Disclaimer: I bought this base layer with my own money. Though TideWe has sent me other gear and I do earn from qualifying purchases using their links and discount code, thanks to them for their support.
If you are looking for a lightweight Merino wool base layer that’s good quality for the money, you have come to the right place.
This is a review of the TideWe 150 Merino wool base layer. I was really impressed with this piece of gear. The quality, fit, performance, and value were really good. And be sure to read to the end for a bonus use I have unexpectedly found for this layer.
Let me also clearly say early on that I have used this layer in the field. This is not an unboxing. I’ve put this thing to use in the woods.
TideWe did give me an 18% discount code for my audience awhile back, so of course I took advantage of the code and used it on this purchase also. That 18% off code is GK18, you can enter it at checkout. That discount stacks on top of most sale prices. Using the discount, I was able to buy this base layer for about $49.
One of the things that impresses me most about this base layer is the quality for the price. I own multiple Merino wool base layers in the 100 to 200 weight range from several different brands, and this one right here has become my favorite.
Check out my video review of the TideWe 150 Merino wool base layer to see more about how it looks in real life.
Comfort, Fit, and Performance
I really like the feel of the material. It’s very soft, the construction is solid, and the seams fall in good places. The range of motion is great, but overall, I’m just a big fan of the comfort and softness.
I have worn base layers that don’t fit right or the seams don’t fall in the right places, and I find myself not using those layers even when they are the better tool. I’d rather use something comfortable and too heavy than something light and frustrating. This layer however checks all the boxes for me.
A few details on the fit:
-
Sizing: It runs true to size. I wear a large in pretty much everything, I bought a large in this, and it fits exactly the way I want it to.
-
Features: It features functional thumb holes and a good length overall.
-
Options: You can get it in solid colors or camo. I went with a solid color, which is a little cheaper.
When to Use It
I bought this particular base layer for spring turkey hunting, early deer season, and early waterfowl season. It’s ideal for days with big temperature fluctuations—cold enough for a base layer in the morning, but light enough so you don’t overheat come midday.
It also shines on days when you’re covering a lot of ground, climbing hills, and sweating. Made of Merino wool, it handles moisture extremely well:
-
Moisture Wicking & Quick Drying: It pulls moisture away from your skin, and because it’s so thin, it dries out fast. If you take off your outer layer to sit down for lunch or glass a spot for a bit, it should dry quickly. Heavy base layers pull moisture away too, but they can take a long time to dry. A lightweight layer like this gives you a nice balance of warmth, comfort, wicking, and fast drying.
-
Thermal Regulation: I find merino wool regulates temperature naturally. I think it does this better than synthetics, so I don’t overheat when my activity level changes.
This layer isn’t limited to warmer days, either. You can easily use it as your next-to-skin layer in cold weather by pairing it with heavier outer layers, then shedding those layers midday if you decide to walk during the later part of the day.
The 150 weight refers to the fabric weight being 150 grams per square meter. So, fabric of that weight is used to make a base layer like this. I was mostly interested in thicker base layers early on, and I get good use out of thick ones, but I didn’t realize till years later how nice something in this weight really is. The versatility is great, especially on days when I’m moving a lot.
Bonus Use
I actually have found myself keeping this layer in the trunk of my car when not using it, just in case I ever need to add a layer or swap out a layer that is too wet. So, wherever I have gone for months as of this writing, this layer is almost always in my car.
Other items I often keep in my car include a heavy fleece mid layer, rain jacket, neoprene boots, as well as some gloves and hats. So, this is the only base layer thus far that has earned a home in the trunk.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the biggest takeaway is the value—the balance between quality and price. That’s something that consistently impresses me with TideWe gear. I completely recommend the TideWe 150 Merino wool base layer, and it’s something I plan to wear on a lot of hunts in the seasons to come.
Also check out my reviews for the TideWe Rainsuit and the TideWe See Through Hunting Blind.
Be sure to listen to The New Hunters Guide Podcast and check us out on YouTube.
Till next time. God bless you, and go get em in the woods!
George Konetes Ph.D. – Founder and Host of the New Hunters Guide.
The New Hunters Guide is simply what George wishes he would have had when learning how to hunt; a single place to get practical hands on knowledge about different kinds of hunting, gear, strategy, and tips that can improve your comfort and fun factor in the woods.