I currently use first lite merino wool in ASAT, which I like in the early season archery elk. However, I was kind of wanting to go with plaid this year. I'm just curious what you guys wore? I either find 100% cotton plaid shirts, or the heavy weight itchy wool Pendleton shirts. Is there anything else available? I would like to stay away from cotton if possible.
I love my Pendleton wool shirts. Never had a problem with itch and never found the weight to be heavy. That and a Asbell wool vest or jacket, with a light, mirino wool base layer has always worked well for me; of course I understand that some react differently to wool than others. Good luck with your search. :campfire:
I need a layer of some sort under my wool especially at the neck line to alleviate itching.
If its worm then I have a light weight Marino wool Kuiu 3/4 zip shirt that has a collar on it that I use. Then I can wear whatever I want over the top without getting too warm.
Asbells offer a light weight version of there pullovers, lots of different plaid options too, id check with them!
LL Bean, Woolrich, Melton, etc. make wool plaid shirts. Of course, G. Fred and Teresa Asbel offer very nice woolens. Might also check out Classic Sportsman's websitge. Excellent stuff. For elk hunting, I tend to wear lighter weight Bean plaids and KOM camo shirts and Bean or Filson grey/charcoal mid-weight wool pants. Have been wearing that set-up for years. Going to try some Sitka Gear synthetics next fall as well.
I am in love with my green plaid from sportsmans guide. Crazy soft and warm. 100 percent polyester. I can get away with good merino but stuff like the Asbell wool makes me break out in hives.
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/guide-gear-mens-cpo-fleece-lined-shirt?a=1514555
I wear a lot of Teresa Asbell's wool. This Pathfinder is my new favorite from her.
http://gfredasbell.com/gfa_wool_clothing.php#0
(http://gfredasbell.com/images/pathfinder-evening-stand-green-new.jpg)
I got more wool then you can shank a stick at lol! I really like my Pathfinder from Asbell!!!
I just got a Pathfinder in grey for late season and winter use when there will most likely be snow and tree trunks in various shades of grey or dark greens that a plaid would stand out against.
As for plaid I came up with this idea to take a an old flannel, wool or just plain old cotton shirt and cut the sleeves off and wear it to further break up any outer layer either camo or solid. Even the best camo patterns look more efective when mixed up rather than as a full suit in the same pattern. I went to a thrift shop before gun season and for a couple bucks got a grey/brown/black shirt and wore it as a vest over a green and black plaid wool coat. The possibilities are endless and cheap.
Look at the difference the front pocket swatch turned offset to the rest of the pattern makes in the Pathfinder finder picture.
My favorite item under wool is silk underwear like the skiers use. It is light, helps provide warmth, and is not binding.
Here are some brands I have an item or two (or three) from:
Filson, Asbell, Big Bill, Pendleton, Stanfield's, Smart Wool, King of the Mountain, Sweaters my mother knit me with wool from Iceland, and some other stuff I'd have to dig out.
Even in this day and age, wool has it's place (and where I live and hunt, it's essential).
Pathfinder rules, Evening stand brown here.
What Todd Smith said
Terry
During elk season I live in my Asbel wool.
During elk season I live in my Asbel wool.