Merino Wool? Other wicking fibers?

[JD Spydo]

With winter just around the corner here in the Northern Hemisphere I was wanting to find out more about proper winter clothes for survival and long outdoor activities like hunting, fishing and other winter sports. Particularly materials that keep the body dry even when you are very physically active.

I went to a survival seminar last fall and a man there was lecturing about the great benefits of "Merino Wool" and how it has a wicking effect keeping heat robbing moisture wicked away from your body. Since then I've aquired some clothes made with Merino Wool and partcularly long underwear made with that material and they do help a lot.

I want to know what you all know about Merino Wool and other fabrics/fibers that wick moisture away from the body to outer layers of clothing. I know that Merino Wool is not the only material that has these great properties for keeping a body warm and dry. So share with us other fabrics partcularly in the manufacture of long underwear that work similar to Merino Wool.

With quite a few guys/gals here on the Forum from New Zealand ( a country that manufactures a lot of Merino Wool) I would like to hear what you all know about this great clothing material. I've heard that your Merino Wool is some of the very best.

I have also heard that cross country skiers use polypropylene clothing and long underwear to help wick away moisture to help keep the body warm and dry. Socks are another piece of clothing that need to be kept dry in order for them to keep you warm and traditional materials like cotton and polyesther truly trap moisture and actually are dangerous to use in extremely cold conditions.

OK let's talk about winter survival clothing? What's new in that field? And what is your favorite material for winter survival clothing?

[Donut]

I just heard about Merino Wool this week, I heard it is expensive.

I typically use the normal cotton/down stuff with a "plastic" outer layer, but I don't really plan for being stranded in extremely cold weather. =\

[rosconey]

seen it used as long johns material- i just bought some kind of spandex stuff for riding that works ok but was way cheaper than wool

i have a mackinaw (double cruiser)wool jacket from filson- :D its just awesome in bad weather

[Divo]

Merino wool is already old. I remember roadrace bikers here in Europa used it in the 50-60-70 . . . .
In the past we used thick clothing to protect from cold but then they invented layered clothing.
Some people swear with it because for most people it doesnt itch like normal wool and is anti allergic and anti bacterial. But not everyone is pleased by the fabric. Also some merinowool is made in very unfriendly ways for animals.
PETA isue - http://studentwork.hss.uts.edu.au/oj1/s ... three.html

Inner layer (or base layer) I s used directly on the skin and transports moisture (to the next layer)
Thes are made from materials that doesnt hold moisture so you will not be cooled down when youre going to sweat.
It makes the bodyheat will be controlled and regulated in most positive way. (often made of polyesters)


Then next is the middle layer, it protects from cold. Moisture from the inner layer that is given to this middle layer will taken up by air (vaporize)
Next shell layer can be another warmth layer to protect from cold. Also this layer can have extra protection, like windstoppers (partly or fully) and rain protection too. (like Gore-tex)

In all these layers you will find combinations of rain, cold, wind etc protection.
You have to choose what suits your preference and use.
A roadracebiker needs different clothing then a hiker or fisher/hunter etc.
Also people have preferation for some materials. (stretch, thickness, warmth, itch, allergies, etc)

Personally I like Brynje a lot for inner layers
http://www.brynje.no/index_eng.html


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Layered_clothing

[JD Spydo]

seen it used as long johns material- i just bought some kind of spandex stuff for riding that works ok but was way cheaper than wool

i have a mackinaw (double cruiser)wool jacket from filson- :D its just awesome in bad weather

I've had a couple of items from "FILSON" and they are definitely great quality. They are almost like the "Spyderco of Clothing". We have an outdoor store here South of KC that has their clothes and they are great>> pricey but really good quality. They have a lot of Merino Wool items as well as some other specialty clothing. Most of their stuff is "Made In the USA".

Helly Hansen makes some great stuff as well.

[Climb14er]

I've been wearing merino wool since the late 1970's mostly in my mountaineering adventures. The early wools were to be quite honest, very good at wicking but kind of scratchy.

As the years have passed, the companies have improved their products immensely. Now I wear 100% merino wool top and bottom baselayers for virtually all of my hardcore and adventure activities.

The three companies that I recommend are in the order of preference: Icebreaker, Smartwool and Ibex.

Yes, high quality merino wool apparel is expensive. But they last for quite a long time if you care for them properly.

I'm wearing a short sleeve Tee, Icebreaker 140 weight super fine shirt now. This is the weight that I find most comfortable traveling in as an undershirt or running shirt.

I wear the 200 weight most of the rest of the year and a 260 weight Zip Tee as my colder weather under garment on the high peaks.

Good luck and enjoy nature's real pleasure!

[JD Spydo]

I've been wearing merino wool since the late 1970's mostly in my mountaineering adventures. The early wools were to be quite honest, very good at wicking but kind of scratchy.

As the years have passed, the companies have improved their products immensely. Now I wear 100% merino wool top and bottom baselayers for virtually all of my hardcore and adventure activities.

The three companies that I recommend are in the order of preference: Icebreaker, Smartwool and Ibex.

Yes, high quality merino wool apparel is expensive. But they last for quite a long time if you care for them properly.

I'm wearing a short sleeve Tee, Icebreaker 140 weight super fine shirt now. This is the weight that I find most comfortable traveling in as an undershirt or running shirt.

I wear the 200 weight most of the rest of the year and a 260 weight Zip Tee as my colder weather under garment on the high peaks.

Good luck and enjoy nature's real pleasure!

Greetings "Climb14er" :) It appears that you've had a lot of experience in the area of "cold weather-heavy activity" type clothing. And I am willing to learn more myself because I truly believe that the correct type of cold weather clothing is one of the most important pieces of equipment anyone could have for survival and all types of outdoor activity.

And the reason I made Merino Wool my main topic is because I've heard it is some of the best material for wicking moisture from your body. Because trapped moisture under adverse cold conditions could truly be a death sentence.

There is also a company you've probably heard of by the name of "Helly Hansen" who specializes in clothing for skiers, mountain climbers and other outdoor activities. They use synthetic materials for the most part and when I was still a distance runner I found that Helly Hansen and Hind were 2 of the best in that arena.

I will definitely check out the ones you mentioned. It's a topic that most people overlook. Many people think that cotton is a warm fabric when in reality cotton is really bad at retaining and trapping moisture and truly could be deadly in certain situations. Getting moisture to wick away from your body and keeping your body dry in very cold conditions is the key to survival and staying warm IMO.

[Divo]

Just a thing to read about one item of the many products of Brynje
http://www.arrse.co.uk/content/947-revi ... inlay.html

[JD Spydo]

Just a thing to read about one item of the many products of Brynje
http://www.arrse.co.uk/content/947-revi ... inlay.html

Divo I'm definitely going to check out this company. What activities do you participate in to where you need winter clothing that wicks moisture away from the body?

It seems like a lot of Europeans are already knowledgable about wearing clothing with moisture wicking abilities. It also seems like mountain climbers, backpackers, hunters and survivalists also are aware of the value of proper clothing to keep the body dry so it can keep warm better.

There are also some American companies that are up to speed with these types of clothing materials>>> That FILSON is a good one as well as Helly Hansen.

Also I have heard that the best Merino wool on the planet comes from New Zealand>> I wish Zackerty and some of our other New Zealand Brothers would chime in if they know anything about the subject.

[Stuart Ackerman]

'Ullo...
Apparently the best merino comes from NZ, but who am I to agree? Or disagree?

I do know that companies like Ice Breaker and such like have found ways to soften the scratchy feel...

Yes, it costs more, but you do not have to buy it...shop around, folks....

I am happy with plain old wool, and I do not wash my jerseys very often to prevent the lanolin washing away...but I do wash them in a washing machine when they "smell funny"...( according to my wife )

I have tried a lanolin wash to improve the wicking...and it does work...but a mission to get right, as too much lanolin, and you are as slippery as a seal...

I have two jerseys made from refined Merino, very soft, but a premium to pay, and so I do not get rough with the soft stuff in the bush...rather wear it in the motor vehicle and home...

[O,just,O]

Hi JD. This thread reminds me of an old German bloke I used to work with when I was a kid. He wore a merino wool undershirt at all times 28 F under his clothes to 107 F in only the wool undershirt. Us boys poked fun at his grandpa shirt, as we called it. He called us silly boys who know nothing & said that what keeps out the cold keeps out the hot.
So when it was 107 F & old Charlie was flogging away picking grapes out in the hot sun the sweat was being wicked into the wool & evaporating keeping him cool.
Probably cooler than us silly boys in our shorts with no shirt or hat. We drank water too, but Charlie liked his hot tea at smoko, saying it quenched his thirst better than water.
O.

[johnsonbrown220]

Hello
As merino woolen clothing is now adays in a trend as different typw of dresses are made of this fabric,last saturdat i purchase one skirt of merino wool and i think according to its quality it for me is in cheap and good price .I purchase it from http://www.thecustomclothing.com

[DavidBowie]

Basically Merino Wool Fabric is regarded as the most luxurious of wool yarns. The fibers used is carefully selected to ensure they produce a beautifully soft and long lasting garments which can be passed down from generation to generation. Best Merino Wool Fabric manufactures in India.
For more info have a look on ......
kochartex.com

[JD Spydo]

Basically Merino Wool Fabric is regarded as the most luxurious of wool yarns. The fibers used is carefully selected to ensure they produce a beautifully soft and long lasting garments which can be passed down from generation to generation. Best Merino Wool Fabric manufactures in India.
For more info have a look on ......
kochartex.com

Greetings Mr.Bowie :) I saw you on the Ziggy Stardust tour back in the 70s when you still had Mick Ronson as your guitarist :cool: But welcome to the Spyderco Forum and I hope you enjoy your stay here.

However I'm having a bit of a problem believing that the best Merino Wool is made in India :confused: I've heard that New Zealand is tops in wool production and that they raise more sheep than anyone else on the planet. I will indeed check out the website you just gave and hope to see you around later here on the forum. JD

[JimmyOliver]

Melton Fabric is a thicker woolen fabric and type of twill fabric that has diagonal lines or ridges on both sides, made with a two-up, two-down weave generally made in solids. Due to its thickness, it is used for trench coats, suits and military uniforms and also for Blazers, jackets, coats and blankets. Melton and serges is blend of 80%wool and 20%nylon content.
For more info at kochartex.com

[noddy]

Merino is great - I wear long johns and long sleeve tops skiing and snow camping, and more generally around town when the temperatures really dip ... never niffs .. it's amazing

Gave that bamboo stuff a go ... not entirely delighted with it, but it is better than some other synthetics .. bit heavy

Haven't had to buy any merino recently as I stocked up when I found a good and cheap seller in NZ .. not looking forward to replacing it :lol:

[JD Spydo]

Merino is great - I wear long johns and long sleeve tops skiing and snow camping, and more generally around town when the temperatures really dip ... never niffs .. it's amazing

Gave that bamboo stuff a go ... not entirely delighted with it, but it is better than some other synthetics .. bit heavy

Haven't had to buy any merino recently as I stocked up when I found a good and cheap seller in NZ .. not looking forward to replacing it :lol:

I know that Merino Wool long underwear is some of the best>> how about some brand names and manufacturer's? I'm aware of Filson, Helly Hansen and Hind but I know there are many more makers out there. Also who is one of the best sellers of such items here in the USA?

There is a guy named Jim Phillips who has done many videos on the importance of wicking fibers for survival and I own a couple of his videos. There are probably others out there promoting Merino Wool and other wicking fabrics as well. If any of you are aware then please post them and their websites if they have any.

[Sequimite]

Almost all my socks are wool. I have twenty pair of wool socks made in Ireland that I've been wearing for 15 years. For bike riding I buy Smartwool products which use Merino wool and am very satisfied with them.

[angusW]

I've bought a couple sweaters for my wife and a couple for myself from Woolovers in Britain. Mine were British wool but my wife's were a combo of Merino and cashmere. I think they only have one for men that is Merino and cashmere. The one I see there now is $50 CAD or two for $93. The two I bought for myself came to $92 CAD with free shipping for signing up to their site. Living in a northern country you'd think there would be lots of wool clothing here but there's not much selection and the ones you do find are double the prices from Woolovers.

A few weeks ago I bought two long sleeve shirts from Costco that are 100% Merino for $20 a piece and were surprisingly made in Canada. I also bought two pairs of undergarment (tights) pants and shirts that are %11 Merino. I wear the undergarments at work only and find them to be a good base layer and are not too bad at wicking some of the sweat from my skin compared to tights that are spandex and polyester.

I was in Hong Kong last month and saw a lot of wool clothes. Way more than I could ever find in Canada and again for a much better price.

[JD Spydo]

I just got a gift from a friend which I'm very happy with. It is a 3 pair pack of "Wigwam" brand socks. These socks are made from 100% Merino Wool and they are truly a comfort dream. Not to mention their wicking effect keeps my feet dry and warm too.

When it comes to battling cold weather keeping your feet and hands warm is one of the biggest and most important challenges there is IMO. If you can keep the moisture wicked off of you that is a big step to keeping warm. But if any of you have socks that you think are better I'm all ears.

Also the other day I wore a turtle neck shirt that was given to me for Christmas which is made of Merino Wool and it works great and feels great. But again if someone knows of a material that is even better than Merino wool I would like to know about it.