Baselayer weight recommendation

[BigTines]

Hey guys I'm looking at finally buying some merino wool base layer tops and bottoms. (Specifically minus 33 brand). Any recommendation on lightweight mid weight or heavy weight? Having a tough time deciding. Thanks. I walk, sit, walk sit glass etc.

[Sumpnneedskillin]

I like lightweight. But I'm the kind of guy that runs around in a t-shirt when it's 30-40 degs.  I also get hot and sweaty easy. I tend to use several layers, add when sitting, remove when walking.

I'm also a big fan of 1/4 zip tops to help regulate my temp.

[swanny]

For most of the year I'd say lightweight, especially if you are moving. Medium weight tends to get to hot once you start hiking unless it's the dead of winter.

[300rum]

I run this system all the time, fall and winter.  The worst I have had it in was in E. Montana and it was well below zero an blowing sugar snow sideways.

Lightweight Merino short sleeve t-shirt.

Mid weight Merino 3/4zip long sleeve sweater.

A green wool button down shirt.  Mil surplus, it is more of a light jacket.  About $10 if you can find them these days.  I have two and one for each family member, get them if you can! 

With the above, I can hunt in almost anything.  I can hunt in the t-shirt and sweater if walking and the temp is above 20 degrees or so. 

On top up everything above I will put on a heavy wool coat.  This is only if I am stationary and it is cold or if I have to spend the night for some reason.

Last, A light weight packable rain jacket.   

[Zardoz]

For most of the year I'd say lightweight, especially if you are moving. Medium weight tends to get to hot once you start hiking unless it's the dead of winter.

  Depending on the type of hunting you do. Always  use multiple layers depending on conditions. Remember to stay hydrated too.

[blackveltbowhunter]

Depends a bit on the rest of your system and obviously your overall temp tolerance.

If it were me I would get a light and mid weight long sleeve top and lightweight bottom. But my legs don't get cold easy and overheat quick. Combined with my other gear I would have little need for heavier bottoms. Same for expedition weight. I would be more likely to add a short sleeve and wear all three layers which would put my core layer at a high weight and still allow for shedding. Unless your doing a lot of sitting or hunting in very cold temps.

[BigTines]

I run this system all the time, fall and winter.  The worst I have had it in was in E. Montana and it was well below zero an blowing sugar snow sideways.

Lightweight Merino short sleeve t-shirt.

Mid weight Merino 3/4zip long sleeve sweater.

A green wool button down shirt.  Mil surplus, it is more of a light jacket.  About $10 if you can find them these days.  I have two and one for each family member, get them if you can! 

With the above, I can hunt in almost anything.  I can hunt in the t-shirt and sweater if walking and the temp is above 20 degrees or so. 

On top up everything above I will put on a heavy wool coat.  This is only if I am stationary and it is cold or if I have to spend the night for some reason.

Last, A light weight packable rain jacket.

Great recommendation, thanks. I think I will stick with lightweight base layer. I have a Berber fleece pullover on order that should be coming in this week. I can use that as my heavy outer coat.

[300rum]

 

I run this system all the time, fall and winter.  The worst I have had it in was in E. Montana and it was well below zero an blowing sugar snow sideways.

Lightweight Merino short sleeve t-shirt.

Mid weight Merino 3/4zip long sleeve sweater.

A green wool button down shirt.  Mil surplus, it is more of a light jacket.  About $10 if you can find them these days.  I have two and one for each family member, get them if you can! 

With the above, I can hunt in almost anything.  I can hunt in the t-shirt and sweater if walking and the temp is above 20 degrees or so. 

On top up everything above I will put on a heavy wool coat.  This is only if I am stationary and it is cold or if I have to spend the night for some reason.

Last, A light weight packable rain jacket.

Great recommendation, thanks. I think I will stick with lightweight base layer. I have a Berber fleece pullover on order that should be coming in this week. I can use that as my heavy outer coat.

[Okanagan]

Ditto to those who recommend light weight.  It gives you WAY more versatility to add layers when it is deep cold or you are sitting still, but doesn't drench you in sweat when hiking/walking/climbing in more usual WA hunting temps. 

[losdaddy7]

I'm a fan of light weight as well.  170 gram merino is what I use and it seems to be a good balance for most conditions I hunt in.  The layering is what changes the most based on temp, wind, rain, snow, etc.