Patagonia Merino 2 Lightweight Crew

Summary

Everyone should have a base layer like this!!

I never thought I would ever spend $50+ on a base layer. I am glad I did!!  

I have used this base layer for over 4 years now and it is still good as new.  

I wear this shirt while hiking as a T-shirt when it is warm and as a base layer while hiking when it is cold. It is very comfortable and soft. It is very, very breathable. It wicks sweat away from the body and sweat evaporates off it very fast. The main thing I love about this base layer is it minimizes friction between a heavy backpack and your body.   

It is just a simple shirt that provides wonderful functionality. I highly recommend every backpacker/hiker use a shirt like this as a base layer.  

I am wearing the shirt in the pic below!  

This is a great lightweight merino wool layer. It works just like the best merino wool baselayers are suppose to work: Like a thermos.

From the moment I put it on I could feel the warm air layer envelop the skin. Because it's only a Merino 2 (not a 3 or 4 - it's a lightweight, for sure) it doesn't hold the heat in by itself when the temps dip below 45F. I wouldn't wear outside without more layers under 50F in less than moderate activity.

That said, this Patagonia merino baselayer regulates bodyheat better than Patagonia's similar Capilene (synthetic) baselayer. I rarely sweat below 70F in heavy activity, and I can feel the heat coming off the fabric when I'm indoors in overheated rooms.

I highly recommend this.

There is slight itching in the wool after a while during the first few wearings. Either it goes away or I've gotten used to it. It's so subtle, I thought twice about mentioning it.

Worth the money past any synthetic baselayer, for sure. And it doesn't smell quite as bad as synthetics, either.