Trad Gang

I`m looking at dropping some $ in some good wool gear cuz i`m tired of the synthetic crap that only last a couple of years an that stuff is not cheap either. I`m looking at sleeping Indian , king of the mountain , woolrich or what ever else is out there. I have some wilderness hunts in future an i do a lot of late season deer hunting as well when its blue cold,so i think its time to spend it. Any pro`s or con`s in any direction would be helpfully.

Check out Filson.  It will last a lifetime.

I use King of The mountain. It will keep you warm no matter what. The pattern works well as far as camoflage. Easy to maintain. I don't think you could go wrong with it. Look at the others and compare you can't go wrong  with quality wool

Check out Gray Wolf Woolens (Trad Gang Sponsor)
www.graywolfwoolens.com (http://www.graywolfwoolens.com)
Very well made custom fit wool in Predator camo patterns.  My set is in it's 5th season and I wear it a lot.  Still like brand new.  
I had a pair of KOM bibs once but sold them.  Nothing against them, but I sure like the Gray Wolf better.

Just got back from a couple days in temps ranging from low 20s to 40s, clad in Filson whipcord pants, Smartwool socks and long johns, and a Woolrich Alaskan shirt.  It took me two centuries to wear out the last pair of Filson whipcord pants.  The Smartwool long johns are indeed superior to the synthetic stuff that I've worn for many years.  Did I mention the thorns that I bulled my way through?

This is some help for sure cuz i never new there was so many different brands. I don`t like bulky sleevves or feel like i don`t have full range of motion.

KOM i wont skimp on clothing thats what keeps you in the woods longer.

Ive been looking at Rons Hunting Shirts

Not real fancy, but great dollar value from Columbia brand. If you got the money to go top drawer, Grey Wolf or Filson.

I like my sleeping indian wools and gaiters. I have the hat, the shirt and the parka...very nice stuff

Jer Bear

My "GoodWill" thrift store wool sweaters and pants keep me just as warm as any of that "high priced" wool clothing out there.....

(I should probly stay out of this one)   ;)

I've had Johnson Woolens coats and pants that I've outgrown but none I've worn out.

I have a set of Grey Wolf Bibs and jacket / shirt in pradator pattern.  lent it to my buddy to try.  he liked it so much he now has a set too.
ChuckC

i go to my local surplus store and pick up the german wool pants, lots of pockets, neutral brown kaki colour and i wear them at -40 degrees with wool longjohns. $40.

I got a Filson Double Mac Cruiser about 4 years ago.  I wear it every day from November to Mid-March and it still looks like it's brand new.  I've never had that experience with any other coat I've owned.

I really like it down to about 15 degrees with just about any wind.  When it gets to -10, I need more layers.

I have some Swedish Army surplus pants I got for $10 about the same time and they've been some great pants.

Jason

How are the sleeves on this stuff? are they bulky at all or they narrow cut? I`ve seen some wool stuff with noise wind stopper liners has this been an issue?

My Gray Wolf wool don't seem bulky in the sleeves to me at all.  I wear a normal arm guard, but that's it.  They do offer the option of lining, but I ordered mine without and just layer underneath as needed for the temps.  I do like vests for layering so that I am not adding more bulk to the arms where it isn't needed as much.

I have both SI and KOM and love them both. Yea, they may be a little pricey, but remember" Cry once(initial cost) or cry often(freezing all the time), you make the choice". I also have a Filson Mac Cruiser and although I love it, the wool is not wooven as tight as SI or KOM. Never tried Grey Wolf.(honey are you reading this post,x-mas is coming)   :bigsmyl:  

Mike

I`m not loaded but cheap is usaly more $$ in the long run so i dont mind the cost if it is quality stuff, that old saying you only get what pay for has a lot merit. The bad thing is there not any local shops to try on this stuff so this were you guys are helping on these little details that could present a problem for a bowhunter. Leathernech wick one do you prefer so far SI or KOM are at the top of my list i may put a call into Grey Wolf also i`ve not herd much about them

For those of you that have worn them, are the Filson Whipcord pants noisy?

I can't really call it Hattrick. I love them both. KOM has the no shrink guarantee and my partner washes his all the time. I wash my SI only about 3 times a year because IT WILL SHRINK. So with that in mind I will give KOM a slight nod. SI is slightly cheaper in price though. I know, I'm no help. But they are both great products. If going for the lightweight shirts, my SI pullover has pockets, my KOM does not. I like to put my hands in my pockets when sitting on stand. I'm sure KOM would put pockets on the side if I wanted. I hope I'm not confusing you anymore but it's just too hard to decide   :banghead:  Ok, I'll make a call, if the slight cost difference is not a problem, then go with KOM. If so then go with SI. There, I did it.

Contact Whip on the Grey Wolf for I know nothing about them. Hope this helps.

I'm working with Jeff to bring some of his clothes to the Kalamazoo expo in January and will have them in a booth there.  Since they are custom made to your order you can get pockets where you need them.
The wool is very tight weave and high quality. I even wear it in light rain and it doesn't get soaked.  
I sure can't say anything negative about the others - they are good products too.  All I would say is that when spending that amount of $$ on hunting clothes look at all the options.  They are all good quality stuff!

Ron LaClair has a nice "longhunter" wool shirt & hood I bought a few years ago. Great hunting set-up.

I have day one and gray wolf. Both are excellent, but as far as value goes, you cannot beat the day one-loaded with options, excellent quality and even better prices.

I'll second DAY ONE excellent product at working man's prices!!!!!!

Hattrick, as far as not being able to try them on, the last time I was at the big sports show in Harrisburg, PA in Febuary, either SI or KOM was there with some stuff. Depending on how far a drive it is for you, it may be worth the trip just for that reason.

As far as bulking up, I picked up a GW vest this fall and fell in love with it. For most of our season I was wearing just the vest with a heave wool shirt over longjohns and was plenty warm. I used to hunt Maryland even into January and I suspect a full wool outfit may be too much for that climate. It would have been for me.

Check the bargain barn on cabelas site. I picked up a set of wool dry plus bibs for $79. You can find Filson on sale there too.

A lot of really good company's mentioned here.  I got a set from the classified here from a company called Beagle Woolens out of Vermont.  I can honestly say that once it gets cold enough to wear them, I won't wear anything else.

If it gets cold passed what I'm comfortable to in my Beagle suit, I'm looking at a Heater Bodysuit.

bbassi do you recall the guy that was selling SI at Harrisburg i herd he was out of Hanover Pa which is close by, I`VE tried to locate him but had no luck

I have had great luck with Johnsons wool stuff for years. Any wool is good as long as it is a quality product. I can't remember the name but a company in NewZeland made some real nice stuff, maybe if you google you can find them.

Kom is hard to beat if you can afford it. I like my Pendleton wool shirts for layering with a  vest. They can be found on that auction site we often hear about or the Cabela's catalog. Johnson Woolens makes good pants that will fit a big guy like me at a reasonable price. Whatever you buy, look for something that is tightly woven in outterwear for greater durability and warmth. Don't forget to refer to the classified section of this site. I've seen some good buys in clothing.  :thumbsup:

Ron, that would be Swanni Wool. I had a coat for 10 years from them and it was awesome. They still make them but not in camo anymore. Not as thick as SI, KOM, or Grey.

I second Filson.  They are expensive, but no where near the price of KOM or Sleeping Indian.

Don't forget Day One.  I have SI and Day One.  Day One offers a nice lining too, insulated and wind stopper.  They also offer wool in ASAT.  I have used SI for years, but I really like the Day One.

Dave

Sleeping Indian, king of the Mountain, and Filson are all in my closet.I try to buy one piece a year so it does'nt hurt so bad. Started with the SI archers pullover and worked my way down and then back up from there. JUST GOT TO LOVE THE HASTLE FREE QUALITIES OF WOOL... IMO Jason

remember that what goes under your jacket and pants need not be camo... so finding any wool shirts and jackets that are inexpensive will work for layering; and you can buy four for the price of one high brand type... which means when you soak one with sweat; you can have another to wear.

I really like wool; and as a note- if its really cold and your wool does get sweaty - take it off and hang it from a branch or even lay it on the snow. Before you freeze- the moisture on the wool will; and you can shake it out of the wool; put it back on and keep warmer.

up until this year I'd always worn swedish wool surplus pants....

I bought some columbia off an auc-tion site and so far I like it.   in this pic I can't believe how much the wool absorbs light compared to the amount reflected in the cotton predator shirt.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/hickstick/buckme.jpg)

this pic was from this past tuesday and it was in the high 20's with 5-10 mph winds.  I was wearing a light pair of hitech longjons, old ripped levis and the wool bibs.  I was toasty warm everywhere there was wool.  arms and chest got a bit chilly but I didn't wanna bother putting the coat on...

QuoteOriginally posted by myshootinstinks:
Ron LaClair has a nice "longhunter" wool shirt & hood I bought a few years ago. Great hunting set-up.

I second the longhunter shirt.  You'll want layers and so forth but the price is right and I really like mine.

Swanndri

I love my Swanni's!

Many of the top choices have been mentioned already.  I'll throw another New Zealand company in the mix - Icebreakers.  It's a great product!  I mentioned Swanndri to a couple guys in NZ and both said to check out Icebreakers.  Swanndri is great quality as well but they seemed to speak highly of the Icebreakers as well.

I was given a mid-weight shirt and some socks as a gift and I love it!!

Good luck...it will be hard to go wrong with many of the top quality companies that have been listed.  I'm definitely going to give Ron's shirt a try soon.  Looks great!

you guys are a big help with all this info THANKS!

how about cleaning the stuff?

Tried to find a web page for Day One and nothing comes up. Any help?

I have a set of ASAT wool camo from Day One  http://ns1.bowsite.org/dayone/  that is new this year. I really like it. Well made and look like they'll hold up.

Thanks Steve, I'll check them out.

Mike

The kind you find at the recycle store.

QuoteOriginally posted by Bear Heart:
Check out Filson.  It will last a lifetime.

I agree. And that "last a lifetime" is no exaggeration. My cousin still has and uses a Filson Mackinaw Cruiser that he inherited from my uncle when he died back in the 70's.

Use filson(25oz timber jacket)and vest, sleeping indian(pants), cabelas windshear pullover. My filson coat does not stop the wind: last sat. hunted in the a.m in wind and froze, went in p.m,(wind) wore cabelas windshear (yes little noisy but in wind, doesn't matter) with filson vest and was supper warm. GANGERS BEWARE SLEEPING INDIAN CUSTOMER SERVICE: have pants love'em 3yrs.old, orderd shirt(recent)had pockets added(no size alteration) and recieved and sent back, thought wool was not same as pants(not as hairy) asked for refund he said NO-WAY(pockets added), I said "you can resale in a heartbeat"! he said "to bad". Stuck 355.00. First in line to take my money but last in line to give it back.

I am a believer in Filson products. Excellent quality product!

**** !!!  I just bought a used woolrich 85/15 wool / nylon shirt for $ 18.   The shirt is in great condition and so is my wallet.  Now woodchucker, goodwill is a great brand also.  Thanks for the idea.  Good luck  Bhill

Check out Bemidji Woolen Mills.

This is my new favorite!
www.firstlite.com (http://www.firstlite.com)

Is firstlite underwear or are those outer garments?

Many thrift stores, Salvation Army, Goodwill, etc, will have some great wool at great prices.  Wool shirts and dress pants are great in the early season and I've picked up heavy Filson, Woolrich, Beans and Pendleton items many times.  there will be sweaters and vests galore and grab a couple of the Italian lightweight merino wool sweaters that are always there; they are great layered.  Mil surplus pants are very good too.

Man oh Man...you guys make me so jealous....I'm allergic to wool!!! Bummer!!!

I too have been trying to build my wool clothing supply with out taking out a loan. I have picked up one of Ron's Long Hunter Shirts and it is very worm and well made. I have also bought a 20oz wool shirt from cabelas that has proven it's self a good buy.

Just sat out all day in the wind, rain and 35 degree's in my Grey Wolf, got wet but didn't get cold....bought most used off this site.

I owned KOM and it was of good quality. I now own Gray Wolf Woolens. The Gray Wolf stuff is top shelf and the customer service is second to none. Not putting down the KOM in any way, I just prefer Gray Wolf. I think that both KOM and Gray Wolf attend the Expo in Kalamazoo...might try to make it there and check them out first hand. Mike

I will have a booth at Kalamazoo with Gray Wolf products.  We will try to have examples of the different garments both in wool and Wolfskin, and will also have some items for sale.  Right now we're thinking along the lines of vests and things that are more generic in size.

swanndri

Woolrich from Sierra Trading post for about 50% off.

gray wolf makes a great product, don't have the wool, jsut the wolfskin but works great. coat with double insulation and built in armguard. keeping me warm in the manitoba hunting season. would love to try wool some time to compare.

hattrick the guy that sells the sleeping indian is here in hanover that sets up at the sportsman show in harrisburg

but im very paticular about having the best and when i can afford the grey wolf woolen wool clothes i will have them

i tried the kom, si,and they r good but not as good as the grey wolf woolens.the grey wolf woolens are made by bowhunters who understand how bowhunting clothes need to be and they also shot many many pope and young class animals.these people know how to make warm functional clothing that maintain maximum upper body dexterity.it was absolutely amazing these clothes when jeff the owner showed me at the harriburg pa show,i was absolutely impressed and that is an understatement.i own a raven wear outfit out of canada and wish i woulda known about these people before i invested that 700-800 bucks

i have never tried day one but i cant hardly believe they r better than grey wolf

i hope to purchase some grey wolf for 2009

Grey Wolf, same price as KOM but they are truely custom just for you with many options. Jeff will add what ever your looking for also bigger pockets-smaller, binos, calls what ever. When it gets bitter cold that's my go to, and I own KOM also.

I hunted Montana mt. lion on -30° all day long with my 6 year old KOM and I never was cold,both climbing up hill in the canyon skinning the cat in the bottom. I took thunder storms, driving rain snow storms in the Rockies always feeling confortable. A plus are the pant you can sit inthe wet snow or kneeling in the mud and still be dry because the multi layer. I love them. Very good concealing pattern too

IMO you can not beat Grey Wolf...truly custom clothing that is excellent quality and will last many years if taken care of. If there is something you would like added that is not listed on the website just let Jeff know and he will take care of you.

KOM and SI are also great products but for my money nothing beats Grey Wolf.

I use King of the Mountain and Autumnwood wool.  Very good camo patterns and sized right.  Gray Wolf, which I think used to be Sleeping Indian, is in the same category.  Filson is just as good, but their jacket is a bit bulky for my liking, and the camo pattern doesn't have as much contrast as I like.  If you can find it, Weatherby wool is a real sleeper.  Excellent camo pattern.  Somewhat lighter weight wool, but a good absolutely quiet wind blocking lining, which makes it just as warm and at about half the price of the wools I mention.

Jerry, Sleeping Indian is a different company, and is still around.  Gray Wolf used to be owned by a different guy, and Jeff Aulik bought him out a few (5?) years ago.

I saw a sleeping Indian once, but I didn't want to wake him.   I'm with woodchucker....Goodwill Industries.  But then I don't care what it says on the label 8^).

Filson amazing stuff

2 yeasr ago I bought a gray wolf wool pullover and a second hand KOM bibs. bib's are really nice but the pullover is made for bow hunters the way they fit. Both are excelent product's

doug77

that is very important the clothing is made by bowhunters!!!

grey wolf woolen ROCKS!!!!

Boys, just scored today from Goodwill, a 100% wool "pea" type coat, charcoal color with plaid wool lining. Ought to make a good hunting coat--4bucks.

Wool is definately worth it. Buy it once and have it for life. The synthetic stuff doesn't last. If you do get a rip in wool, just sew it up. No big deal. I haven't gotten a rip in any of mine, but it's nice to know.

Flint   awesome find.   I got a Filson vest for Xmas.  I am totally impressed with the quality and the fabric.  My wife (who sews) is also impressed with the quality.  

I do not like bulked up arms.  I don't fit well into clothing and if I layer up too much my arms get too unwieldy.  Vests are an answer for me.  A long john top, light wool shirt and one more layer and I can stand really cold temps on my arms.   I can bulk up on my torso easily enough.
Chuckc

Woolrich has good stuff. Good work clothes as well and the sales are really good when they have them. I have three pair of nice trousers for work and they have lasted three years with little wear. Woolrich has a Camwoolflage line that wears well. I have a camwoolflage pullover from a few years back (four I think) and it wears well.

http://www.woolrich.com/CGI-BIN/LANSAWEB?WEBEVENT+L10817C3494C70400C81200G+PRD+ENG

Living and hunting in Michigan, I wear a piece of wool just about everyday from October first through April/May. Over the years I have accumulated a pretty good "collection" of wool from all the brand names, and some no-names.

While I LOVE Filson products, I have to be honest and say that all wool is good wool.Even the stuff that is not 100% wool is pretty darned funcional.

Buy what fits your budget and what you intend to use it for. Sitting out behind the house for 2 hours doesn't require a $600 wool outfit. It's awesome if you can afford it, but don't sweat it if you can't.

There are some tremendous opportunities in Army surplus wool. One of the most funtional "outfits" I have is an old wool military type sweater, with a Woolrich shirt over top.

I have a pair of Columbia wool pants that I can't seem to wear out.

My KOM stuff is solid, warm, durable gear. Could I have bought cheaper, just as funcional stuff? Yes.

I have never worn out a piece of Filson gear. The double Mackinaw is too bulky to shoot a bow in. The single Mackinaw is a great coat, I wear one everyday, and you can shoot a bow in it WITH PRACTICE. The wool Cape Coat, in grey diagonal (item #95) seems to be made for bowhunters. Perfect.

Fingerless wool gloves are a staple of mine. I must own 15 pair, having them scatterd in every pocket of my coats. For shooting a bow, make sure the palms aren't too thick.

Wool hats should be required gear. I have boxes (literally)of them, and keep coming back to the watch cap, in  OD green. Coupled with some sort of hood or Balaclava, they work in the worst weather possible.


Salvation Army wool sweaters, with the sleeves cut off, make an awesome layer over your longjohns.

If you wear cheap cotton longjohns, you are wasting your money on good wool. It won't matter.

I recieved a Hidden Wolf/Grey Wolf wool vest for Christmas a year ago, and I am impressed with the quality. It is almost too warm for all but the coldest days. Great collar, pockets well done. Spend the extra money and get the zipper cargo pocket in the back.

I love wool.

Watch the classifieds here, I have been able to accumulate a good collection of wool, KOM, Swanndri, SI from fellow tradgangers, trading either cash or other equipment. Watch for a beavertail vest from KOM in your size, they are simply awesome.

Terry

I highly recommend the Johnson's.  I've had mine for 14 years and I've used them for hunting, ice fishing, and general winter activity with them holding up 100%.
Dave

KOM Beaver Tail Vest is probably the warmest garment you can wear up a tree stand, remaining still able to draw your bow with out problem of bulky staff

Google up Beagle Wear. Excellent, tightly woven quality wool with a quiet, invisible, water repellent Teflon coating. Plus,a Mossy Oak camo pattern and various other options. Excellent stuff. I love mine. BW

Hunt in northern Illinois and I'm going to buy
my first wool garment. Would I be better off
getting the inner or outer layers first?
                 Rich

buckrunt,
start things off right and get you a set of Ullfrotte' Smartwool longjohns. Sure do love mine, worth every penny. King of the Mountain has them. If your baselayer is no good then you are starting off wrong. Read about what KOM says about this on their website.

On top of that I am wearing *bay woolrich pants on top of my Ullfrotte' baselayers. On top I wear a Cabelas revolution fleece pullover for now. Going to buy one of Ron's wool longhunter shirts to try. The one thing I do love about the Cabelas pullover is that it is wind and waterproof. It is loud though on real cold days. Hunted several days in the teens and was comfy for 4 hrs on stand.

Just bought a pair of Columbia Gallatin Range pants from a fellow tradganger to try as well. I would love to be able to buy a good set of Gray Wolf wool one day soon. Why not get the Ulfrotte' base layers, then try some Filson, Woolrich, or Columbia clothes off here or *bay. If they are not warm enough then time to spend some big bucks and get you some Sleeping Indian, KOM, or Gray Wolf. After all, you are in North Illinois and it does get colder there than here in TN. Read up on how best to stay warm on the Ulfrotte'site. Great stuff !!!

nocams

I'm in the process of getting a set of Cabelas wool clothing. I have the bibs now and a vest on the way. I've had the bibs for a while and they are warm and windproof. For the money I have no complaints. They say they are washable but I doubt I will ever wash them.

I'm as tight as they come and after waiting 2 years to screw up my courage, I finally bought a Filson double Mac last Fall ('07).  Already had a Filson vest.  I wear them both, predominantly to work (office job) but hunting as well.  The vest is probably 6 yo, both look like brand new.  I personally find the Mac doesn't hold out the wind as well as I'd thought, but it's a fine value either way.  Barring change in size, I'd argue Filson or other high quality brands provide good value over the longer term, say 10 year and up.  Fortunately they seem perfectly suited to that duty.

The blends are more convenient, but if you are gonna go synthetic blend might as well go full synthetic as you give up, or partially the wet insulating aspect of wool and you get a real bargain with fleece.

I'm trying to talk myself into some of those Ulf.... something-or-nuther can't spell it draws.

Wool seems to be a bit like optics, until you jump in, it's hard to see the value.

Was gonna ask about the Columbia stuff Cabelas sells.  

I'm down to Gray Wolf or Columbia wool.  There's a huge difference in cost, so...

Dont be scared of Columbia wool the price is right and its great stuff. The camo pattern is excellent also. Have worn the stuff for years now..

Dont be scared of Columbia wool the price is right and its great stuff. The camo pattern is excellent also. Have worn the stuff for years now..

I have a set of Filson wool and a set of Columbia, both work well in my layering system.

One thing I noticed about wool is animals don't pick you up as easily when you are wearing it. I guess it has low reflective qualities.

Wool is wool. The important part is the way it's made and if you can wash it. If it's dry clean only and you get it soaked a few times, it will shrink. If you wash your dry clean only garments then be prepared for it to shrink and to loose fibers making it thinner and thinner over time.  There are bargains. I bought OD green US military dress wool pants for $7 each in the plastic. Worn them for the last 10 years and they will likely be a good bargain at the yard sale when I'm gone. They're good for midrange weather. I wear Pendelton shirts everyday, work or play. They generally wash well. Only had one Pendelton shrink. Bought a Cabelas woodsman coat in the bargain cave for $115. It's as heavy and durable as a $385 Filson and it's washable. However,
When it's cold and I plan to be out day after day, I wear KOM head to toe, Smartwool inner, and a windproof wool sweater. This past September I camped three weeks on the Haul Road with temperatures down to the low teens and up to the 40's. It was windy, rainy, snowy, and sunny. I tried every thing I owned. My silk, poly, fleece, and cheap wool failed. I was noticably more comfortable with the Smartwool and KOM in a much broader range of temperatures and conditions. Bite the bullet and get quality stuff.

Howdy Jeff.

Hey Dave.  I didn't think they had newfangled stuff like internet connections up there...

I like Codet out of Canada for value they can only be beat by Goodwill deals. 24 ounce bibs of recycled wool and a good cruiser jacket(that got stolen off the coat rack in a Michigan Denny's) and merino wool long underwear and a sweater and I was good down to -10.
I also like Grey Wolf Woolen and Day One. for camo wool.
I wear my ASAT 3D Pro Vanish leafy suit over my wool so it doesn't matter what color it is just that it is warm.
First lite is underwear or intermediate wear. But Merino wool is just about the best longjohn wool you can use.
You need to pay attention to weave in the fabric. inner wear and outer wear should be tightly woven and intermediate clothes can be looser to allow for air pockets.
Dutch military Surplus sweaters are a great add a layer item that sell for under $40.

I think best wool for the dollars boils down to how many dollars do you have to spend.  Filson and Greywolf wools seem to be high end, but then on a higher end, there is King of the Mountain wools.  My personal preference.  I think they all work good if applied properly.  The question is how much is it worth to you to keep warm while doing what you love to do,  hunt!!!!!    mr.c  :thumbsup:

I'm kinda surprised little has been mentioned about Pendleton wool.  I just bought a new shirt and jacket for $120 total.  Last month I found a shirt and jacket at Goodwill for $25 total, although the jacket there was not 100% wool.  
But I wore the shirt and jacket today with a poly first layer and I was very warm in the cold/wet.  Looking forward to using it all for hunting.

I like the Pendleton plaids BUT their shirts seem to run small and they only go to 2XL and then only in a few color choices.

Over the years I've invested a small fortune in premium wool clothing and have to disagree with the statement "wool is wool".

Not all wool is 100%, many brands like Codet, Johnson, Woolrich and Beagle have nylon or synthetic blends added. Columbia is made from recycled wool and is junk in my opinion.

Do yourself a favor and spend your money on premium wool from KOM, Sleeping Indian, Hidden Wolf or Filson that will last you a lifetime.

I got my Beagle wool top and bottom from the Classified, and absolutely love them.  I perfer the patterns on the KOM/SI wool, and their wool definately is high quality - just out of my price range.  

Best value in wool is any quality used item in the classified.  If you can find some that fit, they're awesome.

I love wool. It's just really pricey. I'm at the point where the bows and supplies come first. Maybe I'll find myself at the army surplus store in the near future buying army blankets and cutting holes in them for my head to poke out.  :)

I am a big fan of Filson Mackinaw Cruisers. For Christmas I got a Filson wool vest in this pattern, which I really like:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v105/Rooselk/Outdoors/Archery/FilsonWool2.jpg)

While Filson doesn't make a Mackinaw Cruiser in this pattern, many people don't know that Filson will make a garment for a customer so long as they have the material and it's the same weight (or close) to the original material weight of the stock item. I'm seriously thinking about having a Cruiser made in the above pattern since the vest material is the same weight as that used for the Cruiser.

Yeah, I have to disagree with the "wool is wool" comment as well.

All wool ain't good wool, or even all wool as noted above.  Many company's (Woolrich being one) make an 85/15 wool nylon blend that I find the be the most uncomfortable scratchy itchy fabric around.  (Pendleton is another).  I'd just as soon wear a pair of drawers woven from multiflower rose stems.  Clothing made from a wool/nylon blend will eat a man alive.

Even among 100% wool garments, the fabric can differ greatly.  SI and KOM have a woven fabric look about them.  Gray Wolf is more like felt.  All 3 garments are advertised as 100% wool.  SI/KOM/Gray Wolf are all excellent products. I own SI and Gray Wolf.  Can't comment on Columbia as I haven't seen it.

Johnson Woolen Mills makes some nice stuff but again ya gotta pay attention to the fabric being used.  Most of their fabrics are 85/15 wool/nylon blend.  They do make some 100% wool fabrics though and all you have to do is tell them what fabric you want the garment made from.  I have 3 yards of 100% wool fabric coming from them and have a local seamstress lined up to make a plaid wool pullover for me.

I wear a Filson Double Mac to work.  It's a 100% woven wool fabric much like SI and KOM.  I bought a Filson cruiser off the e auction site the other day, like new for $50.  Can't beat that.

"Not all wool is 100%, many brands like Codet, Johnson, Woolrich and Beagle have nylon or synthetic blends added. Columbia is made from recycled wool and is junk in my opinion."

My Columbia pants have lasted me for years....maybe 5?...I'm not sure. trust me when I say I hunt my TAIL off, with no regard to weather or burrs. And these pants have held up, and are just as warm as my Filson or KOM. I 100% disagree that Columbia wool is junk. And I have proven it, to myself.

I'll agree with Roger too.  I have a pair of columbia bibs that I have worn for about 5 years.  Put them thru a lot of use and will last several more years.  Won't say they are the same quality as KOM, but the didn't cost $500 either.  Darn good stuff for the money and wouldn't totally discount them. dino

I just bought some Columbia pants from a fellow traganger, should arrive tomorrow. Very interested in seeing how they do in the wind. I have heard the big diff in cheap wool and good wool is the weave and ability to beat the wind. I do realize that Columbia is recycled wool and synthetic blend compared to 100% virgin wool in the SI, KOM, and Gray Wolf.

I did hunt a few weeks back in 20 degree temps with a stiff 15 mph wind and I think I could feel the wind cutting thru my heavy Woolrich Malone pants. Did not get cold , but did feel different than I felt the day before in the same conditions with my Cabelas Revolution Fleece 150 gr thinsulate with wind and waterproof lining. Maybe one day I can get some Gray Wolf, I hear it is good stuff.

nocams  :pray:

It has been my experience that ALL wool, whether virgin or recycled, gets more windproof with age/use/exposure to dampness. I think KOM calls it "fulling", but it's nothing more than a small amount of shrinkage, tightening the weave. I was somewhat disapointed with my Woolrich pants until they met thier first rainstorm. The subsequent "fulling" made them more windproof.

I own Sleeping Indian and KOM. I feel the wind through those 2 just as much as my Columbia stuff and I hunt in Iowa in the late season. When its cold and windy I throw on a pair of wind pants under them all and problem solved. For the money you wont go wrong with Columbia wool I have had a pair of their pants for about 8 years now and have worn the crap out of them and they are still in good shape. No the material isnt from one of Teds hand fed sheep but I would say it performs just as well in my world...

I own Sleeping Indian and KOM. I feel the wind through those 2 just as much as my Columbia stuff and I hunt in Iowa in the late season. When its cold and windy I throw on a pair of wind pants under them all and problem solved. For the money you wont go wrong with Columbia wool I have had a pair of their pants for about 8 years now and have worn the crap out of them and they are still in good shape. No the material isnt from one of Teds hand fed sheep but I would say it performs just as well in my world...

I also have the Columbia wool.It's not the most expensive but if you want decent camo wool you don't need a second job to pay for I recommend it.Kept me warm in 5 degree morning hunts with proper layering.

This is the first time in years in hunting in wool. I have a old pair of Woolrich Malone pants I would use when it was very cold. For years I hunted in full goose down coveralls, VERY WARM and VERY LOUD. I have since retired them due to the noise. I would even carry them to the stand they were so loud you could not even walk in them with the nylon outer shell.

Here is my dilema and brief observations after hunting this year in wool and my tried and true Cabelas Revolution Fleece.

Wool is much more comfy, quiet, and breathable. Very comfortable over a wide range of temps. I have tried the Woolrich Malone Heavy Pants and the Columbia Pants. I realize they are not on the same planet with SI, KOM, and Grey Wolf from what I have been told. The downside to the wool is the WIND ! I hunted yesterday in 30 degree temp with 15 MPH wind. I did not get cold being on stand about 3hrs, but could feel the wind blowing right thru the pants down to my Ullfrotte' longjohns. If the temp would have been 10-15 degrees colder I think my legs would have got cold. No way you can stay warm with the wind blowing the warm air away from your body.

My Cabelas Revolution Fleece is very warm and windproof, not so breathable or comfortable if the temp goes up and you have a long walk back and forth to stand. It is quiet, but not as quiet as wool. If it is 20 degrees and a deer is 10yds or less I think it would hear the fleece if you moved too much. It has the Dry Plus lining that makes it waterproof and windproof. Nice if you get caught in a unexpected rain while on stand.

Since the wool I have has no options for fighting the wind and I do not want to wear another windproof layer what can I do ? If I wore another layer to fight the wind I feel I would get sweated up and defeat the purpose of using wool anyway. Also more clothes to buy and keep up with. What about getting caught in rain? I am sure if it was not a downpour the wool would be fine for a few hours.

Okay you wool experts chime in here and help me out ! I know the wind in TN is no where near as bad as it is in ND, KS, and other western states with wide open spaces. What do you guys that hunt in wool do about wind ? Thanks for the help !

 :banghead:  
nocams

I have a pair of lined wind pants from wal mart I put on under my pants and under them a pair of heavy fleece long johns when its real cold. I wear these under my Columbia and SI wool pants. Wash the wind pants a few times to break them in a little and they are quiet under the wool.I know the Cabelas dry plus stuff is nice when windy and rainy but it is noisy especially when its very cold out. My legs dont get too warm while walking but I do leave my coat off until I reach my stand,otherwise my upper body will sweat . I bought the Cabelas bowhunter extreme parka for really cold weather and it seems to be alright it is warm. For super quiet though the dry plus linngs just dont cut it. I do think Windshear is quiet though. I also have a revolution fleece pullover and it is noisy I dont wear it bowhunting. I think the key is if you buy wool have something windproof to put on underneath when needed. I think having it under the wool keeps it quieter when moving to draw a bow unlike these coats and pants lined with it right under the surface, its always noisy. I know my buddy had Ted at Sleeping Indian make him an archers pullover with his wind stop linng in it, about 2-3 times on stand and out came the scissors to cut it out, it just made too much noise.

Just noticed this topic so I'm sure this has already been said but I got a great pair of LL Beane dress pants off of Fleabay for dirt cheap and then bought a large Longwool Hunter shirt from Ron LaClair.  That along with an old quilted shirt, and some new high tech base layer stuff and I've been able to endure 90% of what the Iowa climate has thrown at me this year.  For late season hunting I throw on my $ 45.00 rain/wind breaker over the wool and have been pretty warm.

feve316,
Thanks for the feedback, but again I was hoping to not have to wear another layer like a windbreaker under my wool. I wonder if the premium wools, SI, KOM, Grey Wolf will cut the wind enough that you could stay warm ? In a mild wind, say less than 20 MPH that would work. Any more wind than that in my area is like a gale in the woods. I am sure SI, KOM, and Gray Wolf offer the linings for hunters in western states where the wind is over 20 MPH daily !

nocams

I was looking for wool pants at the KC Cabela's yesterday and saw a few pairs of good stuff, Filson's and Colombia in the bargain cave. Alas, none were my size...  :(  You skinny gents might be luckier.
I did find a pair of the Colombia camo wool bibs on a clearance rack. They were marked down about 30%...  :)  Not a bad deal I thought.

Walked into the local Goodwill today bought a mint condition pendelton shirt, made in the U.S.A (cabelas carries pendelton but made in china), and a 100% merino wool sweater 4.oo each. That is great wool for the money!

QuoteOriginally posted by Ghostman:
Over the years I've invested a small fortune in premium wool clothing and have to disagree with the statement "wool is wool".

Not all wool is 100%, many brands like Codet, Johnson, Woolrich and Beagle have nylon or synthetic blends added. Columbia is made from recycled wool and is junk in my opinion.

My Codet is 100% wool and even though made from recycled wool is pretty good. I've never had Columia but tried some on once and it felt thin for the supossed weight.
There isn't anything wrong with 15% nylon. You only have to worry about wool blends when the wool makes up less than 40% of the blend. I prefer 100% but in some things like socks a blend can be superior in being long wearing. Absolutely agree with all that said they disagree that "wool is wool" Types differ in quality and qualities of type. Some are good only as outwear some only for rugs(still made into clothing though).

No Cams I have them all but grey wolf. And yes the wind will cut through all of it, moreso in the columbia but not a big noticeable difference. I dont think theres any way around not wearing another layer unless you get the outfits lined with a windstop. I do think Kings version of the windstop is different than SI. May be worth a look.

Used King of the Mountain wool. I have been hunting in 16 degree weather on stand in just a KOM shirt, bun warmer pants and beavertail vest. I only had thermal underware on under it. I was amazed how warm it is. You can buy it used and barely worn for half the price. It is a very heavy weight wool. I get mine from a KOM dealer that lets people trade their old in for new. I could never afford the cost of their new items.

I used to hunt in Woolrich, Malone, Codet and some military surplus wool. Nothing compares to the KOM in my opinion. I have one Sleeping Indian vest but it is a light weight wool vest, so I can't realy compare their garments to the KOM. I have many KOM garments.

Gil

Good things going here guys, keep it coming. From the sound of everyone's replies thus far it seems with wool you are still stuck with the need for a windproof layer or liner, just like I currently have in my Cabelas Revolution Fleece. I think the only diff would be that the wool is quieter than the man made fleece.

nocams

I've owed some of the fancy stuff, but have recently found those $69.00 Cabelas camo sweaters' do just as well.  They actually layer better because it's weave is stretchable.  If it get's windy, I put a windblocker overtop.  Wearing a wind blocker over top of any wool goes much further than wearing one under it.