After listening to a fellow hunter talk about washing in woolite, blocking to dry, ect. with wool- and the cost of good wool hunting clothes- I will make do with cotton and microfiber clothing. Every man is welcome to his own choice, but this wool thing seems like a step backwards to me.
If you enjoy wool go for it, but this stuff seems to cost more than some of my bows. Just one opinion, Roy
There's a lot of good stuff other than wool out there. I use some of it, but sure do love my good wool garments. I'm not with you on the cotton idea however. Everyone to his own opinion.
It doesn't have to cost a fortune. The Asbell pullovers are inexpensive and durable, and a trip to the Salvation Army store will probably be a good source of inexpensive wool. Military surplus wool pants are dirt cheap and great hunting pants.
It's certainly your choice, but wool doesn't necessarily break the bank.
Well. I hunt in an area where it seldom gets much below 40 degrees. Never have seen much of a need for wool down here so I have never tried any. I do not like being cold very much and if I hunted up north I bet I would own some wool.
Bisch
Yea, I live in the mountains but do not hunt in the rain much anymore. Got older and wimpy maybe? Seemed like a hard material to live with- but if it your cup of tea-enjoy. Thanks, Roy
Anyone have smell issues with wool? I have witnessed it smelling like a wet dog? In the market for new cold weather gear and I am leaning towards fleece myself.
Roy, I agree with you to a point. If you don't buy smart you can sink a pile of $ in exactly what you described. But, if you shop around on your quest, you can buy wool hunting clothes cheaper than the cotton or micro fibers and get the stuff you can wash. It has a lot of the oils and stuff washed out due to it being preshrunk, but it is so superior, even in that state, to the micro fibers, for keeping you warm and breathability, it is worth it.
I am a tight wad, but I have sold and traded off nearly ever piece of hunting clothes that isn't wool because of this. And I had a lot of high dollar microfiber hunting clothes.
FYI, I buy Cabelas washable wool pants, got 2 pair now I have bought when they were on sale for $39 a piece. I have a pair of columbia cao'ed pants and a pair of military surplus, which are great pants bud. I Buy cabelas washable wool button up's on sale for $39 apiece. I have 2. I own 2 of the Asbell pullover which can be hand washed. I also have 4 pair of wool socks for hunting. My next project is 2 pairs of wool long handles, and one of Teresa's wool jackets for casual wear.
Sounds like a lot but it has me covered from 60's down to 0 no problems. It really is the most versatile hunting garment material on the face of the planet. I wore them last week in the temps of the mid teens, up to 65 today. Stayed toasty warm and didn't sweat on my hikes in. But the greatest attribute of it is it does all of this with out getting stinky.
I just spent 8 days in a camp with nothing but towels baths. I wore my wool outer garmits and they smell greatt right now with no laundring. I have to change my poly propoleyne long handles and cotton undies daily, but wore the same couple pairs of wool all week. It really is the greatest.
So, if you buy smart, be patient to get deals, you get all the easy to care for wool clothing you will ever need much cheaper than the touted microfibers. And have far superior clothing to boot. Give it a try, you will not be sorry. God Bless
I thought it was bad luck to wash hunting clothes or coffee pots. :dunno:
I love wool, it can be had for cheap if you shop around. I own 5 pair of the Surplus store military wool pants, the most I have ever paid is 12 bucks a pair. I used to live up in Idaho and believe me it gets cold up there, I cant stand the (NEW)fabrics THEY STINK!! they are permiated with that chemical smell, my own dog just smells them all over I cant imagine what the deer smell? Good OL cotton and wool for me!!
Merino wool socks and base layers are the best no matter your choice of outer layers. Search Minus 33 brand for top quality affordable merino wool to use against your skin.
I'll stay out of the outer layer debate today.
I got through many years without wool even some pretty rough late season duck hunts. I'm not sold on wool as an outer layer 100% of the time but wouldn't trade my wool socks and long johns for anything. I also like ragg wool sweaters and will own an Asbell vest before next season. Nothing I wear costs more than $50 other than my boots.
Well said Rob W, I work outside for a living and a wool base layer is the ticket. Got to say, I favor a wool outer layer for 98% of my hunting.
I love my wool. I wash mine like normal. Hang to dry. Easy. Although, I should note that I rarely wash my outer layers and my base layers are the Minus33 brand mentioned above...no special care needed so I wash them often.
I buy it cheap, too. I don't see a downside.
Just my two cents
I have just started wearing wool in the past couple of years. Like anything it has it's pros and cons. The biggest downside to it is weight. It is heavier than synthetics. If it gets saturated with water it takes a while to dry. Other than that I love it. I especially like wool base layers. Most of the Under Armour stuff is as expensive as wool base layers and I do not think it performs anywhere near as well. As far as cotton goes I do not and will not wear it at all for hunting in cold weather.
I love my ugly "Bill Cosby" wool sweaters to wear under my hunting clothes, LOL!
I agree, some of the clothing prices are insane. Fleece is about right in the middle for warmth, silence and price. :thumbsup:
I just started wearing wool this season and am completely impressed with it. It made my hunting much more comfortable.
hello fellow bowman I did post my info
I think it might have gotten lost
Wool is a very complex fabric--
not many wool producers left in the US
If you like a product and it is quality buy it now because it isn't going to get cheaper
There is an old saying told to be by a wise old jewish business man " somethimes cheap is expensive " think about it ! does not matter what is it--
What will you have 30-40 years from now - it won't be the carbon or wool arrows you paid
X amount for-- Fred Bear wore the same shirt as fr as I know for 40 years - did he have more than one of trhe same color -- yes - see insince cabin photo of him playing cards -- there are two plaid shirts hangin on the wall -
How to layer wear merino wool under garments
light or medium wool shirt-- vest -- wool jacket -- iof it rains hard wear a rain jacket-- there are some real light ones out there even if you are into the light mountain gear -- bring a wool shirt -- you won't regret it-- coming soon Top of the Mountain shirt-
Would you really chance being out in fleece
Why do many outfitters list say bring wool jacket of pants ????
good hunting RT
I have worn a pair of german mil surplus pants for years without washing. Hang outside in the sun, sometimes inside out. Store them in the summer in a tight barrel. Mojo can be washed out, so i never take that chance. Point is there are inexpensive wool options and getting even blood on them can be easily cleaned by drying thoroughly and thumping them with a stick to push out dirt and stains
Lots of good opines on the subjects, I love wool but its not for everyone, it can be picky to the skin, absorbs water, gets heavy, and will smell some when wet! as a base layer, hat or neck gaitor or socks Merino wool cannot be beat its the best! as stated by Classic Bowman good domestic USA wool is hard to find and is a Premium and getting rarer the 100% Virgin Wool is almost a thing of the past! Thats why older Pendleton, Filson, Woolrich & are ofton a coveted commodity. If you live in a warmer climate I can see where wool would not be the fabric of choice, I wear cotton even up here in Michigan when its warmer like now 40s-50s! With all that being said I love wool as an outerlayer its quiet absorbs light, still warm when wet, and as a camo the woodsy plaids can't be beat! I use the lighter wool and then layer with Polyfleece or some synthetic under neath its the best of both worlds! there are great fabrics out there however like the Windstoppers, Hydro-fleeces, the Rivers West HP5 etc its all good but for me its wool all the way!
No matter what you may think, and your opinion is important, wool works. It always has and it always will! I have wool shirts that are 35 years old....still good and still one of the best deals out there. See where some you "modern" materials are in 35 years!!
Sitka gear is a good compromise, First Lite is good and comes in lighter layers is another one, Cabelas Berber Fleece is a good compromise as well that has that shine factor lessened by the nature of it being napped. Melts to your skin in a fire so don't fall in one. Easy clean up and drying. Downside is you will be a bit puffy with layers in real cold and wind.
With wool, why would you wash it? Put it in a trash bag with a box of arm and hammer over night, done.
2 layers of it is way more than enough! 3 if you are in Saskatchewan and not moving!
In cold/wet conditions/survival situations, extended durations WOOL works, poly is decent.
A lot of mine were wore out, holed up, and non functioning after 5 years, much less 35. People make a big deal outta not being able to wash it. Just as stated above, if you have the kind that has to be handwashed. Dry it hot and whip it out. I know I'm not the only one to have this happen, but by the time you wash your high tech garmits alot the shrinking that has happened to them is just as noteable as the wool. But nobody addresses that.
I had shirtails to short to stay tucked. shirt sleeves are too short. Holes in the shirts of the "new fabric". All caused by shrinking, piling, and bascially falling apart due to being worn out. And the stuff stinks when you get it dirty or wear it for a couple days without washing it.
To each his own but I been down both roads and the wool route is so much better for ever use. One more tidbit for you fellows down south. A good insulator protects from heat as well as cold. So if you are wearing a long sleeved garment, I promise you wool will be cooler and more breathable than any synthetic. Those sweaty days would feel so much better in a light wool long sleeve versus a stinky, wet, polyester or cotton shirt. Your missing out and don't even know it. There is a reason top of the line suits and warm weather clothes are made from wool as well!
God Bless
There's something about wool and deerhunting...they seem to go together. There are many things about wool that are a pain--the price, the upkeep-- but for quiet, warmth (add a wind blocking layer as needed) and the way it reacts to natural light (nonreflective, an important and largely unreported phenomenon), wool is the winner. I have had deer walk right up to me when I'm wearing wool! :eek: To each his/her own.
I would never have a reason to badmouth wool....but:
I had a full set of KOM. Sold it. I bought a full set of Sleeping Indian. Sold it. I used to routinely wear some kind of 100% wool garment to the treestand. Sold them. I've had at least $3,000 invested in top line wool over the past 15 years. Today I own none. I still hunt in cold and windy or wet environments, and I'm more comfortable than ever.
I buy Goodwill wool sweaters oversized and wash them like all my other hunting clothes in hot water then dry them in the dryer. They felt together making them even warmer and end up fitting pretty good. I've never been more comfortable hunting in the cold.
Merino wool for a base layer can't be beat imo. Its warm yet cool because it breaths so well. Where it really shines is in the stink factor. Back when I used some of the high tech base layers after two days in the hills I could hardly stand the stench, and yes I use an unscented deodorant. I had to wash those clothes in camp in a little ice chest then rinse in the creek. With wool, even in the 90's and the sweating that goes with it, merino wool will go 5 days to a week with no stench. I have one shirt for each week of my hunt. I only wash them once a year after the hunts are over in cold water, gentle cycle, then line dry. I do prefer Primaloft for insulation, its much lighter than wool and packable raingear for wet weather.
Merino wool socks is the extent of the wool I wear. Here in Alabama fleece with windstopper keeps me very comfortable. It's not bulky,dries quickly and when it needs washing just throw it in the washer with some no scent,no fabric brightner detergent and it's good to go. A jacket,pants and heavy ECWCS longjohns keep me warm down to those few days it gets in the teens with very little weight or bulk. I buy Legacy fleece with windshear from C#@#%as for less than $150.00 for a nice hooded jacket and pants.
You CAN spend a crapload of money on any type of clothing. But you don't HAVE to. Shop smart and there is good, low care wool out there. A great thing about it is that you don't have to wash it as much as synthetics and it is a better insulator than cotton, the other natural fiber.
Certainly more than one fabric works in the field but in many ways doesn't it simply come down to PERSONAL SATISFACTION??? It does for me. Over the years I've noticed how non-reflective wool is in the woods - even in strong sunlight. I like the quietness, comfort, and effective "blending in" provided by a wool garment. Heck, I even like the smell when wet! My story is polar opposite to what someone else reported. I have sold most of my synthetic "hi tech" clothing with "camo" patterns and replaced them with simple cotton plaids in warm weather and wool in cool to cold temps. When I lean my Kodiak TD against a tree and pull a smashed cheese sandwich from my pocket I feel just like my old friend Fred Bear . . . makes a day afield that much better;^)
I would have to agree with Gary on the non reflective nature of wool and in my opinion that makes it the best choice for a hunting garment.
I usually spend a month or more at high elevations in the mountains backpacking with my wife during the summer. It gets cold at night, and warm long underwear is a must. If I wore any kind of synthetic long underwear, I might be warm enough, but I can guarantee you I wouldn't have a wife very long, at least not in the same tent! That stuff smells awful after you've worn it a few nights! Merino wool is the only way to go. It probably doesn't smell too wonderful after a while either, but it's more of a natural smell, and isn't a problem if you rinse it out in a stream and dry it in the sun every week or so.
Yep, good wool prices are high. And all the talk about washable wool, I don't believe. I bought some KOM wool pants and shirt in the mid 90s, and they shrunk like crazy. And yes, I blocked, and stretched them. Followed the directions to the T.
I own a KOM shirt now, and some Predator Wool pants and coat, but I never wash them. Unless they are drenched in blood in something. Mud dries and can be spot cleaned.
I use mostly wool and won't go back to synthetics. The care may not be as easy, but it's not hard and doesn't have to constantly be done either. The only drawback is cost, but the investment is worth it IMO. My socks and longjohns are mostly merino wool. The Asbell stuff is reasonable as is the LaClair longhunter stuff, which I personally own and is worth it's weight in gold on cold days.
I do wash my merino wool long johns. Haven't had a shrinkage problem with them.
KOM is outrageously priced, but the blowdown pattern is awesome camo.
Tall Paul, KOM isn't the only maker of wool and the set of ARMY surplus pants I have were washed at least 25 times before I knew better and they shrunk as well, but not to bad. As stated above by me, anything you wash and dry will shrink, but, if you follow the directions of the manufacturer, you should be just fine. If not, maybe you had the wrong kind. I once bought some woolrich bibs and jacket and they shrunk tremendously. But I didn't follow directions either. It isn't hard to take care of if you get the right stuff. At least mine isn't. Your expierences might be another example that $ signs aren't a true indicator of value. God BLess
QuoteOriginally posted by Tall Paul:
Yep, good wool prices are high. And all the talk about washable wool, I don't believe. I bought some KOM wool pants and shirt in the mid 90s, and they shrunk like crazy. And yes, I blocked, and stretched them. Followed the directions to the T.
I own a KOM shirt now, and some Predator Wool pants and coat, but I never wash them. Unless they are drenched in blood in something. Mud dries and can be spot cleaned.
I decided to do a little wool washing before the season this yr. also..big mistake..same results as you.
I absolutely love my KOM wool.
The best hunting clothes I've ever had and I plan on getting some of classic bowman new wool garments.
They are not cheap but their the best and will out last all other garments, so at the end of the day, they save you money.
......Philip
Wool has served my well and I have too much of it to quit now. KOM and Silent Predator in camo and Asbell plaids. I just got a hat from Classic Bowman and will be getting more of it.
I've sent a KOM hooded sweatshirt and bibs through the washing machine several times and mine has never had any shrinkage I can notice.
I'm with Centaur on this one,have never cared for the heavy wools. I do however like the 80% wool dress pants I picked up at salvo for 5.00. I had to alter them for my size, no big deal for the price. Also got a nice wool plaid shirt made by LL Bean for 3.00. Light weight, works great.He.......of a nice set of hunting clothes for 8.00.
Hi AWP,
The best wool pants I ever owned were some Swedish Army military surplus. The wind did not penetrate at all!
But they must have been WWII issue, cause they stunk of mold so bad, I had to wash 'em! Anyway, they didn't shrink, but eventually came apart due to age (I guess).
Theres lots of good wool out there. I'm just saying that I'm kinda of leery of products that claim to be washable, like KOM.
Wind goes right through wool and you will eventually get cold. I have gone to the Cabelas Outfitter Fleece with windsheer liner. It's warm and has a good camo pattern.
Ever get caught in a fire and you'll see the benefits of wool over fleece or any synthetic.
I dont know how they make wool garments, maybe its very difficult, but I really only have one major issue with Wool. How can it be so expensive? It is VERY abundant, renewable resource, they throw the stuff away when the demand backs up so the sheep keep growing it. How can it be so expensive- I would think someone would start selling it cheap to undercut the onther guy but it never happens - so is there some expensive process to make garments from it? Maybe I'll learn to knit...
Where I live and hunt a 30 degree morning is cold. Can I tell ya for a South Ga Redneck 30 degrees is VERY cold.I was a at bass pro and bought a Wool jacket. Columbia I think it is. Not expesive but is very warm on the 30 degree mornings with no "bulk". Love it.RC
I think wool has its place,but when its realy cold and I am setting all day I like the synthetics better. I just cant seem to get warm with wool when its very cold.
I hate wool. But thats just me. But hunting on a cold wet winter day is 50 degrees.
I wear wool darn near every day from mid Sept-May. Nothing else for me, wool is the best of the best.
I just finished an exercise hike in high wind and blowing snow and was darn glad to have my hooded Primaloft coat that is athletic cut with a mountaineering hood to be really comfortable because it blocks the wind and the insulation can retain body heat. I would have been miserable in any wool(or fleece) without some windblocker and I have plenty of wool...glad it was in the closet.Wool or fleece is also a good midlayer when below zero.
RC we are still in running shoes and T shirts way less than 30 degrees, but you could kill me with your heat :biglaugh:
So how tight is the Classic Bowman line woven for wind resistance Gary?
Hunted with wool for over 40 years and love it. Non-refective and has a great comfort range. Not to mention very quiet.
Imagine if you will, being left stranded in interior Alaska for a month during the fall hunting season with the unpredictable weather it has. Would you be confident the synthetic garments on your back will keep you alive or would you secretly wish you were wearing wool? Even though I have and use some synthetic and cotton hunting clothing for different kinds of weather I always imagine the above scenario and know I'd have a fighting chance to come out alive if I were wearing wool. I'm sure hunting a cold, damp state like Michigan has something to do with my choice.
I started with a mix of really cheap wool and synthetics. Synthetics sure are lighter, but I have really gotten away from them as I got older and have a little more spending money. In warmer weather cotton has done me right well. In colder weather, I trust in wool al the way. I still have the other stuff, in a tub somewhere. Don't have the need for it lately.
Wear what you want. Think how expensive wool would be if everybody wanted some.
ChuckC
stickbows,wood arrows, wool socs, how can you go wrong.. when the weather is damp in moose camp my wool blanket is king. After ten hours of driving rain in Helly Hansons my wool shirt is wet but still warm. Wring the water out of your ragg wool gloves and your good to go. Nothing beats wool for me
we spent most of the night the other night in minus 35 temps predator calling. I was in my woolens and stayed toasty. Face was a bit chilly lol. I've gone the fleece gambit and it has its place. I can't vouch for sitka/kuiu gear other than the price tag is hideious imho! I started with some old red wollens as a kid, and here I am back to wearing woolens.
Hey Jeff good to see ya on here...are you back in town?
btw if you want a pair of great socks, look for Darn Tuffs...life time warrenty, merino wool. I had to stop wearing them at work, toooo warm! I did wear my trekker smart wools the other night though I think with a pair of liners the darn tuffs and my muks would have been just fine.
You like Wool you hate Wool. Need to wear what you feel works. I believe the Wool product is popular for its insulating quality AND just the way it looks.... PLAID. The word PLAID is an abbreviation for the word TRADITIONAL. :readit: :thumbsup:
I cannot imagine hunting without wool.
For those that don't want to pay the cost of commercial wool clothing you can order plans online from some of the big muzzleloading/rondevous houses for wool coats made from wool blankets. You don't need to be a seamstress as they are all handstiched with wool yarn with a blanket stitch. You may be locked into solid colors though as plaid blankets aren't on the market in great quantities. Even a caveman can do it.
QuoteOriginally posted by flinthead:
but this wool thing seems like a step backwards to me.
Do you hunt with a TradBow???????........HELLO!!!!
On a serious note, actually MAN is still trying to CATCH UP, not stepping back....
Man STILL can't out do mother nature on a fiber such as wool. No man made fiber is as durable either. I think you need to 'read up' a bit more. Lots of miss info out there. Lots of different wool types, wool constructions, wool fabrics, etc.....
(http://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S1570023202002118-gr1.gif)
And, even cleaning...which is rare if you dress properly underneath. .....and you can even buy WASHABLE merino thermals that you out in the machine.
Not really sure what the intent of this thread is, but a lot of positives have come out in the defense of wool from an original post that seems bent out to slam it.
I also like the Alaskan analogy....
Wonder what fiber you would want if you were stranded???
Wonder if you had to live in the woods for a couple of years...would you want a fleece blanket or wool blanket....which one do you think would last the longest and keep you the warmest?
I own a couple wool garments but am in no way an expert on wool. What I don't like about it is the weight. Not sure if all is as heavy as mine but I don't wear it much for that reason.
Jax....if you aren't going to contribute anything but smart comments, please refrain from posting. TradGang aint big on just popping off with nothing to contribute. Thanks.
You wool afficianados need to check out Ibex wool products. They have an outlet page on their website that I have purchased from during the offseasons and gotten good prices. (Buy winter clothing in summer etc.) I own 3 of their vests and several jackets and pullovers. Sold my Filson I am so impressed with their products. But like Bona, I always enjoy my "used" finds the best! Hardly an outdoor day without wool.
I wish more people hated wool so i could get a better price on them.I where KOM every day i hunt best stuff on earth.
KOM has worked great for me. I've had mine for at least 15 years now and it still looks new. I don't wash it since it stays amazingly clean. I habg it outside for the day and it gets rid of any smell it might have. In a heavy wind i wear my peter storm rainwear over it asa wind blocker and it works great.
I think to rule out wool completely is silly
I also think ruling out synthetics is silly. There is rarely a day in the woods hunting that I don't have merino wool, softshell something, primaloft, and gray wolf woolens on.
Yep...i wear fleece much more than wool....
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But when it gets mean....I'm wearing wool.
I like wool,but it is expensive. I think you're better off spending the money if you decide to wear wool,because the weave seems to be tighter. If you're hunting in conditions where you may get damp or wet there is no doubt in my mind that wool is the best. I agree with others that sometimes it does seem like some of the man made stuff just keeps you warmer if you're just sitting,but for the most part I wear wool.
Started buying KOM in 1987. It was a little more reasonable price wise then. Added 1 or 2 pcs a year and now have quite a few. It is not perfect but what is? I even have some autumn brown that is actually brown, not green, love that color.
Other than replacing a button or two most of my stuff still wears as new. Some of the best money I ever spent. By the way Woolite is the worst smelling stuff I can think of.
When soaked wet,wool will still keep you warm.Also is quiet.Thre are infinite choices out there these days.Fleece and good layering is good as well.In extreme cold ,wet conditions though,the old mountaineers use to say,"cotton kills"cause once it is soaked you gonna get chilled to the bone.
I've been in the process of switching from synthetic materials and commercial patterns to wool. For me, there is something nostalgic about wool that just fits trad bow hunting. Growing up, my dad got a Pendleton wool shirt every year for Christmas. He still wears them daily and he recently passed down some of his old ones to me... pretty special.
The look and texture just feels good. It enhances the whole hunting experience for me... but to each his own. Guess it just comes down to personal preference.
I've asked this question before. If wool is so darned good, why is it not used as a fabric by those who depend on their clothing to stay alive? Expidition wear, mountaineering wear, etc. Not that it doesn't have it's place, but don't get so wrapped up in the "trad hype" that you forget why wool has limited appeal under the worst of conditions.
BAK....those are totally different applications...think about it. Active, sweating, weight conscious etc....
Will any of those fabrics keep you warm if you get wet? Cold is one thing, but cold and wet is another. Its not 'hype' if its fact that wool will still keep you warm if it gets wet. Or the fact that it will absorb up to 18% of its weight without feeling wet.
Is there any man made fiber that will do that as well as wool? I'd be interested to know.
And, what man made fabrics will last as long? Wool is only expensive in the initial investment, but is not less expensive over its lifetime.
Wool is what it is and doesn't have to be 'hyped'...much less labeled 'trad hype'. It has proven itself and stood the test of time for centuries.
Gray Wolf Wool! I couldn't think of the name earlier. I have the pants and jacket, and they have a tight weave that blocks the wind. I was in Tennessee two weeks ago, and was really impressed with the Predator camo. Deer seem to look right through it.
I've gotten rid of anything Polyester. The stuff makes me sweat like crazy. It's like wearing a plastic bag. Since I went to Merino wool long johns, I don't sweat near as much.
Polyester also retains odors and STINKS.
Next week " paper or plastic?" LOL. We can debate anything here.
Well count me as another non wool user. I get a kick out of all the how great wool threads are on the web. Yes it's got it's place just not for me! I've owned a ton of wool garments over the years and own very little now adays. So many better garments out there that work for staying warm and quiet and scent free.
QuoteOriginally posted by Terry Green:
BAK....those are totally different applications...think about it. Active, sweating, weight conscious etc....
.
Exactly! If we were on an alpine expedition we would wear down. But a puffy down jacked walking through briars and shooting a bow doesn't exactly work.
Bah Humbug lol
QuoteOriginally posted by Terry Green:
BAK....those are totally different applications...think about it. Active, sweating, weight conscious etc....
Will any of those fabrics keep you warm if you get wet? Cold is one thing, but cold and wet is another. Its not 'hype' if its fact that wool will still keep you warm if it gets wet. Or the fact that it will absorb up to 18% of its weight without feeling wet.
Is there any man made fiber that will do that as well as wool? I'd be interested to know.
And, what man made fabrics will last as long? Wool is only expensive in the initial investment, but is not less expensive over its lifetime.
Wool is what it is and doesn't have to be 'hyped'...much less labeled 'trad hype'. It has proven itself and stood the test of time for centuries.
Well said.
I'm sorta enjoying this thread. I have enough time in cold northern Michigan to know for SURE that nothing keeps one warm like wool. I am fortunate, in that wool doesn't itch me at all. I have some of my old Army issue long johns...wool...and I still wear them. Yep. 30 year old underwear. :D
As I type this, my house is at 66 degrees. I have on a wool sweater, and a wool lap blanket. Get someplace cold and try a wool blanket vs a fleece blanket. Not even close.
Smell? Nonsense. Anything stinks if you don't care for it. And contrary to what the modern fabric crowd will preach...if they are down wind, they can smell you. I promise.
Hunting and fishing Sth Island in winter .....
Wool everyday of the week and twice on Sundays
.......
I use all sorts of clothing but every hunting pack I put together has a wool jacket included in case of emergency
Mountaineering and mountain climbing outer garments are not wool because of the weight of them. Ask people who do it what their underlayers that never get taken off are.
It is what it is. You like it or not. But it is warmer than any synthetic, it will keep you warmer in adverse weather if you dress right by layering. If it is really cold outside, you can't just throw on a wool jacket and expect to be toasty without proper layers undermeath. But, you can't do that with anything else either. It will out last any synthetic made. It insulates when wet. Will actually never lose one bit of insulating potential until absorbing over 30 percent it's weight in water. It regulates your core temps durning extreme activities unlike synthetics.
It is one of those fabrics that doesn't sweat you so your not going to put it on and start getting hot. You can set in it in 55-60 degree weather as easy as 20 degree weather. It is a regulator. No synthetic can do that regardless of their breatability claim. It has it's place like everything else. Your choice to use it or not. God Bless
As was mentioned, the demands of mountaineering are much different from the demands of hunting. I've done both, and when mountaineering, I want the absolute lightest things that will do the job. Mountaineering is more of an athletic contest of you against the mountain. Few people are interested in climbing a mountain that isn't pretty near the limit of their capabilities. A fair number of people die because of that. Some kinds of hunting might be like that, such as hunting mountain sheep in the high mountains, but I haven't done that kind of hunting.
The kind of hunting I do requires quiet, slow movement. I often wondered why I didn't see more game when mountain climbing. Well, we never moved quiet and we never moved slow. I often have to move through brush when hunting. I'm above all the brush when mountain climbing. A little extra weight has never bothered me when hunting, but I do need clothes that are durable and quiet.
These factors are why I would choose wool when hunting and the lightest synthetics when climbing mountains.
I like wool for an inner layer, but I want something on the outside that can stop the wind. If the wind gets through to your body you are finished.
I just do not like it because it gets me all itchy even just as a out side layer. Drives me nuts. Think I might be alegic to it or something.
Wool is good stuff.
Wool for me
Actually, Merino wool base layers (underwear and socks) ARE all the rage in the mountaineering circles these days. Mid and outer-layers are different because of the aforementioned weight and the desire for an outer "shell" when back-country skiing or mountain climbing. Hunters often opt out of the shell concept because of the noise these fabrics make.
I am a huge fan of wool when hunting or fishing - climbing its Smartwool base - synth or smart wool mid and synthetic outer layer/shell.
JW
I would agree that most wool fabrics aren't the most windproof material on the market today. But oddly enough, that is part of the reason it regulates your body temperature so well and in such a wide range of temperatures. In the past I tried what seemed to be every combination of windproof this over synthetic that and I always ended up overheating, getting damp from perspiration and eventually COLD. Using layerings of wool (including merino wool longjohns) I found myself very comfortable MOST of the time when the weather was nasty, and when the wind became brutal, guess what I did? I retreated to the hemlock groves and interestingly enough found that is where the deer had headed for themselves. You wool guys do yourself a favor and get one of Asbell's lighweight, windproof pullover vests to layer directly under your outer wool garment. Yeah it's synthetic but that's what makes it windproof. I have one and it works great.
I gotta say I love wool. I used to be pretty sensitive to it as a kid, and it would always make me itch. That went away with time. I don't get in the real cold like some folks and it is still my favorite. I get cheap used pendleton shirts from the thrift store in earth tone plaids. Half-open I have worn them as a baselayer in 80-90 weather and they worked.
The sound of wool can't be beat, and the non reflectivity, and colors are great for concealment.
I bought some boots with the "event" lining instead of goretex, man those boots breathe so well and keep my feet dry, but my feet were getting super cold, bought some merino wool socks and man are they great, don't hunt super cold weather enough to go for the wool outer clothes, but the socks are awsome! And when it's warm, cotton is still king:)
My base layers of long underwear and socks are almost always merino wool, along with various merino wool caps, neck gaiters, and sometimes liner gloves. I actually wear merino wool socks every day, all year long.
Most of the rest of my hunting clothing is synthetic, and that is because it is light, compactable, and warm when needed. I like down, but have gravitated now to PrimaLoft or some other similar fill insulation to stay warm if the insulation gets wet. Kuiu has recently come out with down jackets where the down is DWR (durable water repellant) treated to minimize water absorption and drying time. I will wait for some of the real world reviews before I venture out with the new Kuiu down clothing. I like the soft shell materials from Kuiu, Sitka and others. I've worn that gear in the Yukon Territory and the Rockies, and it works well, as long as I make sure to stuff PrimaLoft mid-layer jacket, vest and/or pants into my pack. Lots of trips involve travel by air with all my gear, including sleeping bag and pad, bows, arrows, optics, clothing, etc. I don't have the room for excess bulk or the weight allowance for excess mass in my gear, so the lightest, most compactable gear is what I look for. In most instances, wool is not the best option for me to use for my middle or outer layers, although a second pair of merino long underwear, a non-bulky merino sweater and/or a Pendleton shirt can be a good option. Of course, I also have good hard-shell rain gear, with my favorites being Core4Element Torrent (quieter) and Kuiu Chugach (drier), that can keep out wind, rain and snow.
HOWEVER -- I do have quite a bit of wool other than socks, long underwear, caps, gloves, and other next-to-skin items. I also have whipcord wool pants that are fairly light and tightly woven, Pendleton shirts, merino wool (and other less desirable wool) sweaters and LaClair Longhunter wool pullover and hood/cape. I gave away several pairs of heavy wool pants because they were far too bulky and heavy for me, so I never wore them. So, except for the heavy wool pants, I am adequately prepared for hunting completely in wool too, which I am sometimes known to do.
I also have a ton of fleece, which I think is the greatest stuff ever for silence and wears like iron. It also comes in lots of my favorite patterns. Fleece isn't the warmest, lightest or least bulky material on the market, but it works very well in most hunting conditions, even when it is not the best option available.
Cotton is good for some conditions, but in winter it can kill you, and when wet it is abrasive. I only wear cotton in mild, dry weather and never in my boots where it is a leading cause of blisters.
Allan
Well stated Allan...and I've had much the same experiences.
I guess it's the individual which matters most here, and what pleases (or displeases) them about their gear choices. There was a time when I thought wool was the be-all/end-all of hunting fabrics. I was in love with it, and could never imagine preferring anything beyond it. I found it well-suited for much of my more sedentary hunts, like whitetails and such. For packing light (Alaska and other destinations with gear restrictions) the heavier weight and bulk of outer wool garments was a major disadvantage. They were eventually eliminated in favor of lighter physical weight synthetics and insulators like Primaloft, goose down, etc. Along the way I realized I wasn't missing any performance advantage of my wool, which was hanging at home. A couple years went by and I just found myself repeatedly leaving those very good wools alone and reaching for my 'other' comfortable clothes.
I've been to either northern Canada or Alaska the majority of the past dozen years, and experienced some pretty wild weather on those trips. 60 mile days of boat riding in the NWT in cold temps. Horseback hunting in the Yukon. Running in a Zodiac for hours with snow in the air in northern BC. Waking up to near single-digit temps in central Alaska, but also seeing t-shirt afternoons there. Then there's lion hunting in Utah, where the day begins in the high desert and might end at 9,000 ft in the snow and ponderosas. I've experienced the advantages and disadvantages of both synthetics and wools. For these types of adventures, synthetics are my clear and unambiguous winner. That's me, and no way am I suggesting anyone else is like that...or shares these thoughts.
Finally, most of my wool comments above relate to wool as used for outer wear, with heavier fabric weights. I like and use merino wool products for underlayers and such, though I own far more synthetic underlayers than I do merino. Wool is a great natural fiber and fabric for outdoorsmen and women, and I'm sure it will be around forever. Wear what you enjoy most, and be assured that's what matters most!
:thumbsup:
I think wool is great!
I think of it like tools in a tool box! I would hate to have just one choice. I remember hunting before goretex, before fleece, before thinsulate in my boots, not for as many years as alot on the site but I whole heartedly embrace the wonderful choices and variety in my hunting clothing.
With all the modern wazoo synthetic miracle fabrics out there, and we use alot of synthetic stuff....does anyone know what every Soldier going through cold weather training gets issued their first day....?
surplus korean war WOOL.....and that's all they use...
I've been a user of wool for 40 years. I tell about my first eye opening experience on a Montana hunt many years ago on my web site http://www.shrewbows.com/wool_shirts/
Dressing up for a few hours hunt in the morning or evening, then back to your warm house or cabin may not be the best test for cold weather gear. If you actually have to live in your clothes for days or weeks at a time I think you'll learn to appreciate the benefits of wool.
I did that when I went on Jay Masseys Moose John float hunt. Patagonia long johns and King Of The Mountain pants, coat and hat protected my body for two weeks in Alaska's fickle fall weather. One time in particular I left our small base camp on an inland excursion. It started to rain lightly and soon turned to snow. When I got back to camp my wool was damp but I wasn't cold. I laid down on my sleeping bag inside the tent and fell asleep for about an hour. When I woke I still wasn't cold. Wool generates heat even when wet. If I had been wearing synthetics I probably would have have been chilled to the bone.
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/100%25_wool.JPG)
I agree 100% Ron. While folks can decide for themselves, I have been in skin freezing temps at both ends of the clothing spectrum, I can tell you from experience that at some point, the synthetics just don't perform like wool will. I like to say "There's a reason why sheep aren't covered in polypropylene." It's the natural fibers that are doing the work.
I feel they help you blend in with your surroundings better too. Gotta be something to do with the way it reflects light. Like when a deer quits moving in the woods and seems to fade into the background. On several occasions, I've walked up on deer in an open field and simply knelt down before they saw me. They eventually spot me and will walk towards me until they can get down wind and smell me. I've never had them do that in my old camo gear.
My wife bought me that same shirt you are pictured in and I don't know how I hunted so many years without it.
Thats a fine looking hunters frock that Mr.LeClair is sporting there.When I was younger and dumber,I got lost hunting the goat rocks wilderness in Wa.THe wool I was wearing saved me.Since then,its all I want and use.I do layer and can appreciate other new fabrics in conjunction with wool and wool blends.This slick new shiney stuff just isnt for some of us old timers I guess.
QuoteOriginally posted by amar911:
I also have a ton of fleece, which I think is the greatest stuff ever for silence and wears like iron.
I have to ask, what type of fleece? If you are talking about recycled pop bottles wearing like iron I would have to use the hype word on that. I mean c'mon, PLASTIC wearing like iron?
I think wool is much warmer than the synthetics, especially when wet, but it's weight and bulk and maybe cost has led to it's decline vs the synthetic stuff. If you're carrying everything for a week or two on your back, wool starts to get very unattractive in a hurry. At least for me. However if I was to fall into an ice cold river on a snowy day in Canada, I would want to be wearing wool.
I wear the merino wool under garments, and love my wool socks. I also like the lighter weight wool outers like LeClair's and Asbells, but my point about not wanting wool when it's really cold comes from the wind issue.
When you build a house, you wrap it with Tyvek to keep the wind from robbing the insulating value of the fibergalss. The same principle is well known and has been mentioned by others here with clothing.
You can wear some light fleece or primaloft under a wind/water proof shell and sit in your stand for hours.
You would need wool a half inch thick weighing you down like a lead overcoat and even then you would still feel the cold penetrating through.
So, you give fleece a shell to work but not the wool. Not a very good defense. And, some of you guys must be pretty week complaining about the weight of wool. I wonder how some of you get around in the woods if you can't carry the weight of a wool jacket.
:dunno:
Looks like this one needs to get wrapped up. The OP started this as a basic diss on wool, and he hasn't even revisited the thread.
Lets move on..... :campfire: