Polypropylene vs polyester base layer merino wool However, pants are typically made of nylon as nylon provides better abrasion resistance than polyester. In yarn form, it comes in at four times the price of polypropylene. I want to get some Merino wool base layers but the 100% merino wool are outside my budget. Dec 3, 2018 · The main reason for this is that they are relatively heavy for the warmth that they provide. Nov 12, 2021 · Neither merino nor polyester will keep you warm when wet (and your base layers aren't for insulation anyway, that's what fleece, sweaters and puffy coats are for. Anything else and some of us are guaranteed wet and clammy, even on the sub-zero days. For deep snow I prefer insulated snowshoe pants; otherwise, I wear Johnson (Vt. The fibers are extremely thin, less than 24 microns in diameter. The Mount Merino Base Layer Top and Trousers combine wool and polyester, offering wool's natural benefits along with enhanced durability. A variety of materials are used for such garments, each with different pros and cons. The increased density reduces breathability. The Base layer should be a wicking layer. it holds far less water when wet to start with, so has a head start. Then if we get cold we can layer a heavier 250 gsm zip-up (like the to Smartwool Merino 250 Quarter-Zip Top) over the t-shirt and vent using the zip as needed. Base layers made of Merino wool differ by density of the wool. Wool is hydrophilic, while polyester is hydrophobic. Dec 2, 2024 · • Best merino wool base layer overall: 79% merino wool, 19% polyester, 2% elastane 87% merino wool, 12% polypropylene, 1% elastane Apr 26, 2024 · The Artilect W-Flatiron 185 Crew tie-dye base layer (the men's version is the M-Flatiron) may be sold as ‘warmer’, but it is actually a very hot winter base layer. L. Mar 30, 2025 · While Merino wool ultimately takes the cake when it comes to superior performance, its typically expensive price tag can often be a barrier to entry for some shoppers. This has made it a fashion item, pushing the price up further. Poly and synthetic are my go to for shorter and day hunts. We Blondes have said this before, and we’ll say it again. In our opinion 400 g/m 2 Merino wool mid-layers offer similar warmth as 200 g/m 2 Polartec fleece. Apr 5, 2015 · As to your question, wool is great. I am a fairly sized man (6'1 206lbs) and somewhat on the hairy Slav side of the human spectrum. (Learn more about merino wool. I’m blown away by the popularity of wool as a base layer. Best Lightweight Option: ViCherub Thermal Underwear Set. Comfort. I wonder if there is another perspective that affects real world usage. The density is normally somewhere between 135g/m 2 and 400g/m 2. Merino Wool Option. synthetic base layers is the type of weather you expect to encounter. 39 million New Zealand sheep can’t be wrong. 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. A blend of merino wool and synthetic fabrics is the closest you can get to a one-size-fits all base layer. Polyester is occasionally also used for (super lightweight or low-end) pants. Polypropylene is great to. ) woolen pants over my base. Merino Wool Mid-Layers are way too dense for most activities. Feb 18, 2021 · REI Co-op Merino Wool Base Layer Crew Top; REI Co-op Merino Wool Base Layer Tights; Synthetic Option. Both will keep you toasty warm when it's cold and will regulate body temperature when it's hot. Once evaporation becomes the dominant moisture transport mechanism (see the dark purple edge of the droplet near the top of the image), the fabric temperature cools because heat loss (from the fabric, air, and user’s body) occurs during evaporation. Merino is the most expensive and is generally bloody expensive. 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. Oct 21, 2018 · Recently Brynje introduced a Merino wool version of their now famous mesh (famous for the first ascent of Everest in 1953). Merino wool has become extremely popular as a material for base layers, including socks. I tend to prefer wool on longer trips due to its ability to resist smell. Sep 2, 2014 · Synthetic Base Layers | Merino Wool | Bamboo | Cotton ‘Base layer’ is the name given to an item of clothing worn next to the skin during sport or activity. Polyester all the way. There are two primary categories of materials suitable for performing this function well. When it comes to choosing your base layer you’ll likely notice that the range on the market will consist of three construction types: wool (usually merino), synthetic (man-made) fibres, or a mixture of the two. Merino wool mid-layers use wool with a density from 200 g/m 2 to 400 g/m 2 and thus in average weigh from 350 g to 700 g per garment. But as you may have guessed, merino wool base layers are also the most expensive option. It is in midlayers where you want to to concentrate on warmth. It goes against all of my cold weather training. In general, Polypro is more affordable and has a reputation for being the quicker drying option. Nov 4, 2019 · When it comes to mid-layers polyester is your best bet. These are the most common materials, though you may come across silk on the rare occasion. LL Bean is a pretty reliable source for quality base layers. 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. Both are breathable and still provide warmth when wet. Oct 25, 2022 · > polyester will outlast merino wool. Which is it and why? Nov 27, 2021 #2 WTS Brynje Arctic Merino Wool Base Layers WHITETAIL_HUNTR_79; Mar 25, 2025 May 12, 2018 · So then we have Wilderness Wear's Merino Fusion which is a hybrid weave of Tasmanian merino wool (the best merino available - I may be biased ha ha) and ultrafine Schoeller polypropylene (the best polypro available) that creates a hard wearing soft feeling, moisture wicking, odour resistant material seemingly perfect for baselayer thermals. Merino wool and synthetic blend. Polypropylene is the worst when it comes to odor retention. This unique fabric is based on a yarn technology that moves moisture away from the skin and transports it to the surface of the fabric, where it evaporates, keeping you warm, dry and comfortable. A lot of Merino gear is aimed at the casual wear market rather than basic function. Super soft; Lightweight breathability Sep 26, 2022 · Synthetic fabrics range from polyester to nylon, polypropylene, and more, but they generally all share similar properties. My concerns are: 1) will polyester keep me warm? 2) will merino wool get wet and cold when exercising (intensive walking)? Polyester fibers have a hydrophobic nature, meaning they repel water and allow moisture to evaporate quickly, keeping you dry and comfortable during physical activity. There’s 3 layers, base layer is wicking, middle layer is your insulation and outer layer is your protection from wind and snow. 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 Oct 11, 2024 · Infrared image of a water droplet (purple) wicking through a hydrophilic polyester base layer fabric (yellow). there was no comparison between teh two fabrics in their drying ability. Merino Wool Merino wool is our favorite baselayer material for chilly conditions: It’s soft, impressively warm relative to its weight, regulates temperature efficiently, and naturally combats odors far better than synthetic fabrics. You're better off with a puffy weighing 100g more (if that weight is 80fill down) than a baselayer weighing 100g more, if warmth is your goal. Merino wool has almost completely replaced traditional wool thanks to its soft, ultrafine fibers. The super fine fibres are extremely comfortable with the highest warmth factor and odour-resistant properties. Below I have set out to review the basic advantages and disadvantages of the key materials and Mar 9, 2021 · Base layer aside, I'd be more interested in my jacket which can come off or go on when I stop to sit and glass. It's also not UV resistant, so for tops, it should primarily be used as a base layer vs. I think it boils down to this: wool is the best weight to warmth ratio, but if you’re optimizing for weight, and don’t need the same amount of warmth, synthetic is the better option…it’s not as though a 1lb/ ~450g wool base layer is going to let you feel comfortable in considerably colder temperatures than a 1lb /~450g synthetic would…unless you’re very sensitive to temperature That said, base layers are designed to contribute to warmth via moisture dispersal. Polyester. Merino wool can absorb up to 30% of its own weight in water before it starts to feel wet, so it's also a good choice for summer activities to help keep you cool. This is not your grandparents' itchy woolies. a long sleeve top you can hike, camp, run in year-round. We recommend that you steer clear of a cotton base layer because it absorbs moisture like a sponge. So it’s obvious that we think merino wool is great. I prefer Smartwool or Merino Wool also. Merino vs. only die hards hung onto woolen base layers. Polypropylene and merino wool are two materials that are quite good at what they do. I own a mix and use both. Merino wool is the bee’s knees when it comes to base layers. Best Silk Option: L. Merino wool isn’t just for cold weather– it helps regulate your body temperature even in warm months. ) In wet conditions or in remote areas without access to warm shelter, I need my layers to dry out fast so they can be back to full capacity quickly. REI Co-op Midweight Base Layer Crew Top; REI Co-op Midweight Base Layer Bottoms; Middle-of-the-Road. If you're interested in a base layer constructed of 100% Merino wool far exceeding its modest price tag, we highly recommend the Merino. tech Crew. Layering for Different Weather Conditions: Another key consideration when choosing between merino wool vs. However, polypropylene and merino wool are the best baselayer materials that are easily accessible. A selection of fabrics used as base-layer garments for first responder personnel were tested as part of the new study. Merino vs Polypro is one of the great debates, and ultimately it comes down to personal preference. From early November to mid-April I wear a wool sweater as a mid layer. They’re designed for extreme cold weather use. That’s not to say that merino wool can’t be a great base layer, but for moto related activities in hot or cold, polypropylene is the most efficient and easiest to maintain. Nov 13, 2024 · For the full rundown of how alpaca performs compared to merino, check out our Merino Wool vs. For ease of digestion and relevance, we're going to cover only the materials included in our current review selection — merino wool, polyester, and silk — and lay out the pros and cons to each. Synthetic base layers are made of material like polyester, nylon, or polypropylene. Oct 25, 2022 · Wool vs. May 24, 2022 · Base Layer Materials: Base Layer. Merino wool is softer than regular wool and has a more comfortable feel on the skin. Nylon fibers absorb more Nov 3, 2009 · The Patagonia mix, I read somewhere, is fibres spun with a polyester core and wool outside; Helly Hansen's layers are then something quite different (and if the polypro is on the inside, that would take away some of my concern about wool itch); Montane apparently has the merino on the inside and polyester on the outside. A merino-synthetic blend: Is generally more durable than full merino wool layers. Personally I found that merino, once wet, stays wet and that made me cold! Synthetic base layers dry quick and are better at moisture transfer. Bean Silk Pointelle Top & Bottom. Merino wool has the following characteristics: Jun 30, 2019 · Which clothes are made of Merino wool/polyester? Polyester and Merino wool are typically used for base layers, mid-layers, hats, gloves and socks. There are manufacturers that make combination merino wool and polypropylene base layers. 100% synth as a base layer stinks very quickly, 100% merino doesn't stink, but is too fragile. The Power Stretch layer is also so warm, I tend to wear just that and a hardshell to Feb 2, 2023 · Dozens of pairs of ultralight merino layers have perished during that same time. Polyester is relatively rough to the touch and is lighter on the skin. I like the 25-35% synth/65%-75% blends so far. It’s important to note that there are tons of types of polyester fabric on the market. They are much cheaper of course, but not sure at what cost. The Downsides of Merino Wool. Cold days = below 25 degrees ALL day. Depends upon the length of the trip. What’s the difference between merino wool and synthetic? What about blends? Merino wool comes from merino sheep and features thinner fibers than regular wool, usually less than 24 microns wide. Wool doesn't help much either. Jan 16, 2024 · Helly uses a polypropylene (standalone in their synthetic, blended in their merino). Nov 27, 2021 · Let’s hear it. This is because, as a fiber, Merino wool does not itch, it feels warm when wet and it tends not to harbor odors. Oct 14, 2013 · I have lots of 100% merino, lots of 100% synthetic and a few blends. I got a 95% merino 5% spandex set of Alaskan Hardgear from Duluth that I love, but they don't make it anymore. Jan 4, 2023 · When you run cold, only wool is warm enough! I wear -33 (brand) merino wool base layers, top and bottom. There are polypropylene base layers, but they stink worse than polyester, wear out faster, are scratchier feeling, and can melt in the clothes dryer. Alpaca: Battle of the Base Layers. Jun 9, 2022 · Merino Wool Base Layer. I've never even heard of a nylon base layer. We recommend a cold-water wash and laying flat to dry. May 10, 2024 · SYNTHETIC BASE LAYERS. These base layers will keep the wearer warm when combined with ski wear. Synthetics are much better at wicking than wool. Our favorite Alpaca base layers: Paka and AlpacaTek. Synthetic base layers are made from high-performance polyester or polypropylene. Merino base layers seem to have more consistent performance over time. Apr 15, 2019 · They don’t wick quite as well as a 100% polyester fabric and they don’t have quite the same feel and odour-cheating abilities as pure merino fabric, but combo materials like Rab’s merino / polyester blend – previously known as MeCo – and Montane’s Primino mix of Primaloft fibres and merino wool, are an excellent balance between the Jan 28, 2025 · There are several materials that these tops can be made out of, including silk, cotton, Merino wool, polypropylene, polyester, etc. Smartwool Merino 250 Base Layer Crew Top; Smartwool Merino 250 Base Layer Bottoms; Synthetic Option Nov 4, 2016 · Merino wool – the biggest seller of base layers in the last decade or so, it is hydrophilic and dries only slightly quicker than cotton, but it is naturally antibacterial (so doesn’t stink after lots of use with no wash) and has some insulation properties at all fabric thicknesses. Nylon absorbs a lot of water, can't imagine it making for a good base layer. It's harder to find legitimate merino wool base layers, many of the cheaper like Target's are <26% blends. Alpaca vs. These consist of 100% polypropylene, 100% polyester, modacrylic/rayon/nylon blend, Nomex/spandex blend, merino wool/fire-resistant viscose blend and 100% Zirpro ®-treated Merino wool. Synthetic Base Layers. VERDICT: POLYESTER. Adding polyester or nylon to Merino significantly increases durability and reduces stretching/sag after several days of use. Jul 3, 2023 · Investing in a quality base layer, whether it's a merino base layer or a synthetic base layer, will significantly enhance your comfort and experience in the great outdoors. However, if we want to make a really thick merino fabric, it needs to be very dense. 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. Sep 21, 2023 · Most base layers are made of either synthetic material or merino wool. Merino wool base layers. Nov 10, 2021 · Cotton is unsuitable for a technical base layer as the fabric soaks up moisture and draws heat away from the body leaving the wearer cold and uncomfortable. For base layer clothing, you want Merino wool that is graded as Ultrafine, Superfine, or Extra Fine, as anything coarser isn’t comfortable to be worn directly against the skin. I have seen a few different options out there that are wool blend, usually 60% polyester and 40% merino wool. Apr 30, 2021 · A not-so-good base layer will usually do the opposite, making you a smelly, wet, miserable rider if faced with certain conditions. Voormi makes some interesting base layers where the inside is wicking polyester and the outside is wool. Available in both short and long sleeves and in ¾ length or full-length trousers, the Mount Merino series is perfect for skiing and similar higher-intensity activities in cold weather where you don’t want Dec 26, 2012 · the speed at which the old woolen baselayers were abandoned for polypropylene showed just how superior it is at drying out. poly base layers. Odor resistance is still pretty good. Higher-end tech fabrics with branded names will out-perform cheap unbranded polyester. I think that a 50/50 blend makes the ideal base layer top for most conditions. How would they stack up to 100% Apr 23, 2022 · 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. Weight/Size: Winner(Polyester) Polyester is going to be significantly lighter than merino wool. The Forloh Deep Space half-zip works just as well on its own as it does underneath other layers. I've used cotton, wool, and plastic bases and prefer a wool base (on cold days) and cotton on "warmer" days. Alpaca base layers are best for: high-activity adventures, people with wool allergies, and cold-weather activities. In my limited experience, polyester base layers are comfortable when new and their comfort degrades over time – they get scratchier and take longer to dry when active. For some reason, the term "polypro" stuck, although AFIAK nobody has made polypro baselayers for at least two or three decades. Wool vs Polypropylene vs Polyester Price . The Warm Ones Dec 8, 2010 · I decided to invest in thermal layer for my winter hill walking, but I am not sure what presents the best value for money. As wool gets thin you start to run into durability issues. Lightweight and quick-drying, they’re also usually more durable and budget-friendly than merino wool. Whichever you choose, they each offer their own benefits and drawbacks. I still wear the ragged/ripped 100% merino clothing because of the comfort and lack of stink. Designed with Nuyarn merino fabric, it exhibits all of merino’s natural properties, but these are amplified thanks to a twist-free fibre construction. I then compare the performance of these base layers with those of the polyester base layers I have recently reviewed. 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. Synthetic base layers will largely be made from polyester and polyester blends. So one can argue that you get more value for your money with Merino wool. Are Merino Wool underwear/socks/base layers really that magical? I've read plenty of comments here, and seen plenty of bag and travel influencers rave about the multi-day wearability of the material. I use Smartwool baselayers since they blend their Merino with synthetic fibers so you get the best of both worlds. Mar 6, 2025 · Layering Systems: Base, Mid, and Outer Layers Baselayer Materials. 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. May 17, 2023 · However, Merino wool fabrics are of a finer quality than that polyester. The mid-layer and base layer, as well as your gloves, socks and hat, will usually be made of merino wool or synthetics. I can't say why but my skin also feels dryer in most synthetic base layers than wool. Our range of LIFA® Active and Solen base layers use LIFA®. I'm working on getting some new thermal base layers. I've got a Polartec Power Grid base layer for warmer days and a Polartec Power Stretch base layer for colder days. ) Wool can also be blended with other fabrics, like spandex to enhance fit and flexibility. Merino wool wins over polyester in a few categories, but definitely not all of them. Bamboo Pros. Oct 16, 2018 · Ultrafine, superfine and extra fine graded Merino wool is suitable for base layer clothing as wool fibers with a bigger diameter tend to be too rough to be worn directly against the skin. Aug 1, 2024 · Merino Wool. anyone starting out in bushwalking . And at Ultimate Gear Lists merino wool is hands down our favourite material for hiking baselayers. I own two jackets one for "cold" weather days and one for "not so cold" weather days. Therefore they can Apr 17, 2025 · Best Wool Option: Smartwool Merino 250 Wool Base Layer Top & Bottom. Drying Time: Polyester tends to dry faster than nylon, making it a popular choice for base layers in high-intensity activities or humid conditions. To help your merino wool layers last, wash and dry with care. Whether the provide the best and/or the worst of both is debatable. Note that some people may mention polypropylene aka "polypro" base layers, which were popular 35-40 years ago and replaced by less stinky polyester. I am struggling with cheaper polyester vs more expensive merino wool. So I need to change my underwear multiple times a day. 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 Oct 8, 2024 · Merino Wool vs Polyester. Polyester is by far the most common synthetic and a nice cost-effective alternative to merino: It keeps up in terms of moisture wicking, comfort is still fairly high, and it tends to be much more hardwearing. vwj usuom dzsrie uixosljd ljga osixw tqletsk dztaem vhj wlg uepckw rrqp nlrrs gdd lherjuev