What's a good wool shirt and jacket?

A

Alan Mackey

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Nov 13, 2011
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I'm growing tired of all this fleece and GoreTex stuff and I would like to give good old wool a chance. Any opinions?
 
Check out Woolpower...they've got every clothing item, from balaclavas to socks. Their clothing is 70 % wool, making it extremely durable. Ive got the 400 grams full zip jacket and 400 gram balaclava and im very happy with them both. Im off to buy their 200 gram baselayer shirt and leggings next week.

Www.woolpower.se
 
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Another suggestion: Minus 33. They are a fairly new company, but their gear is top shelf. 100% merino wool gear is the "itchless" descaled kind that makes great base layers, and their prices are significantly lower than the big names in outdoor gear (North Face, etc.). I have several wool t-shirts and socks from them that I've taken on major multi-week treks. Two thumbs up.
 
If you want to go retro and throwback to the old days then try Filson. Also one of my favorite wool shirts is one Mntfolk Mike directed me to the Asbell wool Pullover. it rocks big time.
 
Dale of Norway's sports line. If you do your shopping you can find the Storebjorn right at 100 dollars. For a high performance shell, check out their knitshell, which is a knitted wool waterproof shell-sounds crazy I know-you pay for it but the technology's incredible. For the money, you won't look back.

For baselayers and mid layers, TNF's Diablo and Mount Tams do a really good job. They're incredibly soft, inexpensive (26 dollars on certain sites right now-I unwrapped 2 for Christmas from my sister last night) and make for a great, soft non-stinky base or mid layer that will keep you insulated even if you start to sweat during rigorous activity. Very lightweight, suuuuuper breathable. They're a blend but TNF got it right-the knit does all the work. I have a gem of a 1968 new old stock 100% wool belayer's sweater from TNF with a reinforced shoulder and a carbiner pocket. Wore it ringneck hunting the other day, makes for a great shotgun sweater with the armpit patch.


LL Bean makes one of the best bushcrafting sweaters out there right now-they have a fantastic rendition of the British SAS commando sweater in some cool bushcrafty colors in the 50 dollar pricerange. Durability of the knit and insulation are better than my 250 dollar TAD SAS sweater, and LL Bean's customer service is much better, too.

If you're looking for pure insulation for the money, Woolpower is hard to beat. They are so no-frills (destroying all the late assumptions that wool is used simply for fashion ::rolleyes:: and very durable. Pop's getting a pair of gloves, a zippo hand warmer and a tin of bag balm this year. He's got Renaud's and as he gets older his hands get very painful as he skis.

Helle Hansen's wool stuff is all high speed, low drag. They combine it with their proprietary moisture wicking synthetics to get a really close fit that retains its shape. If you're looking for durability and utility, find something else, but if you're looking for a high speed low drag insulator for extreme sports, their stuff is unbeatable, not to mention sexy. Very pricy if you don't pick it up on sale.

Woolrich is one of those brands where you can find trail-and-town style pullovers for pennies on the dollar. I've picked up a few of their mostly-wool sweaters and one of their shirt jacs all in the 20 dollar pricerange. Great for everyday wear or throwing in the pack on a spring/fall trip if a cold wind blows up.

Eddie Bauer has some great inexpensive ragg-wool sweaters, again, more trail and town, but they're along the same price as a cheap Columbia fleece pullover, so if you're making the switch, they're great closet fillers.
 
Real wool lasts and lasts. I am still wearing a red/black plaid Sears wool shirt I bought back in 1964. Still as warm, comfortable and nice as when it was bought.
 
Hey PR -

Dude - thanks a million!!! I *just* ordered the last of those Dale of Norway Storebjorn sweaters from Sierra Trading post!!! Got it for $103.25 plus shipping - fantastic deal!!! I got a special gift over Christmas and so it didn't cost me anything outta pocket - love this!
 
I bought three wool jackets about 11 years ago. One Filson Mackinaw and two from Ibex. The thicker wool jacket from Ibex has some stretch to it, is soft and no itch at all, it looks like a modern fleece style wise. The other Ibex was a soft shell synthetic with a wool interior, the mesh pockets are tearing up, the wool is about gone, washed away.
The Filson and the thicker Ibex both look new. The Filson is so overbuilt, not the best ski jacket, but very tough.

I'm still wearing some of my Smartwool long underwear, small holes are there, but still better than cotton longjohns, IMO.

Like mentioned, real wool lasts. I'm a bit out of touch with the newer stuff because of it. I'll be needing some more longjohns soon.

I've been able to find Pendelton wool shirts, lambswool sweaters, and the like at thrift stores. I have never paid full price for a new wool sweater. I did not mind paying for such fine jackets, they will last me for many more years.
 
Stormy Kromer makes a fine wool coat. Classic styling and very well made. I got my Dad one for Christmas this year.

Jeff
 
Im not sure if there available in the US but swandri make excellent bush shirts/jackets, Ive had mine for about 10 years and its great. the wool is treated some how so that when it rains the water sits on the jacket rather than soaking through. Ive sent a few to friends in the US and they all love them.

Swandri is the standard for all farmers and bushman in NZ
 
Me in my Swannie~

PB200018.jpg


And my Woolrich coat~

PB240010-1.jpg


I have a Dale of Norway sweater as well but can't find a pic !
 
Magnaminous_G said:
Another suggestion: Minus 33. They are a fairly new company, but their gear is top shelf. 100% merino wool gear is the "itchless" descaled kind that makes great base layers, and their prices are significantly lower than the big names in outdoor gear (North Face, etc.). I have several wool t-shirts and socks from them that I've taken on major multi-week treks. Two thumbs up.
Click to expand...

Quirt said:
If you want to go retro and throwback to the old days then try Filson. Also one of my favorite wool shirts is one Mntfolk Mike directed me to the Asbell wool Pullover. it rocks big time.
Click to expand...

A big thumbs up to these suggestions. I too recently found the minus33 line, and have purchased a light weight polo and midweight 1/4 zip long sleeve for myself and an expedition weight bottoms for missus Mongo. Haven't had the chance to test them out as they were X-mas gifts, but they really seem well made. I also have a ton of Filson wool, and all are EXCEPTIONAL pieces of kit. I got an Asbell pullover for Christmas last year, and I wear it at every chance. Exceptional quality for the value.
 
If you are serious there is a lot of vintage Woolrich/Pendelton, etc jackets on Ebay that looks in great shape. I just sold some wool before Christmas.
 
I have some Pendleton and some Woolrich stuff that is holding up well after several years. I wear these things often and I don't baby them, and they are going strong.
 
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