Wool Mesh Base Layer

Merino wool mesh base layer was recommended to me by a viewer. I bought the Brynje merino wool long sleeve shirt with inlay. A mesh wool shirt for active cold weather camping and activities seems counterintuitive, however the mesh helps prevent sweat and dries quicker than a tight weave shirt.
I take the shirt for a test run on a sub-zero multi day deep snow remote camping trip in the Superior National Forest.
Brynje of Norway - www.brynjeusa.com
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#coldweatherclothing #wintercamping #brynje

[@SkitterComic]

"You're... too sexy for your shirt... too sexy for your shirt... your Norwegian mesh shiiiiirrrttt..." Great video. I may get one of these things.

[@robertschill2686]

Thirty years ago, I saw lambs-wool mesh under-layers in a fishing gear shop in Haugesund Norway. They seemed too expensive for me at the time, but I've regretted not buying a set ever since. Thanks for the source.

[@tom_olofsson]

Wow, that freeze in snow technique is gold. I thought, for sure, you were going say, "I bit the bullet and learned Norwegian."

[@YIO777]

I read your comment about 10 or 15 seconds before he said that and I still thought he was gonna say he learned Norwegian.🤣

[@tomsitzman3952]

I have never used the wool/poly fishnet. When I called the USA dealer, he recommends the poly pro netting. I Bought the short sleeve version in poly pro and it is the Bomb. Back in the 70's the only version available at REI was the Cotton, now there are three versions to select from. I wore the cotton version 365 days a year. It is cool in the summer with a shirt with ventilation allowing the moving air to pull the sweat away from the body. In the winter with a layer over the fishnet tramps and insulated yet letting the vapor move to the outer layers or out the bottom of the untucked layers. So glad it is once again available. The loss of fish net in the USA for 45 years is a case of marketing "the new best idea poly pro." Get a copy of Colin Fletcher's 1968 book, The Complete Hiker. Colin's unit in WWII wore fishnet. It was also used in WWI. It is sad how marketing tells us what to buy and what we need and how improved it is. I'm Still using my Optimus 00 kerosine stove and my Seva 123 both from the late 60's. They are ten stories above the canister stoves and at the same weight. Colin point that out to us in 1968. Love the Boundry Waters. My ex wife 's Christmas present to the four grown grandkids is a week in the BWCA. I recommend wearing fishnet every day, of the year. I always wear it in the Boundry Waters in summer.and winter

[@brianrodman1033]

Wiggy’s out of Colorado, while mainly known for their sleeping bags, sells fish net long underwear. They were the first ones to teach me about them. Not entirely sure off the top of my head what material they are made from. I need to order some bottoms and tops. Wiggy’s also offers a secondary mesh top made to wear over the mesh base layer. Interesting stuff, that I look forward to trying out myself.

[@Cale_Davison]

Thank you for sharing - expert advice appreciated.

[@tormodundheim259]

I wore this all the time during winter in the army. Did my year of service in the north of Norway. 🥶😅

[@tc556guy]

I've opted for the more economically priced Wiggys two layer long sleeve option. I'm only a week or so into my testing and we don't have true winter conditions yet but I'm amazed at how dry it keeps me during exertion

[@tomsitzman3952]

Don't limit yourself to cold weather with your fishnet. They are almost better in the summer.

[@tc556guy]

@@tomsitzman3952 I might keep the finer mesh shirt to wear as a bug resistant shirt but I cant see keeping both layers for the entire hike through the summer months

[@brianrodman1033]

Wiggy’s is such an underrated gem of a brand. Nice to hear some feedback about their fishnet base layers as they seem to fly below the radar of most potential buyers.

[@outdooradventureswithshane3319]

Now the image of Jeremy pole dancing with a tree is forever embedded in our heads!!! Interesting shirt though

[@MidwestBackpacker]

You’re welcome. 😘

[@gabeswiatkiewicz3725]

I've been curious about these for a couple years. I'll have to add to my list for when my current set wears out.

[@tom_olofsson]

I can't unsee that tree dance.

[@ExpeditionaryJonny]

Good video brother. Gear is super serious when getting outdoors, especially during inclement weather. I wear merino wool socks but haven't bit the bullet to get one for my top. It's definitely worth giving it a try. I imagine it would work really well as an outer layer while moving and then would need a compressible jacket supplement when I stop moving out here in NE. Thanks for sharing.

[@pedroclaro7822]

Cheapo version - cycling inner mesh baselayer, and women's fishnet stockings. I've heard of American Footbal players who use the women's stockings. Cheapest Brynje product you'll find is the Super Thermo XC-Suit. I am mostly a bikepacker so I use MTB inner shorts, as a padded mesh baselayer for bellow my waist. I find that is enough for year round use. I use an extra pair of thick wool socks though. I've used them when hiking as well, since they're just comfortable, sweatabsorbant and antibacterial. But they are visible from above your pants/shorts, because of the foam padding sticking out. I've recently tried the women's stockings and they work beautifully for 3bucks. They are a bit frail though.

[@Odinsjewl]

Been using Brynje here now in Norway for years. The quality is designed for warmth! Get a set or two

[@paulspence3601]

Video makes perfect sense. I have used a synthetic mesh base layer for years while road cycling - keeps you cool in summer heat and keeps you warm in winter cold - effectively introducing an air layer into your layering system so sweat cannot sit on your skin.

[@robpelton]

Very cool. I’ll look into them! Great review bud!

[@brianadventures9622]

I typically wear a Merino blend 1/4 zip. This Dec I went hiking with a gentleman that was wearing this netted baselayer and he had good results around 20*F. I'll have to put it on the list for next winter, I was considering a "body mapped" baselayer, more breathable in hot zones and more material in cool zones.

[@Keefography]

They do sound like a nice lightweight sleep set up too. Will have to check them out more.

[@PumpkinVillage]

Never had seen that product. Thanks. I've been looking for something to wear as a new base layer. I sweat just thinking about it.😀 Take care, Al

[@Wojtek7060]

There are surplus Danish mesh t-shirts. They are goofy and long, like a short dress. But I love them. 100% synthetic, dirt cheap. HMAK 1986 I discovered them reading Wiktor Suworow's "Aquarium". Soviet specnaz was using such underwear, but much thicker nets

[@LoneHiker]

I don’t think a KZbin video has ever made me laugh and go straight to the comments that fast!

[@MidwestBackpacker]

I’ll be going in tour soon. 😜

[@Oslohiker]

I love your pronunciation of "Brynje". I'll start to use it here in Norway, too... Thanks....

[@randompasser-by3418]

At the very beginning of the video I heard something like "burn your wool mesh orpvsrtchrtrt"

[@johnpatterson5744]

We’ve been wearing string vests in Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 for donkey’s years 😂.👍

[@kevinshields4380]

I had a wool mesh tshirt that I wore back in the late 70's. Not sure who made it...or where I got it. Worked great. If I recall correctly Fleece and polypro were just coming into the markets. I was still wearing wool and hiking with my trusty Kelty frame pack.

[@Smokdeel]

Awesome idea! Many thanks! P.S. Well done for the ice dive! 🤠👍

[@Marche_Nco]

Hello from France and thank you very much for all your very interesting videos. I discovered the channel with this video, and I went to watch other videos from your channel, it's a real pleasure to watch!!! I would love to make similar videos, and with the same humor! you have one more subscriber and I follow you now! Thanks again for sharing.🙂👍

[@Eunegin23]

My granddad was wearing mesh shirt. I found it very odd. Now I know why. He was a navy veteran. Arctic, WW2.

[@shanelyon414]

Awesome video, thank you for the personal testimony. I will be bitting the bullet too thanks to youre advice.

[@wisenber]

I have the wool and the polypro top and the polypro bottoms. The polypro holds less moisture, is a bit lighter and dries much faster than the wool. The wool doesn't retain as much odor, but it is a bit more fragile than the polypro. Years ago, well before merino base layers were a thing, I actually used some of the cotton mesh short sleeved tops for a base layer while doing alpine climbing. With such a limited surface area, the cotton top did a good job compared to the other options available at the time. Of course the other options at the time were those cotton "waffle tops" or the old itchy wool. I tried a short sleeve version to wear under my merino t-shirts in the summer. Here in the humid Southeast, a mesh layer helps giver your sweat an opportunity to get away from your skin and actually provide some evaporative cooling.

[@helenburns2186]

Thanks for this info.

[@jeanclauderoget3756]

I am using it and I am satisfied with their product. yes, it is expensive but you only need one.

[@Lv4_o2]

REI sold a mesh base layer years ago, I have a top…best base layer for winter biking!

[@stevenrobertson4470]

Shug Emery is the greatest! I love him even though my wife thinks his whoo buddy is annoying! He's an amazing hammocker and winter hiker/camper! If he recommends mesh, that's the way to go!

[@danceswithbadgers]

Having used pieces from both Aclima and Brynje I can confirm the performance of these kind of baselayers. Both Aclima and Brynje share a really poor fit, however. They're both about 80%/20% wool/polyamide I think. Expect to size up from what you'd expect from their size charts and be prepared for long sleeves that aren't very long. My Aclima stuff wore out very quickly and, whist the Brynje material seems more durable the fit is poor - very snug in the shoulders and a good 5" short of my wrists. The mesh stuff from Ortovox is a way better fit and is much stretchier, and their Thermovent products are happily 99% merino and just 1% polyamide. It's very expensive though, so I'll be acquiring items as and when I spot them at end-of-season prices.

[@JohnnyTaxonomy]

What this makes me think of is if Patagonia were to make a Capilene air lightweight version. The Capilene air base layers are more of a midweight in terms of the warmth that they provide. The design between this shirt and the general netting style design of the Capilene air base layers is very similar, they just have a different style construction and more loft to their fibers.

[@jampskan5690]

I have often wondered why the netting is not popular in the US as well.

[@Toots807]

I have been wearing the Patagonia capilene 4 base layer top and bottom has my active layer, when I know I'm going to be sweating. It's a synthetic where that's similar but not that close to the mark. I think they're around the same price range as well. Although this base layer has worked very well for me in the past I think I'm going to give the wool mesh a shot next winter. Thanks for the review.

[@MidwestBackpacker]

You bet dare bud. Good talkin’ to ya. Thanks!

[@jtr82369]

Your intro was amazing lol

[@number1mouse]

Thanks for this. Intrigued. This new subscriber thanks you

[@thomaslofqvist1464]

I have three pieces of Brynje wool netting tee's, and they tick a lot boxes but they will get damp. The fluffy terry cloth knit merino/synthetic Woolpower 200g never gets damp, and the total point of contact with the skin is probably similar to that of Brynje's. My two pieces of 1/4 zip 200g has lasted me some 20-30 years over fall-winter-spring and countless of hot washing cycles. Honest and very long time verdict is top marks in every aspect, warm, cool, dry, light, stretchy, comfy, and whatever else. If there's anything I'd remark on, the Woolpower long johns 200g fit nice and tight after wash, but do bag out somewhat after a few days of wear. That said, I wear the long johns in 15-20 Celcius and down to -12 or -15, at which point I put on an extra, or the 400g. The zip top is too warm above 8-10 Celcius. And I do think they got their teeshirt wrong: it's really warm and needs the zip vent.

[@thomaslofqvist1464]

To my rant I should add that my Brynje wool netting long johns likewise do get damp during hiking. But they're really excellent for pj's or low activity in temperate climate or travelling/office etc.

[@LearningOfOld]

I’m subscribing on the grounds of that awesome pole dance

[@sheilaross1449]

Meaty chunks < Sheba Two of my three cats are super picky about treats. It doesn't matter what kind of fancy artisan nibbles i bring home, they'll only eat Feline Greenies. The other one is a garbage can and eats everything, including these freaky-looking dried sardines.

[@NickLoganbill]

You're friends with Shug?!?! Lucky :))

[@safromnc8616]

I've oinly heard the name I'll have to check them out. I don't deal w/extreme cold very often but I'm all for wearing as little as possible to stay warm. I often wear an alpaca t-shirt or an icebreaker or Duckworth long sleeve as a base layer depending on the degree of cold. Thanks & interesting !

[@safromnc8616]

Honestly it reminds me a bit of the new(er) polartec alpha stuff that Senchi makes. It is a lot lighter than a nrmal fleece and is kind of 'holey' but certainly not mesh. I may have mentioned them in your comparison video.

[@tomsitzman3952]

You don't have to be in extreme cold, it works in the summer to cool you. Where it you around.

[@everyoneknowsadave3580]

Great information …. It obviously traps a lot of air between your skin and the first base layer maximizing the insulation effect …. And being wool it doesn’t have the problems of say a cotton string vest (getting wet and staying wet) and is probably naturally anti-microbial as well … I like the fact it has the pads in the shoulders for the back pack straps great thinking there👍👍 yeh it’s pricey but then what piece of quality clothing isn’t ?? Except of course the Costco down jacket you had on at the outtro …. I got one too … I still love mine and it was a bargain !!! 😂

[@tomsitzman3952]

I never had the old cotton fishnet get wet . It is a supper wicker. and the warm body heat keeps it dry.

[@AnonymousWon-uu5yn]

I'm wondering if mesh see through shirts might also work if they're made out of the right type of fabric. Because if they would work then that would be the cheapest way to go.

[@davidyendoll5903]

An investment then !

[@FastEddy396]

As a Midwesterner who ended up going from the Antarctic to the Arctic, this is pure gold. Thank You for sharing. What was that green parka?

[@MidwestBackpacker]

Lester River Bushcraft boreal annorak

[@ericb.4358]

Had a Norwegia wool mesh base layer ages ago. DESPITE my warnings my wife washed them AND put them in the dryer. They shrank 5 sizes smaller.Aaaaarrggghhh! It was polyester ever after that incident.

[@CuongLeTri-by3mt]

Ahh yes, I got that incident one. Hilarious with painful smile.

[@flamefox8989]

You should have washed it yourself 😂

[@benw5691]

Does the polyester work just as well?

[@pierrex3226]

You're largely paying for the holes, so plastic should work just as well, maybe better than wool.

[@laurais4047]

LOL- why does your wife do your laundry? Looser.

[@dbrophy]

Why did you choose the wool over the synthetic version? There's a blog post on their site that essentially says the synthetic version is better in every aspect than the wool...

[@mikepreslar8686]

'Wiggy's' has a great alternative if price is an issue.

[@Mr.E_Bodhako]

do the wool mesh shirts have give or stretch like a typical merino or polyester shirt? asking for sizing purposes so there is enough give for movement with a smaller size of the shirt.

[@MidwestBackpacker]

Actually more stretch

[@MatthewSmith-cp3hu]

found several mesh shirts on Amazon just by searching mesh shirt they were night club marketed but seemed fine

[@SkyForceOne2]

im not sure if your comment is of comedic nature, but the fibre really makes a difference aswell. wool is just so nice

[@gordonneverdies]

Would you recommend these for hunting? About a mile walk then some climbing but after that I sit all day.

[@MidwestBackpacker]

If you get overheated walking in, yes.

[@1MileAtaTime]

I just came across your video, thanks for taking the time to make it. You should check out Wiggy's. I used his products in the military and it never let me down. He has a KZbin channel and has been in the clothing industry forever.

[@bdmenne]

I remember Sug

[@deerless999]

Very interesting…. I may have to get some. I sweat watching someone else walk..LOL

[@MikeSmith-pr5tu]

He is not being paid by them that is for sure. Said name wrong whole time. At the top of there own web page it says "Pronounced "Brin-ya". :) The products they provide are some of the best. I own multiple pieces of clothing from them now. I have the 3/4 pants in the Arctic Collection and they are to be used on the coldest of days. I am ordering the Super Thermo Mesh as I want them for the 10°f and up temperature.

[@stonedapeadventures]

they make a synthetic as well.

[@MidwestBackpacker]

Correct

[@sandraredmond4812]

What do you suggest for bras? I find it always get cold from damp bra line.

[@MidwestBackpacker]

? Don’t wear a bra.

[@Anza_34832]

Shug 🙂👍

[@MidwestBackpacker]

Whoo buddy

[@rg3412]

Are you Steve Carrell’s bald cousin? 😂 j/k love your video!

[@TheMccluref]

Was it true to size or should we size up

[@MidwestBackpacker]

True to size. It is suppose to be kind of fitted. It wasn’t too tight though.

[@TheMccluref]

@@MidwestBackpacker thanks. I'll give it a try. Appreciate the review

[@angryshrub1]

I think Wiggys has a version of this. I hope you had the consent of that tree before you made those moves.

[@Bull_10RR]

Wool or synthetic option, to keep one warm ish, during long movements and high activity while under rain and near 0ºC temperatures? Also, did you overheat under high activity and had to remove layers?

[@10thAveFreezeOut]

Shug is a few tacos short of a fiesta, but otherwise great review! Tough to spend that kind of money without a thorough review to shore up confidence that it will be decent gear.

[@Rok_Piletic]

All Cycling clothes lines ... use Mesh Base Layer of some kind? in EU

[@vzmichael]

What? Needing Norwegian subtitles? Really dude!? Skipped Norwegian in school? But seriously, I have never used fish net base layer but I have heard it is the way to go on the trail AND...dual purpose... can be worn Fridays; out on a club night! 😂

[@OrbitalBurn1]

Crye Precision carries aclima.

[@For_Democracy_HD2]

Anyone have the link to his alpaca hoodie!?!

[@MidwestBackpacker]

appalachiangearcompany.com

[@KrizAkoni]

Ran into a guy wearing this on a winter weekend hike…and their mittens too. My interest is definitely piqued. 🧐

[@mr.orim0782]

Bought mesh shirt from wiggys at half the cost and made in the 🇺🇸

[@TheMccluref]

What about the sizing?

[@MidwestBackpacker]

Sizing is as expected. I have a L

[@TheMccluref]

@@MidwestBackpacker thanks

[@maxsparks5183]

So it’s wool. Why isn’t it itching you to the point of digging your eyeballs out?

[@MidwestBackpacker]

Try merino wool. Much softer.

[@cheffboiardee]

I really look forward to your videos! Now I need to look into some stripper shirts! Ha

[@dzdaydreamer92]

I hate how backpacking cloths and gear is so darn expensive.

[@RC-qf3mp]

It’s still cheaper than golf and better exercise. That’s my justification at least.

[@dzdaydreamer92]

@@RC-qf3mp lol....I tell my hubby its better than a gambling problem 🤣

[@Oslohiker]

The Brynje products are extremely high quality. My Benie hat I've had for 20 years now. I have have fishnet long johns and shirts that are older than 15 years, and are still in use. Although here in Norway we have an excellent customer service where they fix all damaged products: I don't know about the US.

[@RC-qf3mp]

The best part of ordering the wool mesh unisex base layer is that it comes with new pronouns! They/them, all the way. Just like the cool kids at your local liberal arts college! 🎭 🦄

[@flyingchop4954]

Why not both😂

[@RunDaRabbit]

Wiggys is american made

[@MaximPL1100]

ARMODILLO - ;) armodillomerino ;).

[@KarlKrassnitzer-mm8wb]

I had a long sleeve byrnje mesh base layer. It was dissapointing. No good moisture transportation. I throw it away.

[@stonedapeadventures]

does it irritate the nipples ?

[@MidwestBackpacker]

Most hold back joke…. Seriously though it does not the wool is very soft.

[@stonedapeadventures]

@Midwest Backpacker honestly that's the biggest worry I've had keeping me from pulling the trigger lol, ill give it a go next year!!

[@MrBeef_08]

I don't often strip for my wife, but if I need to as an excuse to buy them, I'll think about it

[@Chevy-hw6lw]

Just ask the strippers at chip n dales , save yourself 210 buck bruh

[@pierrex3226]

Anybody who's been looking for excuses to cross dress and wear fishnet panty hose and the likes is going to start hiking, hard.

[@xusmico187]

wiggys....

[@Well_Spoken]

Hello, Good content. However, that loud stupid intro music ruins the presentation. A failing of many channels.

[@ZZ-hu8gu]

If you sweat you have too much on .