Non-synthetic winter gear.

Shoki

Shoki

Joined
Apr 10, 2007
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I'm looking for good non-synthetic gear for cold weather camping. Most of my cold weather gear is synthetic and I would really like to get into the habit of using more wool. Nothing against the synthetic gear but I just like wool better.
A while ago someone posted a link to a company that makes really great oiled canvas and wool gear and I can't find it now at all. They have a really cool parka with an optional coyote fur trim that I really like and I want to take another look at. Anyone have the link?
I was also wondering if anyone has tried their hand at making their own cold-weather gear from wool, oiled canvas, fur, etc.
 
I have the same thoughts. I mostly have synthetic cold gear also, but I do have a set of Smartwool base layers which are more comfortable than any of my synthetic ones. I have some silk base layers for milder use. I have a shearling vest and a Filson oilskin jacket I use and would like to add more natural gear in the future.

As far as making my own gear, I haven't yet but I have just recently been contemplating making my own oilskin brush chaps.
 
I was just down in Colorado looking at Merino base layers: really nice stuff, but pricey!

Smartwool and Icebreakers. Both looked good, but for a set of long johns and a zip-top it was $160-180. :eek:
 
down isn't synthetic :) and there is nothing warmer for the weight

I use quite a bit of wool in the winter- base layers, socks, hat and gloves/mittens, but to cut wind/light precip a windshirt and for insulation a down jacket- both are light and pack small. They come on/off depending on weather and exertion.

you'll lose breathability and gain weight w/ oilskin/wool, but obviously gain durability- there are always trade-offs w/ any gear choices
 
I was only saying to my wife yesterday that I think my Woolrich wool coat coupled with my Swanndri shirt would keep me warm in the Arctic !!!!

The Woolrich coat is very thick and very warm but at a cost of being very heavy !

I also have Stansfields tops, a merino mix one and their heavy wool one....both great.

I also have a sweater made by Dale of Norway...good but vey expensive and a Buffalo shirt from Woolrich.
 
I almost always use my merino wool thermal underwear but I have Under Armour Cold Gear that I like too. I didn't find what you were talking about but I will keep looking but I did find a "Drizabone Dog Coat Lined in Merino Wool Fleece Australian Made Waxed Cotton for your Canine. Treat your dog to the same life-long, waterproof quality you enjoy!"

Funny you bring up this topic as I just got delivered today my two new Italian wool blankets that I plan on making my own Mountain Man coat out of. They are outside now to air out the mothball smell. It will take a few days. These blankets can't be beat for the money and they are 100% wool unlike most. One blanket is big enough for one coat I am sure.
 
Barbarossa said:
I almost always use my merino wool thermal underwear but I have Under Armour Cold Gear that I like too. I didn't find what you were talking about but I will keep looking but I did find a "Drizabone Dog Coat Lined in Merino Wool Fleece Australian Made Waxed Cotton for your Canine. Treat your dog to the same life-long, waterproof quality you enjoy!"

Funny you bring up this topic as I just got delivered today my two new Italian wool blankets that I plan on making my own Mountain Man coat out of. They are outside now to air out the mothball smell. It will take a few days. These blankets can't be beat for the money and they are 100% wool unlike most. One blanket is big enough for one coat I am sure.
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If you don't mind me asking, where did you get the blankets? I've been meaning to buy a couple of military surplus blankets to finish my anorak project and I'm looking at other options.
 
I forgot to add that I have used a wash in water repellant for wool for my outerwear, hats, and glove liners I believe by Nikwax that worked rather well.
 
Blais said:
If you don't mind me asking, where did you get the blankets? I've been meaning to buy a couple of military surplus blankets to finish my anorak project and I'm looking at other options.
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Here's the link. I checked a few different places and found these guys to have the best deal. I joined the membership and saved $20 on both of the blankets too. They have great customer service as well.

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/new-italian-military-wool-blanket.aspx?a=406448
 
I bought a wool blanket and watched some youtube vids (dave canterberry n others) and made a blanket shirt. It was surprisingly easy, as long as you are patient. I really like the end result and the shirt is really warm!
 
Blais said:
That's the one I was looking for! Thanks.

I had forgotten the price tag. :eek:
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Mah pleasure.

Going the other way how hard would it be to pimp out one of these then. Sticking a wire in the hood would be a doddle as would adding a fur trim. Sewing in a bit of waterproof fabric like a poachers pocket at the back would be a nice touch for sitting. Adding hood volume adjusters wouldn't be taxing either. Wool cuffs could easily be harvested from something else and sewn in to stop wind there. 3mm shock cord and cord locks to replace any old string that was on it. There's not enough work there to fill an evening.
 
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baldtaco-II said:
Mah pleasure.

Going the other way how hard would it be to pimp out one of http://www.rddusa.com/Swedish-Wind-Parka-Off-White-Military-Parka-S-Military-Clothing-Military-Gear-Warm-Winter-Wear-Camouflage-Clothing-Military-Surplus-Army-Navy-Surplus-Army-Parka-G-I-Military-Clothing.html then. Sticking a wire in the hood would be a doddle as would adding a fur trim. Sewing in a bit of waterproof fabric like a poachers pocket at the back would be a nice touch for sitting. Adding hood volume adjusters wouldn't be taxing either. Wool cuffs could easily be harvested from something else and sewn in to stop wind there. 3mm shock cord and cord locks to replace any old string that was on it. There's not enough work there to fill an evening.
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That is a fantastic idea! The price is awesome and I'm no stranger to the sewing machine. I'm ordering one now...


EDIT: Scratch that, the shipping is more than the parka.
:mad:
 
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I am a big fan of merino wool.

Pros: It is warm for its weight. It is still warm when wet (much warmer than wet polypro). It doesn't smell, even after days and days. Having days and days of sweat and oil in it does not make it less warm (I find I have to keep fleece clean else the warmth drops way down). Merino wool doesn't itch. Wool keeps you cool on warmer days.

Cons: Polypro and fleece are harder wearing. Polypro dries if you sneeze in its general direction, merino takes days. Merino is expensive.

Here in New Zealand, all the serious climbers I know wear polypro during the day and merino and/or down at night. That way the polypro can dry overnight in a hut.

A few people I tramp with don't like merino because it is wet at the end of the day. It seems that polypro wicks sweat through and evaporates it whereas the sweat stays on the outside of the wool. This is not something I have noticed myself until it was pointed out to me.

Now if you are talking serious luxury, warmth and comfort (at a serious price), check out posswool - a mixture of merino sheep wool, angora goat wool, and possum hair. I have a posswool hat I can't wear unless it is actually snowing on me otherwise I overheat.

B
 
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