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Anyone on the wool train?

Nosaj

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SH Member
Jul 8, 2020
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South West New Hampshire
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!
I think it is a zero sum game, it might add more however it does not release old scent either. I wear it mainly for comfort.
 

TheBlindCat

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Apr 9, 2022
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Does anyone have any of the Asbell Wool stuff? Their anoraks look like they’d be too long for saddle hunting, but I’m very interested in picking up a Pathfinder jacket.
 

Plebe

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Sep 14, 2020
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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.

Maybe it's just me but my First Lite merino tops still stunk pretty bad after most hunts. But the wool breathes well so I don't sweat quite as much when active. It's more versatile than my polyester base layers.
 

paradocs

Active Member
Sep 6, 2020
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Bought a set of KOM (bibs and shirt) 20 years ago for what I thought then was a ridiculous price. Other than minor repairs I did myself they look and wear like new. Added a pair of First Lite merino pants and a zip henley for early season a few years back. These two sets, alone or in combination, have covered everything from 80° October sits to December single digit hunts...haven't needed any hi tech base layer stuff; just wear the merino under the KOM when it gets real cold.
 
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Plebe

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Sep 14, 2020
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Bought a set of KOM (bibs and shirt) 20 years ago for what I thought then was a ridiculous price. Other than minor repairs I did myself they look and wear like new. Added a pair of First Lite merino pants and a zip henley for early season a few years back. These two sets, alone or in combination, have covered everything from 80° October sits to December single digit hunts...haven't needed any hi tech base layer stuff; just wear the merino under the KOM when it gets real cold.

My wool mill coat and pants were tanks. I got them from my dad’s hunting mentor, so they had been used for a whole generation before me. Tougher than any synthetics I’ve tried. But I’ve worn holes in all my wool base layers with synthetics proving more durable there. Strange how that worked out.
 

Close caller

Active Member
Oct 21, 2018
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Bought a set of KOM (bibs and shirt) 20 years ago for what I thought then was a ridiculous price. Other than minor repairs I did myself they look and wear like new. Added a pair of First Lite merino pants and a zip henley for early season a few years back. These two sets, alone or in combination, have covered everything from 80° October sits to December single digit hunts...haven't needed any hi tech base layer stuff; just wear the merino under the KOM when it gets real cold.
I’m really drawn to getting some KOM or Sleeping Indian wool but have always been concerned about the lack of wind protection and weight to carry in my pack. How does your stuff do in the wind
 

paradocs

Active Member
Sep 6, 2020
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I haven't had any issues; the KOM shirt with the bibs is really 2 layers down to my hips, as the shirt has a yoke. Coupled with a wool neck gaiter I've been comfortable in some pretty breezy weather. It is heavier and bulkier than synthetics to pack; I don't have to hike miles in, so just wear it and unzip the bibs to vent as needed.
 

GeoFish

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May 5, 2021
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Kentucky
Does anyone have any of the Asbell Wool stuff? Their anoraks look like they’d be too long for saddle hunting, but I’m very interested in picking up a Pathfinder jacket.
I just got a Pathfinder at the recommendation of @Petrichor haven't used it yet, maybe he can give you some feedback.
 
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Mschmeiske

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Sep 4, 2017
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New York
I wear wool base layers. I’d like to acquire some more wool stuff! What’s the best brands out there?
 

Jammintree

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Jan 5, 2021
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I wear wool base layers. I’d like to acquire some more wool stuff! What’s the best brands out there?
I haven’t tried enough wool to know what is the “best.” But I’ve got a Silent Predator wool jacket that I love. My Big Bill pants and vest are decent. Long ago I had a pair of ultra thin all wool French paratrooper pants; I wish I could find a way to get another pair for warmer weather hunting as they were amazing.

Darn Tough socks are the best: and have a real lifetime warranty.

minus 33 makes great base layers.
 
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floydfreak

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Nov 16, 2019
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Ontario, Canada
WEBSITE
www.rdwoodworking.ca
Can someone suggest a good outer layer merino wool top with long sleeves?

I'm looking for something I can wear as my only top during portages in the summer. I'm find a lot of base layers, but no a whole lot to choose from when it comes to outer layers. Something along the lines of the kuiu ultra merino line.
 

raisins

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SH Member
Jan 17, 2019
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i would get more into wool, but it is too hot for me walking in and too bulky to pack down small

i've settled on breathable synthetics to walk in, slightly cold, and then pile on goose down once in the tree

if i were farther north, where it gets cold enough that i wouldn't sweat a lot walking in and climbing with wool on, then i'd give it more of a shot
 

Jrain904

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SH Member
Aug 15, 2021
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I’m really drawn to getting some KOM or Sleeping Indian wool but have always been concerned about the lack of wind protection and weight to carry in my pack. How does your stuff do in the wind

I have KOM bibs and Weatherwool anorak. KOM is very nice but I would say weatherwool takes Wool to a whole different level. If price is similar definitely check out weatherwool!
 
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Jrain904

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SH Member
Aug 15, 2021
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I wear wool base layers. I’d like to acquire some more wool stuff! What’s the best brands out there?

I have both weatherwool and king of the mountain and I would recommend both. Weatherwool is the brand I prefer.
 
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Iron_llama

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Aug 4, 2020
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NW MN
Can someone suggest a good outer layer merino wool top with long sleeves?

I'm looking for something I can wear as my only top during portages in the summer.

You might check surplus shops - Varistulekka, Sportsmans Guide, etc., for some mil-surp uniform shirts. A wool or poly/wool blend dress uniform shirt will be decently heavy duty, and have chest pockets for compass/map/etc. Back in the day I used to machine wash my wool blend uniforms without issue. I had good results from a few old nylon Blackhawk shirts, I wasn't looking for summer wool at the time and was happy with synthetics, and I liked having pockets I could access in the canoe.
 

cedar paul

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SH Member
Oct 14, 2014
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My sweet wife picked me up some wool socks that you can wear all year round- very little perspiration in summer and warmth in the winter. I also have some woolen pants that I wear when it gets really cold- wool is a truly great natural product!