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Anyone on the wool train?

Jrain904

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Aug 15, 2021
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There are certainly pros and cons to each material. But I believe Polyester is slightly warmer than wool when material density is equal.

Im not too sure about that, everything I’ve read seems to indicate that wool is warmer than polyester. I’m sure it definitely depends on the quality of each product though. The only real pros to synthetics that I am able to find are weight, price, and patterns. Which I must admit are very strong pros for the plastic.
 
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Lowg08

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Oct 30, 2019
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Im not too sure about that, everything I’ve read seems to indicate that wool is warmer than polyester. I’m sure it definitely depends on the quality of each product though. The only real pros to synthetics that I am able to find are weight, price, and patterns. Which I must admit are very strong pros for the plastic.
If you take into account how the base is designed and it’s interior loft. For example. My 97 peleton has a lofted interior. Therefore theoretically it captures more heat retaining it. I wear both but I can’t side one or the other with warmth. They both fit a certain niche’ in my set up.
 
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ryansean

Member
SH Member
Sep 2, 2019
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Illinois
Wool has a place in my hunting closet. I use merino base layers mid season until seasons end. When it gets into the 20's I wear Alpaca wool pants and shirt for a midlayer. I tend to run colder since I passed my "use by date". Wool is warm, even when wet. The only downside it's heavier than synthetics but worth the weight in my opinion. We wore it in the 50's and it still works.
What brand alpaca are you using? I've just got some alpaca socks and a hat and like them, so I may upgrade some other garments too.
 
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jonkytron

Active Member
Feb 24, 2022
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Rhode Island
I’m pretty much running all wool all deer season.good when its hot, good when its cold, stays warm when youre wet. I bought some thich wool pants and jacket from johnson woolen mills and theyve stood up to all conditions and all types of hunts. I even got wool inserts for my lacroose boots. Other than rain wear, you cant beat it
 

Iron_llama

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Aug 4, 2020
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NW MN
I wear Big Bill wool pants when it gets cold out. Paired with synthetic long johns, but I'll probably upgrade my old UnderArmor to merino base layer at some point. Anyone have an economical, machine-washable option they like?
 

Nosaj

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SH Member
Jul 8, 2020
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South West New Hampshire
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Bango Skank

Active Member
Nov 1, 2020
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After a lifetime of wearing cotton athletic socks at around 1$ a pair, give or take, I was hesitant to spend the money on merino and smart wool socks, but it was hard to ignore so many recommendations. I’m so glad I did. Comfortable, warm, when they get a little damp it’s not nearly as uncomfortable on the skin as cotton, they don’t stink like cotton after long shifts, and in the end when one considers the durability, they’re probably less expensive than cotton. I got pairs that are 5 years old washed and worn countless times, with no indication that they’re wearing out anytime soon.

Thick wool socks also make it a bit less painful when breaking in brand new leather boots.
 

Zoa

Member
Sep 25, 2019
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My favorite bit of hunting gear ain't my bow, my Cruzr XC, my beast stand, or Treehopper drill, but a wool jersey (basically a long-torso'd sweater) that is apparently the standard outerwear for New Zealand farmers. It's roomy enough to fit over anything, flexible enough to conform to whatever else you're wearing, and long enough to comfortably tuck under a saddle. It's dull gray and textured, excellent camouflage. It's indestructible, even to Southern briars, and very very quiet. Warm, has a good deal of waterproofness, and you can sweat under it without freezing later. I love this thing.
 
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TheBlindCat

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Apr 9, 2022
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I wear wool base layers and socks, have some wool shirts. But a waterproof shell is nice.

My question for folks going full wool layers, what are you doing for scent control? Are you washing your thick outer layers frequently?
 

Nosaj

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SH Member
Jul 8, 2020
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South West New Hampshire
Wool is very good at not retaining scent, so you do not need to wash it as much. I believe it has to do with the small diameter of the fibers. I read that somewhere.
 

Zoa

Member
Sep 25, 2019
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I wear wool base layers and socks, have some wool shirts. But a waterproof shell is nice.

My question for folks going full wool layers, what are you doing for scent control? Are you washing your thick outer layers frequently?

I would suspect that most of us are of the old school-aka we don't believe that scent control works.
 
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Bowtie747

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Aug 3, 2021
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Switching to a wool heavy base layer was probably other than my saddle the biggest progress I’ve had in my hunting gear. I wore so many less layers because I didn’t need them all. I will for sure be buying a light weight set for warm weather hunting early season. Might even add the boxers.
 

Bowtie747

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Aug 3, 2021
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Maybe I’m over thinking this. I’m not a scent control guy, I hunt the wind. If wool “wicks” away moisture. Where does it go? It goes to the outside to dry off correct? I wonder how that effects scent control, in a positive or negative way? Still won’t determine if I wear it im honestly just curious what people think
 

Nosaj

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SH Member
Jul 8, 2020
599
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South West New Hampshire
Maybe I’m over thinking this. I’m not a scent control guy, I hunt the wind. If wool “wicks” away moisture. Where does it go? It goes to the outside to dry off correct? I wonder how that effects scent control, in a positive or negative way? Still won’t determine if I wear it im honestly just curious what people think
The scent goes with the wind, it just doesn't stick to the wool.
 

Bowtie747

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Aug 3, 2021
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The scent goes with the wind, it just doesn't stick to the wool.
Right but is that a good thing or a bad thing? Seems like it could add more scent in the mix. Just debating for sure, like I said I’m not scent control guy. I’m more curious than anything!