Field Notes: The Latest Word from Our Testers

I've worn Merino for years and it doesn't get smelly either when wet or from perspiration. Legendary around the world sailor Peter Blake wote if for 40 days/nights without it getting itchy. It does take a bit longer to dry than synthetics, but it's warmer, comfier and isn't made with chemicals. I have a light weight one that's great for summer wear also.

just came back from a wet hike in the adirondacks and find that all rain protective equiptment leaves me sticky or wet,hence i stay in tent or wear fast drying nylon shell of small cost...

I've not tested out an 18 micron merino garment. The one I did wear, left a rash under the hip belt, after wearing it for three hours in the rain. Wool takes longer to dry as well. It's right for some people but not me as I would get too hot in it.

In my personal experience Eagle Creek's duffles are among the very best in design and quality.

At that price I'd rather get an Integral Designs "Thru Hiker" parka of eVent.

Any wool gets HEAVY with water when soaked. (Not to mention smelly).

Thanks, but no thanks. I'll stick with synthetics.

Recently bought this shell while visiting my son in Seattle WA. We went out on hike into mountains and experienced some significant rain on a three to four hour outing, I did get bleed through moisture. I really don't know if that would be considered normal for that kind of shell or not. I really like it and would still buy it. But did have the wetness as I mentioned. This was a long period of significant rain.