Best wool you've used

Mtn Bound · January 26, 2016, 11:14:00 AM

Hello, I've been doing some searching online trying to find the best wool. Both Base layers and outer layers. I have rain shells, puffy jackets and pants. But the longevity and performance of wool suits my needs much better for being quiet and warm. I was thinking of the First Lite brand for the base layers, and Asbell wool for the outer. I have no clue about the pants. Anyone have words on the Asbell Mackinaw or the Anaorak? Ive been looking for a reason to purchase one or both of these. Thanks, Mitch.

charles m · January 26, 2016, 11:21:00 AM

Gray Wolf Woolens hands down for the really cold windy days. Lots of great stuff out there and some are sponsors here. I own a lot of many of their stuff but Gray Wolf when its for real.

mnbwhtr · January 26, 2016, 11:52:00 AM

Filson breaks the wind the best for me. I use my vest under my regular camo.

John Scifres · January 26, 2016, 12:18:00 PM

The Asbell stuff is great for value but not real tight of a weave and durability won't compare to the high end stuff. It's pretty scratchy if you have any sensitivity to wool. Don't get me wrong, I own several garments, including the Mackinaw and wear it all the time.

The best value wool I have is merino sweaters as base layers. I get them from Goodwill for about $4 on the high end.

January 26, 2016, 12:25:00 PM

I love all my First Lite stuff. But, I don't live where there are winters like you get up there!!!

Bisch

Orion · January 26, 2016, 12:37:00 PM

I like Minus 33 merino wool for under garments. High quality, reasonable price. Have a lot of KOM outer wool that I bought years ago. Good stuff, and tough. Like the tighter weave of Gray Wolf woolens better though.

Keep in mind that no wool by itself will stop the wind. Layering helps, particularly if one of those layers/liners is a windproof fabric.

Elk whisperer · January 26, 2016, 12:58:00 PM

Filson

Vesty · January 26, 2016, 01:10:00 PM

Filson here,too. I'm constantly grabbing my vest to throw on regardless of what I might be doing. It doesn't matter if I'm hunting or going shopping. A Filson wool vest is appropriate.

ronp · January 26, 2016, 01:20:00 PM

I really like my USA made Filson vests. I really really like them under my hooded Asbell wool.

HuronArcher · January 26, 2016, 04:15:00 PM

I second what ronp said. Works for me, and I like Firstlite base layers.

Rick Butler · January 26, 2016, 04:20:00 PM

Filson and Classic Sportsman for wool. That said I like the stuff from Asbell too and will be looking for an Anorak at K'zoo.

Stump73 · January 26, 2016, 04:27:00 PM

Asbell wool for me.

TRAP · January 26, 2016, 05:19:00 PM

Minus 33 and KOM

Izzy · January 26, 2016, 05:24:00 PM

Filson for outerwear, daily and hunting, Pendleton for everyday and hunting midlayer and Smartwool as a base layer.

longbow fanatic 1 · January 26, 2016, 05:33:00 PM

Never tried Abel's wool, but my favorite wool coat is Cabelas Dry Plus Legacy wool coat (on sale $109.99-$122.49). It's heavy duty, warm and cheap. My favorite wool pants are very heavy weight Columbia wool pants. They're awesome!

Mark Baker · January 26, 2016, 05:37:00 PM

Gray Wolf and KOM, best wool in real cold. But I have a pair of Weatherby wool pants (have a fleece liner) that are easily the warmest wool pants I've ever owned. They don't make them anymore, but you can sometimes find them on the classifieds or auction sites.

cacciatore · January 26, 2016, 05:39:00 PM

I am a wool fan and I own most of the brands.
My prefered for elk hunting is my trusty KOM outfit,20 years old and still as new.

WESTBROOK · January 26, 2016, 06:11:00 PM

Mitch, if you plan on hunting the late season in the northern half of the country, you'd be wise to spend the money on the good stuff. Gray Wolf, KOM, Silent Predator.

michaelschwister · January 26, 2016, 06:39:00 PM

I love Asbel wool for price point and comfort, and wear the heck out of it during mild/moderate cold and rain. However you must use something like a wind blocker in extreme cold or cold with breeze. I have Filson, KOM, Asbell, Grey Wolf, and Woolrich as well as a couple different cabela's wool blends. The best by a wide margin is Grey Wolf with the wind proof liner. To boot it is custom fitted.

Owlmagnet · January 26, 2016, 06:45:00 PM

I like my Filson double mackinaw, real well. I also enjoy their long underwear. I've had pretty good luck with L.L. Bean for wool pants and jackets, and I'm very happy with a vest made by the same outfit that makes the "Stormy Kromer", (it is a little heavier fabric than the Filson). Good luck to you, in your search; I hope my post is of use.