what does everyone use for a base layer.

[Wanttohuntmore]

Minus 33 Merino wool top/bottom/boxers.  Smartwool socks.  I've tried underarmour, and still use it sometimes, but for base layers, can't beat wool.

[jechicdr]

I like "Base Slayer" Scentlock.  It wicks away the sweat pretty well, and I don't smell myself until I take it off to crawl into sleeping bag at night.  I rotate them out (have about 3 pair for elk season) so they can dry out.  In cold weather I have some wool long underwear with synthetic lining.  I got that at Wal-Mart.  Definitely like the underarmour for my underwear though, keeps the chaffing down.

[Miles]

my feet live in wool usually year round....my budget cant afford wool base layer so using a polypro type dealyo...they work pretty good

Run, Watch www.sierratradingpost.com, they have some great deals and you can often times find quality base layer clothes at a steep discount.  The thing is you have to get it when you see it, cause the popular sizes can go quick.

[Miles]

I like "Base Slayer" Scentlock.  It wicks away the sweat pretty well, and I don't smell myself until I take it off to crawl into sleeping bag at night.  I rotate them out (have about 3 pair for elk season) so they can dry out.  In cold weather I have some wool long underwear with synthetic lining.  I got that at Wal-Mart.  Definitely like the underarmour for my underwear though, keeps the chaffing down.

Have you ever tried the exofficio underwear? If not, I would highly recommend trying a pair.    Underarmour is surely going to lose some market share (if they already haven't) to this company...

[ICEMAN]

Miles, I agree on the Sierratradingpost link...but hasn't exofficio been around alot longer than underpanties?  UU   

[Miles]

Miles, I agree on the Sierratradingpost link...but hasn't exofficio been around alot longer than underpanties?  UU   

    That's a possiblility.  I'm not really sure how long they've been around but I seem to notice an increase in locations that sell their brand lately.  For example, Cabelas just started carrying the exofficio boxer/briefs not too long ago.   Meanwhile it seems (to me at least) that underarmour isn't doing as well as they once were.  Perhaps the "latest and greatest" is wearing off?

[Miles]

Yes, Iceman, you are correct.

ExOfficio was founded in 1986, and Under Armour in 1996.


Perhaps they are just taking back some of the market share they initially lost to UU?

[boneaddict]

cotton t-shirt

[280ackley]

UA now but thinking about Kuiu Merino wool.

[TwistedTree]

I bought one of the lightweight Kuiu merino wool shirts this year and used it during early archery.  Performance was good, but it was more itchy than an Icebreaker 200g merino shirt with the same basic design.  It wasn't horrible, but just enough to be a little irritating.   I also wear an UA heatgear camo shirt which has been great for higher temps.

[RadSav]

I've been a Sitka ambassador for some years.  But, I never was willing to spend the money to gear up with all their Core and Traverse layers figuring my Cabela's Polar-Tec was just as good and I was happy with them.  Then one of my other Sitka pals gave me a set of Core bottoms and tops for Christmas.  MAN!  Besides the Ascent pant and the Stratus jacket those are tops on my list as my favorite clothing items.

Once the mercury drops below 0 degrees I still use Polar-Tec over the top of the Core uppers and lowers instead of the Traverse layer.  But, how often does that happen in Washington?

I tried UA once.  I'm getting fat, old and hairy and I spent the whole trip pulling at them and scratching more than hiking.  Plus I sweated like a fat pig in them.  The squaw may occasionally refer to me as such, but I shouldn't sweat like one.  Never used them again.

[SFD2015]

My Base Layer is always some sort of athletic wicking clothing. I prefer to wear compression lycra boxer briefs (Prevents chaffing and keep the twig and berries close and warm). Same with my Shirt top. If it's really cold, I use Poly Pro (Old School Army issue. Works GREAT). From there I build up depending on what season it is. I always wear wool WigWam socks with my boots (Costco sells them and feel great).

I try to stay away from 100%cotton and go for a Poly/Cotton Mix because cotton retains sweat (stink) and absorbs to much.

I think I have 1 piece of underarmor gear, otherwise all of my stuff is whatever is on sale or at the Nike Outlet store.

[DeerHarvester]

I have the Kuiu Merino 185 Top and bottom base layer.  They worked very well on my recent High Hunt, even after a hard sweat I did not get cold and they seemed to wick the moisture away from my skin.  I did not find them to cause my skin to itch as one member mentioned.  So far I am a big fan of Kuiu, I have several of their items.