Anybody using the Asbell Wool Zipper jackets? If so, any info on roughly how warm they are (I'm looking at the extra heavy weight variety)? Some of those patterns like Timber Ghost and Evening Stand Brown would be awesome for Wisconsin Whitetails...just wondering, again, about how warm they are and people's experiences with them. I know layering is everything so they'd probably have to have something underneath them for really cold weather, but any thoughts!?!
Lots of guys using Asbell wool, I sell them on my website. Like you already said, proper layering is everything in a cold place like Wisconsin or Michigan.
I wear mine with quality long underwear, maybe one of her Windblocker vests, and a nice dense Filson sweater. Very warm in this winter weather.
They are superb cold weather garments. I have two pullovers and will be getting a zippered versions soon. I prefer the pullover but putting one on while in a treestand is just short of dangerous sometimes. I do know that Teresa uses very heavy zippers in the zip version of her garments. You won't be disappointed.
Do a search, you will find lots of positive comments on the Asbell wool.
I purchased my hooded, zippered version from Roger and it is perfect for me. It is warm and the Silent Stalker Green works very well. When it is really cold I wear a long sleeve moisture wicking under-layer shirt and maybe my Filson wool vest. I have one of Teresa's wind blocker vests but have not yet tried it.
I've been using Asbell wool for several years and its a great product. The zippered jacket is top notch, I've been using one in Little Delta plaid this year. I've been wearing mine everywhere, hunting, shooting, going to town, work. I love it!
You can't go wrong with her wool!!! I got a timber ghost and wind blocker vest from Roger and they are top notch. But with confidence.
I really want to try one of the zippered models. Maybe I'll get some Christmas cash this year I can use. ;)
I hunted the other day and it was 45 or so early in the evening and got down to 30 or so by dark. I had a cotton T, Duofold long johns, wool shirt and a wool Asbell Mackinaw (I wasn't wearing the hood though) pullover on. I was very comfortable. Except for one really cold morning, I think I have worn about the same thing every hunt this year. I might add a sweater if it was in the 20's.
You won't be disappointed with any of Teresa's stuff.It was 25 deg. this morning and I wore Cabela's MTP underwear and a wooltimate pullover and my Little Delta Plaid jacket and was toasty.When the sun hit me it was like the jacket heated up.Get one with the hood,you'll love it.
fivebears- that was exactly what I was thinking in terms of layering with the wooltimate pullover! Thanks, all, for the input!
I second the hood. You won't resent it.
That's all I wear anymore here in Wisconsin. Layer properly and you will be all set. When it is really cold I use a wooltimate vest with wind blocker over my asbell wool and it works great. All of my old cold weather gear seems bulky compared to how I dress now.
and you are correct- timber ghost is a great pattern!
Anybody have their mackinaw pullover with hood? Do you basically get a double-layer of wool over your upper chest and shoulders when you through the hood part on? That would seem to be the way to go!!
The patterns are outstanding, I wear Evening Stand Brown I have had deer look right thru me while wearing that pattern this year! it has to be layered to be warm, temps are really varied here in Michigan so far in Dec, as low as the high teens and lately in the 40s in the PM! I have a hooded pullover vest, but I hope to purchase a couple pieces in differant patterns at the Kazoo show in January, prolly the zippered models! That Timber Ghost would be ideal at this time of the year!
Won't get to see mine. Jacket or vest. Some dirtbag scum sucking piece of feces must have needed it worse than me. Delivery confirmation from USPS and no package in the box or by the front door.
archeryx too bad to hear of your loss, makes you wonder how some people can live with themselves.
Do most of you guys wear a vest under the pullover or zip up?
Stujay- I was wondering the same thing about layering. Basically, I'm wondering (and I know everyone is different) about the comfortable temp range for SITTING ALL DAY IN A STAND. When late October/early November hits in Wisconsin and the rut is on, I want to sit from dark to dark comfortably. I'm sure that means some kind of insulation layer under the Asbell, just curious what people are using (I know one of you said Cabelas wooltimate). Either way I hope to get one of those jackets soon!
Thanks everyone for the info/advice!
Buy me some for Christmas (TubbsTru is my son) and I'll critiqued it for you. Ha! You owe me this much for your traditional genetics! (Glad your on tradgang)
I layer with several differant pieces depending on the temps, baselayer is always merino wool, if it is not real cold light Polarfleece jacket, or a light wool shirt, December i use a heavier wool coat under my vest i make sure my vests are roomy enough to do so with out restricting my ability to draw the bow! Those big pockets on the garments are a great feature too!
I use the blocker vest and a pull over,over my wool bibs even in the coldest wheather here in michigan,never been cold. Now if Theresa could make some wool socks for my feet I would be all set. :archer:
stillhunter- I'm sorry to inform you that you're on the naughty list this year :) Actually, you're already taken care of for Christmas- maybe your birthday! Thanks for the genes too :)
The mackinaw with hood is two layers over your shoulders, and upper chest and back. It is very warm and the over size hood will fit over any hat you are wearing.
This is a copy of a post I did on another thread... It outlines my layering scheme for cold weather but it's a very versatile system right down to just using the vest for warmer weather...
QuoteOriginally posted by South MS Bowhunter:
Question guys are the sizes accurate? Other words if I wear a large in shirts what size pull over should i get?
Agree with others... I wear Medium shirt, I have all medium Asbell Wool. While you're at it, I recommend getting there windblocker vest!!! For really cold sits this is my layering and it's not bulky!!!
Very versatile to mix and match...
Cold Gear Under Armour Long Sleeve Compression fit shirt
Justin Charles Merino Wool Long Sleeve 3/4Zip Turtle neck Base Layer
Small Asbell Windblocker Vest with long turtle neck, higher in back than front...
Medium Asbell Evening Stand Green Pull-Over Shirt from the Mackinaw Set, no hood
Medium Asbell Evening Stand Brown Vest, no hood
Medium Asbell Evening Stand Green Mackinaw Cape & Hood from the set over it all...
I wear my treestand safety harness over the windblocker vest so it doesn't get in the way of the turtle neck, and then comes the shirt & vest, then stick the "tether" strap under the back of the Mackinaw cape so it's out of the way, plus I can put on & take off the cape in the stand if I want depending on temperature... Sweet set-up for sure! :thumbsup: I wear each of the components individually too for early season wear options.
I also have two of their Wool Haversacks!!!! Sweet...
My missing wool is here. We had contacted the PO about it this morning. They said there was a sub yesterday and they would contact my normal carrier so he could check on it when he got there. The substitute mail man put the package drop key in the wrong mailbox. My neighbor came by and gave me a key a few minutes ago. Woooooo!
Teresa had even heard about it and offered replacements and was getting started. What a great person.
Needless to say USPS has failed in the CS department again. When I caught the normal guy today at the box. I asked him if he had gotten the message from the Post Office. He said 'no'. Surprise, surprise!
stujay: here's my timber ghost vest, and thanks again to Teresa!
(http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h419/faston2/IMAG0636.jpg)
archeryx, thanks for the posted pic...good news on getting your goods!
Anybody know if the Asbells will be at the Kalamazoo show this year?
The Asbells will be at Kalamazoo for sure. I will also be working in thier booth.
I have one of the Asbell pullovers and love it. The only issue I have is my skin has major reactions to the wool. It doesn't matter how much I layer, I itch and turn red. Can a person have a skin allergy to wool? Is there anything, besides layering, that I can do?
By the way, I'm looking to lighten the amount of gear I take while hunting and I think the Asbell Haversack will be my next purchase.
Yes, you can be allergic to wool, or even to the lanolin that is in it. It is itchy to me, too, but nothing beats wool. I can hardly wait for Teresa to get mine finished!
Anybody have a pic of the Mackinaw without the hood attached? I want to see how the pieces look separate...
I layer my pullover with either a merino wool or synthetic base layer (usually just a t-shirt) and then a light merino long-sleeve layer. If necessary, I'll add a 3rd merino layer but more of a medium weight. Pullover on the outside.
For merino wool, I use various Minus 33 (for base layers, most of their colors are only solids like black and very dark green) and First Lite items (available in various camo options, make great outer layers on slightly warmer days). I use SmartWool socks, though they also make some clothes (non-camo stuff as I recall, and I was already overed there with Minuss 33, so I can't speak to their quality; really good socks, though).