Polypropylene vs polyester base layer vs merino wool.

Polypropylene vs polyester base layer vs merino wool I tend to prefer wool on longer trips due to its ability to resist smell. Sep 26, 2022 · Synthetic fabrics range from polyester to nylon, polypropylene, and more, but they generally all share similar properties. A blend of merino wool and synthetic fabrics is the closest you can get to a one-size-fits all base layer. 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 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. Merino wool has the following characteristics: Jan 28, 2025 · There are several materials that these tops can be made out of, including silk, cotton, Merino wool, polypropylene, polyester, etc. But perhaps the most impressive feature of this product is how light it is compared to the warmth it produces. A merino-synthetic blend: Is generally more durable than full merino wool layers. They are much cheaper of course, but not sure at what cost. Merino Wool is a lightweight, super material that wicks moisture away from the body. . I then compare the performance of these base layers with those of the polyester base layers I have recently reviewed. There are polypropylene base layers, but they stink worse than polyester, wear out faster, are scratchier feeling, and can melt in the clothes dryer. I've got a few tees and base layers and those tees are amazing I started with Minus 33 and move up to some bigger brand names, Varusteleka has the best deal price-wise hands down if I prefer Smartwool or Merino Wool also. Our range of LIFA® Active and Solen base layers use LIFA®. It’s not great at handling lots of sweat though, for that your best bet is lightweight polyester or for super-rapid drying, polypropylene. Merino wool has become extremely popular as a material for base layers, including socks. It's also not UV resistant, so for tops, it should primarily be used as a base layer vs. For some reason, the term "polypro" stuck, although AFIAK nobody has made polypro baselayers for at least two or three decades. Bamboo Pros. Merino wool is softer than regular wool and has a more comfortable feel on the skin. Oct 16, 2018 · Base layers made of wool with a density of 170g/m 2 and less are suitable for use at high temperatures while others are mainly intended for winter, spring and fall use. This is because, as a fiber, Merino wool does not itch, it feels warm when wet and it tends not to harbor odors. Comfort. 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. And at Ultimate Gear Lists merino wool is hands down our favourite material for hiking baselayers. Voormi makes some interesting base layers where the inside is wicking polyester and the outside is wool. So far I have not found a Merino base layer I feel is as warm as the comparable polyester base layer. Merino wool has almost completely replaced traditional wool thanks to its soft, ultrafine fibers. tech Crew. Merino wool and synthetic blend. And Polypropylene is shiny, like the threads running horizontally and the seams. The Downsides of Merino Wool. Feb 2, 2023 · I’ve stopped wearing merino base layers. When traveling, I pack several short sleeved base layer tops that can also be warn as a tee shirt when needed. Poly and synthetic are my go to for shorter and day hunts. So one can argue that you get more value for your money with Merino wool. Merino Wool Mid-Layers are way too dense for most activities. 39 million New Zealand sheep can’t be wrong. 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. Is that going to work out? Or will the Polypropylene/Polyester just stink up? Jan 16, 2024 · Helly uses a polypropylene (standalone in their synthetic, blended in their merino). It can be worn as a Sep 21, 2023 · Most base layers are made of either synthetic material or merino wool. However, polypropylene and merino wool are the best baselayer materials that are easily accessible. 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. A selection of fabrics used as base-layer garments for first responder personnel were tested as part of the new study. They tend to not shrink in the drier and are true to size. Merino wool isn’t just for cold weather– it helps regulate your body temperature even in warm months. That’s not to say there are not any other good base layer materials, but polypropylene and merino wool are the best that are widely available. 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. The fibers are extremely thin, less than 24 microns in diameter. Higher-end tech fabrics with branded names will out-perform cheap unbranded polyester. Alpaca: Battle of the Base Layers. Alpaca base layers are best for: high-activity adventures, people with wool allergies, and cold-weather activities. Merino vs Polypro is one of the great debates, and ultimately it comes down to personal preference. Nylon absorbs a lot of water, can't imagine it making for a good base layer. Therefore they can Oct 11, 2024 · Infrared image of a water droplet (purple) wicking through a hydrophilic polyester base layer fabric (yellow). Aug 1, 2024 · Merino Wool. Smartwool Merino 250 Wool Base Apr 1, 2019 · Decided to do a few test to see how merino wool base layers did versus synthetic base layers. 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. 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. The Base layer should be a wicking layer. Anything else and some of us are guaranteed wet and clammy, even on the sub-zero days. This is not your grandparents' itchy woolies. Both will keep you toasty warm when it's cold and will regulate body temperature when it's hot. Both are breathable and still provide warmth when wet. Sep 23, 2013 · A synthetic interior/wool exterior makes the most sense. Polyester Base Layers. 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. Kari Traa Lam Base Layer Top (women’s only) Kari Traa Lam Base Layer Bottom (women’s only) REI Co-op Merino Wool Base Layer Crew Top; REI Co-op Merino Wool Base Layer Tights; Synthetic Option. Adding polyester or nylon to Merino significantly increases durability and reduces stretching/sag after several days of use. a long sleeve top you can hike, camp, run in year-round. Our favorite Alpaca base layers: Paka and AlpacaTek. Polyester all the way. Apr 5, 2015 · As to your question, wool is great. Merino Wool Option Nov 13, 2024 · For the full rundown of how alpaca performs compared to merino, check out our Merino Wool vs. Patagonia uses a Merino/Capilene blend for increased durability, to increase the wicking ability, and to reduce drying time over 100% Merino while maintaining odor resistance. Cold days = below 25 degrees ALL day. ) Wool can also be blended with other fabrics, like spandex to enhance fit and flexibility. com, there's no wrong way to go with merino wool and polyester clothing products. We Blondes have said this before, and we’ll say it again. For deep snow I prefer insulated snowshoe pants; otherwise, I wear Johnson (Vt. I got a 95% merino 5% spandex set of Alaskan Hardgear from Duluth that I love, but they don't make it anymore. If you're interested in a base layer constructed of 100% Merino wool far exceeding its modest price tag, we highly recommend the Merino. It's harder to find legitimate merino wool base layers, many of the cheaper like Target's are <26% blends. But if I'm doing a single day hike, a 3D shoot, or just working outside I'll generally throw on a poly base layer under another shirt. Synthetic base layers are made of material like polyester, nylon, or polypropylene. I can't say why but my skin also feels dryer in most synthetic base layers than wool. As wool gets thin you start to run into durability issues. Nov 12, 2021 · +1 for merino, I sort of feel like for most temp ranges I encounter wool is overrated, but not as a base layer in my experience this is one time the hype is real. From early November to mid-April I wear a wool sweater as a mid layer. A variety of materials are used for such garments, each with different pros and cons. Wool is hydrophilic, while polyester is hydrophobic. We recommend a cold-water wash and laying flat to dry. Synthetics are much better at wicking than wool. Mar 6, 2025 · You’ll need a fabric that will keep you warm when wet and dry out quickly, with merino wool and polyester being the most common choices. Polyester has more UV resistance than polypropylene. I want to get some Merino wool base layers but the 100% merino wool are outside my budget. Polypropylene is the worst when it comes to odor retention. This does not mean that there are no other decent base layer materials. 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. Wool doesn't help much either. The increased density reduces breathability. However, if we want to make a really thick merino fabric, it needs to be very dense. It doesn't have the problem of never being able to dry like Merino, and doesn't hold a smell like synthetics. Synthetic base layers will largely be made from polyester and polyester blends. Nov 4, 2019 · When it comes to mid-layers polyester is your best bet. There’s 3 layers, base layer is wicking, middle layer is your insulation and outer layer is your protection from wind and snow. 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. I really haven't seen this issue with merino. 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 Mar 16, 2022 · When to Choose Merino Wool vs. We recommend that you steer clear of a cotton base layer because it absorbs moisture like a sponge. Oct 21, 2018 · Recently Brynje introduced a Merino wool version of their now famous mesh (famous for the first ascent of Everest in 1953). I own two jackets one for "cold" weather days and one for "not so cold" weather days. Super soft; Lightweight breathability 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. 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. I am struggling with cheaper polyester vs more expensive merino wool. Merino Wool (Kaibab series) vs. When you buy your bae layer from Buckmans. Both polypropylene and merino wool do their jobs very well. They’re designed for extreme cold weather use. Nov 1, 2019 · Unisex Wool Thermo T-Shirt Base Layer with Inlay; Unisex Wool Thermo Light Longs Base Layer with Inlay; Unisex Super Thermo T-Shirt Base Layer with Inlay; 70 Gram Wool Hat; At this point, since nomenclature can sometimes be confusing, it’s important to note that: Wool Thermo is a blend of (predominantly) merino wool and nylon (for durability). to/3e6ITs3Minus33 Bottom: https://amz I’m blown away by the popularity of wool as a base layer. 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. 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. LL Bean is a pretty reliable source for quality base layers. Odor resistance is still pretty good. May 10, 2024 · SYNTHETIC BASE LAYERS. Layering for Different Weather Conditions: Another key consideration when choosing between merino wool vs. In cold/wet synthetic base layers and wool fleece for warmth, it's a little heavier, a lot bulkier, but it's dependable warmth even if wet and doesn't hold a smell too strongly. These base layers will keep the wearer warm when combined with ski wear. Feb 18, 2021 · Merino Wool Option. It goes against all of my cold weather training. Synthetic options are usually less expensive and more durable than their Merino friends, although they are typically less breathable and not as warm. 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. VERDICT: POLYESTER. My concerns are: 1) will polyester keep me warm? 2) will merino wool get wet and cold when exercising (intensive walking)? 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. 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. But I do think a small fishnet base layer of Merino wool would be as Oct 8, 2024 · Merino Wool vs Polyester. We've tested dozens of baselayers on stormy spring ski tours in the Pacific Northwest, frigid winter runs, and backpacking trips across the world, and below are our top 15 picks of 2025. These are the most common materials, though you may come across silk on the rare occasion. I like to layer merino of heavier weights on top of my base layer, depending on the temperature and my activity. Drying Time: Polyester tends to dry faster than nylon, making it a popular choice for base layers in high-intensity activities or humid conditions. synthetic base layers is the type of weather you expect to encounter. How would they stack up to 100% 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 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. Jan 28, 2025 · Base layers made of synthetic fabric are usually made with Polyester or incorporate a blend of a natural fiber like Merino Wool with Polyester. Apr 17, 2025 · Polyester materials are much easier to care for compared to polypropylene. In our opinion 400 g/m 2 Merino wool mid-layers offer similar warmth as 200 g/m 2 Polartec fleece. In general, Polypro is more affordable and has a reputation for being the quicker drying option. May 16, 2022 · I prefer to wear several layers of washable merino, if needed, wearing a short sleeved 100- 150 weight wool next to my body. I've never even heard of a nylon base layer. It’s important to note that there are tons of types of polyester fabric on the market. REI Co-op Midweight Base Layer Crew Top; REI Co-op Midweight Base Layer Bottoms; Middle-of-the-Road. Oct 25, 2022 · I like medium and heavy (“Polar”) weight polyester base layers from reputable brands like LL Bean or Patagonia. You might choose merino wool base layers if comfort is a top priority and you have a higher spending budget. So it’s obvious that we think merino wool is great. 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. Minus33 Top: https://amzn. Polypropylene is great to. They also have an advantage over wool: Polyester 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 Polyester fibers have a hydrophobic nature, meaning they repel water and allow moisture to evaporate quickly, keeping you dry and comfortable during physical activity. Oct 25, 2022 · 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. My next AT hike is going to be in cotton. 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. Below I have set out to review the basic advantages and disadvantages of the key materials and That said, base layers are designed to contribute to warmth via moisture dispersal. Nylon fibers absorb more 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. May 24, 2022 · Polypropylene and merino wool are two materials that are quite good at what they do. I save my merino for hunting. To help your merino wool layers last, wash and dry with care. Note that some people may mention polypropylene aka "polypro" base layers, which were popular 35-40 years ago and replaced by less stinky polyester. Weight/Size: Winner(Polyester) Polyester is going to be significantly lighter than merino wool. Merino wool wins over polyester in a few categories, but definitely not all of them. May 17, 2023 · However, Merino wool fabrics are of a finer quality than that polyester. I use Smartwool baselayers since they blend their Merino with synthetic fibers so you get the best of both worlds. Nov 27, 2021 · My merino base is dry long before my camo synthetic that I wear over it. Jun 9, 2022 · The Capilene Air Crew top is made from a blend of merino wool and recycled polyester to provide a base layer that has excellent moisture-wicking, odour control and durability. Dec 3, 2018 · The main reason for this is that they are relatively heavy for the warmth that they provide. Jan 4, 2023 · When you run cold, only wool is warm enough! I wear -33 (brand) merino wool base layers, top and bottom. Polyester (Wasatch). (Learn more about merino wool. The mid-layer and base layer, as well as your gloves, socks and hat, will usually be made of merino wool or synthetics. I own a mix and use both. 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. I've used cotton, wool, and plastic bases and prefer a wool base (on cold days) and cotton on "warmer" days. It is in midlayers where you want to to concentrate on warmth. I have seen a few different options out there that are wool blend, usually 60% polyester and 40% merino wool. Merino wool base layers. Thinner fabric is going to be less durable. 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. ) woolen pants over my base. I think that a 50/50 blend makes the ideal base layer top for most conditions. Base layers (as well as mid-layers) made of Merino wool with a density above 250g/m 2 tend to be too heavy (especially when soaked with sweat) to be efficiently used for sports Apr 15, 2019 · For low level use, merino wool has a great mix of next to skin comfort and odour resistance. Nov 4, 2019 · Polyester is going to be significantly lighter than merino wool. So my question is: I primarily want to use this as a layer that won't pick up odor over long periods without washing. Whichever you choose, they each offer their own benefits and drawbacks. 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. Patagonia offers Merino 1 (silkweight) in boxer briefs, briefs, T-shirt and Crew, Merino 2 (lightweight) in a Polo, Crew, Zip-neck and The Mount Merino Base Layer Top and Trousers combine wool and polyester, offering wool's natural benefits along with enhanced durability. The change wasn’t deliberate, sudden, or driven by a deep concern for the wellbeing of rare sheep. I'm working on getting some new thermal base layers. Polyester is relatively rough to the touch and is lighter on the skin. Patagonia Merino Base Layers. But that has all night to dry. Speculation. Synthetic Base Layers. vpceb kaq advja gfqxwl mdkkg nwnp crtk oudc poboe fatks wys kgoxjjv fzmsj eiwf vidafr