Wool Clothing

[MT dreaming]

I am looking to do a guided elk hunt this fall. Many outfitters recommend wool clothing and I don't have much experience with wool. Are they talking Filson, Cabelas, King of the Mountain, etc. Any ideas/recommendations are greatly appreciated.

 

[archer8524]

I just recently made the switch over to wool. I am truly impressed by its performance. I use first lite and kuiu. you cant go wrong with either company.

 

[Chippy Hacky]

Merino wool is the best for your under clothes. I like smartwool. It is expensive but is well worth it as it doesnt stink, does not itch and layers well. On top of a merino wool short sleeve shirt and light long sleeve shirt, I wear a mil surplus shirt (paid $8) which is more like a light jacket. I was fishing for steelhead this week In 20 degree blowing snow and never had to put on my heavy wool coat with the above set up. For a wool coat, mine is Cabelas. I have had it for three years now and it still looks/wears great. For pants, I pick up whatever I find. "Big Bill" pants are nice but the best pants I have are German surplus. I paid $3 for them three years ago. They have a tight weave and shed water excellent. Whatever you do, dont get wool that is lined with anything. Sometimes they line a jacket or pants with something, (cotton blend) it ruins the reason to wear wool in the first place.

 

[mntnguide]

First Lite all the way. Base layers are the most important thing. I guide in the wilderness all summer and fall..I have to pack in what i need for each entire 10 day hunt. I live and die by merino wool layering system. I personally use First Lite. I dont have anything bad to say about other companies, thats just my preference as they make great products, especially with their continuing outer layer system now. Spend your money on base layer stuff first...You can get by with some sort of waterproof jacket/pants combo over that, but if you wear underlayers that do not wick away your sweat, you will become miserable if it gets cold after working up a sweat. Sometimes I wear just a basic Carhartt waterproof jacket over my base layers. You dont need Wool for everything, But its definitely worth the investment where it counts. If you can afford Sleeping Indian/King of the Mountain for outer layers, it is incredible wool clothing. . But if you want to get something Wool for the outer layers as well another good option besides the Army surplus type route which works great, is the Columbia wool which is very reasonably priced and holds up decently well especially for the price.

 

[Musket Man]

Wool is one of the few things that will still keep you somewhat warm if it gets wet. I use under armor cold gear for base layers. I know its not wool but it works pretty well. Good rain gear is also very important so you dont get wet. The biggest thing to avoid is cotton base layers. Once you sweat a little it will stay wet and you will be freezing in no time. I have had to strip down in the snow a couple times to take a wet cotton t-shirt off back before I knew any better. When and where is your elk hunt? That will make a difference in what you need for clothing too.

 

[Kevin Root]

+1 for me on good quality Merino wool for base layers. I think it is awesome.

 

[hoshour]

+2 on merino wool base layers.

I just ordered a wool shirt and pants from Cabelas but they were MUCH bigger and wider than the size would indicate and very heavy so I am returning them. I'll probably look at surplus. It would just be for stand hunting late in the year.

For most of the year, a merino wool base layer, a quarter zip merino wool second layer, light fleece midlayer, super light wind shirt, lightweight down jacket or vest and a jacket will handle almost any weather. I keep a lightweight rain set (Kryptek Poseidon) in my pack. A wool cap, wool scarf and a balaclava help a lot in cold weather, especially the scarf. Mike Eastman always carries a silk scarf with him.

 

[huntwhenican]

I haven't tried the other brands mentioned, but I don't go without my Filson wool pants. Rain forests or cold weather, they are great...just hate the dry clean only part. Army surplus stuff is way too heavy, you may be able to find a pair of wool dress pants at the local Goodwill store. I am going to have to try the merino wool underwear

 

[MT dreaming]

Thanks everyone for the help/advice. Ive read good stuff about merino wool just dont have any experience with it. Also I hadnt thought about the military surplus. That is certainly easier on the bank account. Musket Man I am looking at hunting in Montana during the general season (the first half of November) on either public land or private land the outfitter has access to. Once again thanks everyone for the advice.

 

[Bitterroot Bulls]

I use primarily wool baselayers now. they just don't stink like synthetics do. I have tried a number of brands, and First Lite has been the best for me. First Lite also makes awesome wool midlayers and outerwear as well.

Filson is some good old-school stuff.

I prefer synthetic outerwear usually. Kuiu Attack pants are hard to beat. The First Lite Uncompahgre has become a staple of mine, and I got a lot of use out of it in November in MT this year.

 

[packmule]

+20 on Merino wool. I really don't have a favorite when it comes to it. If you are moving it's great, if you aren't sweating and sitting still for long periods of time it usually ends up not being enough. That's when the thicker UA type base layers come in handy.

 

[25contender]

I will also agree with everyone here. I switched over to First Lite merino layering last and was very pleased with the switch. I like the merino under layers and synthetic outerwear. So far I have really liked the Sitka outerwear compared to the others I have tried. Rhe timberline pants are my favorite Sitka Pants.

 

[LaHunter]

Another vote for the First Lite merino wool base layers. I also have the First Lite Kanab merino wool pants and have been very pleased with them as well. Surprisingly warm, given their light weight. Also, they breath well when you are hiking hard.
I have a pair of Filson wool pants that I like if it is really cold and I am going to be sitting still. Other than that they are on the heavy side and it doesn't take much to start sweating in them pretty heavily.

 

[tttoadman]

Get on the daily hit for camofire.com

In addition to the daily offerings, they have merino from 2 or 3 of the leading makers. They are still running their 20% off on Sitka gear.

 

[Bughalli]

Buy some wool base layers. You won't regret it. They truly make a difference in reducing the stink factor and do a great job regulating temps (hot and cold). Kuiu and First Lite are great. I also have a Kryptec shirt, but have only worn it around the house vs in the field. They're a little more affordable. If you buy any other brands, be sure to check the label. You don't want any blends.

 

[Elkoholic307]

Wool is amazing. Just have to remember not to skimp and get high quality stuff so it doesn't itch.

 

[HuskyMusky]

I think many people say "wool" and simply mean "not cotton!"

lots of options out there nowadays.

 

[Fat Daddy]

Another good brand of merino wool is Minus 33. I recently bought some expedition weight (400 g) tops and bottoms.
These are made for extreme cold and are reasonably priced and quality is very good too. They also make a lighter weight version if 400g is to much for ya.

 

[hoshour]

400 gm doesn't sound like too much in the winter. I also have some Minus 33 and have been happy with them.

 

[hoshour]

Every review I have read on Filson pants raves about them - lots of guys say they have worn the same pair for 20 years, which is pretty amazing, depending on how much they hunt and whether they are stand hunting. I was thinking of getting a pair and maybe a wool shirt.

I also just got a Mont*Bell Alpine Light Down jacket for a mid-layer and it is very warm and super-light, though it sounds like maybe the Umcompaghre might be better because you can wear it as an outer layer.