I paid $60 for my Smartwool shirt, and yeah, it seemed crazy, but my wife has a whole lot of them, and I thought I ought to try one. I'd say after only a few months, I've already gotten my money's worth. I also got a Woolrich merino t shirt from Sierra Trading Post for a lot less, somewhere between $20 and $40. It's very thick and not as useful, though it is nice and warm in the winter. You could save money by watching for sales on Sierra Trading Post but you won't get the most benefit from something like Smartwool which I highly recommend. Like leather saddles and other things that cost a lot initially, you end up getting your money's worth.