To be honest I’ve tried merino tights a bit and didn’t find them much better than synthetic from a warmth or comfort perspective, and the pair I had were much less durable and much more expensive. That said, I live in a place where temps rarely get below the 20s F so its possible that there may be a higher benefit with merino in colder temps.
I’ve typically used base layers bottoms from 32 Degrees, which Costco sells every year for like 2 for $12. I wouldn’t say these worked especially well, but they got the job done without much issue. Recently I switched to these because I wanted pockets. I’ve used that brands shorter compression shorts for thousands of miles without issue, but I haven’t run in the full lengths long enough or in cold enough weather to compare them to either the 32 Degrees or the merino tights I’ve used before.
To be honest I’ve tried merino tights a bit and didn’t find them much better than synthetic from a warmth or comfort perspective, and the pair I had were much less durable and much more expensive. That said, I live in a place where temps rarely get below the 20s F so its possible that there may be a higher benefit with merino in colder temps.
I’ve typically used base layers bottoms from 32 Degrees, which Costco sells every year for like 2 for $12. I wouldn’t say these worked especially well, but they got the job done without much issue. Recently I switched to these because I wanted pockets. I’ve used that brands shorter compression shorts for thousands of miles without issue, but I haven’t run in the full lengths long enough or in cold enough weather to compare them to either the 32 Degrees or the merino tights I’ve used before.