Wool for warm weather?

[Nantahala Nut]

I am in the process of switching over my hunting garb to wool products.  I am in the mountains of western NC. I would like to get a light weight wool that I could wear all season if possible.  September can have temps in the 80's and same for april and may. I would wear cotton but the weather changes fast and we see some heavy rains. I would hate to be stuck in the woods shivering in wet cotton.

Anyone know of any products that could help me?  I am thinking of sewing some fake leaves on to help with my outline as well. I might grab an Asbell pullover for the cooler months.

[Orion]

First Lite makes some very nice lightweight wool pants in solid and camo colors.

[Nantahala Nut]

I looked at First Lite and they have some nice product but maybe a little too rich for my blood this year.

I have some US army surplus wool pants and field shirt.  I think they might be a little warm for early september temps. I might have to give them a try in another month when temps get up here.

[awbowman]

For the warmer days, I personally like the Core4element that you can get at bargain prices that come up on camofire.com, but lots of good ones out there.

IMHO, I would get a 1/4 zip to open up when exerting yourself.  You can cool off better if you can open a zipper.

Be patient they come up fairly often on camofire.com.  Right now they have the mid-weight ones that would give you an idea of the product.  I personally wear two lighter weight ones when it get cold instead of getting the mid to heavy weights.

[Pat B]

Dry wool dress pants from Good Will or other second hand stores. They are usually pretty light weight.

[awbowman]

Another way of looking at it is that if you invest in wool it will last a long time and the actual cost per year of being clothed is probably cheaper in the long run.

[Fletcher]

Originally posted by Pat B:
Dry wool dress pants from Good Will or other second hand stores. They are usually pretty light weight.

This is what I wear in the early season.  They are comfortable, quiet and warm and if I tear them on a barb wire fence, it isn't a big deal.  Get them big enuf so they allow you to move sit and crouch.  Drawbacks are the belt loops tend to be small and you aren't likely to find any with cargo pockets.  Also look for wool shirts and lightweight sweaters.

Water wash this wool gentle cycle and warm or cold and hang to dry and it doesn't shrink.

[Ron Vought]

The First Lite Kanab pants are great for warm weather all the way through to cold weather with some layering underneath. They are certainly worth the money.


Ron

[Ryan Sanpei]

I've been using First Lite's wool here in Hawaii.

Here's a link to some images in 2015.

 http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=142765;p=1

Aloha!

Ryan

[Nantahala Nut]

Anybody have one of the lightweight Asbells? Wondering if a lightweight zip up would work for the warm weather. Price and quality seem to be great and people can't say enough good stuff about the Asbell's.

[johnnyk71]

Definitely check out First Lite!

[Nantahala Nut]

I might have to suck it up and pinch the pennies so I can pick up some First Lite at the end of the summer.  I love that wool is an investment that lasts. I tend to walk through the thorns rather than around and even ripstop material gets tore up in a couple seasons. Thanks for the great info!

Still would like to hear some feedback on Asbell lighter weight wool.  Wish they made some pants!

[JohnV]

Saving money on cheap clothing loses its luster when you are wet, cold, and miserable in a tree and you have another hour until it is time to get down.  Been there done that.  No more.  As others have mentioned, some of the pricier gear can be bought online at highly discounted rates.  I have seen some Sitka gear products discounted at close to 50% on Camofire.com.

[woodchucker]

Use your head... Just think wool!!!

Light wool dress pants & light Merino wool sweaters,from the GoodWill are GREAT!!!!!  

[Izzy]

Kuiu has a real thin branded shirt that is pretty cheap. I night one and plan on using it all summer for camping and fishing.

[hunting badger]

I use military dress pants, you can usually get them at army/ navy or surplus outfits. They work great are light weight and very durable. I have two pair of pants, I paid $15 each for them. They are usually foreign military, ie german, sweden or canadian.

The wool pants that I got are Swedish military. They are the highest grade wool pants that I have ever found, but they are a long way from being warm weather garb. I have Pendleton marino and Filsens that works from 55 degree deer hunts to chilly mornings and warm afternoons on Canadian canoe trips.  My lighter wool pants are LL Bean bird hunting pants, that are no longer available.

[shag08]

My input on Asbell wool....I have a light/medium weight zip up in evening stand green that I absolutely love. However, I wouldn't dream of wearing it on an 80 degree day. It's perfect for chilly days...but it would sweat me to death on a hot day.

[John Scifres]

Wool at 80 degrees, yikes. That's when cotton shines for me.  I can hardly stand even light wool when it's in the 50s.

[woodchucker]

Wool really "shines" in dampness...

Wool in hot weather, will not "cling" to your skin as cotton does. Allowing your perspiration to evaporate, causing a cooling to your skin. On a hot day, a loose fitting wool shirt, is not as "hot" as many would think... Especialy if you need to cover skin to prevent sunburn.....