Comments on: Review: Minus 33 midweight merino wool layers

By: Rangdrol

Rangdrol — Mon, 12 Aug 2024 03:58:28 +0000

I had the same issue with the Expedition —thickest Minuss33 blend—bottoms. I wore a few times and in my second year I noticed a small hole about 4 inches above my R knee. I wrote them and asked why this would happen and they sent a patch. A week later I looked at my knee and there was a second hole, right below the first hole, and an intersecting line of thinned threading. WTF?? I live in Montréal which has cold winters and needed those for when I went out but this is not the quality buy I thought they would be. They last two years with about 2 dozen outings—if that. What disappointed me was when I reached out to them they didn’t offer any way to repair them, just a patch, which isn’t going to stop the ravelling from occurring. it will only worsen. I still have a pair of running pants from GoreTex that I have had since 1993–now that’s a product that has value!!

By: Carlos C

Carlos C — Tue, 09 Feb 2016 03:47:34 +0000

I don’t have the tops but it is similar to R1 from patagonia sans hood. However my bottoms in medium weigh 9.5 ounces which is pretty good for the warmth the provide. I got two paid for about 22 dollars I believe.

By: Cheri

Cheri — Mon, 08 Feb 2016 21:09:02 +0000

Does anyone know how heavy the grid fleece bottoms and jacket are?

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Mon, 08 Feb 2016 20:03:28 +0000

In reply to Carlos C. Carlos, thanks for the nice words! I actually have, and use, the Paradox brand for three season. Good stuff. I just came back from Costco (oddly enough) on my lunch break. They are on clearance right now so even more of an already good bargain!

By: Carlos C

Carlos C — Mon, 08 Feb 2016 16:44:49 +0000

Hey Paul,

I have to agree with you on all the above. I really like Minus 33 as I have a Tshirt and Midweight top and bottom, however like you find that they are great pieces but not durable enough (just like the rest of the industry). I have kept mine nice by relegating them for less abrasive activities and more sitting/standing in cold weather activities.

I also have the military grid fleece which I have been using more and more. They are fantastically warm and affordable. I use mine to create a pseudo soft shell layer for pants under a cool creek columbia pant especially in winter.

I don know if you have seen the thinner Paradox synthetic/wool blend thermals from Costco. If you haven’t I highly recommend you check them out since they work pretty good and aren’t super thick. At around 20-25 dollars it is quite the bargain.

PS. Love your page and all your thoughts on bargain gear.

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 17:47:10 +0000

In reply to Doug K. I easily use my midweight layers 25+ days a season. Can't say I have been impressed with the longevity versus less expensive options. Cool link...but I don't think darning would work on there particular holes on these fine and fragile layers.

By: Doug K

Doug K — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 17:01:22 +0000

got some Icebreaker wool layers for an elk hunt one year, they were much better than any synthetic. Since then I’ve been a bit obsessive about trying to find more on sale but no luck – on sale they go from $99 to $59 for a top, which is still too much for me.
So the wool is hoarded for hunting trips, five to seven days of winter camping – up before dawn and out until after dark, no time to fuss with food or gear, the wool stays comfortable in a wide range of conditions.

I’ll probably darn them when the time comes 😉
http://www.zerowastehome.com/2013/02/how-to-darning.html

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 16:28:39 +0000

In reply to Bill. I've only had good luck with basic, inexpensive layers. Simple is good!

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 16:28:04 +0000

In reply to Mark. Just don't expect it to last long.. ;)

By: Mark

Mark — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 15:53:18 +0000

Great review. Gotta go git me some wool!