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#8 on this list
Capilene Thermal Weight
Patagonia
The synthetic benchmark: grid fleece that dries faster than anything wool on this list.
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#9 on this list
Kancamagus Midweight
Minus33
New Hampshire Merino at half the price of the imports, with the same 18.5-micron feel.
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Capilene Thermal Weight | Kancamagus Midweight |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Polartec Power Grid (100% recycled polyester) | 100% Merino Wool |
| Weight | Heavyweight | Midweight (230 GSM) |
| Fit | Slim, next-to-skin | — |
| Odor Control | HeiQ Pure permanent odor control | — |
| Drying Speed | Very Fast | — |
| Environmental | Recycled materials, Fair Trade Certified sewn | — |
| Seams | — | Flatlock |
| Origin | — | Designed in USA |
| Micron Count | — | 18.5 |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Capilene Thermal Weight
- Unmatched drying speed for a heavyweight base layer
- Excellent warmth-to-weight ratio with superior breathability
- Highly durable and abrasion-resistant synthetic construction
- Effective moisture wicking keeps skin dry during high exertion
- Made with 100% recycled content and Fair Trade Certified sewn
- Odor retention can be an issue over multi-day wear compared to wool
- Higher price point for a synthetic base layer
- Less comfortable for casual, static wear than softer merino blends
Kancamagus Midweight
- Excellent warmth-to-weight ratio for a midweight merino
- Superior odor resistance, ideal for multi-day trips
- Soft 18.5-micron merino wool for next-to-skin comfort
- Breathable and effective at moisture management
- Exceptional value compared to premium merino brands
- Dries slower than synthetic alternatives
- Durability, while good for merino, isn't as high as some synthetics
- Limited color and style options
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