I've never owned smartwool base layers but was not impressed with the durability of their socks. Im a large icebreaker fan and have many of their items and love them except for the price tag.

I have used Smartwool while flying in Alaska on the North Slope. Kept me warm with no itch. Don't know how it would work in a patrol situation getting in and out of a cruiser in cold weather. Good luck in your quest.

I’ve been using merino wool for many years already, and one short-sleeve shirt I have is Smartwool. It works well. It’s my primary set from LLBean growing some holes that’s causing me to have to get new ones. But llbean doesn’t carry them in black anymore.

I have some of the other products, synthetics, and the wool beats them hands-down in my experience. Especially because it doesn't get funky under a vest.

I really like the Icebreaker shirt I have although the sleeves are a little long and stretch a bit. All of my lightweight wool stuff doesn’t hold a good shape for long but as they’re under layers it’s ok.

I’m a big Smartwool sock fan and they seem to last well for me.

I don’t know what you can wear for head gear but I find a fleece or wool watch cap helps tremendously. I have a lightweight polypro hat by UA that I used to wear under a ball cap.

Smartwool socks are still US made, I believe. Which is funny, as I’ve found Thorlo and others to be as or more comfortable and not shrink. Last time I looked they had moved everything else to Crapistan or China, but since I gave up on Smartwool I haven’t looked in several years.

The base layer bottoms I had did not wear well. The tops were ok but nothing special.

Unless Smartwool has made great progress in quality in the last few years I think they’ve been successful because of branding and retail availability, not performance.

The WoolpowerUS, made in Sweden, sounds like my next set. Thanks.