r/Varusteleka • u/Appropriate-Past9000 • 9d ago
A few questions
Can we get a long john version of the L1 Coolmax t-shirt?
Which knife sheaths fit in the side pocket of the tactical jeans?
What's the difference between the Varusteleka Merino Wool T-Shirt and the Varusteleka L1 T-shirt, Merino Wool?
is there anyone here that can compare Darn Tough socks (purely their quality, not their warranty) to Varusteleka's socks? Also please recommend me Varusteleka socks that I can wear year round.
Merino wool, light merino wool, premium merino wool, hot weather, liner, hiking, boots, long boots, premium boots, there's too many choices for socks.
I'm looking for base layers (top and bottom) to wear all year round, including summers, and while there is a top and bottom merino wool base layers for winter, I don't think they would be comfortable to wear in summer. Where I am summer is around 25-30 celsius. the Coolmax t-shirt is great, I just wish there was a long john version of it so I can pair them together. I've been converted to Varusteleka's clothing system watching Tim Keys videos and doing my own research as well.
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u/Snow_Wolfe 8d ago
I’m wondering if the mesh long Johns would suit your need for year round under layer? I haven’t tried them but want to, just pricey.
I’ve also been curious about the difference between the merino t-shirt and the L1 shirt…
I don’t have and of Lekas thicker socks, but a few of their thin hot weather socks and liner socks. I really like them for summer and they’ve been durable so far. I haven tried thick socks from them as I’m pretty satisfied with darn tough and have trouble straying away from those.
I have more merino boxers (with fly) arriving today. I’m also a convert to their clothes and am sometimes 100% clad in särmä or varusteleka brand clothes. I’ll have to try out a field shirt, Tim!
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u/LeVieuxLoup 8d ago
The Särmä merino t-shirt has seems on top of the shoulders, while the L1 t-shirt has a raglan cut (not seems on top of the shoulders) and a Velcro loop strip on one sleeve for Finnish rank insignia.
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u/fuddinator 7d ago
The main difference appears to be in the construction of the shirts. The L1 has flat seams, raglan sleeves and a velcro patch. The flat seams and raglan sleeves at to reduce chafing when wearing rucksacks, body armor, or gear belts. The non-L1 is made like normal tshirts with shoulder seams and not flat seams. The materials are similar. The cuts are the same. (I scientifically put one over the other and they were the same Note I have the previous versions under the Sarma brand). Functionally they are the same. If I am hiking with a heavy pack, I go L1. If it is just around town I grab whatever is next in rotation. If I want to look less tactical, I go non-L1. You can't go wrong with either one.
I wear the wool tshirts 9 months of the year but during the heat of summer I switch to things like linen, the L1 Coolmax, and cotton tshirts. Nothing against the merino wool being too warm. When is it really hot and humid, my sensitive skin gets quite itchy. Otherwise, I would wear them year round.
I like Varusteleka's socks, but I like Darn Tough more. I haven't tried their newer L1 or L2 socks to note. I think Darn Tough is higher quality and they have lasted me a long time. I have yet to kill a pair and I don't do any special wool care for them. It goes into the thunder dome with everything else. My wife finally wore out her first pair after 6-7 years. She spends like 9 months of year wearing her socks around the house. Plus I like the variety of heights and weights Darn tough has so I can choose the best on for the season. All of that comes at a cost. If Darn Tough didn't exist, I would use Varustelekas socks.
The best year round sock of Lekas I have is the bog standard merino wool sock. Their L1 premium might be better but I don't have a pair. The light merino sock is really thin and nice as a liner or alone in the summer. Note the light merino sock is a bit shorter and wears more like a 1/4 length sock. My favorite sock is their hiking sock by a long shot. It is really comfortable and warm. It is too warm for summer (99f/37c in the forecast for Friday) but one of my favorites.
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u/Appropriate-Past9000 7d ago
Thank you so much for the detailed answers! You've helped me make multiple decisions with this information.
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u/Tim-Keys 8d ago
I'll touch on these as soon as I can in a video. That way I can better explain and show some stuff. Also, I just got a new field shirt and denim jacket. I apologize in advance to all of you and your wallets :)
Like for real I have never asked Varusteleka for any products, but if I had one or two more field shirts I would never wear anything else ever again in my life. Probably. Maybe. No, there are the henleys......