Having several durable core merino base layers can help make an adventure bearable. This fall, my wife and I, along with my parents, had the opportunity to visit Alaska. During the trip, we had the chance to play with Iditarod racing sled dogs on a glacier and take a jet ski ride around Prince William Sound. Given the climate, I needed some base layers that would keep me warm even if I got soaked. When I was offered to try out Sita’s Core Merino layers, I gladly accepted.
“We made the 220 Series to be an essential piece in just about every hunter’s kit.” ~ sitkagear.com
220 Core Merino Layer
The first layer I had with me on the adventure was the 220 Core Merino Layer. The Core Merino bottom is a straightforward long john style with flat seams. The Core Merino top features a half-zip design with a left-side zippered chest pocket, perfect for storing a phone or hunting license. Both the top and bottom are comfortable to wear under other clothing. As I used the bottom and top as my next-to-skin layers, I was not disappointed by how well they kept me warm, even as I worked up a sweat. I also used the top as a lightweight long-sleeve layer for the cooler afternoons before breaking out thicker layers.
“When you’re hunkered down in frigid temps or hiking through mounting snow drifts, you need the heavyweight warmth of the 330 Series.” ~ sitkagear.com
330 Core Merino Layer
On top of the 220 merino top, I decided to go with the 330 Core Merino hoodie, since I would experience periods of activity and inactivity. The hoodie has a handwarmer pocket at the front, a contoured hood, and a mesh facemask. Like the 220 top, the hoodie has a zipped chest pocket and thumb loops at the end of the sleeves.
The 330 hoodie is slightly thicker than the 220 top, making it useful as an additional layer or a standalone layer for colder temperatures. The hood is thin enough to wear under a fleece cap, protecting my neck from the wind. The facemask helps conceal my face during deer blind hunts. Additionally, I found the hoodie to be a good outer layer at base camp while getting ready for hunts.
Layered Performance
When combined, both the 220 and 330 Core Merino layers work well to maintain warmth, even in less-than-ideal conditions. During the sled dog excursion, my wife and I had to wait on the glacier in wet, whiteout-like conditions after a minor mishap. Even though we were getting sleeted on and a little soaked, I was still warm thanks to the merino layers.
During the jet ski tour, we were provided with dry suits. Still, we had to provide our own underlayers. Again, I used both the 220 and 330 layers due to the characteristics of the merino wool. The layers did not restrict me while I was wearing the drysuit, so I still had a full range of motion. This freedom allowed me to move around easily and get on and off the jet ski without feeling like a marshmallow man.
220 Core Merino Top Features & Specifications courtesy of sitkagear.com
- Lightweight 220-gram, 17.5-micron ArmorSpun Merino Wool for durability and anti-itch comfort
- Easy-care merino wool can be washed and dried with your regular laundry
- Snag-preventative stitching along sleeves resists abrasion from your pack
- Zippered chest pocket safely stores your valuables
- Low-profile integrated thumb holes for easy layering
- Total weight: 11.1 oz.
- Top MSRP:
$140SALE $84
220 Core Merino Bottom Features & Specifications courtesy of sitkagear.com
- Lightweight 220-gram, 17.5-micron ArmorSpun Merino Wool for durability and anti-itch comfort
- Easy-care merino wool can be washed and dried with your regular laundry
- Low-profile flatlock stitching for next-to-skin comfort
- Total weight: 7.8 oz.
- MSRP: $90
330 Core Merino Top Features & Specifications courtesy of sitkagear.com
- Lightweight and durable 330-gram, 17.5-micron ArmorSpun Merino Wool exterior fabric
- Recycled synthetic interior for anti-itch comfort and improved moisture management
- Easy-care merino wool can be washed and dried with your regular laundry
- Contoured hood for coverage and concealment
- Low-profile handwarmer pocket
- Breathable merino wool mesh facemask for concealment
- Snag-preventative stitching along sleeves resists abrasion from your pack
- Zippered chest pocket safely stores your valuables
- Low-profile integrated thumb holes for easy layering
- Total weight: 18.7 oz.
- MSRP:
$175SALE $105
Final Thoughts
Sitka’s Core Merino layers can help keep you warm on a variety of outdoor excursions, including hunting. During my Alaska experiences, both the 220 and 330 layers worked well in the snow and cold air. While I can see the benefit of the 330 hoodie’s handwarmer pocket, I did not use it often because I was wearing waterproof layers over the hoodie. However, I appreciated how, when I wore the layers together, I did not lose my range of motion. If you are looking for merino layers, check out the 220 and 330 Core Merino pieces.
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