Long Johns: Woolpower vs. Patagonia Capilene

[semostickbow]

I'm looking for a pair of warmer LJ's and would like to poll this group.

Do you like wool or sythetic more?  I'm thinking about the woolpower or Capilenes and want to know what works for you all.

I wear UA Cold Gear here in the Mid-South (S. ILL / SE MO) under my Sitka or Grey Wolf under most weather conditions unless it gets pretty cold, then I break out the ECWS polypro.  The problem with that stuf is it shrinks and eventually stinks.

Most of our weather in recent years has been in the 30's-40's down to upper teens when it's really cold.  Would the Woolpower 200g be sufficient?  What about the Capilene 2 or 3?

Thanks,

Geoff

[La. bowhunter]

I have some of the ECWS polypro and it keeps me very warm and if you dont put it in the dryer  it wont shrink but I havent figured out how to keep it from going stale and stinking. Try some of the Duofold heavy weight it is a mixture of wool and polypro. I hunt in northern Idaho every fall in some really cold weather and this seems to be pretty good stuff that is not real expensive.

[todd smith]

Geoff,

I've used Wool Power (Ulfrotte) wool for about five years now.  I wear the socks every day, even in the summer and I wear the wool undershirts almost all winter.  I have one on now.  It's the best clothing of any kind I've ever found for staying comfortable.

I used Sitka Gear's 90% jacket and pants this year and in the colder weather I was just fine with a 200gram and a 400gram shirt, a down vest, and my 90% Sitka Gear jacket.  For pants just the Sitka Gear with 200gram Wool Powers was fine for even the coldest temps this season.  (Temps as low as the teens.)

The stuff is expensive but WELL worth it!

AND, in all this time I've not had to replace a single piece. It lasts a long time AND it hasn't shrunk when I washed or dried it.

[dino]

Geoff,
For temps in the 20-30 I wear powerwool 400's.  200's for mid 30's and up.  Great stuff!!  I've been using it for 4 years or so.  Word of warning however.  Their US warehouse burnt down just before Christmas so it is a little hard to get a hold of right now.  They will be up in operation by later summer or fall I'm hearing. dino

[La. bowhunter]

I may have to try some of this stuff where can I get some

[Hood]

The woolpower sounds good.

I've been using ploypro for quite a few years and I've been pretty happy with it.

[maddawg]

Check out silk and wool blend. They are not cheap but coupled with wool outer and proper layers they are fantastic.  Used them in the desert and PA.

[Dave Pagel]

The WoolPower/Ulfrotte is great stuff.  I put it on under my wool or my wolfskin and it is outstanding in the coldest weather.  I always hated polypro because of the smell and I have never noticed it with the woolpower, even when it had every right to smell.

Dave

[kahunter]

I just got a shirt from Icebreaker on closeout.  Let's just say I am now a merino wool fan as well as very satisfied with Icebreaker quality.

[drewsbow]

I vote woolpower , I bought some last year and love it :0)

[Preston Lay]

Ive used Ulfrotte for seven years. Its warm and dosent retain odor like the synthetics. I wear it alot and has held up well. The terry knit helps to trap air and it wouldnt become a fire ball if you caught fire (hopefully it never gets tested in this manner).

[semostickbow]

Ok, what about Patagonia?

[Frank V]

Patigonia is very anti gun. I like wool. Frank

[last arrow]

Take a look at SmartWool also. It a merino wool also, available in most backpacking stores, and comes in a verity of weights and styles.  I have bought several pieces and really like it,

[John Scifres]

I've never found anything not to like about my Duofold poly/wool double layer thermals.  Duofold Website

[Longbow rookie]

Geoff,

Check out ibex(wool).  Great stuff!  Patagonia also makes a wool baselayer in differnet thickness.  I believe it goes from 2-4 with 4 as their thickest.  Definitely better than capeline in cold temps.  They just ran a 20% of all baselayers but I think it's over.  Good luck.  I have ibex(top and bottom) on order.

[Tom Leemans]

I'll second the Duofold

[bentpole]

Duofold and my new favorite Smartwool