Budget layers

costco has paradox merino wool poly blend stuff for 25$ its really nice great moisture management and less stink then plain poly check cabelas bargain cave as well

Hey,

I find Goodwill can be a good source for layers, especially for fleece layers. In addition to Costco, I just saw a $5 fleece jacket at Winco. I don't know what it weighs or how warm it is, but it's definitely affordable. Also, military surplus wool clothing from the Korean and Vietnam Wars are a good bet; search "military wool" on ebay and you'll get quite a few sub $10 hits.

But Goodwill is a good place in my opinion; good variety and you can check everything out in person, plus have everyone try them on. Pack your digital scale if you really want to UL nerd-out.

Jeff

Thanks for the ideas guys!

Target and Walmart have some good very affordable base layers. I haven't found much of anything at the surplus stores around here, and it definitely wasn't worth it after all the gas I used driving to all of them. Military surplus is insanely expensive and has a poor selection. Hopefully people elsewhere have better luck. Military surplus online gets a lot better, and I've had decent luck there.

Like Eugene said, def check out walmart and target. They have some decent synthetic base layers (check out the stuff made by the brand "Champion"). Also check out tjmaxx, Ross, marshalls. I buy lots of merino socks from tjmaxx

Being in Seattle – have you been to Second Ascent? It's in Ballard district of Seattle.

…Campmor! They offer Terramar base layers at often steeply-discounted prices. I've seen separates for under $10 apiece at times…

For a good mid insulation layer, you can't get much better for the price than a military surplus wool sweater. Not the lightest, but very good if you have it on you most of the time.
Not techy I know, sorry if this is boring.
This
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=604864
or this
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=591924
20-40 bucks for quality gear that will keep you warm when wet.

STP, campsaver, department of goods all have yuppie brand name gear at deep discounts

so do many department, sporting good stores … theres often rack of MH, NF, Columbia etc gear here for sale … and some are actually decently light

WMT, target, etc … are great for basic things like underwear and performance shirts

you can also find good deals at LLBean, lands end, etc … for their branded stuff on sale

basically underwear is underwear as long as it feels comfortable … marketing mind tricks aside …

When you're at goodwill, check the sweater racks. 100% merino, $5 a pop…

Yes, and I found a great cashmire sweater at Goodwill for $5 and so warm!