Few recommendations. 1-Brynje (similar to the armadillo but way cheaper, they've got a US distributor, but still no coyote/tan/green) 2-covert threads socks (bunch of variety geared for different environments/use even fire resistant, good warranty and people too, I've swapped all my Darn Tough and even everyday wear over to them) 3-Fortress Clothing (cold weather clothing that still regulates body tem into shoulder seasons without getting too hot, bit bulky but it takes the place of several layers of ECWCS for me so it net saves space whenever I'm taking it)
Jerry over at Wiggy's has been ranting/ raving about it for years, maybe even decades by now. You just couldn't get it easily, so not many people had tried it. Think the 11th standing up and the Marines training in Norway more( they issue mesh base layers) have had a lot to do with it.
FYI, Norwegians used to fashion undergarments from fishing nets. The SAS used these during WWII. I wore one in the 80s as a grunt. I liked it. It trapped air between lawyers with little extra weight ... then the gays took it up as a fashion statement and ruined it.
I hear ya on wanting mil-spec colors. I do, too, cuz I'm kinda picky in that way. However ... honestly, unless we're trekking the woods in only our mesh underwear, any color - even hot pink - is gonna disappear under our other layers.
I really wanna try this product out. Living in the Midwest we can get some pretty nasty winter weather. I also want to try their wool T-shirts for a basic summer weight
Have a set of Wiggy’s, a set of Aclima prior to Crye selling it and Brynje. I’ve used them for awhile now. I’ve heard Armadillo is nice as well just haven’t used it. Only complaint is with the Wiggy’s is a little itchy. Past that I don’t use my issued base layers. Rit Dye’d one set for winter FTX’s. I despise my issued base layers. Mesh base layers are definitely a very useful and usable system.
Could be wearing Fishnet Stockings under your uniform now without having to join the Navy, just say it is for the wicking and creating warm air pockets.
Lots of backpack have this material also widely used in motocross. Net material attached to armor. I imagine it would be a good addition to wear under a plate carrier.
I was issued a "string" vest back in 84, worked well on Exercise in Germany, even helped protect from the Shirt extremely itchy. This looks like a modern interpretation of those old vests.
If you don't have the hundred bucks to spend on a base layer shirt, try getting stuff that's marketed for like raves or clubs or something. I got one that's 8 bucks that I'd swear by. I'm guessing it's not quite as good as the armadillo one, but it's good enough that I wear it on every overnight trip I've been on since I got it.
