Cheaper Alternative to Under Armor Base Layers?

So I'm thinking about getting two pair of new base layers. I'd love to get Under Armor but don't want to pay their price. What generic alternatives have you found that work well?


I want something for the really cold weather.

I was looking at this

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?p=WX2&i=223857

or

http://www.amazon.com/Duofold-Weigh...TF8&qid=1350947065&sr=8-2&keywords=base+layer


http://www.amazon.com/Duofold-Exped...TF8&qid=1350947065&sr=8-3&keywords=base+layer



Help me out please.

 

I have one pair of bottoms that are starter brand I believe got them at wally world, they are just as warm as my UA bottoms. Also i have some rocky fleece tops.and bottoms that I like as well. (But thats coming from NC)

I would think the 1st set you have linked would.be the best.

 

Big time no on your first link. You do not want a cotton product as your base layer. In fact, I do not wear any cotton at all in my gear and neither should you :D

The other you linked to would be better suited for a base layer.

What weight(s) are you thinking about?

 

I obviously didnt read the cotton part....i retract my previous statement.

 

Either heavy weight or mid-weight. I don't have to walk that far (<1/2 mile) to my stands on my land. Good catch on the cotton. Didn't even see that.

Perhaps forget my links and show me what I should get. It was just the best I found in like 5 min. or searching. Like I said, this will be for Wisconsin late season cold. I want stuff for below freezing temps.

 

I have/had the rocky brand from Wally world. I liked it at first but after a few washes it really shrank...

I now have and use Bass Pro (Red head) Endura Skin, Red Head XPS and Scent Blocker Super skin (Marina Wool). I mix and match when I need per weather conditions. 20 below I put on the XPS and marina wool over top along with my full season jacket/pants from Scent Lok. I'm happy with that...

 

Academy sports (search for base layer on http://www.academy.com) has some lower priced base. I forgot the brand name, that I (uh, Santa) picked up for my boys for Christmas. They didn't complain about being cold, but I don't know if others have opinions on it.

I picked up my UA base during the offseason (July) at the UA outlet (at the beach, no less) - <$20/piece. Granted, this is a bit of a hit or miss approach.

 

The duofold mid and heavy weight have worked well for me for colder late season hunting up here(when its definitely below freezing and down to 15 deg often) ...I also have the carhart work-dry thermals and they are nice for the mid range(25-40 deg).
The Nike stuff I got as a gift is great for warmer(30 and up and still hunting/long walks) but isn't any cheaper than U.A.. I do know my next purchase of thermals will be DuoFold(also I have been using these since highschool and i think one set I have is about 15 yrs old though there are some holes now) for colder and the Carharts for warmer(they also have a lightweight base layer I might have to try).

 

I've tried a ton of base layer garments and I keep going back to the sets of Under Armour I bought back in 2005. Honestly, I can't find anything that's cheaper that will last as long. I've worn the same items from Illinois to WI to Ontario to the Mountains of Alberta and -25 highs in Saskatchewan, they look like they did the day I bought them. I would feel better buying something that's going to last many years and spending a few extra bucks. UA is top quality gear in my book.

With that said, Sportsmans Guide has some items on this page that will be similar for a little less money. Specifically, the Blackhawk, 5.11 and WSI brands.

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/browse/browse.aspx?c=61&s=331&d=112

 

For the cheapest option (and maybe shortest-lived option) you can't beat wally world's Starter brand. $8 for a top and I think $10 for a bottom. Polyester/Spandex blend is the way to go.

For the long haul though, you gotta spend the extra money if you want stuff to last.

 

Dan, i hate it when you post in my question threads because you always force me to spend more money.




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Seriously though I'm thinking about really getting a nice pair of merino smart wool base layers. Instead of getting several cheaper pairs I'm thinking about getting one really nice pair.

I've been researching elsewhere and it sounds like it is worth the cost.

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HAHAHA! Sorry buddy! I'm a huge fan of quality equipment. I literally have hundreds of miles on my UA base layers, namely the cold gear, and wouldn't trade them for the world.