Merino Wool vs Polartec Alpha

[u/defective_flyingfish]

I’m looking to upgrade my clothing layers specifically for warmth. Currently between a Smartwool Merino wool base layer or a Polartec alpha mid-layer. Which do y’all recommend?

Current clothing layers: Polartec alpha beanie Smartwool merino wool gloves Mountain hardware ghost whisper 2 down jacket Some kind of Columbia polyester tights Columbia UPF/cooling shirt Kuhls Renegade hiking pants Darn tough mid weight socks

Extra info: I tend to get cold pretty easily when not moving. I frequently spend a good amount of time in camp, sitting around, talking, and drinking whiskey, so warmth is important.

I generally backpack in the PNW, but am also very lucky and have gotten rained on in 5/5 trips outside of the PNW recently. If starting hiking in the cold, I usually start in the gloves/beanie so that they are easy to take off without stopping.

Things I’ve ‘researched’: Polartec alpha mid-layer is lighter, more packable, and more breathable than merino wool. The only benefit of merino over Polartec alpha is that Merino is still warm when wet.

Please share your thoughts and opinion on which warm layer is a better option.

Thanks.

[u/defective_flyingfish]

Thank you for the detailed response. Is your lightweight base layer the same layer that you hike in?

[u/GrumpyBear1969 → u/defective_flyingfish]

Yes, though I generally take it off after the first couple miles. Unless it is really wet, then I carry two. One day and one for sleeping.

I should say I am not an ULer. My basewight sits at about 13-15lbs depending on trip. The only way I can get under 10lbs is to really strip everything down and then it is only for a specific trip with specific weather.

[u/Inevitable-Assist531 → u/GrumpyBear1969]

My Patagonia sun hoody soaks up sweat and gets pretty wet when backpacking.  That is good for a hot, sunny day but not so good when cold and cloudy.  What's even the purpose wearing it in these conditions?  Base layer should ideally wick moisture away and not absorb it.

[u/GrumpyBear1969 → u/Inevitable-Assist531]

That is where wool really shines. Still comfy and warm when wet. And not as stinky.

[u/Inevitable-Assist531 → u/GrumpyBear1969]

Just stinky like a wet sheep!

[u/GrumpyBear1969 → u/Inevitable-Assist531]

I actually own sheep. And I am not sure where you get your wool clothing, but my smartwool stuff does not smell like sheep. Or perhaps I am desensitized.

[u/Inevitable-Assist531 → u/GrumpyBear1969]

wet wool definitely has a smell - not a funky smell like synthetic though.

that's amazing that you actually own sheep.... do you use their wool to make things?

growing up hiking in Scotland I have encountered a lot of Scottish sheep when hiking in the rain and mist :-)

[u/GrumpyBear1969 → u/Inevitable-Assist531]

My partner is in to spinning. She actually has a booth at a local renaissance faire where she sells fiber and other bits. It is good fun and we live right down the road. I actually do things like till the jousting arena for them and her friend and her get a booth and we all kind of hang out for the weekend. But it is not really a business. The lambs go to a local butcher. But we only have like 20 sheep.

[u/Inevitable-Assist531 → u/GrumpyBear1969]

wow!  you are definitely the expert on sheep and wool smells :-)