Why wool?

[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

[YosemiteSam]

Originally 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.

[Kevin Dill]

I really enjoyed Steve O's link 'Navy SEAL Testing' at the bottom of page 4. Good stuff!

[Roger Norris]

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    

[ron w]

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.

[Terry Green]

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        

[Terry Green]

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.

[ronp]

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.

[Roger Norris]

Awesome post Terry. Get some.    

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.

[Terry Green]

I got more Roger if they want to Rev it up again    

[BAK]

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.

[LC]

Love my wool for under layer garments. Never would use as a outer layer though.