: Base Layers
Post by: jmart241 on January 15, 2024, 06:24:59 PM
First Lite get them when theyre on sale no smell after sweating can wear for a week or more
Title: Re: Base Layers
Post by: Sir-diealot on January 15, 2024, 06:44:42 PM
Are the First Lite also made off wool? I ask because I am allergic to wool. Thanks.
Title: Re: Base Layers
Post by: Big Jeremy on January 15, 2024, 07:09:32 PM
I really like the merino wool layers from black ovis. Way cheaper than the competition, especially when it's a daily deal on camofire, and they've been nothing but great for me. Lightweight, not thick or cumbersome, but are a great insulator.


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Title: Re: Base Layers
Post by: Boykin Hollow on January 15, 2024, 07:33:13 PM
Black Ovis for me also
Title: Re: Base Layers
Post by: greentrout on January 15, 2024, 07:42:17 PM
Is Smart Wool still in business? I have base layers as well as their layering socks and they're absolutely perfect. They have held up for years.
Title: Re: Base Layers
Post by: Tom007 on January 15, 2024, 07:47:03 PM
Polar tech makes great base layer warmth. I have the quarter zip top and long underwear bottoms. Wicks away moisture so if you sweat, you don't freeze. I got it from Cabelas. I was told the Military uses it. Good luck....
Title: Re: Base Layers
Post by: doublespurs21 on January 15, 2024, 08:16:48 PM
look up  minus 33..  they have some nice base layers also....
Title: Re: Base Layers
Post by: Notsoyoungturk on January 15, 2024, 08:23:09 PM
I agree with the merino wool recommendation.  Lots of good companies to choose from.  Will keep you warm even if you get wet.
Title: Re: Base Layers
Post by: mcw3734 on January 15, 2024, 08:54:59 PM
Merino wool is a great base layer material for bottoms, tops and head. Besides comfort and insulation, the odor resistant qualities are real. Many companies that offer it, Smartwool is what I've used and been happy with. While there is nothing wrong with the hunting clothing lines (Kuiu, First Lite, and others), shop for the material specs, not the brand recognition, you'll likely save a few dollars.

The Kuiu zip-offs look nice, but I thought they had a very weird, baggy feel to them on me. It's the only item of theirs I ever sent back. But... that's also just me.
Title: Re: Base Layers
Post by: WV Flopper on January 15, 2024, 09:25:31 PM
 I suggest setting in the truck until it warms up!
Title: Re: Base Layers
Post by: Nathan_Wiles on January 15, 2024, 09:39:50 PM
Merino wool, I use the Nomad, Midway, and Black Ovis versions in 150 and 200 weights. They have held up well and keep comfortable here in SC, with proper layering.

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Title: Re: Base Layers
Post by: Big Jeremy on January 15, 2024, 09:57:01 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240116/9de6f8eea5b84554f685a9a4ecceb080.jpg)
I love this particular merino wool from black ovis. A decent deal at $62 for the next three hours on camofire. Sometimes they're cheaper on there.


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Title: Re: Base Layers
Post by: Missouri hunter on January 15, 2024, 10:36:38 PM
Kuiu 145s are my favorite but anything with the zip off bottoms are the way to go. I also use the 200 wool polyester blend as well
Title: Re: Base Layers
Post by: Tom007 on January 16, 2024, 06:31:27 AM
Quote from: WV Flopper on January 15, 2024, 09:25:31 PM
I suggest setting in the truck until it warms up!

And turn on the heated seat, good call....
Title: Re: Base Layers
Post by: Brillo on January 16, 2024, 08:27:06 AM
I use KUIU full zips for almost all my hunting where I expect the day to get warmer.  I am pretty sure they come in both wool or synthetic.  I like both.  I also like the Black Ovis long johns but I don't think they do zip offs. Watch for sales.
Title: Re: Base Layers
Post by: PalmettoRon on January 16, 2024, 08:55:18 AM
First Lite or Icebreaker. Like the zip off feature as mentioned on First Lite. If you're a veteran, active duty military, medical or first responder, First Lite offers a Pro plan with 20% off.

Kiui does the same I think for 10%.

Icebreaker offers some decent sales on occasion and is warm and extremely comfortable merino wool.
Title: Re: Base Layers
Post by: Badger on January 16, 2024, 10:13:27 AM
I as well use Blackovis, KUIU, and have a Skwala Merino wool top.  I do a fair amount of bow hunting. Staying warm and hopefully scent free is a plus with Merino wool.
Title: Re: Base Layers
Post by: Greg Massey on January 16, 2024, 10:25:09 AM
Quote from: WV Flopper on January 15, 2024, 09:25:31 PM
I suggest setting in the truck until it warms up!

AMEN OR AT THE CABIN DRINKING COFFEE ... :TooFunny:     

GOOD Turkey Hunter always has several backup plans .... :TooFunny:
Title: Re: Base Layers
Post by: Greg Massey on January 16, 2024, 10:28:24 AM
Rogers Sporting Goods has a zip off base layer on SALE TODAY ....
Title: Re: Base Layers
Post by: jhoward11 on January 16, 2024, 11:01:11 AM
I bought some base layers from Rural King a couple years ago and they do well for morning coolness and not so bad for later heat.
Title: Re: Base Layers
Post by: OJR on January 16, 2024, 11:33:03 AM
Quote from: Sir-diealot on January 15, 2024, 06:44:42 PM
Are the First Lite also made off wool? I ask because I am allergic to wool. Thanks.

Steve, from what I know the First Lite base layers are Merino wool. I have some and they are awesome.
KUIU has some that are synthetic.

Title: Re: Base Layers
Post by: deerhunt1988 on January 16, 2024, 12:16:34 PM
Quote from: mcw3734 on January 15, 2024, 08:54:59 PM

The Kuiu zip-offs look nice, but I thought they had a very weird, baggy feel to them on me. It's the only item of theirs I ever sent back. But... that's also just me.

That was probably their first generation. I had a pair and they were really baggy in the butt/crotch area. I bought that pair in ~2019ish. I have another pair bought in late 2022 and they are much better fitting. They corrected the fit issue.

and to answer the original question, definitely go with some merino zip off bottoms.
Title: Re: Base Layers
Post by: Sir-diealot on January 16, 2024, 12:57:53 PM
Quote from: OJR on January 16, 2024, 11:33:03 AM
Quote from: Sir-diealot on January 15, 2024, 06:44:42 PM
Are the First Lite also made off wool? I ask because I am allergic to wool. Thanks.

Steve, from what I know the First Lite base layers are Merino wool. I have some and they are awesome.
KUIU has some that are synthetic.
Thanks, trying to find a good non wool set of base layers.
Title: Re: Base Layers
Post by: aclawrence on January 16, 2024, 01:33:58 PM
I have some merino wool base layers from First Lite, Born Primitive, and a lightweight Merino shirt from Duckworth. They all work great. If you have to stop and take a layer off at some point during the day it's not that big of a deal. Duckworth is expensive but they run some 40-50% off sales every so often.


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Title: Re: Base Layers
Post by: aclawrence on January 16, 2024, 01:45:12 PM
Another option to consider is a down puffy jacket. I saw someone talking crap on here the other day about leafy jackets but if you have a leafy jacket you can wear over any puffy jacket you have until you warm up. Then you can out the puffy in a stuff sack and toss it in the vest.  They barely weigh anything.


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Title: Re: Base Layers
Post by: OJR on January 16, 2024, 03:15:25 PM
Quote from: Sir-diealot on January 16, 2024, 12:57:53 PM
Quote from: OJR on January 16, 2024, 11:33:03 AM
Quote from: Sir-diealot on January 15, 2024, 06:44:42 PM
Are the First Lite also made off wool? I ask because I am allergic to wool. Thanks.

Steve, from what I know the First Lite base layers are Merino wool. I have some and they are awesome.
KUIU has some that are synthetic.
Thanks, trying to find a good non wool set of base layers.

I also have some EHG Elite tops and bottoms that I like and they are not wool..
Here is a link to them on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/stores/EHGELITE/BASELAYER_MATCHINGSETS/page/B80BFD8E-A0ED-4134-AEE9-7FA2390BE3F3
Title: Re: Base Layers
Post by: WV Flopper on January 16, 2024, 05:26:03 PM
 All jokes aside a rip off pair of bottles would be great. I would suck to have to fully undress in the woods. A top would be no big deal.

4/3/21, 4, and 5 I was scouting in Oklahoma, beautiful weather. The opening day was the 6th, not to chilly but 40'MPH winds. I was setting on a gobbler and got him killed right off the limb. The 7th I had to relocate to a new WMA and county.

It was windy again, 40+ but cold. I made a small lap and did hit the truck. Turned on the heated seats and passed out. When I woke up I went to the motel!

Be prepared and when your prepared follow through and wear your equipment, it's an investment in comfort! It's hard to be successful if your not comfortable!

The 8th I filled tag 2 of 2. Much nicer day for sure!
Title: Re: Base Layers
Post by: Ranman on January 16, 2024, 05:39:26 PM
Sitka base layers work well, but expensive. My favorite are merino wool, breath well and don't absorb stench..
Title: Re: Base Layers
Post by: wvhoyt19 on January 16, 2024, 06:30:16 PM
Thanks everyone! Im definitely looking at all the options. I have a merriams hunt in montana this spring and will be doing a lot of hiking.


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Title: Re: Base Layers
Post by: slicksbeagles1 on January 17, 2024, 08:43:50 AM
Camofire.com has black Orvis wool on sale today They on sale at Black Ovis also
Title: Re: Base Layers
Post by: hillbillyfab on January 17, 2024, 09:47:20 AM
Quote from: greentrout on January 15, 2024, 07:42:17 PM
Is Smart Wool still in business? I have base layers as well as their layering socks and they're absolutely perfect. They have held up for years.

Yes, they are. I have a few pieces from them, that have held up great. I will add the zip off bottoms that a few manufactures make are some of my favorites. I don't have to take off my boots. Just drop 'em and unzip.
Title: Re: Base Layers
Post by: Gooserbat on January 17, 2024, 10:02:23 AM
Highly recommend
Title: Re: Base Layers
Post by: husker on January 17, 2024, 03:35:51 PM
Be prepared to have your minds blown fellas, but the very best baselayers are fishnets! That's right I said Fishnets!  I had never heard of this until recently and ordered a set.  The premise is that they wick moisture away from your skin and into the next layer allowing you to stay dry and warm.  I tested these out in -10F temps this past week snow blowing and they work phenomenally!  I'm a huge fan of Merino so that's what I ordered.  They are hard to find, but a Norwegian company, Brynje, sells them here.  They aren't cheap, but I'm here to tell you they work!

https://www.brynjeusa.com/product-category/base-layers/wool-thermo/
Title: Re: Base Layers
Post by: wchadw on January 17, 2024, 05:51:07 PM
Quote from: husker on January 17, 2024, 03:35:51 PM
Be prepared to have your minds blown fellas, but the very best baselayers are fishnets! That's right I said Fishnets!  I had never heard of this until recently and ordered a set.  The premise is that they wick moisture away from your skin and into the next layer allowing you to stay dry and warm.  I tested these out in -10F temps this past week snow blowing and they work phenomenally!  I'm a huge fan of Merino so that's what I ordered.  They are hard to find, but a Norwegian company, Brynje, sells them here.  They aren't cheap, but I'm here to tell you they work!

https://www.brynjeusa.com/product-category/base-layers/wool-thermo/
I have heard this. The first people to summit k2 used something similar or something.
I live in Mississippi so merino long John's work. I got some minus33 at an outdoors outlet 15 years ago or so for a ski trip. They work well


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Title: Re: Base Layers
Post by: slicksbeagles1 on January 18, 2024, 08:33:24 AM
Now Kuiu has a sale and have some good deals on base layers
Title: Re: Base Layers
Post by: Sir-diealot on January 22, 2024, 09:39:04 PM
Quote from: OJR on January 16, 2024, 03:15:25 PM
Quote from: Sir-diealot on January 16, 2024, 12:57:53 PM
Quote from: OJR on January 16, 2024, 11:33:03 AM
Quote from: Sir-diealot on January 15, 2024, 06:44:42 PM
Are the First Lite also made off wool? I ask because I am allergic to wool. Thanks.

Steve, from what I know the First Lite base layers are Merino wool. I have some and they are awesome.
KUIU has some that are synthetic.
Thanks, trying to find a good non wool set of base layers.

I also have some EHG Elite tops and bottoms that I like and they are not wool..
Here is a link to them on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/stores/EHGELITE/BASELAYER_MATCHINGSETS/page/B80BFD8E-A0ED-4134-AEE9-7FA2390BE3F3
Thank you much, after looking I am sorry to say they do not have a single thing that would fit me, seem to only got to 2x on upper body wear and I have not been able to wear a 2x since I was a skinny 13 year old kid, not enough shoulder room. Thank you very much for trying to help. If I continue to drop weight the pants are a possibility in the future.
Title: Re: Base Layers
Post by: Sir-diealot on January 22, 2024, 09:42:52 PM
I have been told women's stockings work very well, I don't think they make them in size blubbery and I don't much care to try to squeeze into them anyway, I would look like a hippo in pantyhose!
Title: Re: Base Layers
Post by: Bedge7767 on January 22, 2024, 09:43:41 PM
First lite