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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: perry f. on December 11, 2011, 02:51:00 PM

Title: Wool on a budget
Post by: perry f. on December 11, 2011, 02:51:00 PM
I've been wanting to buy some wool clothing for some time now. However, most of it seems a bit on the pricey side. I'm the bread winner for a family of 5, and have a hard time dishing out that much money on myself because I feel like my kids may need it more. In these economic hardships, I find myself looking more at the tags, and I'm tired of buying foreign made products, most of which fall apart or fade within a season. My question is this, where can I buy reasonably priced, made in the USA wool clothing? Thanks!
Title: Re: Wool on a budget
Post by: shortstroke 91 on December 11, 2011, 02:55:00 PM
Check for a Goodwill near by, there's usually a gem hiding in there you just have to look. There can also be good deals at the large Army/Navy stores.
Title: Re: Wool on a budget
Post by: kennyb on December 11, 2011, 02:55:00 PM
Perry-I would try your local resale shops such as: Salvation Army, Purple Heart, etc. You can pick up some real bargains! I have found many sweaters that would cost $80-$100, for as little as $4.95! You just have to put in the time and look. Good luck!

Kenny   :bigsmyl:
Title: Re: Wool on a budget
Post by: joe ashton on December 11, 2011, 03:01:00 PM
Hi Look for merlino wool at the
Goodwill.  $3.99.
Title: Re: Wool on a budget
Post by: Bishop on December 11, 2011, 03:11:00 PM
There is nothing wrong with the German/Swiss surplus wool either.
Title: Re: Wool on a budget
Post by: TxAg on December 11, 2011, 03:16:00 PM
Check the online auction sites like e.bay
Title: Re: Wool on a budget
Post by: Mike Vines on December 11, 2011, 03:45:00 PM
Salvation Army.  Tons of wool for sale there.
Title: Re: Wool on a budget
Post by: ron w on December 11, 2011, 04:15:00 PM
Thrift shops, Salvation Army store, Good will, Army surplus....just to name a few!
Title: Re: Wool on a budget
Post by: Mudd on December 11, 2011, 05:42:00 PM
I just picked up two nice wool sweaters at Goodwill. One is a perfect under-layer sweater of merino wool. The other is a a much heavier zippered sweater.

Six bucks for both.

God bless,Mudd
Title: Re: Wool on a budget
Post by: 30coupe on December 11, 2011, 05:43:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by Mudd:
I just picked up two nice wool sweaters at Goodwill. One is a perfect under-layer sweater of merino wool. The other is a a much heavier zippered sweater.

Six bucks for both.

God bless,Mudd
:thumbsup:
Title: Re: Wool on a budget
Post by: Tater John on December 11, 2011, 06:03:00 PM
There's good buys in the classifieds from time to time on wool clothing. Post a wanted ad and see what happens. A lot of guy's outgrowing their clothes

Rusty
Title: Re: Wool on a budget
Post by: Covey on December 11, 2011, 06:03:00 PM
I know exactly how you feel! I have bought alot of my wool from the goodwill.  Every so often you will find some excellent deals. I've bought nice sweater's for a dollar. You can't beat that!
Good luck in your hunt for wool, it's great stuff!

Jason
Title: Re: Wool on a budget
Post by: buckeye_hunter on December 11, 2011, 06:19:00 PM
Always remember you can wear your regular camo over any color of wool you find on auction sites or Good Will. I have a bright blue wool sweater I wear as an under layer.

If anyone makes fun of you.... too bad, you are warm and armed!(with your bow)
Title: Re: Wool on a budget
Post by: 450 marlin on December 11, 2011, 06:22:00 PM
what size are you looking for?
Jacket
Shirt
Pants or bibs
Title: Re: Wool on a budget
Post by: Day Dreamer on December 11, 2011, 06:49:00 PM
I bought a very nice 100% merino wool 1/4 zip up and a very good condition pendleton wool shirt from the good will dirt cheap.

Also 2nd on the big auction site for some vintage American made wool clothing, like filson and pendleton, woolrich to name a few.

Cant go wrong with surplus military clothing. Ive been wanting one of those nato wool sweaters for some time.
Title: Re: Wool on a budget
Post by: perry f. on December 11, 2011, 08:27:00 PM
Looking for everything. The only wool I have is a stormy kromer hat and some gloves. Pants are 34" x 34" or somewhere close. Shirts are probably large or x-large. Just looking for ideas on where to look. Not in the market to buy this close to christmas. I never even thought of the Goodwill, I'll definetly check it out!
Title: Re: Wool on a budget
Post by: Covey on December 11, 2011, 09:01:00 PM
If there is a army surplus close, you can buy swiss or german wool pants.. ( most of the time ) for fairly cheap. I bought a pair of swiss pants for 30 bucks. Might give that a try.

Jason
Title: Re: Wool on a budget
Post by: hawker on December 11, 2011, 09:05:00 PM
Army surplus stores are great and have the colors I look for.
Title: Re: Wool on a budget
Post by: Skipmaster1 on December 11, 2011, 10:02:00 PM
I buy a few wool sweaters every year from good will. Winter seems not the best time to find them. I do best in the spring. I bought 5 different very nice wool sweaters this year all $5 each. I also bought a couple heavy military style sweaters on sale at an LL Bean outlet for something  like $40 each. Not $5 but a good still a good buy
Title: Re: Wool on a budget
Post by: longrifle on December 11, 2011, 10:26:00 PM
Try looking at Silent Predator camo wool clothing,Bernie parson from P.A. is a great guy to deal with, I have been dealing with him for many years,used to buy my K.O.M. wool form him when he was a dealer, now he sells the Silent Predator and I just bought a vest from him, great stuff, great wool, and a good price, check him out.
Title: Re: Wool on a budget
Post by: David Yukon on December 11, 2011, 11:04:00 PM
Think about it this way, if you buy stuff like Filson, it will last you a life time and more... it is  a bit of an investment to start with, but it is cheep on the long run! What are you looking for? Mrs Asbel wool is really sheep for the quality of the product!!
Title: Re: Wool on a budget
Post by: Kapellmeister on December 12, 2011, 10:49:00 AM
I've bought Filson items on online auctions and even Goodwill!  Never pay full price!
Title: Re: Wool on a budget
Post by: Russ Clagett on December 12, 2011, 11:54:00 AM
I have the same problem you have....so I found 3 great wool sweaters at Cabelas bargain cave for 10 bucks apiece...

Then found some M1951 army wool pants for 6 bucks on ****...

then found an old german wool field hat in a surplus store for 5 bucks...

and an old army wool scarf for 3 bucks....

all for less than 50 bucks......

What size are you? Send me a PM if you are large or XL......I may be able to help you if you dont mind wearing an old brown Army wool sweater....

Russ
Title: Re: Wool on a budget
Post by: Bladepeek on December 12, 2011, 01:49:00 PM
This may be a bit off the mark for wool clothing, but I picked up a pair of those German wool felt overpants for$30 or so from aCheaper than Dirt flyer. Had a zipper installed on the bottom inside 12" of the leg so I can slip them on over my boots. For REAL winter weather, they can't be beat. Talk about warm!
Title: Re: Wool on a budget
Post by: Shedrock on December 12, 2011, 05:04:00 PM
(http://i1136.photobucket.com/albums/n486/Shedrock1/P1020280.jpg)

I picked up this sweet L.L. Bean wool shirt for $7.95 at a thrift store along with a Eddie Bauer wool vest for $5.95 one day. I get all my hunting "camo" at the thrift stores. Good stuff!
Title: Re: Wool on a budget
Post by: FarmerMarley on December 12, 2011, 06:24:00 PM
I guess I am not the only one with wool radar in the thrift stores!!

It's about all I am looking for in there, and I have found some sweet Pendletons, Merino wool sweaters, and nice colors too.

I just walk down the aisles looking for the texture of wool and earth tone plaids.

I have had less luck finding good pants than shirts and sweaters. It is harder to find the right fit, but there are definitely some good wool cargo pants from time to time.

You might still need to buy wool underlayers new...
Good luck
Title: Re: Wool on a budget
Post by: Mark Baker on December 12, 2011, 06:32:00 PM
The german wool pants everyone is mentioning are top notch and as good as the pricier ones.  I just let a pair go on the classifieds here for cheap...and there are almost always some great deals here.   Just start a little at a time, and before you know it, you'll be selling your "outgrowns" on here like some of the rest of us.

Hey Tracy....I just got a shirt just like that one on the "big auction" site for a song and a dance (easy for me).  There are indeed some great deals out there.
Title: Re: Wool on a budget
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on December 12, 2011, 06:48:00 PM
What size are you, may have a shirt or 2 that could fit your bill   :readit:    ;)    ;)
Title: Re: Wool on a budget
Post by: TxAg on December 12, 2011, 07:41:00 PM
I won a bid last night on a pendleton. A little more that i wanted to spend, but i loved the color/pattern, haha.

I also got an early Christmas gift today and it was a Woolrich Buffalo shirt. Loving it so far. It was on sale, but still expensive. I plan on hitting the Goodwill soon.

 (https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JdI3uFuIdII/TuagmEaw8WI/AAAAAAAAC_Q/xQwqG5oxCvU/s800/Trad%252520Shirt.jpg)
Title: Re: Wool on a budget
Post by: perry f. on December 12, 2011, 08:03:00 PM
I wear a L or XL depending on the sizing. PM me and let me know what you have. Really not looking to buy until after christmas, but don't hurt to look. Thanks!
Title: Re: Wool on a budget
Post by: Rustic on December 12, 2011, 08:29:00 PM
Just like the previous posts. Check the "Goodwill". I have found and still use the wool sweaters, and Mackinaw Jacket I bought for pennys on the dollar.
Title: Re: Wool on a budget
Post by: chanumpa on December 12, 2011, 11:06:00 PM
I get mine at thrift shops etc.And then through much experimentation make my own tye dye camo.Works good,and is fun to boot.
Title: Re: Wool on a budget
Post by: Glunt on December 12, 2011, 11:59:00 PM
Search "CPO Jacket" if you are on the big auction site.  We complained as kids because we thought they looked dorky but we stayed warm. Usually have big plaid patterns that make great noncamo camo. Turns out my Dad (old school Adirondack hunter) knew a thing or two about a thing or two. That applied to a lot more than wool!
Title: Re: Wool on a budget
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on December 13, 2011, 09:48:00 AM
Perry PM sent.
Title: Re: Wool on a budget
Post by: kpete on December 13, 2011, 10:18:00 AM
I picked up nice columbia gallatin range pants and shirt/jac for 5 bucks apeice at a garage sale this summer.  Also wool shirts show up often.  I have worn wool dress pants from goodwill or thrift stores, garage sales for years.    Went to one garage sale that had 20 wool shirts on the rack. Most were too small for me but I put them on my boys for 7 bucks a pop.  Nice plaid (camo) designs.
Title: Re: Wool on a budget
Post by: TxAg on December 13, 2011, 05:22:00 PM
I just found a wool sweater at Goodwill about 30 minutes ago. It was a bit too small (looks like a Large that had been shrunk). It was only $5 so I bought it, cut the sleeves off, and now have a wool vest. I can probably so the sleeves together and make wool scarf/gaiter.

This is fun.
Title: Re: Wool on a budget
Post by: Paul WA on December 13, 2011, 06:13:00 PM
A few weeks ago Cabela's had a sale on Pendleton wool shirts I got a $90.00 shirt for $49.00...PR
Title: Re: Wool on a budget
Post by: ArrowAtomik on December 13, 2011, 10:51:00 PM
Goodwill is awesome.  People throw out perfectly good wool that is slightly shrunk, small repairable tears, or probably just too itchy for them.  Look for 100% wool items and a nice thin merino wool sweater is the best base layer.  Rarely do you pay more than $5 for anything.

I've picked over my local stores, but I often stop in a random one when I'm traveling.

I use Asbell wool as the outer layer and goodwill for the base and underlayers.
Title: Re: Wool on a budget
Post by: MTArrowLauncher on December 13, 2011, 10:56:00 PM
im in the same boat Perry, not for five tho. I want to make my own wool clothing, but dont know where to buy the heavy good wool. anyone have any clue where to look?
Title: Re: Wool on a budget
Post by: BobCo 1965 on December 14, 2011, 01:32:00 PM
Personally, I do not get cold all that easy. I have hunted all the way up to Northern Ontario. Personally, I will not buy an entire wool outfit mainly because I would not get good use from it. But, I do use wool sweaters (and very good underlayers)that I have purchased from army/navy surplus. These are nice in that they are form fitted which is a plus for archery.
Title: Re: Wool on a budget
Post by: GingivitisKahn on December 14, 2011, 10:14:00 PM
I've never had any luck w/ the German etc. surplus pants.  Whenever I find them, they look like they are made for German jockies or something.  I'm 6'4", not 4'6".   :p
Title: Re: Wool on a budget
Post by: Knotter on December 14, 2011, 10:36:00 PM
Personally the goodwill stuff is fine but i like my army sweater with merino wool under it.  Those surplus sweaters are great because you almost never need to wash them. I alson have a woolrich that is a very tight weave and it does a good job blocking wind. In canada you need lots of wool clothes so i ask for them as a gift.

Its tough to ask a non hunter or someone on a budget for KOM but you can usually get one good peice at a time.

Dont overelook a good sock system to keep you warm too.  That's the number one for me. Next is a good pair of wool gloves and a good hat.  

If i only had $100 to spend i would get the following
A pair of merino liner socks and a pair of throlo mountaineering socks ($35) next a filsonMakinaw cap ($50) Next a pair of wool gloves with the mit flaps ($10).