Which Merino Wool Base Layer Is Lightest for Hunting in 2026?
Ranked by the weight each maker publishes, with list prices, re-read daily. 5 models on this page, of 11 base layers we rank.
The 5 models ranked here are of 2 kinds, each ranked against its own kind: base-layer tops (3) and base-layer bottoms (2). By maker-published weight, the lightest of the base-layer tops is the Sitka Core Lightweight Hoodie at 6.6 oz (187 g); of the base-layer bottoms, the First Lite Furnace Long John (Men's) at 12.0 oz (340 g).
- Models
- 5
- Kinds
- 2each ranked on its own
On this page5 sections
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The picks, with their figures#
Lightest of the base-layer tops
Sitka Core Lightweight Hoodie
- Weight
- 6.6 oz187 g
- By weight, base-layer tops
- #1 of 3lightest
- List price
- $135.00$20.47/oz
1.4 oz (40 g) lighter than the next lightest of its kind, the KUIU ULTRA Merino 145 Zip-T Hunting Shirt.
+ Add to my packLightest of the base-layer bottoms
First Lite Furnace Long John (Men's)
- Weight
- 12.0 oz340 g
- By weight, base-layer bottoms
- #1 of 2lightest
- List price
- $130.00$10.84/oz
1.5 oz (43 g) lighter than the next lightest of its kind, the First Lite Furnace Zip Off Boot Top (Men's).
+ Add to my packLowest list price
KUIU ULTRA Merino 145 Zip-T Hunting Shirt
- Weight
- 8.0 oz227 g
- By weight, base-layer tops
- #2 of 3lighter than 50% of the others
- List price
- $109.00$13.61/oz
1.4 oz (40 g) more than the lightest of the base-layer tops, for $26 less.
+ Add to my pack
How the weights spread, kind by kind#
Base-layer tops run from 6.6 oz (187 g) to 15.0 oz (425 g), median 8.0 oz (227 g); base-layer bottoms run from 12.0 oz (340 g) to 13.5 oz (383 g).
In the table each kind is ranked on its own: "lighter than" is the share of the other models of the same kind on this page that weigh more; models of equal weight share a figure.
Every model on this shelf, lightest first within each kind#
Merino wool base layers for hunting: 5 models of 2 kinds, each ranked against its own kind.
Base-layer tops (3)
Median weight 8.0 oz, median price $135.00.
| # | Model | Weight | Lighter than | Price | Per oz | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sitka Core Lightweight HoodiePick | 6.6 oz (187 g) | lightest | $135.00 | $20.47 | Sitka |
| 2 | KUIU ULTRA Merino 145 Zip-T Hunting ShirtPick | 8.0 oz (227 g) | 50% of the others | $109.00 | $13.61 | KUIU |
| 3 | First Lite Kiln Hoody (Men's) | 15.0 oz (425 g) | heaviest | $150.00 | $10.01 | Amazon |
Base-layer bottoms (2)
12.0 oz to 13.5 oz.
| # | Model | Weight | Lighter than | Price | Per oz | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | First Lite Furnace Long John (Men's)Pick | 12.0 oz (340 g) | lightest | $130.00 | $10.84 | Amazon |
| 2 | First Lite Furnace Zip Off Boot Top (Men's) | 13.5 oz (383 g) | heaviest | $155.00 | $11.47 | Amazon |
The whole category, every model placed: the full base layers ranking.
What this ranking does not cover#
This ranking compares the weight each maker publishes and the list price. It does not cover fit, comfort, durability or how a model performs in weather, which no spec sheet settles.
Questions people ask#
- How much do merino wool base layers for hunting cost?
- List prices run from $109 (the KUIU ULTRA Merino 145 Zip-T Hunting Shirt) to $155 (the First Lite Furnace Zip Off Boot Top (Men's)) across the 5 models with a price on record.
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