Warmest Blanket Material For Winter -- Fleece vs Wool
The warmest blanket material for winter, given the choices of Wool or Fleece. Here's my opinion and personal choice of which materials I like.
modernsurvivalblog.com
Nothing is as cold as cotton socks on a long hike below zero. You can say that it’s breathable, but once you get it wet, water or sweat, it stays wet for a very long time, and for that time it has an R value of zeroish. I can see it working as an overgarment, just not an undergarment.BTW, deep cold also busts the myth that "cotton kills"... no fabric is as windproof and as breathable as cotton, hence it's use as an overgarment called the Anorak.
Those with a wool blend, not so much! In deep cold, nothing performs like wool.
BTW, deep cold also busts the myth that "cotton kills"... no fabric is as windproof and as breathable as cotton, hence it's use as an overgarment called the Anorak.
It's just like anything else. Match the material properties to the application/situation. Cotton canvas has some unique properties, so does wool, down, and synthetic.Nothing is as cold as cotton socks on a long hike below zero. You can say that it’s breathable, but once you get it wet, water or sweat, it stays wet for a very long time, and for that time it has an R value of zeroish. I can see it working as an overgarment, just not an undergarment.
Nothing performs as well, as an overgarment.I can see it working as an overgarment, just not an undergarment.
Where can you buy 100% wool socks nowadays?
I bought some socks at Duluth Trading Co in Cary for rucking. I am amazed that even when I am dripping in sweat on a 95 degree day when I take them off they are dry. I also bought some at Cabelas. They are good too. Duluth is pricey, but if you sign up for their email list they will send coupons that make it tolerable. I also pretty much only shop their clearance racks for most stuff.
Wool is amazing stuff. Not sure if it is the warmest but it handles moisture really well on my stinky feet.
Surely there must be some Amish dude somewhere selling wool socks. Seems like a good niche for them.
I’m guessing that a sock upper that’s 100% wool would sag pretty bad, a little nylon keeps it limber. My ankles and calves don’t sweat nor get as cold as my feet.Yeah, I've looked at Duluth. Can't find any that are 100%. Not saying they aren't there, but I can't find them.
Cabela's (and some other places) list some of theirs as being 100%, but then when you read the fine print it says that the only part your feet touches is 100%, but the "rest" of the sock is composed of parts nylon and other materials.
I've been wearing wool socks almost exclusively for the past 6 or 7 years, no matter whether it is hot or cold outside.
And I've looked off and on over the years and have yet to find a true 100% wool product. I'd love for someone to point me in the right direction. It's probably just my weak "google-fu" and limited patience for clothes shopping.
I’m guessing that a sock upper that’s 100% wool would sag pretty bad, a little nylon keeps it limber. My ankles and calves don’t sweat nor get as cold as my feet.
I'm sure there is a reason why they are hard to find and reasons why even when I am willing to pay up to $25 per pair (Darn Tough brand, LOVE them) I still can't find 100% wool.
I'm sure there probably is a manufacturing or logistical reason why they are uncommon.
But I would like to try some out and understand exactly what the issues are. I have seen them mentioned over the years in "survival bushcraft" discussions but have yet to be able to find any and at this point I'm wondering if the "100%" label is being erroneously used in those circles or if some modern esthetic or convenience like "sagging" or "itching" has caused the 100% notion to largely be abandoned.
@thrillhill have you looked into Duray socks? Dachstein is probably more than you want to spend. Duray is Canadian, Dachstein is German. I don’t know if either is really 100%, heck I don’t even know how to find out.