huffhuff Posted November 24, 2011 Report Share Posted November 24, 2011 Hi guys, I spend lots of my time outside shooting, paragliding or doing a bit of bushcraft. So, I just wanted to tell you about some new layers I've bought for an upcoming shooting trip to subzero Croatia. I've tried all sorts of synthetic base layers in the past and now have a drawer full of smelly clothes, hellie hansen, underarmour, berghaus, north face etc. etc.. None compare to the warm, soft touch of merino wool. So, if any of you are looking for something to keep you warm over the winter then merino is the way to go (forget the fully synthetic stuff). There are lots of companies selling (or claiming to) merino wool. But as with everything, manufacturing is moving over to China to keep costs down blah blah blah. Generally, this then affects quality. But, there is one company out there selling 100% merino wool, made 100% in New Zealand and looking at the other manufacturers, the costs are very comparable and competitive! I spent yesterday morning in a ditch duck shooting with just a jumper and fleece over the merino - I was warm and snug. We then went straight to a pheasant shoot for some beating. 6 hours standing in a field, trawling through cover and woods... still toasty. However, my feet turned to ice (so I just ordered some of their mountain socks). The company is called chocolate fish merino. Very helpful, great ethics and truly passionate about their quality products. Give them a look if you want something to keep warm this winter... Chocolate Fish Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gnome of the Woods Posted November 24, 2011 Report Share Posted November 24, 2011 Choclate starfish knowing you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pigeonblasterian Posted November 24, 2011 Report Share Posted November 24, 2011 I have always used Damart thermals in really cold weather.Even on the east coast beach with a north east wind blowing they have always kept me nice and cosy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
corvid wings Posted November 26, 2011 Report Share Posted November 26, 2011 thanks for that info ,,found it very interesting huffhuff ,,cheers kid Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
huffhuff Posted November 28, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 28, 2011 No problem corvid, The above obviously fits into the whole '3 layers' system. You wear a base layer for wicking, then a mid layer for insulation...and the final layer for protection. As an example; Layer 1: Thin merino wool (or synthetic) layer - top and bottoms. This fits snug to the body and 'wicks' away any moisture buildup to the mid layer. Layer 2: Warm jumper and trousers (can be more than one). This is what keep you warm by trapping the hot air between your body and the base layer. Layer 3: The outer layer (or shell) protects you from the external elements. Ideally, it should also be breathable so that the moisture can escape. Remember: If you are going to do something arduos and are likely to sweat, it's best you remove a layer. When you stop and start to cool down, add that layer back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dunkield Posted November 28, 2011 Report Share Posted November 28, 2011 How itchy is this stuff Ben? I use the Helly Hansen Lifa stuff for all cold weather activities and layer up - works for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Poacher Posted November 28, 2011 Report Share Posted November 28, 2011 i've got a helly thermal base layer and as a wicking base layer its great, but for keeping you warm i don't rate it. On the plus side it does have a decent length in the sleeves and body. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
huffhuff Posted November 28, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 28, 2011 How itchy is this stuff Ben? When you say wool, you instantly think itchy don't you? But, New Zealand merino wool is the finest of all wools. I've been testing it for a few days now, the merino is not itchy in the slightest. It's actually quite smooth. However, some companies blend the wool with poly synthetics or use thick terry loops inside (which adds thickness, makes it cheaper for them and bulks out the fabric). Chocolate Fish is 100% NZ merino and uses no sythetics. 100% natural and made with an eco conscience. It really isn't itchy. Twitchy uses howies and beardo just bought some icebreaker stuff... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billytheghillie Posted November 28, 2011 Report Share Posted November 28, 2011 No problem corvid, The above obviously fits into the whole '3 layers' system. You wear a base layer for wicking, then a mid layer for insulation...and the final layer for protection. As an example; Layer 1: Thin merino wool (or synthetic) layer - top and bottoms. This fits snug to the body and 'wicks' away any moisture buildup to the mid layer. Layer 2: Warm jumper and trousers (can be more than one). This is what keep you warm by trapping the hot air between your body and the base layer. Layer 3: The outer layer (or shell) protects you from the external elements. Ideally, it should also be breathable so that the moisture can escape. Remember: If you are going to do something arduos and are likely to sweat, it's best you remove a layer. When you stop and start to cool down, add that layer back. wrong,wrong,wrong. layer 2 must be able to wick away moisture as well. if you use cotton trousers you are defeating the purpose. same with the jumper. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twitchynik Posted November 28, 2011 Report Share Posted November 28, 2011 Wick wick wick. The moisture has to go somewhere. Ideally, as above, wick it away to something that won't trap it up like cotton but it does have to stop somewhere. I love merino for it's comfort (far from itchy), it's lightness and it doesn't hang on to the odours like synthetic materials meaning you can wear it more before washing or upsetting your mates On a really cold day I'll have a short sleeve merino tee under a long sleeve merino tee under a heavier merino mid layer. If/when it warms up I'll take the mid-layer or long sleeve off. Not cheap stuff but worth the investment over the years Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
huffhuff Posted November 28, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 28, 2011 (edited) wrong,wrong,wrong. layer 2 must be able to wick away moisture as well. if you use cotton trousers you are defeating the purpose. same with the jumper. Not wrong at all. Maybe I didn't word it right. I I'd say the outer layer needs to be breathable so that the moisture can escape. Maybe I didn't make it clear that it is the moisture from the base layer, wicked to the second...then out the third Edited November 28, 2011 by huffhuff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mick miller Posted November 29, 2011 Report Share Posted November 29, 2011 Aldi have merino strides and tees on sale on Thursday, I bought two sets last winter to go with my merino buff, merino hat, merino jumpers and merino socks. Just call me merino man when winter hits. For £15.99 per item you can't go wrong. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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