Is merino wool really worth the price over synthetic base layers?

For odor resistance, temperature regulation across a wide range, and next-to-skin comfort, the high-trust expert consensus across outdoorgearlab.com and cleverhiker.com is yes. The trade-off, repeatedly flagged in r/CampingGear and r/BuyItForLife threads, is durability: merino's fine fibers pill and develop holes faster than polyester. If you prioritize longevity over performance, a synthetic fleece-lined set will outlast merino at a fraction of the price.