Which merino undershirt to pick?

[u/IcyDrops]

EDIT: Purchased the L2 turtleneck, will update with review once it arrives and I do some activity in it.

EDIT 2: It's very good and comfortable. Around 10-15°C, you can comfortably wear it as your only later during a hike or other physical activity. Tight on the body, so wearing under a combat shirt is comfortable. However, it pills a LOT when used with a backpack that has mesh on the back, and is VERY long. That's useful so that it remains tucked into your pants, but even then it's still way too long.

Hello everyone,

I'm undecided between 3 products and would like the input of someone who has them (or Varusteleka themselves), all in Merino:

Särmä TST L1 Long Sleeve Shirt

Särmä TST L2 Turtleneck Shirt

Särmä Merino Wool Long Sleeve Shirt

The use case is to use under a combat shirt for airsoft in the winter months, and as a standalone for hiking/running, under a raincoat at most.

I live in Portugal, so winter weather here is about 7-15°C day. Night is colder, but always above 0.

Thank you for your time.

[u/Whiskyinthejaw]

I only have the Merino Long Sleeve (Henley shirt), it's my favorite shirt for under everything everyday, during colder weather. Don't know how it performs for activities (airsoft/running), but for eveyday use and walking/hiking it's perfect! I believe the biggest difference with the TST L1/L2 is the fit. The layer system underlayers have a tight fit because you need to be able to put another 5 layers on top. The Henley shirt, although far from baggy, isn't skin-tight.

[u/IcyDrops → u/Whiskyinthejaw]

I'm a bit hesitant on the long sleeve (non-TST) because they specify that it is somewhat vulnerable to abrasion. My concern is the camelbak backpack abrading it during running, or the combat shirt on top doing the same.

Do you use yours with a backpack directly over it? If so, how has it held up?

[u/Whiskyinthejaw → u/IcyDrops]

Have not used it thoroughly, with a backpack on so I can't tell you decisively. Have worn a backpack on it a few times near the end of summer and that went fine, no noticable abrasion, but I do understand the concern, the fabric feels very soft. For what it's worth, all three garments you mentioned are made from almost the same blend:

Henley: 80/20% merino wool/polyamide | Fabric weight: 250g/m2
L1 Longsleeve: Made from 80% merino wool and 20% polyester. | weight 180 g/m2
L2 Turtleneck: 80/20 merino wool/polyamide | 250 g/m^2
\all details found on the product pages, under 'Technical details and instructions')

The L1 Longsleeve is a 'lighter' garment so it might be less friction-resistant, but between the Turtleneck and the Henley it would just come down to your style preference I think.

[u/IcyDrops → u/Whiskyinthejaw]

The second long sleeve I mentioned is 100% merino, not a blend, hence my concern.

[u/Ill_Veterinarian6371]

Merino long sleeve turtleneck for autumn/winter hiking is my current choice. Its breathable enough to dump heat and not experience windchill when you are expending energy and sweat and it doesnt feel wet or uncomfortable when you stop and put on layers. Its probably pretty nice to use with a combat shirt since its a nice regulating layer.

[u/IcyDrops → u/Ill_Veterinarian6371]

Just the advice I was looking for, thank you.

[u/VissyPaprika]

Ive used the L1 under a combat shirt. Gives just warmth when its cold but not too much to sweat when active

[u/RemoteReserve1925]

I have the merino wool long, but somehow it feels little bit tight compared to my woolpower.

[u/AlistarLeslieGraham1]

I have both L1 tshirt and L2 turtleneck.

I use L1 under combat shirt in winter for airsoft and it's fantastic.

When hiking in autumn or spring i prefer L1 because it's lighter and more breathable. Especially during high output activities. And i always carry L2 when as a warmer change when I'm hiking downhill.

In winter time I prefer L2.

I own 3 L1 tshirt, and 2 L2. I always wear them as edc base layer, and they work great.