re: Question about merino wool/first lite

If you're looking for merino wool socks, Darn Tough is great. Lifetime warranty. Super durable and comfortable.

As far as quality of different merino baselayers, it's all going to accomplish the same goal as long as its high % merino. The poly fillers are more about durability and feel than tyring to cut corners. My biggest recommendation is to go with a thin wool base layers and then layer on top of that. If you get something too thick as your base layers then you're always going to be a little hot and not as comfortable.

Value wise, REI has their own brand thats a really good value. Im sure Cabela's and Bass Pro has similar. They may not have the same style as the higher end stuff but its all the same and works just as good.