Hey everyone got a question. I see that theres a new wool coat out by hunter image. The gray timber looks great. Other than warmth why do you choose wool over lets say the scent block suit that i have now. This may be a dumb ? But i am a newbie lol thanks as always
Not a dumb question. For the most part, wool will keep you warm when wet, synthetics will not. Sent block "technology" is more of a gimmick. As a police officer, I've worked with K9's and understand how the nose of an animal works. Many believe in it. Personally I prefer wool, over fleece or goretex. you don't need as this of a layer of wool as you do others.
It is warm, insulates when wet, doesn't stink as bad on extended hunts, and reflects less light.
That said I like it for my base layers and maybe a sweater. I don't dig wool pants that much.
There is no other reason, IMHO, than warmth for outer wear. In truly cold conditions, nothing is better!
The only better than wool is another layer of it.
Wool Pro's:
- Very warm, but breathes and regulates temperatures better than most synthetics over a wider range of temperatures
- Stays warm when wet whereas modern materials usually dont
- Doesn't reflect light like polyesters and fleeces do, which helps marginally with camoflauge effect
- Doesn't retain odors like synthetics do
- Pulls moisture from the skin unlike cotton
- Is VERY quiet when brushing against gear, twigs, etc
- Is very, very durable
- Does not burn, melt, or drip when fire or embers brush against it during camp making it much safer and more reliable for bushcrafting/hike in hunts/etc
Wool Con's:
- Can be scratchy feeling, although higher quality wool alleviates most of this
- Is typically more expensive to make than fleece or similar products
- Can't be thrown in a dryer so you have to wash on gentle cycle then block it as it air dries - not a huge deal but for some this is a hassle
Other (can be good or bad):
- Is physically heavier than modern materials for the same amount of insulation - I like this as it makes me feel more cozy in the cold, but if your doing distance hiking and loadout weight is a concern, then you MAY not want wool due to weight
- Comes in color schemes that are more traditional and woodsy than other materials with commercially produced camo patterns - some people prefer the looks of the old plaids and what not
- It's a "traditional" material for outdoorsman clothing over the past several years because it works and works well. Some like the traditional heritage and ways of old.
For me and the way I hunt, wool is the only way to go. Even when I hike and backpack in, I want wool for my body and choose to save weight in areas like shelter, sleeping bags, etc. I am really easy to overheat and sweat like a pig. For me wool REALLY helps to regulate my temperature better, wick moisture from me, and not make me smell like a locker room after one day in the field. Cotton and cotton blends get wet and loose insulating properties quick and can't be dried easily. Polyester and fleece blends get holes at camp fires, stink quickly, and just aren't as durable to drag through the bush. Wool just seems to work the best.
What would be the best pattern for all around from the asbel wool jackets up top. The evening. stand looks good so does the morning mist.
QuoteOriginally posted by aim small...release:
What would be the best pattern for all around from the asbel wool jackets up top. The evening. stand looks good so does the morning mist.
I had her make me a full zip mackinaw with hood. That gives me options for layers of warmth and ventilation. I can have an unzipped jacket mid-day or on the move. Zip it up for chilly mornings. Add the shoulder piece on bitter cold days or days with high wind. A single layer over the arms keeps bulk off my string and even when doubled on the chest allows good ventilation at the arm pits so I don't overheat. I had my shoulder piece cut lowered a bit too, but that's because I have a huge noggin and need a large hole for my watermelon head. Next coat I get from her I am going to see if she can add some zippers to the armpits too. I have a NorthFace jacket with those and find it helps on those mild mornings when you need just a tiny bit of something but can't keep from getting too warm with a jacket on.
As for color pattern. Take your pick. They are all nice. I think Evening Stand Brown is probably the most versatile. Mine is in Little Delta Plaid because it matches the fall woods where I hunt during the week that I take off work each year at the rut perfectly.
(http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee146/gdpolk/Traditional%20Projects/IMG_0020.jpg)
Wool is the only garment I have been able to wear during a FL winter all day long throughout the entire temperature range and not be a hot mess by midday. I still sweat wearing it, but not nearly as much as I would wearing synthetics or even multiple layers of cotton. Its amazing stuff. The scratchy feeling fades away after about 30 min wearing it LOL.
To me the Asbell Evening Stand green and brown are most versatile. I currently have the Cedar Swamp plaid but not sure I am totally sold on this color scheme yet.
A million sheep in the mountains can't be wrong.
Wool is what Mr Polk says it is. I have an ancient wool sleeping bag , mil issue, that is nice for early fall tent camping.
I have very nice mil surplus pants from Europe, one pair is finally done after almost 30 years
QuoteOriginally posted by aim small...release:
What would be the best pattern for all around from the asbel wool jackets up top. The evening. stand looks good so does the morning mist.
Here is the ESB in the woods:
(http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c291/marcbishop/P1010135.jpg) (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/marcbishop/media/P1010135.jpg.html)
(http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c291/marcbishop/P10101352.jpg) (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/marcbishop/media/P10101352.jpg.html)
QuoteOriginally posted by GDPolk:
Wool Pro's:
- Very warm, but breathes and regulates temperatures better than most synthetics over a wider range of temperatures
- Stays warm when wet whereas modern materials usually dont
- Doesn't reflect light like polyesters and fleeces do, which helps marginally with camoflauge effect
- Doesn't retain odors like synthetics do
- Pulls moisture from the skin unlike cotton
- Is VERY quiet when brushing against gear, twigs, etc
- Is very, very durable
- Does not burn, melt, or drip when fire or embers brush against it during camp making it much safer and more reliable for bushcrafting/hike in hunts/etc
Wool Con's:
- Can be scratchy feeling, although higher quality wool alleviates most of this
- Is typically more expensive to make than fleece or similar products
- Can't be thrown in a dryer so you have to wash on gentle cycle then block it as it air dries - not a huge deal but for some this is a hassle
Other (can be good or bad):
- Is physically heavier than modern materials for the same amount of insulation - I like this as it makes me feel more cozy in the cold, but if your doing distance hiking and loadout weight is a concern, then you MAY not want wool due to weight
- Comes in color schemes that are more traditional and woodsy than other materials with commercially produced camo patterns - some people prefer the looks of the old plaids and what not
- It's a "traditional" material for outdoorsman clothing over the past several years because it works and works well. Some like the traditional heritage and ways of old.
For me and the way I hunt, wool is the only way to go. Even when I hike and backpack in, I want wool for my body and choose to save weight in areas like shelter, sleeping bags, etc. I am really easy to overheat and sweat like a pig. For me wool REALLY helps to regulate my temperature better, wick moisture from me, and not make me smell like a locker room after one day in the field. Cotton and cotton blends get wet and loose insulating properties quick and can't be dried easily. Polyester and fleece blends get holes at camp fires, stink quickly, and just aren't as durable to drag through the bush. Wool just seems to work the best. [/b]
Excellent post....thank you. :thumbsup:
I love my evening stand brown. I find wool to give me the greatest comfort range of any material. I have been wearing light weight wool socks all summer, and comparing my foot comfort with high tech cotton and poly socks. I have not found the cotton or poly's to be any cooler, or more efficient at wicking even on high temp days.
Many good reasons have been stated for wool. For thousands of years it has been the fiber of choice for cold, damp conditions. Our winters in Georgia are usually mild, so I don't need the really heavy parkas and bibs (although I do use them sometimes). Medium weight is just right.
My preference is a muted plaid that has a somewhat light background. My son, an art major, has really helped me better understand the use of background color. Light, but not stark, backgrounds tend to give an effect of emptiness as opposed to looking like a solid object. It tends to make one disappear. Some wise old deer will bust you anyway, but I thinks it is a valid concept. In the winter woods, grey is more or less invisible.
Combining wool's camo effect and its quietness, I believe it is a superior fabric for hunting. True, I still use a lot of modern fabrics, particularly military camo with success, but they just don't mix well with dampness as effectively as wool. To me, nothing short of design specific raingear will handle a real downpour, but since I no longer hunt in severe weather, wool works well.
I work in wool pants and wool under ware even in 100 degree temperatures we get here in Texas. I buy military dress pants and ware them year round it does not matter how dirty they get or haw mauy stains I get on them for 5 bucks they look like new when I get them back from the cleaners. For the 10 dollars I give for them they out last everything else I can buy by years. In between trips to the cleaners I just brush them out.
I believe it was Louis Armstrong, speaking about jazz, who said "If you have to ask, you will never understand".
There's just something about the light weight, soft feel and quiet warmth that are important to some people.
I like the fact that good wool jacket will keep you dry during a rain if you are careful not to lean against something. Not sure how it does it, but the rain will run on the outside of the garment and does not soak in.
Start with a pair of wool longjohns. Bought a set of Minus 33 last year and love it. No static!
Fred Asbell has written about the light absorbing properties of wool in the past. Some of those concepts bear repeating....wool absorbs light rather than reflect it. Most man made products, even "fluffy" materials like polar fleece, can have a reflective quality. To my eye, cotton and modern "micro soft" materials are the worst. I spend a lot of time photographing wool in hunting scenarios. I am forever impressed with it's camo effect.
Lately, I am enamored with grey tones in wool. Solid grey (which is hardly solid, it has many shades blended) and plaid patterns with subtle grey tones (like Teresa Asbell's phenomenal Timber Ghost)seem to disappear in the bush. My website has some pictures showing these blending characteristics.
One thing about the patterns that Teresa offers....make no mistake....they are well thought out, with the hunter in mind. Patterns like Morning Mist, Evening Stand Green & Brown, Timber Ghost...she designs these patterns after lots of thought, trial and error. They don't take on that "black blob" that commercial camouflage can (a few patterns excepted). They tend to just blend in with the background...not the foreground.
Smartwool makes an incredible line of Merino wool long underwear/base layer. They come in different weights. I have the heaviest ones for late season bowhunting and waterfowl. They are super soft, light and warm. They are not cheap but I have bought several pairs and will never be without them in the cold. You can clean them in the washer & dryer too. I use a combination of man made and natural clothing throughout the season but the Smartwools are the only cold weather base layers I'll wear.
In extremely cold conditions, even the best wool can let cold in. A canvas anorak over the wool cures this. On the other side is temperature comfort range. When I wear a petroleum based long sleeve shirt on canoe trips, no matter how many breather holes they have I feel clammy and hot when the daily temps go up. I can wear a merino wool shirt all day and not get that sweaty sticky hot thing going. My Swanni wool jacket with a wool shirt is good from 25 to 55 degrees, I do not break out the camo Filson double Mac until the daily high is under 32. And they are fairly water resistant if they have a good lanolin treatment. With some cheaper wool coats, a layer of wind stopping material is helpful at times. Some coats come with it, I think it is better to use it as a layering option, so you can leave it out when it is not needed.
This reminds me, I have a bunch of alpaca wool that needs to get made into a wool vest. I need to find a seamstress.
QuoteOriginally posted by aim small...release:
What would be the best pattern for all around from the asbel wool jackets up top. The evening. stand looks good so does the morning mist.
If I could have just 1 it would be the solid grey heavyweight. The grey has a way of melting in to the woods. 2nd choice would be the ESB or ESG.
What color is a deer in the fall, that heathery grey..they can be tough to spot even in plain view unless they move.
Eric
I just started wearing wool a couple of years ago. Last year I was on a 14-day back country float hunt in Alaska, crossing a stream on a cold snowy day, and I took a chance, jumping from one rock to another. I lost, and ended up on my back in 18 inches of water. I was wearing thick wool pants, sweater, and vest, was about a mile from camp, and it was about 25 degrees and windy. I was worried that I was going to be pretty cold and miserable, but after about 5 minutes that wet wool had been warmed up by my body heat, and I was as warm as I was when I was dry. It was a bit heavy, but not intolerable, and I was sure glad to be warm.
I am a believer in wool now.
That reminds me of an article about a canoeist that got a wood/canvas canoe for Christmas. Even though the temps were near zero, he had to try it out so he dressed in all wool and headed down a mostly unfrozen Wisconsin river. Miles from any roads or the end of his paddle he flipped in a rapids. He drug his new canoe and his soaked self to shore, crawled under his canoe and waited for the end to come. He lay there for a long time trying to make himself believe that he was freezing to death. After awhile, he realized that he was not cold, so he put his canoe back in the river and paddled out.
Wool is nice... synthetics also have their place. The biggest disadvantage wool has is that is gets extremely heavy when wet and can take a long time to dry out. Other than that it is my personal clothing fo choice. I just bought a new set of merino wool undies from LL Bean - great stuff.
Wool is nice, personally I prefer to use fleece, it's not as heavy, warms when wet and dries quicker.
Not a fan of coats but I am a fan of wool layers. I hunted last year 10 days in the rain. What other material lets you do that without making it a miserable experience? I was comfortable, quiet and happy. (Wool pants over thin poly pro longjohns, three layers of wool shirts/light sweaters over base wool).
I also morphed this same material into my outfit hunting fourth rifle with my bow- 20* average temps, 18 inches of snow and lots of wind. That is versatility!
Wool. Its what is on hunters.
Joshua
The ONLY thing I have against wool, especially the outer garments are their weight, but I deal with it cause I really like the other qualities. I have owned synthetics and I don't wear them any more. Just my 2 cents.
ChuckC
XXX What JDPolk said.
Wearing wool bowhunting is the bomb, it's just the right thing to do!
Also, Merino underwear has antimicrobial properties that help control body odor, big time.
Biggest down side of wool is getting into stickers, briars, beggars lice, burdock, etc. Stay out of them.
Kris
An example of wool's effectiveness from my experience. When I was a game warden in western Wyoming, one year opening day of rifle elk season was snowing a heavy, wet early snow. I was on horseback riding through the mountains checking elk hunters. I had put on polypropylene long johns, blue jeans(our uniform pants - loved that), and some cordura chaps I had "waterproofed". I also had an Australian style oilskin slicker (waxed cotton canvas). I didn't always stick to the trails, so soon my legs were soaked clear through and I was getting very cold. Fortunately, I rode into an outfitters camp and the camp cook let me dry out by the wood stove for about 2 hours.
After that time,in such conditions, I wore wool pants and after a long time, might feel the dampness in the pants, but stayed warm.
I have also hunted in western Washington where it rains a lot in hunting season, and stayed comfortable.
I LOVE wool!!
Regarding how heavy wool gets when wet I have never felt that way. One reason is I don't buy heavy wool. Coats, pants, or shirts. I use lighter weight tighly woven wools like "dress" (military)pants and shirts that with sweaters are very good thermally and not heavy when wet.
We have all seen the heavy pants- my gosh they are heavy when dry!
It seems that as my wool gets wet it also is drying out- ie the saturation reaches a certain point and stops.
I'd rather put on a damp wool garment than a dry fleece anything, when wearing fleece will mean a rain shell as well. No thanks!
I have yet to find any fleece that can even hope to match wool for versatility and I have worn a lot of fleece like everyone else.
Joshua
Why wool?
It's soft, silent and warm. It's designed for the traditional woodsman. And, it's great camo! :readit:
Someone should really put these descriptions in an ad! :biglaugh:
I love my solid grey anorak
(http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h344/timsalters/IMG_8164_zpsb32bd871.jpg) (http://s1105.photobucket.com/user/timsalters/media/IMG_8164_zpsb32bd871.jpg.html)
Nice picture Tim, Thanks!!
I work in wool pants and wool under ware even in 100 degree temperatures we get here in Texas. I buy military dress pants and ware them year round it does not matter how dirty they get or haw mauy stains I get on them for 5 bucks they look like new when I get them back from the cleaners. For the 10 dollars I give for them they out last everything else I can buy by years. In between trips to the cleaners I just brush them out.
hey Rodger, I won't be at the Fred Bear shoot in September ,but if you still have the grey Anorak in 3x or 2x please bring them too the MBH winter meeting so I can try them on .
Gary
Long term, multiple generation, north woods raised WOOL guy here- UNTIL the past few years! I see the new emphasis on layering with new tech clothing like Sitka, KUIU, Russel APX, etc. They have figured the BEST of BOTH worlds! You use wool for layering and warmth. HOWEVER, you use an outer layer of Hi-tech that is light, weather resistant, good patterns, dries quick, lots of agility. After an AK trip last year and a few other reflections the past years I am increasingly impressed with the New Tech stuff. Only problem I see so far is high cost- which seems like it may get more economical as more companies enter this market.
Over the years I've noticed that traditional bowhunters do tend to use more wool than other hunters. We simply are more in that mindset of using what has traditionally worked for countless generations. I own and enjoy wool myself, but nowhere near the level I once did. I think KSdan hit it pretty closely for me.
My wool wearing today consists of merino base layers, the occasional wool hunting shirt, and some wool-poly blends. I used to pooh-pooh the synthetic stuff back in the '80s/'90s, but gave the latest generations a fair and thorough test on many hard hunts in cold, wet and far-flung places. I cannot fault the synthetics I wear, except for price. They perform like once never imagined, and I basically live in them in Alaska each fall.
I have nothing negative to say about wool. For me it has advantages and disadvantages. When it came time to decide on wool vs synthetics for wilderness hunting, I went with synthetics (except base layers now) and so have a good number of serious traditional bowhunters I know. If anything, I'm pretty hardcore objective about the pluses and minuses of my gear. I'll always own wool, and I'll use it where the benefits are greatest for me...same with synthetics. I don't think either wool or synthetics can be broadly classified as better or worse than the other...just different.
Hey Kevin....I have worn wool in some "far flung" places too :bigsmyl:
(http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/rnorris/IMG_0160_zps2e2022ab.jpg) (http://s65.photobucket.com/user/rnorris/media/IMG_0160_zps2e2022ab.jpg.html)
Wool as an under layer is awesome....but I think you are missing why so many of us love wool, and that's as an awesome OUTER layer. Wools NATURAL quiet, soft feel, it's resistance to adverse weather, and to me....above all else....it's NATURAL camouflage effect, whether we are talking plaid, muted solid colors, or even the camo-pattern wool available. Thanks to the light managing ability of wool fibers, wool fabric blends in with the natural world like nothing else.
Wool may not be for everyone...but it's for me :)
I like wearing wool for my base layers and I like a wool tossel hat.I also like my wooltimate outfit for late archery here in PA. I still like some synthetic coats just because they are not as bulky and alot lighter to wear or carry to stand.
.is not a good choice me. I am primarily a whitetail hunter, I leave home in the morning and return at night. or I may be in a motel for a couple of weeks returning there every night. because of hunting and treestands 98 percent of the time wind is not something that I can necessarily always get in my favor,not that I don't set up and stands that winds are favorable but I am able by being at home to keep my clothes clean. try to always have five or six days worth of all clothes.usually by that time I need a break or it's raining or some other reason to do laundry.frankly I wish it was the answer for me I love the look and feel of wool. also my pocketbook would not allow me to own that much woOL
I'm with Kevin on this. Merino wool base layers and Stika on top. Best of both worlds.
Actually Roger, I owned and wore full sets of both King of the Mountain and Sleeping Indian on several hunts to the NWT, Yukon and BC. I experienced all types of weather and became intimately familiar with the abilities and characteristics of wool as an outer layer. I owned and wore a lot of wool back when I ice-fished really hard on the wide-open Great Lakes. It was all these experiences which led to my current understanding and philosophies on wool garments. I sold 100% of my heavy expensive wool and personally haven't ever wished for any of it back. I will tell anyone that I honestly thought it was the greatest thing going when I owned it.
I certainly think that wool is great, and there's a place for it in my hunting closet. I use it every year. My experiences, preferences and ways of hunting have simply led me to prefer wool for under or mid-layers, and only for outer layers in certain situations. I'll probably never be found without wool, but it now comprises maybe 20% of my packed hunting clothing. I still love the traditional look and feel of it.
QuoteOriginally posted by Kevin Dill:
Actually Roger, I owned and wore full sets of both King of the Mountain and Sleeping Indian on several hunts to the NWT, Yukon and BC. I experienced all types of weather and became intimately familiar with the abilities and characteristics of wool as an outer layer. I owned and wore a lot of wool back when I ice-fished really hard on the wide-open Great Lakes. It was all these experiences which led to my current understanding and philosophies on wool garments. I sold 100% of my heavy expensive wool and personally haven't ever wished for any of it back. I will tell anyone that I honestly thought it was the greatest thing going when I owned it.
I certainly think that wool is great, and there's a place for it in my hunting closet. I use it every year. My experiences, preferences and ways of hunting have simply led me to prefer wool for under or mid-layers, and only for outer layers in certain situations. I'll probably never be found without wool, but it now comprises maybe 20% of my packed hunting clothing. I still love the traditional look and feel of it.
This one is a couple years old but it's that time of year again so I thought maybe I'd rehash it. I couldn't agree with Kevin more. I went from wool to synthetic fabrics along the lines of Kuiu and Sitka away from wool. The synthetics had it all, warmth, water proof, and light. I owned thousands of dollars in synthetics. For me at least, the love affair only lasted about 3 seasons until I switched back to wool. I needed something that I could wear out hunting and go to the store or pick my kids up without being in camouflaged clothes. I didn't get the durability out of synthetics in Northeast Ohio rough bark hickory and multiflora rose infested woods where I hunt. I wear wool tops and Tin Cloth bibs in the fall. The only drawback I feel as an issue for myself is the different burrs and sticktights in my neck of the woods. The weight is not a factor for me with wool. Wool just seems to be a very effective natural camouflage even with solid colors especially in gray. As for myself, I don't hunt in the rain much if at all after the time lightning struck a cherry tree 20 feet from me. I was deaf, dumb, and blind for a few minutes afterwards. Everyone's expectations and experiences will vary but I choose wool even with all of it's negative when it is not as good as synthetics in a few areas such as weight and water repellent. The costs for either seems about the same these days. There is that "traditional " factor of wool and stickbows that plays a large part in my personal preference also.
Wool is simply awesome. It will keep you warm and maintain much of its insulation when wet. As for the " scent blocker " garments....Sean B is SPOT ON! I have German Shepherds and train with them for Shutzhund sports. There is no way you can fool a dog with scent blocker, scent away...etc. and, a deer's nose is superior to the best canine!
Though I haven't hunted in quite as many exotic places as Kevin, my experience reflects his. I've worn wool as base and outer layers for a long, long time. It's good at most everything, most of the time, even warmer weather. That being said, none of my wool, including the high priced, big name stuff, blocks a stiff wind.
I've just started converting to synthetics for outer layers. Will always have silk and merino near my skin, and a wool second layer, shirt and long johns when needed, but the wind and rain blocking synthetics hold promise for me. Going to give them a good test in the next couple of years.
Not to hyjack the thread but can you spray wool and make it water resistant?
The oils in wool make it naturally water resistant. I suppose you could spray it, but if you could actually get enough spray on it, and it would take a lot because it is so porous, to make it waterproof, it would then lose its breathability. In short, not a good idea.
I have sent many years and alot of money on hunting clothes. Then I finally decided 10 years ago to get some wool, never looked back. I have gotten my money back just from not having to buy synthetic every few years. The stiff wind blowing through wool can be mastered. I took a note from my dad as a golfer, and use a windshirt (light,quiet) underneath my outer layer and problem solved for me.
Quietness! Nothing else is as quiet for stand hunting, for backpacking or other more physical hunts id go with a good synthetic material for better durability, waterproofness, and less drag on foliage
Wool is warm & quiet. Synthetics are light but noisy. I shake my head in disdain at all the clothing sold as "hunting clothing" just because it's in some fancy camouflage print. I'll take grey wool over any noisy camo pattern any day of the week.
I definitely agree with other posters about grey. Deer are grey (in the season). Rabbits are grey. Coyotes are grey. Raccoons are grey. Squirrels are grey. Possums are grey. Foxes are grey. Mice are grey. Nature speaks pretty clear if we just stop to listen. When hiking with my wife in the summer, she can barely find me 20 yards away if I just stop on the side of the trail behind her to empty my bladder while wearing an old grey fleece sweater. Especially in our granite mountains, grey is about as natural & prolific a color as anything else out here.
I'll only use wool or even poly fleeces on my top layer. My pants are ALWAYS some other material -- usually just military BDU pants or cargo zip offs. Whatever quietness I'd gain from wool I'd lose from constantly picking out foxtails, stickers, burrs, etc. Those plants evolved to adhere to hair fibers. It's a compromise.
In the military if you go to artic winter warfare type training they make you take off all the fancy stuff and guess what they give you...?
1950's US Army green wool....all wool. It works.
I fought it for years but finally realized wool is the best material for a bowhunter. Also being heavier is a plus it makes you stronger!
There is a dry cleaner here that does natural lanolin treatments. It turns my already water resistant swandri camo into a rain coat. I have a problem with my Filsen felt wool jacket. It can do it all it has zippers snaps zippered pockets, hidden pockets, waist band, it has everything except a keep your hands off me sign. Once again the gals over at the local Caseys had to run their fingers all over my jacket. I was dumb enough to hang on my chair, and one girl grabbed it, put it on and said, "I am never taking this off."
QuoteOriginally posted by Marc B.:
QuoteOriginally posted by aim small...release:
What would be the best pattern for all around from the asbel wool jackets up top. The evening. stand looks good so does the morning mist.
Here is the ESB in the woods:
(http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c291/marcbishop/P1010135.jpg) (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/marcbishop/media/P1010135.jpg.html)
(http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c291/marcbishop/P10101352.jpg) (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/marcbishop/media/P10101352.jpg.html) [/b]
Thank you for these photos. G Fred's website doesn't have a good field photo of the ESB. But this does look to me as though it would be the best pattern for fall hunting in my area.
Wool seems to be self cleaning, among the other mentioned positives.
Just so nobody gut-shoots me with a dull Zwickey...I do love wool. But for me it's like loving fish on a menu. Sometimes it's perfect for me and other times not. I try to avoid the simple declarations that anything is great...or awful...for everyone. When and if you ever hear me say this or that works (or doesn't) I'm only applying that to myself. I don't try to convince others of my ways.
I could literally write a book about the hunts I've taken while wearing good wool as my outer layer. A bunch of guys I know could do the same. We all loved it, but many of us eventually moved away from it (to varying extents) over the years and decades. I personally tend toward selecting gear that does the best job for me when heading afield. I'm not here to push synthetics at all, but after many years of doing remote northern hunts (which all started with high-end wool like KOM, etc) I found a combo of merino wool base/mid layers plus synthetic outer layers do everything I ask and work better for me than anything I can name.
Wool is good. Synthetics are good. Claiming either is completely superior to the other probably doesn't take into account the many ways they are both used and the guys who use it.
QuoteOriginally posted by Kevin Dill:
Just so nobody gut-shoots me with a dull Zwickey...I do love wool. But for me it's like loving fish on a menu. Sometimes it's perfect for me and other times not. I try to avoid the simple declarations that anything is great...or awful...for everyone. When and if you ever hear me say this or that works (or doesn't) I'm only applying that to myself. I don't try to convince others of my ways.
I could literally write a book about the hunts I've taken while wearing good wool as my outer layer. A bunch of guys I know could do the same. We all loved it, but many of us eventually moved away from it (to varying extents) over the years and decades. I personally tend toward selecting gear that does the best job for me when heading afield. I'm not here to push synthetics at all, but after many years of doing remote northern hunts (which all started with high-end wool like KOM, etc) I found a combo of merino wool base/mid layers plus synthetic outer layers do everything I ask and work better for me than anything I can name.
Wool is good. Synthetics are good. Claiming either is completely superior to the other probably doesn't take into account the many ways they are both used and the guys who use it.
You certainly are consistent Kevin. This thread was started by folks who enjoy hunting in wool, specifically Asbell wool. And you came to offer alternatives.... why? I certainly wouldn't shoot you with a dull Zwickey, but your constant chipping away at Asbell Wool is getting old.
Relax Roger. I'm not chipping at anything even if you want to think it. Take a re-read and you'll see I like and use wool. I'll offer you this : find anywhere or anything I've said which addresses Asbell wool in negative terms and I will buy you your choice of their garment. Fair enough?
This is obviously an old thread which came back up. The discussion is a good one . I don't think it needs individual censorship . Nobody is insulting anyone here.
OK Kevin....
p.s...I probably don't need you to buy me any Asbell wool.
QuoteOriginally posted by Russ Clagett:
In the military if you go to artic winter warfare type training they make you take off all the fancy stuff and guess what they give you...?
1950's US Army green wool....all wool. It works.
There is always such fascinating stuff posted here. I'll add this as it seems both current and slightly contrary to the above
Navy SEAL Testing (http://www.sitkagear.com/experience/a-navy-seal-rewarming-drill)
I find it fascinating.
I've been doing this stuff, I will say seriously, for 25 years. I still enjoy reading about all types of hunting--and species, gear, and tactics. It is amazing how much one can learn and apply to their specific type of hunting from other types that have nothing to do with particular type. I'm glad there are various, experienced opinions to wade thru.
I know it's been stated already, but don't underestimate wool's durability. I have a few King of the Mountain items that I've been wearing, washing, getting muddy and bloody over and over again for 25 years. Not only has it held up to bowhunting it's been on the trap line with me for 25 years as well.
I'm amazed that's it's still going.
I also love some qualities of the new synthetics and wear Sitka Gear as well for certain activities and conditions, such as windy weather. I suppose in 20 years I'll be able to compare the two.
Wool is Cool
QuoteOriginally posted by TRAP:
I know it's been stated already, but don't underestimate wool's durability. I have a few King of the Mountain items that I've been wearing, washing, getting muddy and bloody over and over again for 25 years. Not only has it held up to bowhunting it's been on the trap line with me for 25 years as well.
I'm amazed that's it's still going.
I also love some qualities of the new synthetics and wear Sitka Gear as well for certain activities and conditions, such as windy weather. I suppose in 20 years I'll be able to compare the two.
Wool is Cool
Part of what makes wool so durable is that you can't just throw it in the washer. Machine washing is one of the most damaging things you can do to clothing of any fabric. Obviously, stuff has to get cleaned. But the fact that wool tends to get washed at a mere fraction of what other garments get helps a lot.
I really enjoyed Steve O's link 'Navy SEAL Testing' at the bottom of page 4. Good stuff!
The Army issued me wool, with horrible ( although durable) cotton shells....I have slept countless nights on the Czech border in brutal weather.
My typical loadout was:
Shelter 1/2
Poncho with liner
wool watch cap
wool shirt
wool sweater
wool gloves with leather over-glove
wool pants
wool longjohns
cotton over pant
cotton parka with crappy liner
I ditched the "Mickey Mouse" boots in favor of an old green pair of Herman Survivors.
With this set up I slept in winter conditions, for 2 weeks at a time.
P.S.....the "Pathfinder" was named with those days in mind. We would have given anything for an OD Anorak or Pathfinder :bigsmyl:
As mentioned above, durability.....I have wool the my new bride bought me for Christmas in 1977. Still wear it today. Woolrich, Johnson, the old Winona stuff, all quality garments that stand the test of time. I also now use Asbell pull overs and I am very happy with them. I will admit that I do layer with some more modern fabrics.
The MAIN part of the DURABILITY of wool is NOT the washing or not washing. Not sure where that myth originated. The MAIN part is the durability of the FIBER. Its MUCH more complex than 99.99% of the population realize. Man has been trying to duplicated for decades without success.
Wool fiber will outlast other modern fibers decades beyond. PERIOD. Proven by the 40 and 50 year life of finely made wool carpet. Put down half of a hall way with wool and half with nylon/poly/acrylic and don't wash any of it :biglaugh:
And furthermore....when you 'agitate' wool(washing in water) it felts....a process of self fusion of the fibers.....
Wool Felt is highly resilient, retaining its strength and unique properties for decades.
Wool Felt is chemical resistant.
Wool Felt is flame retardant and self-extinguishing.
Synthetic Felt and Wool Blend Felt can be treated for flame resistance.
Felt is wear resistant.
Felt cuts with a clean edge.
Felt does not ravel or fray.
Felt can be cut to any size, shape or thickness with no need to finish edges.
Felt can be hard enough to turn on a lathe or soft enough to be sewn.
Felt can be exposed to the elements.
Felt maintains its physical properties as it wears, making it an excellent choice for polishing.
Felt is incredibly resilient, able to be compressed and released thousands of times without deformity.
Felt is an excellent sound insulator.
Felt has superb vibration damping qualities.
Felt has superior thermal insulating properties.
Felt has extraordinary wicking capabilities delivering consistent fluid flow without deterioration.
Felt can be highly absorbent, and can retain many times its weight in fluids.
Felt can be made water repellent.
Wool felt is a renewable and environmentally friendly resource.
Felt can be just about anything you need it to be.
So....'washing' - 'agitating' TEMPERS the fiber.
Wool is great for hunting. There is something to the idea that wool absorbs light rather that reflecting it, because I cannot count the number of deer that seem to look right through me when I am wearing my blanket weight gray Asbell Anorak. Love the size of the hood, too. It has become my favorite hunting garment.
As far as durability, I have two older Filson vests that will last me the rest of my life, if I live that long!! These are made of some dense wool that really blocks wind. When I wear one of these under my anorak, I stay warm.
Awesome post Terry. Get some. :bigsmyl:
p.s....I have never come close to wearing out wool, and I hunt hard.
In fact, the wool longjohns on my Army load out list? Still gottem.
I got more Roger if they want to Rev it up again :readit:
I like the natural "hand" of wool, and the way it absorbs light. I wear it for early season, mild weather hunts.
I'd have to wear 20 pounds of the stuff to stay warm in late season. Without some form of wind block I wouldn't even bother with it.
Love my wool for under layer garments. Never would use as a outer layer though.