Yesterday afternoon I hunted in a steady rain with temperatures hovering around 35 degrees and winds gusting to 20 mph. Under these conditions my hunting attire is always the same. Wool over wool and both worn under my Browning Cordura/Gortex outer layer (coat and bibs). In the wind and driving rain, you could tap dance on stand without making enough noise to alert deer so in this situation the Cordura fabric is a non issue. When being quiet is an issue, I wear a windproof/waterproof outer shell made by Cabelas.
Returned home, hung my cordura/gortex outerwear in our half-bath, turned the heat light on, shut the door and 1 hour later, my bibs and coat were bone dry ready for my next hunt (today). As my wool undergarments were never subjected to the rain, I stored them away BONE DRY in a large tupperware-like container that remains outside during the entire hunting season.
This morning the weather is even uglier than yesterday- driving, freezing rain predicted to turn to snow with winds gusting above 20 mph. The point I'm trying to make to those still contemplating spending $800 on wool to keep you "warm and dry" is, had I not worn my Browning Cordura/Gortex outer shell; had I worn wool exclusively, ALL of my woolens would still be soaking wet from yesterday's hunt. As a PRACTICAL matter, unless you don't mind putting on sopping wet wool from a previous hunt to go out and hunt in a freezing, driving rain on your next hunt, you may want to consider investing in a more practical outer shell.
As a next to your body insulating material, in my view there is nothing better than wool. But IMHO, wool is most useful and effective when kept dry. My intent here is not to down play the value of wool. I love my wool clothes in the same way that I love my favorite bow, quiver, etc. I just don't want to see some kid go out and purchase a high end wool hunting outfit (like I did 17 years ago) thinking that it is the most practical choice. Although it makes for a great romantic read in the likes of TBM, wool has it's limitations.
Wet wool may keep you drier than any other material. But DRY wool will keep you warmer than wet wool. Stongly consider a modern waterproof/windproof outer shell before spending $400-$500 on a wool hunting coat.
Topic: Wool article in TBM. (Read 2764 times)
