Reviews You Can Rely On

Minus33 Franconia Midweight Wool Bottom Review

Though not the most breathable or fastest to dry, these bottoms prioritize warmth and comfort above all else
gearlab tested logo
Minus33 Franconia Midweight Wool Bottom Review
Credit: Trish Matheny
Price:  $80 List
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Manufacturer:   Minus33
By Trish Matheny ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Apr 12, 2024
80
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#4 of 22
  • Warmth - 25% 9.0
  • Breathability - 20% 7.0
  • Comfort and Fit - 20% 9.0
  • Durability - 15% 8.0
  • Drying Speed - 10% 7.0
  • Layering Ability - 10% 6.0

Our Verdict

Are you looking for the perfect cold-weather long underwear bottom to provide ample warmth and substantial comfort for the coldest months of the year? The Minus33 Franconia Midweight Wool quickly rose to the top of the pack thanks to a 100% Australian Merino wool construction that features 18.5-micron fibers as well as a 235 g/m² interlock knit that offers a unique, soft, and cozy feel next to your skin. The thicker material also helps to protect you against the cold, even if you're just lounging by the fire. While they do not offer the best breathability and require a little more space at the base of your outer layers, we were impressed with their wicking ability, drying speed, and overall durability during our testing period. If you're after an affordable pair of long underwear that prioritizes warmth, comfort, and a looser fit, these bottoms may be the perfect choice.
REASONS TO BUY
Affordable
Super warm
Wool is super soft and odor free
Loose fit is true to size
No durability issues or pilling
REASONS TO AVOID
Wool stretches out and loses structure
Thick bottoms require more room beneath outer layers and in ski boots

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards Best Buy Award  Best Buy Award  Best Buy Award 
Price $80 List
$79.99 at Amazon
$75 List$55 List
$54.95 at REI
$40 List
$39.95 at REI
$36 List
$36.99 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
80
79
71
70
66
Star Rating
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Bottom Line These bottoms offer a ton of warmth and substantial comfort at a more affordable priceThese affordable Merino bottoms feature a sleek and flattering fit that offers full coverage and structure that doesn't stretch outThese lightweight tights feature a soft and stretchy fabric that is easy to layer and maintains substantial warmth when dryLightweight, breathable, and highly affordable, these tights unfortunately lack warmth and require constant adjustment due to the stretchy fabric and wide waistbandWhile these bottoms lack warmth for the coldest months of the year, they are a great option for those seeking a three-season stand-alone legging
Rating Categories Minus33 Franconia M... Ridge Merino Aspect... REI Co-op Midweight... REI Co-op Lightweig... Baleaf Fleeced Line...
Warmth (25%)
9.0
7.0
7.0
6.0
4.0
Breathability (20%)
7.0
8.0
6.0
8.0
7.0
Comfort and Fit (20%)
9.0
9.0
8.0
7.0
8.0
Durability (15%)
8.0
7.0
7.0
5.0
7.0
Drying Speed (10%)
7.0
8.0
8.0
8.0
7.5
Layering Ability (10%)
6.0
8.5
7.0
9.0
8.0
Specs Minus33 Franconia M... Ridge Merino Aspect... REI Co-op Midweight... REI Co-op Lightweig... Baleaf Fleeced Line...
Measured Weight (Size Small) 7.52 oz 6.74 oz 6.40 oz 5.44 oz 8.80 oz
Material 100% Merino wool 80% Merino wool, 14% nylon, 6% spandex 92% recycled polyester, 8% spandex 92% polyester, 8% spandex 87% polyester, 13% spandex
Insulation Weight Class Midwewight Midweight Midweight Lightweight Midwewight
Smelly Over Time? No No Yes Yes Yes
Odor Control Fabric Naturally odor resistant Naturally odor resistant No No No
Cuts Avaliable Full-length Full-length Full-length Full-length Full-length
Listed Fabric Weight (g/m²) 235 g/m² 240 g/m² Not disclosed Not disclosed Not disclosed

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Minus33 Franconia Midweight is the perfect cold-weather long underwear bottom for those seeking warmth and comfort during the coldest months of the year. Though they lack some breathability, these thick, midweight bottoms are perfect for winter camping or riding the chairlift at the ski resort around the holidays.

Performance Comparison


minus33 franconia midweight wool bottom - if you're looking for a midweight 100% merino wool design that...
If you're looking for a midweight 100% Merino wool design that optimizes warmth and next to skin comfort, look no further than the Minus33 Franconia.
Credit: Trish Matheny


Warmth


When it comes to the perfect long underwear bottoms for the coldest months of the year, the Franconia Midweight does not disappoint. These bottoms are constructed from super soft 100% Merino Wool that features 18.5-micron fibers in addition to a 235 g/m² thickness with an interlock knit. What does all that mean? Essentially, these bottoms are thick and soft, offering year-round warmth as well as a UPF Rating of 50+.


Weighing in at 7.52 ounces, only one other bottom is heavier in this review. Some other pairs of long underwear are constructed from a thinner, lightweight Merino wool that shines in motion. However, the Franconia Midweight quickly became one of our favorites for maximum warmth on those cold weather days you need it most. Whether riding the chairlift, hanging by the fire, or out for a dog walk in bitter-cold temperatures, these bottoms rise to the occasion, offering warmth and comfort despite cold weather conditions.

minus33 franconia midweight wool bottom - we were happy to have the minus33 franconia for enhanced warmth...
We were happy to have the Minus33 Franconia for enhanced warmth after winter decided to show back up one climbing day this spring.
Credit: Trish Matheny

Breathability


The Franconia Midweight did not receive the highest scores in terms of breathability, and we'll explain why. The thicker, midweight, interlock design simply doesn't offer any additional perforation or open grid patterning for perspiration to escape. Sweat pooled behind our knees and lower back, but it dried rather quickly on the body, especially considering the 100% Merino wool fabric.


This is also where the looser fit comes into play. We found that the loose fit allowed more air to permeate the fabric, speed up the drying time, and enhance overall breathability. Since these bottoms don't offer the best performance when considering breathability, we recommend them for more sedentary winter activities versus pushing the pace on the skin track in the backcountry.

minus33 franconia midweight wool bottom - the thick, midweight design is perfect for those looking for...
The thick, midweight design is perfect for those looking for sedentary warmth, however, it doesn't breathe as well as other lightweight options that feature perforated fabric or ventilation panels.
Credit: Trish Matheny

Comfort and Fit


The Franconia Midweight is a 100% Merino wool design that is noticeably softer next to your skin and perfect for everything from big mountain days to lounging around by the fire. These bottoms do not feature an athletically slim fit, even if they do offer enough stretch in their design to allow for an unlimited range of motion. Our testers never encountered an uncomfortable seam nor endured a tight fit they couldn't wait to get off. Though there are some drawbacks to this kind of stretch, comfort is not one of them.


The Franconia Midweight comes in a mid to high rise, which our testing team appreciated when it came to more coverage and overall warmth. The thin waistband is both functional and comfortable. Features like flatlock seams help reduce chafing during use, and a gusseted crotch helps increase the range of motion. If the looser fit isn't your favorite, try sizing down for a more athletic and slim fit. If comfort is at the top of your considerations when selecting the best pair of long underwear bottoms, the Franconia Midweight is worth checking out.

The thin elastic waistband of the Minus33 Franconia keeps it simple...
The thin elastic waistband of the Minus33 Franconia keeps it simple without losing functionality.
The fit is true to size but a little looser than expected...
The fit is true to size but a little looser than expected, especially as the Merino wool stretches with wear.

Durability


Our team is happy to report that the Franconia Midweight passed all durability testing scenarios, receiving a high score in this important metric. The 100% Merino wool construction is both high-performing and odor-free, and we love that the super-soft fabric has resisted pilling during our testing period. We even took these bottoms out for a day of rock climbing, and they withstood the sharp and abrasive rock faces without showing signs of wear.


Perhaps our only complaint is that the bottom can stretch out and lose its structure, even with only one use. We attribute that to the 100% Merino wool midweight design that is thick and heavy, without the core-spun nylon or polyester wrapped into the wool fibers that help strengthen the wool and provide more structure. We found this a bit of a trade-off because the midweight fabric also feels incredible next to your skin, even though it stretches, and the super thin, elastic waistband performs well to hold these bottoms in place. Do not worry — one wash will help restore the structure and be as good as new for your next adventure.

minus33 franconia midweight wool bottom - though the design is very simple, the flatlock seams and thick...
Though the design is very simple, the flatlock seams and thick construction give our testing team confidence when it comes to overall durability.
Credit: Trish Matheny

Drying Speed


Considering that the Franconia Midweight is a thicker, midweight design that is 100% Merino wool, these bottoms crushed the drying tests both on the line and the body. During our line dry testing this spring in Bishop, California, with temperatures ranging from 36-45°F, 43% humidity, and four mph out of the northeast, these bottoms only required 58 minutes to fully dry; the fabric that is somewhat thicker around the ankle cuff took the longest to dry. Our testing team is used to seeing such times with synthetic options, so we were quite impressed when a thicker Merino wool bottom needed less than one hour on the line.


These bottoms also dried quickly on the body after we worked up a sweat with some hill sprints above Bishop near the Druids. Our testers hypothesize that this faster drying speed is due to the looser fabric, which essentially allows more airflow between the bottom and the body to more effectively wick sweat away from the body and release it through the fabric. Noticeable spots where sweat pooled were the lower back, waistband, and behind the knee. However, less than 20 minutes post-workout, our crew was dry and comfortable.

Athough these bottoms feature a 100% Merino wool design and a midweight construction, they offer a competitive drying speed.
Credit: Trish Matheny

Layering Ability


Though the Franconia Midweight scored well in most metrics, this is not one of them. The thicker fabric and looser fit will require more room in your layering kit, and though the waistband is thin, it still takes up more space than a thicker high waist option that lays completely flat against the waistline. While the ankle cuff is quite functional, helping to hold the bottoms in place, the thicker fabric took up more space in our ski boots, especially when layered with a thick ski sock.


Caveats aside, the soft Merino wool interfaces well with most outer layers, such as our ski bibs, puffies, and rain pants. Shell fabrics that are stiffer and have a nylon lining may not interface as well. Still overall, we found the Franconia Midweight to interface without “grabbing” the layer overtop or requiring a ton of adjustment during activity.

Though these midweight bottoms are prone to stretching and take up a little more room in our ski bibs, we could still layer them below.
Credit: Trish Matheny

Should You Buy the Minus33 Franconia Midweight Wool Bottom?


The Franconia Midweight is a long underwear bottom that offers great performance and is available at a price point that won't break the bank. These bottoms shine in warmth and comfort (thanks to the 100% Merino wool construction), durability (no pilling), and an impressive drying speed, especially for a thick, 235 g/m² midweight thickness. If warmth and comfort are at the top of your list and you don't mind the looser fit and limited breathability, the more affordable Franconia should be at the top.

minus33 franconia midweight wool bottom - the minus33 franconia specializes in midweight warmth and...
The Minus33 Franconia specializes in midweight warmth and exceptional 100% Merino wool softness next to skin, perfect for those cold winter nights by the fire and available for a fair price.
Credit: Trish Matheny

What Other Women's Long Underwear Should You Consider?


The Minus33 Franconia Midweight offers high performance for a more affordable price. We love that these bottoms prioritize warmth and comfort during the coldest months of the year. If you're interested in another long underwear bottom that's even more affordable and offers similar warmth, check out the Meriwool Merino 250 Bottom. Just be aware that these feature a more rigid design with less stretch and a fit that leaves something to be desired. Looking to invest your dollars in a more breathable pair of long underwear bottoms that offer a great fit and fast drying speed? Check out our overall favorite, the Icebreaker 200 ZoneKnit Merino Thermal Leggings. These bottoms received high scores in nearly every testing metric. And if you're looking for something that combines the warmth of the Franconia with the breathability of the ZoneKnit, the Smartwool Intraknit Thermal Merino Bottom is not to be missed.

minus33 franconia midweight wool bottom - though they do not offer top-notch breathable performance, the...
Though they do not offer top-notch breathable performance, the Minus33 Franconia is essential when it comes to midweight warmth for the coldest months of the year.
Credit: Trish Matheny

Trish Matheny