As the hikers say. Cotton kills…it retains water (sweat / rain / snow) and ends up being less insulating, making you susceptible to hypothermia and making the layer heavier. Typically the base layer is there to wick water away from your skin, and the mid layer is there to keep you warm. Any temp under 40f, is considered a no go, with cotton, if your hiking.

Looking at clothing recommendations, here, and here for runners, it seems if it’s under 30f, they tend to stay away from cotton. Note: Obviously these people are also selling expensive clothing, whats important is the fabric type, not the brand name. Even if your not at risk of hypothermia, the cold constricts your muscles, making them tighter, which apparently is not great for running.

To answer your question, as long as it’s not Kari Tra brand wools, (esp the thin ones, get holes, practically immediately, for no reason. The mid weights are better, but not by much) imo, as a hiker not a runner, i would say they should hold up for at least a season, with proper care. Especially, if your wearing something more slippery like polyester over them. Wool definitely breaks apart due to friction. Even wools Ive gotten to wear under work clothes, only last a couple years max, before they start to wear in some choice areas. If you value your wools though, I would find some polyester / synthetic base / mid layers, especially if you are running on a regular basis.

Tldr: if your running in freezing temps don’t wear cotton. If you value your wools, get a polyester / synthetic base and mid layer. Also, maybe check out REI brand for some cheaper wool layers.

1. For people recommending brands like Smartwool, check the labels. Many of their men’s products are only 20% merino.

2. Consider brands like Decathlon (like REI of Europe, but have US site) for something more affordable but 100% merino.

3. Look at backpacking cottage companies for other options

$130 is a lot for a shirt you don’t want to damage. I picked up some hoodies to hike in from https://www.ridgemerino.com/ when they were cheaper and on sale and put them through their paces fine. Same with shirts from Decathlon.

I like wool for all situations including work outs and base layers and outer layers and just use the cheaper or older clothes for work outs. I don’t care about the brand but look for discounts.

What type of weather are you running in? In my area it gets just below freezing in the winter, and I run with a full length compression shirt, then a technical running tee, then a fleece jacket. Works in wind, rain and snow between around 12c and -4c. Leggings and head/face covering are also often needed.

Biggest thing for me is really socks and runners; socks are wicking insulated running socks with an ankle, shoes have GoreTex uppers to keep my feet warm and dry.

Something to also take into consideration is how hard you’re pushing/sweating.

Merino wool will definitely work as a mid layer, but you’ll likely overheat pretty quickly, and it’s hard to get the sweat out.

If you want a “cheaper” option to try I’d give Minus 33 a chance. If it works for you great! If not it’s not as expensive as it could have been.

I do share other commenter’s concerns about overheating. The line I’ve heard is “be bold start cold”

I can’t speak for base/mid layers, but I wear merino wool socks at work (danish endurance, not 100% but a blend), in steel toe boots, and they last quite a while. Haven’t had any holes or even wearing thin, and I’m notoriously hard on socks and footwear.

As someone else mentioned I would recommend a compression type base layer. You can get slightly different thickness ones that will help in different temperatures.

I had a Nike DRI Fit one that lasted for 10 years, and would have lasted me longer if I hadn’t left it on the roof of my car at one point and lost it. You can get far cheaper ones as well though, my current one cost me around £15 and has lasted me 5 years so far and hasn’t stretched out of shape or have any holes in so far and I use it pretty much everyday during the winter ones.

They keep air flowing and move sweet away from your skin to keep you dry as wetness will make you colder.

In my opinion morino wool is one of the worst things I have tried. They make you sweat a lot more, dont move the wetness away from your skin exacerbating the problem and making you feel very uncomfortable and fall apart in no time when compared to compression garments.

I’d say save your expensive wool for some when else.

For other layers I tend to use a cotton t shirt over top the compression layer, maybe two t shirts if it is very cold and then add in things like gloves, something to cover your neck and face and then a wool hat of somekind.

It is always best to be able to remove these layers where possible whilst you are running. In time you’ll find what works with you. I’d often start out with a few more layers for that initial start then once you get going progressively remove stuff until comfortable. I’d always rather be very slightly cold then too warm when running.

workout

‘work out’, here, with the space. It’s the difference between “what’s up Chuck” and “what’s upchuck”, and one of those may involve a hospital visit.

I don’t run and would still never advise wool