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Merino, Alpaca, Bison, or Musk-Ox ...Who Wins?

dpierce72

dpierce72

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 13, 2018
Messages
658
Location
Arkansas
I've used Merino wool for years ...should have bought stock in IceBreaker.

However, as much as I like them, I notice my feet still get cold. This fact has pushed me to search beyond 'main stream' and has led me to Alpaca, Bison, and Musk-Ox as other options.

Does anyone have experience comparing these to Merino (and if a thread exists, feel free to share - I searched unsuccessfully)? I couldn't find much on the web outside of individual sites comparing the other three independently (i.e. Merino to Alpaca, Merino to Bison etc.)

For the namesake alone, I'm hoping Musk-Ox wins :smirk: ...but I guess all three (perhaps 4) may be close!
 
Agree that both have their place, but I'm specifically referring to cold weather days when my feet get and stay cold. Lots of posts lately re: cold weather, and the overwhelming majority of responders state 'cold feet/hands' as the thing that gets them most uncomfortable. Therefore, I thought... "Is Merino the best"? And as a Merino lover, I felt a little like I was looking for a mistress lol.

While their doesn't seem to be too much interest, I did find a link of a) fiber comparisons and b) product recommendations if anyone might like more info (also includes Yak).

From Reactual Jan '19, The Warmest Socks, Gloves, Hats and Scarves Of 2019
 
Interesting. We can’t do too warm here in Texas, because you’ll sweat on the way in. That’s something I have slowly been getting under control the last couple of seasons. I pair a tight silk liner or wicking synthetic liner with merino/smart wool hiking socks.


................................................................................All climbing methods, platforms, saddle designs, and/or use of materials possibly mentioned in the post above are not peer reviewed for safety, and should only be used as an example of my own method. Do your own research and testing before becoming confident in any DIY solution to support your life.
-IkemanTx
 
dpierce72: Musk Ox and bison are both very good but expensive, a stockings hat from muskox is about $100 and a good pair of bison gloves about $95. I sell Alpaca and get $26 for a pair of boot socks, I used merino wool for years but every time I went to buy them they had less wool! which is why I got involved with Alpaca, because it is a semi- hollow fiber it is a better insulator than wool but I don't know by how much, what really makes alpaca work is it's wicking, everyone who sells socks claims their socks wick moisture but with alpaca it is really noticeable. Another advantage is they are antimicrobial, I have elk hunters who go on week long elk hunts with just 2 pairs of socks, just air them out for a day and wear them again.when looking for good socks look at the label, my socks are 78% alpaca, 20% nylon to keep them from shrinking and 2% Lycra to help with stretching. I actually offer a 2 week money back guarantee for warmth.
Once you advance so far in the outdoor industry you have to leave the big box stores behind and search out small specialty companies, for example 2 years ago I purchased a Guido's web and wild edge stepped ladder, both started in someone's garage. Unless technology improves a product it is usually the best the first time you make it! Once corporate america gets a hold of it you have to cheapen the product for their profit margins! This is why when you go looking for wool socks in a big box store you will she a lot of acrylic which is soft but not very warm, some years ago I received a dozen wool socks as a gift which were 10% wool? They went to goodwill.
 
alpaca jeff said:
dpierce72: Musk Ox and bison are both very good but expensive, a stockings hat from muskox is about $100 and a good pair of bison gloves about $95. I sell Alpaca and get $26 for a pair of boot socks, I used merino wool for years but every time I went to buy them they had less wool! which is why I got involved with Alpaca, because it is a semi- hollow fiber it is a better insulator than wool but I don't know by how much, what really makes alpaca work is it's wicking, everyone who sells socks claims their socks wick moisture but with alpaca it is really noticeable. Another advantage is they are antimicrobial, I have elk hunters who go on week long elk hunts with just 2 pairs of socks, just air them out for a day and wear them again.when looking for good socks look at the label, my socks are 78% alpaca, 20% nylon to keep them from shrinking and 2% Lycra to help with stretching. I actually offer a 2 week money back guarantee for warmth.
Once you advance so far in the outdoor industry you have to leave the big box stores behind and search out small specialty companies, for example 2 years ago I purchased a Guido's web and wild edge stepped ladder, both started in someone's garage. Unless technology improves a product it is usually the best the first time you make it! Once corporate america gets a hold of it you have to cheapen the product for their profit margins! This is why when you go looking for wool socks in a big box store you will she a lot of acrylic which is soft but not very warm, some years ago I received a dozen wool socks as a gift which were 10% wool? They went to goodwill.
Click to expand...

Can you PM me additional info?
 
alpaca jeff said:
dpierce72: Musk Ox and bison are both very good but expensive, a stockings hat from muskox is about $100 and a good pair of bison gloves about $95. I sell Alpaca and get $26 for a pair of boot socks, I used merino wool for years but every time I went to buy them they had less wool! which is why I got involved with Alpaca, because it is a semi- hollow fiber it is a better insulator than wool but I don't know by how much, what really makes alpaca work is it's wicking, everyone who sells socks claims their socks wick moisture but with alpaca it is really noticeable. Another advantage is they are antimicrobial, I have elk hunters who go on week long elk hunts with just 2 pairs of socks, just air them out for a day and wear them again.when looking for good socks look at the label, my socks are 78% alpaca, 20% nylon to keep them from shrinking and 2% Lycra to help with stretching. I actually offer a 2 week money back guarantee for warmth.
Once you advance so far in the outdoor industry you have to leave the big box stores behind and search out small specialty companies, for example 2 years ago I purchased a Guido's web and wild edge stepped ladder, both started in someone's garage. Unless technology improves a product it is usually the best the first time you make it! Once corporate america gets a hold of it you have to cheapen the product for their profit margins! This is why when you go looking for wool socks in a big box store you will she a lot of acrylic which is soft but not very warm, some years ago I received a dozen wool socks as a gift which were 10% wool? They went to goodwill.
Click to expand...
On the other end of the spectrum.....what material would you consider the coolest/moisture wicking for hot temperatures+rubber boots?
 
dpierce72 said:
I've used Merino wool for years ...should have bought stock in IceBreaker.

However, as much as I like them, I notice my feet still get cold. This fact has pushed me to search beyond 'main stream' and has led me to Alpaca, Bison, and Musk-Ox as other options.

Does anyone have experience comparing these to Merino (and if a thread exists, feel free to share - I searched unsuccessfully)? I couldn't find much on the web outside of individual sites comparing the other three independently (i.e. Merino to Alpaca, Merino to Bison etc.)

For the namesake alone, I'm hoping Musk-Ox wins :smirk: ...but I guess all three (perhaps 4) may be close!
Click to expand...
I'm a former alpaca farmer, the alpaca fiber is superior to any other fiber natural or synthetic. Its warmer, natural wick away fiber, non-allergenic fiber, softer to the skin...and the list goes on. If you have any questions please ask
May The Magic of The Whitetail Forever Enrich Your Life
 
sent you an email by way of personal message. alpaca jeff.
 
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