Figuring out a good base layer is absolutely key for every hunter. And there’s a lot of products out there on the market to help you achieve a good base layer no matter what the weather calls for. Well, MTN OPS just tossed their name in the game with their new Battleground Baselayers, which are made of 95% merino wool for ultimate performance, and comfort.

That’s right, the same company that makes your favorite energy and performance supplements to help fuel your hunts is now offering performance gear to help you stay comfortable on those adventures so you can stay longer, and focus solely on the task at hand.

Merino 101

You might have already heard how Merino wool is a natural fiber grown by Merino sheep, but how much do you really know about this amazing fiber?

First, let’s go back to the sheep. These guys hang out in temperatures that range from anywhere between 5 degrees to 95 degrees, and they don’t have the luxury of adding or shedding layers when needed. Instead, it’s their incredible wool that has evolved over time that keeps these animals comfortable in harsh conditions, and it can do the same for us hunters!

Merino wool helps keep you dry and sweat-free

Merino wool specializes in keeping your body temperature at a stable temperature, and does so in a really fascinating way. When it’s cold outside, the natural crimps and bends in the fibers trap air, insulating you. When it’s warm outside, it transports sweat quickly away from the skin, helping to keep you cool and dry.

This part can get a bit technical, so bear with me here; Merino wool transports sweat and moisture away from skin as a vapor. Merino fibers are inherently porous. They’re composed of little plates that moisture vapor can get in between—meaning you’re not left feeling wet, cold, and clammy after a workout. Synthetic fabrics are not porous. They usually wick sweat when it’s already a liquid, and then your body has to heat it up to evaporate it – making you feel clammy in colder weather. Merino takes a step out of the process, which helps you stay warm and dry during your outdoor adventures.

The more the merrier

You know those mornings when you know you’ll need more than one base layer? Well, by using all Merino wool when you layer, you create an escape route for sweat and excess heat. Each layer of Merino works to transport sweat away from the skin to the outside of your gear while it’s still a vapor (pre-sweat) – helping to keep you warm and dry. Throwing a synthetic layer in there mucks up the sweat-vapor escape route and creates a detour that might increase your chances of getting cold and clammy.

It’s scent free

Perhaps the most beneficial element of Merino is that it naturally resists odors by absorbing bacteria – trapping their smell and keeping them from building up. This allows you to wear your base layers for longer periods of time without having to worry about stinking up the woods.

It’s soft. Like, really soft.

Did I mention how comfortable Merino is compared to other wool fibers? This is no accident. Merino wool fibers are extremely fine and soft. So fine, in fact, that when it comes in contact with your skin, it will actually bend out of the way. So there’s no way it can be prickly and annoying.

So without further ado, here’s the new line of Battleground Baselayers from MTN OPS:

BATTLEGROUND MERINO CREW 160G:

• 160g Superfine 17.5 micron Merino Wool is extremely soft and delivers itch free comfortable next to skin.

• 95/5 Merino Wool/ Spandex blend will keep its shape/fit even after being worn for many days a field.

• Crew neck design for next to skin comfort and warmth

• Hidden thumb holes that don’t release heat or expose skin when not used

• Athletic Fit/cut

• Made for Early Season Hunts, trail running, biking, hiking, etc

BATTLEGROUND MERINO 1/4 ZIP 260G:

• 260g Superfine 17.5 micron Merino Wool is extremely soft and delivers itch free comfortable next to skin

• 95/5 Merino Wool/ Spandex blend will keep its shape/fit even after being worn for many days a field

• 1/4 Zip style allows for user to open and release body heat as need while providing a mid collar for sun protection and skin coverage when needed

• Hidden thumb holes that don’t release heat or expose skin when not used

• Athletic Fit/cut

• Made for Mid-Late Season Hunts, winter sports, biking, hiking, etc

BATTLEGROUND MERINO HOODIE 260G:

• 260g Superfine 17.5 micron Merino Wool is extremely soft and delivers itch free comfortable next to skin.

• 95/5 Merino Wool/ Spandex blend will keep its shape/fit even after being worn for many days a field.

• Hood style allows for user to wear for increased protection from the elements or added concealment

• Hidden thumb holes that don’t release heat or expose skin when not used

• Athletic Fit/cut

• Made for Mid-Late Season Hunts, winter sports, biking, hiking, etc

OutdoorHub Editor: Keenan Crow

Keenan Crow is an outdoor writer who graduated from Central Michigan University with a degree in journalism and creative writing. He has been writing for OutdoorHub for nearly five years, but anybody he is close with will tell you he has been telling hunting stories for far longer. He uses his experiences outdoors to write about things he loves - bow hunting, fishing, upland hunting, shed hunting, turkey hunting, waterfowl hunting, dog training, shotguns, ATVs and the outdoor lifestyle he lives in his home state of Michigan. Outside of hunting/fishing, he also loves to cook - especially with wild game - play golf and go on hikes with his yellow lab, Stella.