When you go hunting, wearing merino wool is the best method to keep warm and dry so that you can concentrate on what you’re out there in the cold trying to do, which is to bring home a large game animal that you can use to stock your freezer.
Warmth and comfort are essential qualities in hunting gear, particularly the clothing, stockings, and gloves worn directly against the skin. Even more significantly, they must not bunch up, and they must not be uncomfortable. Imagine you are hiding in the bushes or lying on your stomach waiting for a sighting, and you are experiencing uncomfortable sensations such as being cold, damp, or itching.
Wool is potentially the greatest material for use in outdoor and hunting gear since it is one of the warmest naturally occurring materials known to man. On the other hand, Wool has a propensity to scratch, which is a problem you connoted. Merino wool emerges as a winner as a potential material for hunting attire.
Table of Contents
Our Top 10 Picks for the Best Merino Wool Hunting Clothes:
- Manufacturer: First Lite
- Department: Men’s
- Item Weight: 5 Ounces
- Manufacturer: Thermajohn
- Department: Men’s
- Item Weight: 11.68 Ounces
- Manufacturer: MERIWOOL
- Department: Men’s
- Item Weight: 10.86 Ounces
- Manufacturer: MERIWOOL
- Department: Men’s
- Item Weight: 10.55 Ounces
- Manufacturer: LAPASA
- Department: Men’s
- Item Weight: 1.2 Pounds
- Manufacturer: SITKA Gear
- Department: Men’s
- Manufacturer: J JINPEI
- Department: Unisex Adult
- Item Weight: 2.47 Pounds
- Manufacturer: Minus33 Merino Wool
- Department: Men’s
- Item Weight: 1 Pound
- Manufacturer: MERIWOOL
- Department: Men’s
- Item Weight: 1.1 Pounds
1. First Lite Men’s Wick Boot Top Bottom:
This base layer bottom has been my go-to for every elk hunt up to this point, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Because the base layer can be made to stop at the middle of your shin, thanks to the boot top function, you won’t need to wear tall socks below it, eliminates the need for a second layer. When conditions fluctuate from chilly to warm, they make an excellent base layer that wicks away moisture.
Product Features:
- Lining made of fabric
- Jersey knit fabric with a weight of 150 gsm that is lightweight and ideal for warm weather.
- 3/4 length, designed to fit just over the top of the boot.
- Wash in the machine and dry on the line.
- Fabric Lining.
- Various Colors.
- Bit Expensive.
2. Thermajohn Men’s Ultra Soft Thermal Underwear:
The Thermajohn is the perfect base layer for hunting because of its midweight construction and thermal properties. The Thermajohn hunting base layer is extremely breathable and has a loose cut; it is made of a fabric blend of polyester and spandex.
These do not have a compression-like fit at all in the base layer. They are a bit more relaxed fit base layer for hunting and will not restrict your mobility.
Although they are lightweight, adding a layer of moisture-wicking material straight over the body and your other layers of hunting garments helps keep your body heat in.
This layer is placed directly over the body. Even when cotton garments are worn on top, this additional moisture-wicking layer keeps the sweat from building up and inhibits bacterial growth.
Product Features:
- Spandex content is 8%, while the remaining 92% is polyester.
- You can use men’s thermal underwear all day since it is a lightweight thermal set with a thermal top and bottom composed of a poly-spandex material that will drain moisture to keep you dry and won’t make you feel sticky or sweaty.
- Thermals for men are crafted from high-quality fabric and include advanced odor management that stops the spread of unpleasant odors. Additionally, these thermals absorb the enzymes that cause unpleasant odors, preventing them from sticking to the wearer’s skin.
- You don’t need to worry about anything going wrong if you keep wearing them throughout the day.
- The thermal underwear is extremely elastic to allow for complete freedom of movement and was designed with flexibility in mind. Because the fabric will not restrict your mobility, you can move without restriction, whether at the gym, the office, or at home.
- Lightweight, yet with a significant impact.
- Moisture-wicking.
- Loose fit.
- Ideal for the current weather conditions.
- Not suitable for cold conditions unless additional garments are worn on top of the set.
3. MERIWOOL Men’s Base Layer Long Sleeve Thermal Shirt:
Merino wool, used in the constructing Meriwool midweight hunting base layer, is one of the most effective insulators among lightweight base layers.
When they hear the term “wool,” some people immediately think of something scratchy and irritating. This is not the case since it is gentle and will not cause you to scratch yourself.
This merino wool base layer hunting shirt weighs 250 g/m2, making it a lightweight thickness that is breathable, moisture-wicking, and ideal for use in climates ranging from chilly to cold.
Merino wool is one of the greatest types since it can decrease and avoid odor, which helps attract deer rather than drive them away.
Product Features:
- Thermal crewneck shirt made of merino wool 250 grams per square meter for men.
- Merino wool that is superfine and 18.5 microns in diameter and made entirely of natural fibers guarantees comfort throughout the day.
- Merino wool with an interlock knit of 250g/m2 weight may be worn as either a base layer or a mid-layer. It will keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
- This shirt may be washed in the washing machine on the cold setting and safely dried in the dryer on a low heat setting.
- The hottest base layer of the midweight range.
- Very thin and able to breathe.
- Elimination of bad smells
- It is possible to utilize it as a layer in the middle.
- To ensure a comfortable fit, we recommend ordering one size larger than usual.
4. MERIWOOL Men’s Base Layer 100% Merino Wool Thermal Pants:
These merino wool base layer hunting trousers offer the same advantages as the Meriwool midweight hunting base layer discussed earlier. They cover the bottom part of your body and keep you warm.
The breathable and moisture-wicking Meriwool merino wool hunting base layer trousers weigh 250 g/m2 and are made from merino wool. They aren’t just there to trap all of your body heat as some layers do; instead, they’re incredibly lightweight and actively work to help regulate temperature so that you can feel your best.
These pants, like the merino wool hunt base layer shirt, assist in decreasing and preventing smells from affecting your ability to succeed in your hunting endeavors.
Product Features:
- Merino wool that is superfine and 18.5 microns in diameter and made entirely of natural fibers guarantees comfort throughout the day.
- Your thermal pants may be washed in the washer using the cold option, and it is safe to dry them in the dryer using a low heat setting.
- Maintaining your body’s temperature, whether during the summer or the winter.
- Pants that dry quickly and incorporate a hook at the top to allow for hanging drying while camping.
- Breathable, quick-drying, and odor-resistant all in one package.
- Assist in the control of the body temperature.
- Loose, comfortable fit.
- It is possible to utilize it as a middle layer.
- Products made of merino wool might have price tags that are rather steep.
5. LAPASA Men’s Mid/Heavy Weight Thermal Underwear:
The Lapasa base layer for hunting is a set of mid-heavyweight foundation layers with a 260 g/m2 weight rating. This three-piece set of fleece-lined base layers is ideal for hunting in chilly to cold conditions. It is especially pleasant for those long days in the woods when the temperature is about 50 degrees.
The composition of this base layer, which is 95 percent polyester and 5 percent spandex, makes it extremely soft and flexible. Because the material is exceptionally absorbent and has moisture-weakening capabilities organically, it helps avoid retaining excess heat or sweat, which can be a problem in some environments.
Product Features:
- When the temperature drops, the set of LAPASA thermal underwear is created out of a polyester and spandex micro-fleece fabric, which offers the highest possible warmth to weight ratio while also reducing the amount of heat that is lost.
- Men’s base layers are pliable and comfy, fitting you like a second skin.
- The elastic polyester-spandex utilized has a four-way stretch, allowing it to move with you, provide flexibility, and keep you warm without compromising your range of motion or comfort.
- Extremely relaxing and cozy.
- The ideal temperature range is between moderate and frigid.
- Excellent value.
- Buy a larger size since the pants and arm’s length can be too short.
6. SITKA Gear Heavyweight Half-Zip:
The Sitka merino wool base layer is an excellent option for use as a hunting foundation layer. Because it has a partial zip, you may wear it as a base or middle layer. I use this as a base layer because it has a performance-oriented tighter fit and is quite comfortable.
At 260 grams per square meter, this camouflage hunting shirt is made of thicker merino wool. It is likewise a merino wool blend, with 59 percent being 17.5-micron merino wool, 6 percent being a nylon core-spun blend, and 35 percent being polyester as the remaining components.
The polyester makes up the super-plush inner fleece layer in contact with the wearer’s skin. In addition, it has Polygiene odor management. This new technology includes lyric that helps to inhibit the growth of germs that might result in unpleasant aromas while hiking to your hunting area.
Product Features:
- Ideal for stationary hunts in cold weather, this jacket has a body-mapped grid fleece backer that helps to keep the wearer warm while actively wicking sweat away from the skin.
- On chilly, low-activity hunts, the CORE Heavyweight Zip-T will keep you warm and toasty thanks to its lofted fleece insulation and high, zipped collar. This allows you to fine-tune all microclimates.
- This brand-new technology eliminates offensive odors by inhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungus that are responsible for such odors, allowing you to maintain a high level of concealment even in the most challenging environments.
- For conditions ranging from chilly to extremely cold.
- Very cozy and yielding in texture.
- Four camo color possibilities.
- A patented method that eliminates unpleasant odors.
- Take the time to look at the size guide to get a performance fit.
- When the temperature is over 30 degrees Fahrenheit, it becomes uncomfortably heavy.
- Although it may be pricey for those working with a limited budget, the money spent is well worth it!
7. SITKA Gear Merino Heavyweight Bottom:
The weight of the Sitka merino wool base layer trousers is 260 g/m2, the same as that of the related shirt from Sitka I detailed before. These pants are exceptionally warm.
The same merino wool mix is used to make these base layer trousers as was used to make the half zip (35 percent polyester, 6 percent nylon core-spun blend, and 59 percent 17.5-micron merino wool).
However, while having a plush backing made of fleece, they are not as hefty as most other fleece-lined hunting base layers. These hunting base layer trousers also have Sitka Polygiene odor control, which prevents the growth of microorganisms that cause unpleasant odors.
Because I dislike wearing many pairs of cumbersome pants, these are of great assistance to me during the chilly weather we have during the time of year when it is deer hunting season in Wisconsin.
Product Features:
- Wool makes up 59% of this fabric, polyester makes up 35%, and nylon makes up 6%.
- Ideal for stationary hunts in cold weather, this jacket has a body-mapped grid fleece backer that helps to keep the wearer warm while actively wicking sweat away from the skin.
- This brand-new technology eliminates offensive odors by inhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungus that are responsible for such odors, allowing you to maintain a high level of concealment even in the most challenging environments.
- Temperatures range from frigid to extremely cold.
- A close fit that is nevertheless flexible.
- A patented method that eliminates unpleasant odors.
- Layer that is soft and near to the skin.
- When the temperature is over 30 degrees Fahrenheit, it becomes uncomfortably heavy.
- Although it may be pricey for those working with a limited budget, the money spent is well worth it!
8. J JINPEI Heated Thermal Underwear Top:
If I were to write an article about the most effective base layer for hunting in really cold weather, it would be impossible to leave out the discussion of the most effective heated base layer for hunting.
Your ability to stay warm when wearing the J Jinpei heated base layer for an extended period ranges from 3.5 to 6 hours, based on which of the three heat settings you select: low, medium, or high. It is possible to get a whole day’s use out of this heated base layer by turning it on and off for short bursts of heat, which is especially helpful given that this set comes with two batteries.
Within a minute and a half of turning the device on, the six strands of carbon fiber intertwined across the areas seen in the product’s photo begin to heat up.
Even if you stay up late with the boys but still want to go to your stand before the sun rises, you can charge the mAh battery overnight because it takes around 3 hours.
You will not be sorry that you purchased a set of heated long underwear if you want to go hunting in temperatures that might range from ten to twenty degrees below zero Fahrenheit—especially because you will most likely be one of the only males out there who can survive the cold while wearing them.
Product Features:
- 45 percent high-quality cotton, 23 percent acrylic, 22 percent recycled fiber and 10 percent spandex make up this fabric.
- Thermal underwear with an electric heating element Warm, comfortable, breathable, with an elastic waist design; lightweight and warm; designed to keep you from losing too much heat while allowing you to continue to experience the coziness of warmth;
- Battery capacity improvement, 4000mAh Li-ion battery can be completely charged in 4-5 H, working duration is around 3.5-6.5 H; hot infrared elements may stimulate your blood circulation and aid reduce muscular discomfort; battery life is about 3.5-6.5 H.
- On-demand heating system.
- Three3 temperature settings.
- Two2 batteries, each lasting between 3.5 and 6 hours.
- The option for the warmest base layer when hunting.
- Warranty for one year.
- The burden is too much for the moderate temps.
- The price is quite pricey compared to other excellent non-heated choices, but it is still affordable.
9. Minus33 Merino Wool:
The Minus33 Merino Wool Base Layer Trousers are a dense wool base layer that weighs in at 400 g/m2 and is made of more wool. This base layer is made from very heavyweight merino wool and is one of the heaviest we were able to locate.
The merino wool used in the shirt’s construction has a micron size of 18.5. This 400 g/m2 merino wool base layer shirt is constructed with an interlock knit and features flatlock seams. It has the highest rating possible. Very dense woven patterns that are not at all bulky.
When wool is worn directly next to the skin as a base layer, it has the inherent ability to drain away moisture due to the wool’s composition.
If you want to use this merino wool base layer crew neck shirt as a mid-layer, put on a polyester shirt that is more form-fitting below it. This will help you keep even more heat near to your body. You will benefit from the inherent moisture-wicking capabilities of polyester shirts and even create even more. In addition, there is no possibility that the wool would aggravate the irritation on your skin.
Product Features:
- Merino Wool, one hundred percent.
- Merino Wool is made up entirely of fiber and is exceptionally cozy.
- Because of its adaptability and capacity to keep you warm, this merino wool crew neck thermal should be an essential component of your outdoor apparel.
- Because it is treated with the most advanced technologies for simple maintenance, merino wool may be washed and dried in a machine.
- 400 g/m² ultra-heavyweight.
- Marino wool that makes up the whole thing.
- Moisture-wicking.
- Use as a base or a mid-layer.
- Only black is available as a color option.
- Because it is made entirely of wool and is one of the most substantial base layers available, the price is higher.
10. MERIWOOL Men’s Base Layer:
The Meriwool 400 g/m2 thick merino wool base layer trousers are the nicest base layer pants for hunting. These pants include a merino wool content of 400 grams per square meter. The pants, like the Minus33 merino wool shirt described in the section above, are constructed entirely of 18.5-micron merino wool and have a 100% wool composition.
When worn near to the skin as a straight base layer for hunting and with one or two more layers worn on top of them, they also have the natural ability to drain moisture away from the body.
The Meriwool base layer hunting pants made of merino wool are exceptionally toasty. When worn in weather that is already warm or with an excessive number of garments worn on top of them, there is a possibility that you may become overheated.
Wearing them solely on chilly or severely cold days can keep you from being uncomfortable when sitting in your stand or hiding behind a hunting blind.
Product Features:
- Merino wool thermal leggings for men that are 400g/m2 in weight.
- Merino wool that is superfine and 18.5 microns in diameter and made entirely of natural fibers guarantees comfort throughout the day.
- Your thermal pants may be washed in the machine on the cold setting, and it is safe to tumble dry them on a low heat setting with like colors. As a result, they will be prepared for your next journey wherever you are.
- These Merino Wool thermal leggings with an interlock fabric are ideal for use as either a base layer or a middle layer in temperatures ranging from chilly to freezing.
- 400 g/m² ultra-heavyweight.
- Marino wool that makes up the whole thing.
- Moisture-wicking.
- Cost that is comparable to how effectively they function.
- 30-day returns with no questions asked.
Warranty for one year.
- Only black is available as a color option.
- Too warm for the pleasant weather, but the finest foundation layer for hunting when the weather is severely cold.
Why Should Hunters Go with Merino Wool Clothing?
Because it is airy, wool helps keep moisture at bay. Because of its insulating properties, those who wear it remain warm even when the outside temperature is low, and vice versa.
Additionally, it has sufficient layers to allow modifications to be made according to the amount of effort. When hunting in cold and damp conditions, which frequently occur, the best method to remain warm and comfortable is to wear wool near to the skin. This is the most effective technique.
Compared to normal wool, Merino wool is smoother, lighter, and more flexible. These characteristics make it more comfortable to wear for extended periods, which is typically necessary when hunting. This is one of the primary reasons hunters appreciate merino wool so highly.
Even though it is less dense than regular wool, Merino wool nonetheless produces the same heat. This trait greatly assists physically demanding activities like hunting and hiking.
Merino wool garments are not only very comfortable to wear, but they also require very little maintenance. Almost all the time, clothes made of merino wool may be laundered in a washing machine, regardless of where the wearer may have been.
Reasons Why You Should Wear Hunting Garments Made of Merino Wool When You Go Out in the Forest:
Wool provides several wonderful benefits, any one of which may make your time spent hunting a far better use of your resources. The following is a list of some of the benefits of wearing garments made of wool when hunting:
During the Chilly Months of Hunting Season, It Helps Keep You Warm and Comfy:
Most of the time, hunting season will occur during the year’s colder months. Therefore, you must ensure that your clothing has high insulating capabilities. Wool fibers, when combined, will create millions of very small air pockets, which will act as a heat barrier.
Wool is one of the softest textiles you can have, providing a more pleasant experience. Wool is also one of the most durable fabrics that you can obtain. If you did not find the wool hunting garments adequate, another choice to consider is purchasing insulated hunting bibs.
While Tracking the Deer, Wool Will Help Keep You Dry:
Wool is a good hydrophilic fabric, which implies it can absorb around 30 percent of its weight in moisture and yet have the sensation of being dry to the touch after doing so. Therefore, as you sweat, the wool will soak up the moisture, restoring your skin’s natural dryness. After that, the wool will send the moisture back into the air, eventually evaporating.
Merino Wool Helps Mask Your Fragrance, Making Deer Less Likely to Pick Up on It:
Even though it does not prevent deer from smelling you from a distance 100 percent of the time, it is still helpful when combined with some other qualities, even though it does not work perfectly. Lanolin is a naturally occurring fatty acid or wax that wool has.
This chemical helps to inhibit the development of bacteria that are responsible for causing unpleasant odors. When you combine the capacity of wool to wick away moisture with the fact that microbes require moisture to survive, you end up with a powerful answer for an odor-reducing material that can be used in various situations.
The odor-fighting capabilities of the HECS hunting suit are second to none. This outfit also incorporates a grid, which blocks the animals’ ability to pick up any electrical radiation you may be emitting.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is merino wool a decent material for hunters to use?
Wool is potentially the greatest material for use in outdoor and hunting gear since it is one of the warmest naturally occurring materials known to man. On the other hand, Wool has a propensity to scratch, which is a problem you cannot afford. Merino wool emerges as a winner as a potential material for hunting attire.
What kind of fabric is best for keeping hunters warm?
If you haven’t worked it out by now, Merino wool is the most effective base layer for keeping you warm when you’re out hunting.
Are hunting pants made of wool a suitable choice?
It should be no surprise that hunters always look for the most advanced technical apparel to keep them warm and dry, no matter the weather. Merino wool hunting clothing is their first pick due to the exceptional qualities it possesses in this regard. Wool can wick away sweat and keep you warm, thanks to its high level of breathability.
Bottom Line:
The best clothes for hunting are not always created from the most costly material but rather from the most versatile material. If you plan on spending a significant amount of time in the forest to hunt down that elusive buck, you will want gear that is both resistant to the weather and able to keep you at a comfortable temperature.
In a synthetic garment, you can maintain a warmer body temperature; nevertheless, the garment must have the appropriate functions and characteristics to make you as comfortable as is humanly feasible.
Merino wool is the material that should be used for this hunting apparel since it is lightweight, warm, and naturally resistant to odors. Because of this, we have designed the Guide, the perfect piece of merino wool hunting apparel which will keep you covered and comfortable no matter the weather.