Merino base layer clothing

[skog]

I have been looking at a set of merino pants and a tops.
My question, is there a difference in warmth between lets say Macpac and Mountain Designs?
I know you can get different weights which will affect their warmth.

I am trying to curb the amount of money that I am spending on gear at the moment, so would ideally like to buy them at a good price

Steve

[tazrich]

I have owned a few different brands of merino base layers, Macpac being one of them, I only wear icebreaker now, they cost a bit more then most brands but I think they are well worth it.

[simonm]

I own a thermal top from Macpac and it's quite lightweight and hasn't lasted as well as my other thermals from Smitten and Hikenbiker, both Australian made. Also Justin and Anna at Walkabout 4wd sell Australian made merino thermals at a decent price. They are down Hobart way. http://www.gowalkabout.com.au/c/4504343/1/thermals.html

[Pika]

I have owned a few different brands of merino base layers, Macpac being one of them, I only wear icebreaker now, they cost a bit more then most brands but I think they are well worth it.

Agree. Icebreaker is the standout for me as well.

[Ellobuddha]

Yep - icebreaker

[Empty]

Icebreaker also

[Drew]

Icebreaker's great - but only on special from the outlet store!

[slparker]

wool is wool. if it's the same weight per square metre and micron there will be no difference. The different brands might have better cuts or better wool processes but that's it apart from the label.
And icebreaker gets motheaten the same way that kathmandu does and is as susceptible to abrasive tearing (wool in fine weights is not strong). So unless it's a travelling garment and i have a need for contemporary colours or cuts, I usually go for the cheapest garment in the weight and cut that suits my activity. Currently I am using Ground Effect wool/poly mix for most of my outdoor activities and keep the fine merino purely for a walking underlayer as its too fragile for much else and too saggy when wet.

[Cool Breeze]

+1 for Icebreaker

[Scottyk]

I'm with splarker on this one.
I've own a few different brands like macpac md's and icebreaker and I can't really tell the difference. They all get holes in them pretty quick as I wear the long sleeve top pretty much all the time when walking.
If you like brand recognition then buy ice breaker if not then just get any of them.

[Mark F]

I think you need to consider your usage and then decide about the product you need. Are you going to wear the garments on a regular basis for walking or mainly use them for camp use?

I tend to use merino on my torso for both walking and camp use. On the legs, if I am wearing the long johns under shorts for walking in cold conditions I use poly pro rather than merino as it is cheaper and more robust but not quite as warm. If the long johns are just for camp wear it is the merino that ends up in the pack.

[skog]

wool is wool. if it's the same weight per square metre and micron there will be no difference. The different brands might have better cuts or better wool processes but that's it apart from the label.
And icebreaker gets motheaten the same way that kathmandu does and is as susceptible to abrasive tearing (wool in fine weights is not strong). So unless it's a travelling garment and i have a need for contemporary colours or cuts, I usually go for the cheapest garment in the weight and cut that suits my activity. Currently I am using Ground Effect wool/poly mix for most of my outdoor activities and keep the fine merino purely for a walking underlayer as its too fragile for much else and too saggy when wet.

I did think that they would be similar enough for me not to really notice.

I own a thermal top from Macpac and it's quite lightweight and hasn't lasted as well as my other thermals from Smitten and Hikenbiker, both Australian made. Also Justin and Anna at Walkabout 4wd sell Australian made merino thermals at a decent price. They are down Hobart way. http://www.gowalkabout.com.au/c/4504343/1/thermals.html

I know Justin, and didn't even think about him

[simonm]

I have seen differences in how garments are made. I have had the stitching on some of my cheaper thermals start to unravel - they may have been from Kathmandu from memory.

[simonm]

I own a thermal top from Macpac and it's quite lightweight and hasn't lasted as well as my other thermals from Smitten and Hikenbiker, both Australian made. Also Justin and Anna at Walkabout 4wd sell Australian made merino thermals at a decent price. They are down Hobart way. http://www.gowalkabout.com.au/c/4504343/1/thermals.html

I know Justin, and didn't even think about him

Oh well tell him I sent you .

[corvus]

Like MarkF ,
I use Merino Tops both Macpac and Snowgum one short and one long sleeve both as comfortable as the other and would never use Merino as long johns under shorts,poly pro only even under waterproof over-pants and I use lightweight fleece pants in camp summer and winter (march fly and mossie deflectors) and more robust IMHO.

[DanShell]

I own a thermal top from Macpac and it's quite lightweight and hasn't lasted as well as my other thermals from Smitten and Hikenbiker, both Australian made. Also Justin and Anna at Walkabout 4wd sell Australian made merino thermals at a decent price. They are down Hobart way. http://www.gowalkabout.com.au/c/4504343/1/thermals.html

I know Justin, and didn't even think about him

Oh well tell him I sent you .

Don't mention me

[Moondog55]

ALL merino underwear is massively overpriced because it is a "Niche market" product.

Get one of these instead

http://www.uniqlo.com/au/store/efm-swea ... 30021.html
incredible value, the cashmere/merino blend is even more comfortable [ sold out] and the pure cashmere is divine

http://www.uniqlo.com/au/store/efm-swea ... 30021.html