WOOL WOOL WOOL what to choose

1screagle · April 10, 2012, 08:11:00 AM

I've become very interested in wool. I've picked up 2 pullovers from the Asbells and love the wool. After reading about so many people who swear by the wool, searching for answers only breed more questions. I've found Sleeping Indian, King of the Mountain, and Grey Wolf so far, are there more? Which do you like and why? It's all exspensive, which is the best bang for the buck? Right now because of the patterns and material and price, Grey Wolf is looking good. Your suggestions/comments?

kadbow · April 10, 2012, 08:19:00 AM

Check out DayOne and maybe the best bang for the buck is Silent Predator wool from Rocky Mountain Specialty Gear (a sponsor here). It is very similar to KOM. I have KOM, DayOne and a little Grey Wolf, all good stuff.

Whip · April 10, 2012, 08:33:00 AM

I have had a set of Gray Wolf wool for about 10 years now and it is holding up great. I would put it right up with any of the other top wool names. Being a sponsor here and made by some great people right here in Wisconsin made it an easy choice for me.

ron w · April 10, 2012, 08:42:00 AM

All of the ones you mentioned are great.....and there are the regulars like Woolrich and Filson. You can also look at Johnson and Beagle wear, all good products!!

April 10, 2012, 08:55:00 AM

KOM, Sleeping Indian, Silent Predator all pretty much the same and GREAT quality--will last close to forever I think. The GWW stuff is also very high quality and a bit heavier, more like Filson. You can't lose with any of them, and you will get what you pay for.

NoCams · April 10, 2012, 08:56:00 AM

Make sure you invest in a good base layer of merino wool as well. This is the key to getting the true benefits of wool, wearing it next to your skin and wearing it in layers. Ullfrotte', Smartwool, or others make good base layers.

Would not take anything for my Ullfrotte' base layers in 400gr weight and my Gray Wolf woolens vest. Two pieces of gear I cannot do without.

bluemoonrising · April 10, 2012, 09:45:00 AM

I,too, have a couple of the Asbell pullovers. A great product for a reasonable price. Most of the wool products I have seen are well made, and most get a little pricey. If you want a vest, the best on the market by far (imho), then get a Two Tracks vest. It is made of wool felt, unbelievable thickness and quality. Chris or Chuck would be happy to answer your questions. Peace!

David Mitchell · April 10, 2012, 10:11:00 AM

Don't forget Filson and also take a look at Johnson Woolen Mills.

md126 · April 10, 2012, 10:19:00 AM

Filson is top notch. the heavyweight stuff is still made in the USA

Terry Green · April 10, 2012, 10:24:00 AM

I've had sleeping indian, and day one......but neither hold a candle to Grey Wolf IMO.

ronp · April 10, 2012, 10:43:00 AM

Classic Bowman Sporting Woolens, also a sponsor here, has some fantastic looking wool. They sent me a brochere and I will be ordering soon. I also like Filson wool products.

Orion · April 10, 2012, 12:09:00 PM

Check out Autumnwood. Excellent quality, heavier than any of the others, except perhaps 24 oz. Filson. Very good camo pattern. Unfortunately, just as expensive as the others you've mentioned.

BCD · April 10, 2012, 01:27:00 PM

I have day one and grey wolf and like the day one better.

Dan Adair · April 10, 2012, 03:32:00 PM

For the more technical among us...

Ibexshack and Smartwool are two of my favorites.

Shane C · April 10, 2012, 03:46:00 PM

What exactly are you looking for? Right now my system is the kuiu lineup. Wool base layers are awesome. There are some good brands out there. Kuiu, Smartwool, icebreaker are some. I also have a light crew by Ivanhoe. I like the kuiu pattern so that's the one I wear.

smoke1953 · April 10, 2012, 04:05:00 PM

Beagle from Vermont I believe.

Uncle Buck · April 10, 2012, 04:19:00 PM

Nothing against any of the vendors mentioned. I am sure they all make good stuff. However I buy my wool at the Goodwill store at about 5% of what it cost new. I just cant afford to buy a $200 coat and I have to believe I am not the only one.

PeteA · April 10, 2012, 04:59:00 PM

Day One here. But before the price got to high. Missed out on the pants!

Paul/KS · April 10, 2012, 06:17:00 PM

Bought two merino wool sweaters for layering at the Goodwill.Soft and warm and less than $5 each.

Got some Colombia bibs and coat on sale that go on the outside...

Roadkill · April 10, 2012, 08:30:00 PM

Mil surplus from eastern block. Great deals on thick wool