Article by Jace Bauserman

I was taken aback for a moment while going through my pre-season elk gear. I knew ALPS gear—both ALPS OutdoorZ and ALPS Mountaineering— made up a good portion of my elk-hunting arsenal. However, I didn’t realize how much.

As I slid item after item into my ALPS Elite Frame + 3800 Pack, I counted a total of six items I put into or lashed onto my favorite big-game hunting backpack of all time. Those items include the:

  • Hex 2-Person Tent
  • Apex Sleeping Pad
  • Zenith 0° Sleeping Bag
  • Versa Pillow
  • Talon Holster
  • Reservoir 3.0

Another addition to my 2025 ALPS elk-hunting lineup is ALPS Outdoorz’s Evolution Merino 150 Long Sleeve and Evolution 250 Quarter Zip.

I’m a merino guy; always have been and always will be. Besides knowing you can put your trust in these two fantastic Evolution Merino items, let’s also debunk some Merino myths.

Myth #1: Merino is Itchy

If I had to pick one type of clothing fiber for the rest of my hunting days, it would be merino wool. Yes, standard wool does itch and irritate the skin, but merino wool does not.

Why?

Merino wool fibers are much thinner and shorter than standard wool fibers. Being thinner and shorter, the fibers can bend and flex, which means those fibers don’t poke into the skin. Merino wool feels excellent against the skin and is one of the most comfortable outdoor materials you can use to cover your body.

Another reason Merino wool fibers don’t irritate the skin is that their crimped texture creates small pockets of air within the fabric, which enhances the softness and comfort of the material against the skin.

Myth #2: Merino Wool Doesn’t Provide an Athletic Fit

I’ve worn ALPS’ Evolution Merino 150 Long Sleeve and Merino 250 Quarter Zip for the entire month of September. Both garments fit me like a glove. ALPS did an excellent job of adding thumb holes in the sleeves, which provide hand warmth and keep the sleeves pulled down tightly against the arms. Loaded with 50+ UPF sun protection, the garments are breathable without feeling baggy or floppy.

Myth #3: Merino Wool Smells

I choose Merino wool and ALPS’ Evolution Merino series because it fits great and doesn’t stink. On a recent elk hunt in Colorado’s hot, dry, cedar-sprinkled canyon country, I wore both the Evolution Merino 150 Long Sleeve and Evolution Merino 250 Quarter Zip for seven straight days. Merino wicks moisture away from the body to help regulate body core temperature. Even though it was over 80 degrees outside during the day, I never got hot. There were times we walked so far at such a quick pace that spots of sweat appeared under my arms, in the pockets of my elbows, and typically, due to my pack riding against my back, the back of my garments were always sweaty. Guess what? They dried quickly, and they still don’t stink.

Woolmark Merino wool naturally traps and resists odors. There is no way to stay squeaky clean on a backcountry elk hunt, but it’s nice not to start smelling yourself after only a couple of days of hiking, climbing, etc.

Why Merino Is Better

Don’t get me wrong, there are some excellent synthetic base layers, midlayers, and so on on the market. However, years of testing have proven to me that Merino trumps synthetic fabrics. This is primarily due to the fabric’s ability to regulate temperature and control moisture, while providing an ultra-athletic and flexible fit.

While some synthetics outperform Merino wool in terms of speed of drying and durability, ALPS’s Evolution Series dries quickly and has proven to be ultra-tough. It will continue to be a big part of my elk arsenal for a long time, and I look forward to more Evolution offerings from ALPS OutdoorZ.

Shop now at alpsoutdoorz.com.