I have to admit, before purchasing these underwear I had never heard of Minus33. However, I could not afford the more expensive Smartwool and Icebreaker brands so I needed to take a chance on this relatively unknown brand. My two biggest concerns were the itch factor ( I am very sensitive to itching ) and the bulkiness under my dress pants. Another lesser concern was pilling. Anyway, after using these underwear for the past month, here are my conclusions:
1. The wool in these pants do not itch at all. However, I also bought a top from Minus33 and did experience minor itchiness and discomfort to my back which is the most sensitive to wool. However I eliminated this problem by wearing a cotton T shirt underneath.
2. The pants are not too bulky to fit under my dress pants. In fact they are just right. Not too thick and not too thin as to compromise warmth. When worn inside they do not cause overheating at all.
3. After washing the bottoms for the first time, I experienced no shrinking or pilling. In fact, they seemed softer.
In summary, for the price, these are a great buy. I highly recommend them.
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Fantastic, but for very cold weather. For skiing they are overkill above 10 degrees F.
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I've had these since 08-now 13. What can I say, I'm wearing them now and they're still warm. I've got one hole in the crotch, but have held up well. In their prime, I wore them everyday in -60 in the arctic north with minimal clothing on. I didn't get frostbite, except on my little toe, but I still have it, so no losses. I wouldn't bet on these now, but they're good for everyday wear. They're not hip or cool like some other brands, but believe me, these do the job and better than the more popular name brands.
Honest reviews on Minus33 Merino Wool Men's Katmai Expedition Bottom
Bought a few of the minus 33 products for my parents (expedition weight t-shirt, expedition weight bottoms and midweight bottoms). Parents love every piece--found the quality and fit excellent (we bought a size up--so, mom is usually a medium, bought her L, dad is a L in mens, bought him XL.) With most wool products we have to size up and this was no exception. Both parents have expressed great satisfaction with the products. We all own Smartwool, but found that these are as good in quality, but a better price. Would buy and recommend. (In fact, I'd love to own the Full-zip expedition weight shirt and the hoodie jacket--maybe next year!)
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These were great out of the package -very thick, well designed, and extremely warm. However, after just two month's wear and washing (in accordance with the directions of course turned inside out, cold water, delicate cycle), both the top and the bottom are pilled like crazy, especially along the seams which are, to my distress, starting to unravel.
Pilling I'm okay with, but total seam failure I'm definitely not. Since these only come with a 30 day manufacturer's warranty, I was stuck at 60 days with no recourse and a pair of wool wear that probably only has another month's lifespan. I expect a $140 baselayer set to last more than a couple of months. This is the last time I'm ever buying "Made in China" apparel.
Perhaps the set I purchased was somehow a fluke, since other reviewers here are satisfied, but I wanted to share my experience in the interest of helping other shoppers.
