Are Wool Layers the Best? Even During Heavy Activity?

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[@GruntProof]

Here ya go, Part 2: Wool. Be sure to check out Part 1 also. Of course most of this is personal preference, and about 1,000 other variables; but this sure was fun to do!

[@chk6194]

Fun to watch also! Thanks for taking the time..perhaps a set of these would regulate your body temp better with wool. www.nordiclife.co.uk/products/brynje-wool-thermo-t-shirt?variant=947747379 Decathlon have a mesh set also at the cycling section.

[@gpants1481]

Hey there watching from Hohenfels Germany this morning, where were you stationed while you were here? I have also been stationed In Illesheim

[@GruntProof]

I was in Baumholder. All our field and gunneries were over there

[@stevec2665]

At least you guys had winter boots. We had the mickey mouse boots and were told to leave them in the barracks. One bivouac out we had 40 something guys get frost bite.

[@didibrant7326]

@@stevec2665 That was one cruel person in charge.

[@AndrewSmith-rp6ee]

I used to work draft horses in the Yukon hauling logs in winter, they would still work up a sweat in -30 degrees Celsius and after work I would drape a heavy wool blanket over their backs while they ate. After a half hour, I would take the blanket off and all the moisture had transferred from their fur into the blanket, which would then air dry in the cold by the next day. The advantage of wool is it performs this function if I wear it as an outer layer over fleece and a base layer. Because it still insulates when wet, it is ideal for this purpose. So my system for cold down to -40 F is a base layer, medium fleece, wool layer and then wind shell.

[@GruntProof]

Thanks!

[@robertrynerson1800]

I second what he said. Wool as the outer layer over synthetic base layers seems to work for me also.

[@geezerdude4873]

Elk hunting in Colorado I have worn wool long handles with synthetic long handles over for moisture control, then substantial wool pans and a midweight wool shirt. Standard American hunting boots with Vibram soles suitable to conditions with a midweight wool sock. This was good from the mid-20s Fahrenheit down to zero with a down vest. Surprisingly thin golves are sufficient if you can get the blood down your arms to your hands without constriction. The most important consideration was that there be no constriction anywhere ever or it would mess up circulation and then hands and feet got cold. If it was windy or colder it was time for a coat. This was walking in and out and moving slowly during the day still hunting. I note the Finns now use a wool and polyester blend long handles, with a light and heavy layer depending on temperature, then a shell. That sounds more durable than 100% wool long handles and probably represents a better compromise all around for moisture control and warmth, since I imagine they know how to get by in the cold!

[@0bserver416]

That's really good advice! Thanks.

[@Jason-iz6ob]

Very good to know

[@auroraborealisknives4019]

I love the real world testing rather than just re stating what others have said

[@motomuto3313]

@@Matthew_Australia wheel round

[@Tordan69]

10 yrs in the Swedish army around the arctic circle. My 2 cents; as you and many others agree on is that wool and synthetics both have their pros and cons. Combat ops has a tendency to remove options, but one of the most important lessons for cold weather is to. not. get.wet. Wool insulates even when the material is wet which in my opinion is its biggest pro in this comparison. The second is that it´s less melty when in contact with hot embers and such and third is that it absorbs and wicks moisture much better than Goretex and such. Cons for wool is weight and that it retains that moisture for a long time, takes much longer to dry out than synthetics. When I knew that I´d have to to heavy activities I also tried to strip down to an uncomfortable level just before the activity. When that was over you really must remove the wet garments or suffer since water transfers away your body heat very efficiently(sp?). We were always making sure that the troops made sure to change into dry clothes, otherwise they´d at best be very uncomfortable and non-effecient, and more often than not get local freeze injuries and/or move towards hypothermia. Even in combats ops getting out of wet socks and clothes simply had to be done. Nowadays I tend to use synthetics in the base and insulation layers and top off with wool or cotton (actually cotton/poly in my windbreaker anorak) since that is far better in letting moisture pass through and evaporate outside. If I get warm I make sure to open up and ventilate the moist warmth rather than trap all that moisture inside. Fun comparison!

[@calcagnolibero]

One year as a conscript in the Italian Mountain Artillery back in 1987 in full wool era. We were trained to transport with pack mules our howitzers up on the Alps, fire them and even basic Mountain Infantry training. Army issued wool cannot be compared to modern days Merino. I've been mountaineering all my life and I found that a Merino base layer, a syntetic fleece midlayer and a windshell/rainshell work best for me. The greatest advantage of syntetic over wool in military application is the syntetic longer life. The greatest advantage of wool over syntetic in civilian life is that wool doesn't stink when you sweat in it. I like your videos they area very useful.

[@GruntProof]

Excellent info, thanks for sharing!

[@damonthomas8955]

I always used to push each round fully into my 30-30, sometimes pinching my thumb, but since watching your intro, I get the shell halfway into the loading gate and push it the rest of the way with the next shell. See? I am capable of learning shit.

[@GruntProof]

Haha, yea same here

[@jeffmacrae4633]

Almost another lifetime ago it seems now, I was in the Canadian army. It might be because of the colder temperatures we operated in but I found wool worked for us...it was either that or the cotton waffle long underwear...now that made you freeze after a bunch of advance to contact. Learned the hard way. We actually never wore long underwear bottoms. Just the combat pants and the arctic wind pants. -30 even -40c and no problems moving or static. Mind you the parka was long and our mukluks were high... Since the manmade stuff has come out I've found on civy street that out in the woods that synthetic base layers really don't work for me. I'm a sweaty mess winter or summer and the ninja tops just don't work for me...they don't seem able to deal with the amount of moisture I generate. Wool and polyester blend base layer seems to be the best topped with either the level 2 top and sometimes the old Canadian issue wool shirt...out of the wind it's good to +-25c ... colder then that you really need to start with a parka...or something to block the wind and you need to think about doing things a bit differently to try to avoid sweating at all. There's a reason you don't run in the arctic...you slow everything down...takes forever to accomplish anything but you gotta stay dry as possible. But wool or synthetic it's all about breathability. You gotta get rid of the moisture and maintain enough of a temperature difference between skin level and outer layer that the moisture is wicked away. All that being said...I was always the coldest when it was between 5 and -10c. The really cold stuff was way easier to stay warm and easier to have a clothing system that worked... That's my experience... YMMV...I think I'm spending too much time locked up due to covid...my comment just rattled on there... Great video 👍 keep it up

[@Jason-iz6ob]

We didn’t get all that stuff when I was in. I went out and bought some long underwear. It was cotton. I didn’t know any better. I was 18. I always wondered why I felt colder wearing that shit than not wearing it. Now I know....

[@TheSpekkel1]

Great points, mostly the same things we were taught or learned the hardway in fdf. It's interesting that -5 -10 feeling colder than say -20. I think it could be related to air humidity maybe, which is mostly less the colder the temperature?

[@ProYagu]

Man, I miss the old wool sweater. I like the new stuff, but the sweater was fantastic.

[@soggz4246]

Hi. Great vid. I can on,y say this. Last weekend, for International Bivvy weekend, I walked across part of Dartmoor, carrying a mk3 virtus burgun weighing around 20 kgs. I was wearing a synthetic fleece under a SAS wind proof smock. I was wet with sweat, but cold and felt shivering. I stopped, took off the synthetic, and replaced it with a hand knitted wooden jumper (sweater). Even though I was still wet with sweat, I was much warmer, and carried on my journey to my destination. Wool, is definitely the way to go. After all…it’s the oldest product going… All the best.👍🏾🇬🇧

[@johnh.nickels3832]

Enlisted 1973 I am the standard you have lived down to. All we had was WW2/Korea era wool, I was a POG and always trained, PT in boots or as a mechanic, steel toed low cut boots in FRG a very nice comparison in my old age I've gone back to wool for hunting which is mostly idle time with a moment of excitement. Then a lot of heavy work.

[@jasonc3522]

When I lived in Minnesota the morning talk radio station was embedded with the MN national guard while cross training with one of the Nordic counties and they were talking about a base layer that resembled fishnets that helped wick away the moisture.

[@savage22bolt32]

I have one. It creates dead airspace. I wore it as my second layer, between polypro layers & top it off with a wool sweater, then a parka for the wind. Two seasons ago, I was a chairlift operator at a ski area in Connecticut. That was a fun job & I skied for free!

[@donalddosch1656]

Yea buddy, love me some wool. I entered the Army in 85 and wool was all we had. The ECWCS was just OD green baggy parka and pants with a liner. I can recall many miserable times spent in the field shivering cold and sweaty. And of course, you either wore black leather combat boots or Mickey mouse/bunny/VB vapor barrier boots. Nothing was waterproof or breathable. Sure, am glad we've made so much progress. Good video. Keep up the good work.

[@Williameagleblanket]

In winter of 2003, we wore the polypro with goretex and the Mickey Mouse boots in Kandahar, Afghanistan. It kept us warm. Of course, body armor, Arctic mittens, combat load of ammo, we had with us. 10th Mountain Division, Climb to Glory. 🇺🇸

[@steveturner3999]

Thanks Randall. Slowly catching up on old videos. Stay safe!

[@journeyman7189]

great test Randal. For general activity and any work around a fire wool is great but like you showed any high out put activity followed by low level the wool just can't dry out as fast as synthetics. Also wool is better for odour than synthetics but I hear the pricey stuff is getting better all the time. Next video looks good. Take care Nate

[@irondog8250]

Very impressive, that didn't look like a lot of fun, can't you find a nice hot sunny beach to test something? Anyway, great video, and great test, thanks.

[@wolf1066]

Having started out my dedicated "camping gear" with mostly Army Surplus clothing (British Army wool pants and jackets that hadn't changed since WWII etc) and transitioned over the years to synthetic, I don't find the results of these experiments terribly surprising. Another factor I'd add: Getting saturated - completely soaked through to the skin - while having to do a forced hike. Had to abandon a campsite in the middle of the night in a massive downpour - full on strike camp and get the hell out as fast as you can safely go before you're hit with a flash flood or any of the rivers you forded on the way out become impassable. Wearing a cotton T-shirt and a thin Nylon "wind cheater" underneath the (in)famous Swanndri wool bush shirt, more than two hours non-stop to get out.... Was overheating, certainly not feeling like I was in danger of hypothermia, despite the fact that I was completely soaked through. The *_weight_* however was a different matter. It was a relief to get that "Swannie" off when I got out, that's for certain! Polypropylene T-shirt, Nylon wind cheater and polar fleece top (just as thick as the wool Swanndri, but not as heavy even when dry), this time a >2hr forced march uphill to find shelter. Nowhere near as hot when hiking, nowhere near as heavy because it didn't absorb any water, still no chance of hypothermia - I certainly wasn't cold. It shed most of its water when I finally got under shelter. Which do you think I'd rather be wearing if I fell into a river... :D

[@throatnotchingtroutzzz6789]

Interesting test, with reference to my comment under part one, having a lot of moisture in the clothing when it is cold is not always advantageous. Insulation works basically within managing two principles, what is called "heat" and "work" in thermodynamics. Inhibiting or declining the energy transfer between differences here, different levels. It can better be translated into "radiation" (infra red most often, unless the temperature and thus frequency inclines, then this phenomenon moves into the human visible spectrum of electromagnetic radiation, like red hot or white hot iron, lava and so. It is the same phenomenon, just at a higher temperature/ radiation frequency. ) or "molecular interaction", molecules vibrating and also bouncing back and forth, colliding, transferring energy in the process. That is also why these insulated sleeping pads are better in the winter. They decline the molecular motion inside relatively speaking compared to a non insulated summer one. And so on, layer on layer principle, vacuum thermoses, with only radiation to transfer the energy on large parts, because they have no or very few molecules in the "vacuum", and only the mouth opening have really connection with the outside. this text explains the basics a little: chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Physical_and_Theoretical_Chemistry_Textbook_Maps/Supplemental_Modules_(Physical_and_Theoretical_Chemistry)/Thermodynamics/Chemical_Energetics/Energy%2C_Heat%2C_and_Work Though, also something called "heat capacity" and "specific heat capacity" of materials: www.britannica.com/science/heat-capacity , chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/General_Chemistry/Map%3A_Principles_of_Modern_Chemistry_(Oxtoby_et_al.)/UNIT_4%3A_EQUILIBRIUM_IN_CHEMICAL_REACTIONS/12%3A_Thermodynamic_Processes_and_Thermochemistry/12.3%3A_Heat_Capacity_Enthalpy_and_Calorimetry . A little "free from memory" explained, but when one puts a hand into a hot oven at like 200 degree Celsius, it is possible to put the hand into it and hold it there for some time, no problem, but if some iron or steel plate or grid inside the oven is touched, also of cause having the same 200 degree Celsius temperature as the air or anything else (maybe not some food cooking) in the oven, then severe burns can happen fast, instantaneously, because the atoms or molecules are much more dense than those in the air in the oven. So, here, suddenly all this extra water absorbed in the wool or cotton (hydrophilic or partly so, materials,) or what else, must be kept warm, and it will actually also conduct the outside cold ("lower heat state", energy state,) quite fine inwards, because liquid water is a fine heat conductor, and in addition it will take a lot of extra energy to make this water go from a liquid state in the clothes fabrics / fibres to a gas state, chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/General_Chemistry/Book%3A_ChemPRIME_(Moore_et_al.)/15%3A_Thermodynamics-_Atoms_Molecules_and_Energy/15.06%3A_Enthalpy eg. As others have written, it can be used to ones advantage to have different kinds of materials available and use their different properties to an optimum at different situations. I have also read and seen, (on the internet) that some people living in very cold environments are using cotton as an outer layer, because it absorbs water from the mid layers and inner layers fine, and releases the moisture to the sometimes very dry and cold air outside. If it is wet it does not matter so much, as long as the inner layers are still warm, because the cold will not reach the body, but the drying out process will go faster. Interesting to see, it is always nice to see, if the real life situations fits the theoretical postulates or so. :o) Nice day, no matter what. (P.S. I a mot a graduated, professional physicist, chemist or so, so this is only my own interpretation of these phenomena. If something is wrong or partly not correctly understood, tja, well, then this must be considered an "as good as it gets" explanation attempt. :o) )

[@hoobakam.3931]

Power rangers back hell yeah. I got up and did a body builder pose. Good video man. Thanks for your experiments.

[@GruntProof]

🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@BdogFinal14]

You hit the nail on the head. I entered the Army in the late 80s, and Germany was my first duty station. Wool was the only option for thermal insulation. That is until I went on my first ski trip, 6 months in Country. All my buddies highly recommended I get these new polypropylene underwear and sweaters. My good, what a difference. I started wearing my ski polypro to the field. The Germans had the sweet Polypro “sleep” shirt, in dark OD. Those two got me thru the freezing German winters,

[@GruntProof]

I still use the sleep shirt

[@alanrice39]

I have several of those wool fatigue sweaters, love them. Have wool fatigue shirt , wear it like a jacket. These items are hard to find now. Alan R.

[@AggyGoesOutdoors]

Respect for this real world testing , I enjoyed this series 👍🏼🙏🏼

[@GruntProof]

Thanks!

[@Flashahol]

Thank you for this test! It confirms exactly what I was thinking on the subject. Wool may breathe, but takes forever to dry. If anything, I plan on having a wool layer as the one layer I'm not wearing all the time (hiking purposes, not military.)

[@nicolapasquale8115]

Thank you for doing this. You analytically showed what I also experienced. Since I bought my first set of ECWCS layers I used for everything , the whole winter and there is no going back. Skitouring, snowshoeing, Lapland, western Montana, the Alps, day trip or sleeping in a tent on the snow, doesn’t matter. It just work great.

[@richardreser150]

Started in the late 80’s in the wool. Still in and using the synthetic and I do favor the new stuff to a degree. You are spot on about road marching in wool if you don’t take it off. Mobile sauna for sure. Thanks for the videos.

[@haroldmilroy4489]

Absolutely correct. People are different and respond differently to insulative materials. Appreciate your real world testing. Great channel.

[@Smitty-mt2dv]

Good ole Ft. Drum taught me that wool will do that. Polypro melts so couldn't wear it in the tanks.

[@jlion5514]

Started wearing the poly stuff from early 90’s, then grid fleece polartec current ECWS. Bike commuting in winter, hunting, ice fishing, winter camping in Boundry Waters and UP MI in -40 temps. , back country skiing XC and downhill, snowshoeing, winter running. Heavy virgin wool for camping, ice fishing, hunting - Stormy Kromer stuff. Merino wool for high cardio stuff, and polartec for mix of static and cardio activities. Just started watching your channel and saw a gear review on the level 7 primaloft pants- got a pair to use for winter camping and ice fishing. Thanks for your service and enjoy the gear reviews 👍

[@motomuto3313]

I use both. I also mix and match them. I'm a civy now. I found that my long sleeve poly top, that I use for fishing from a boat, with a wool sweater keeps my core very warm after a "workout" in the freezing cold with no excess sweating.

[@davypeace8127]

Thank you for the great experiment. First and foremost, I need good air cushions. The first layer (regardless of whether it is commercial wool or synthetic) is always too tight for me. I love it sloppy. Old people tell me that their leaf bags in childhood insulated better than modern mattresses.

[@SingleMaltSmash]

fantastic video series. I was a "dyed in the wool" kinda guy, as you kinda have to be in the PNW. But after testing the ecwcs, esp the level 1 and 2 hiking around, theres no doubt its significantly faster drying and warmer too. With thicker wool (felted wool) coats, I find they are superior to synthetics though. Better breatheability and temperature regulation across a wider range of temps, and the felted wool keeps the body temperature just right-kinda like turning the cold off with a switch kinda thing. But for this application, ecwcs is superior, I agree. thanks!

[@GruntProof]

Thanks! I love wool but it just doesn't breathe enough for me in activity. I heat up faster, sweat more, then freeze.

[@memathews]

Yep, our lovely borderline PNW weather: 4’ snow base, 33F degrees, with rain.

[@couchcamperTM]

Hey Randall, maybe my experiences are different because I tend to sweat a lot and I am used to wool (even when wet). I also make sure to add a layer when I take a break. I would do the hiking with a thin layer and put on a thicker one when resting. whenever possible, that is.

[@learnasigo3711]

Battle PT is always more fun than ordinary sessions

[@ricksilver7398]

We never had an option. We were issued Virginia wool in the 70s, and that was it for us. Wool scarf, pile cap, wool socks, glove liners. Love the reviews to know you guys have authorized options to keep and make your own self comfortable 👌 keep up the excellent reviews. This old Grey wolf loves to watch them.

[@GruntProof]

Thanks!

[@ricksilver7398]

It was supposed to have said virgin wool. I hate when the auto spell checker thinks it is a mind reader.

[@diligentsun1154]

Excellent demonstration! You must have incredible Focus, Will and Self Discipline, to drive yourself through the P.T. session just for a video (it Is an Important video, by the way). A Fine Example. Thanks!

[@BBQDad463]

Thanks for this great video. You clearly demonstrate the hazards of being too well-insulated for the level of activity. I want to be rather cold when I am at rest, so as to keep sweating to a minimum during exertion. Then, I can add layers during periods of rest. During moderate/heavy precipitation, adding and subtracting layers can be problematic and time-consuming. I despise hiking in the rain. It is obvious that one might not always/often have the option to layer up or layer down in battlefield conditions. Thanks again for this informative and instructive video.

[@GruntProof]

Thanks!

[@DocFischer]

Everyone: my phone, my phone! Randall: leaves his somewhere in the field 😄👍

[@memathews]

This series is excellent, thanks for testing in these conditions. Your results convinced me to stick with synthetics for daily use. What was your t-shirt material? Also synthetic or wool to match the test material? I never did military service where your options are extremely limited, but I do work mountain trails here in the PNW (3,000’-6,000’) where those base layers need to dry fast in wet and cold conditions. 33F degrees with rain on a 4-foot snow base. Synthetic base for packing, cutting, digging, all usually covered with a waterproof rain jacket. Immediately after working add a synthetic fleece for cool down, under a tarp if possible, but usually the rain jacket. Synthetic parka on top for resting in the field, wool back at camp/office/home.

[@GruntProof]

Thanks! I wore the standard duty shirt, which is a cotton-poly mix. I wore it for both tests because it is what we always wear. I love the mountains

[@memathews]

@@GruntProof Thank you, standard duty shirt stays pretty wet, but good for a test.

[@GruntProof]

Exactly. I wanted to test under normal soldier conditions.

[@DocFischer]

As much as I love my merino stuff, I hate it when I get hot from moving or hauling a heavy pack...it traps the heat more, like you said, and I hate the itchy feeling when it's wet. So wven for me as a natural oriented guy it is Coolmax shirt in summer and in winter I wear a synthetic longsleeve as a baselayer with a medium weight merino on top, then the goretex jacket. If I get really warm uphill I take off the merino and wear just baselayer + goretex jacket. And for longer breaks I add my ECWCS fleece I carry in my backpack (I know you don't like it much but I love this thing, nothing is warmer and more comfy under a jacket... it just doesn't work as a standalone top layer). Great video idea, Randall! Take care

[@gjnezat]

Don't let an ember from a campfire land on fleece. One ember melted the entire back of my fleece..:(

[@gjnezat]

@@Matthew_Australia whaaaat? sign me up.. lol

[@impermanenthuman8427]

So maybe wool on the outside if possible? Or synthetic clothes but a wool blanket in your bag for when your still?

[@impermanenthuman8427]

@@Matthew_Australia now that was infotainment! Actually good ideas amongst all the sarcasm 😎 an all round blend fabric, adaptability is a common theme in survival 👍🏻

[@Drmanipnoid]

Great test! I'll have to try this!

[@dooner4752]

Got the memo! Try it out for your self.

[@TheSpekkel1]

Interesting how different results one can get with gear. I wear a cotton t-shirt over my wool base layer. Cotton soaks most of the moisture. Granted I have finite ammount of t-shirts on my trips, so without an option to dry them at some point, I would have to ease up on the pace, which in a military enviroment might not be possible. But those 3 t-shirts last me 5-9 days on average, no matter with military or civ setting and I seldom take longer trips than that without an option to dry my gear, so I'm fine. Would be interesting to find out just how long is the maximum for these clothing options, have to test it someday. Great video!

[@robertkelly3186]

I prefer the synthetics as well. But just some other properties to cover. Wool is often more difficult to launder than synthetics, even merino wool. However one property in wools favor is that it does not hold scents as strongly as synthetics do. Anyone whos done extended ops in wool and synthetics will notice that the synthetics get significantly more "funky" after long use. Also, wool has fire retardent properties that some synthetics do not, although i think the ecws stuff does. But it does suck burning your stuff if you make a big fire etc.

[@gregraines8082]

That’s my civilian experience as well. I use synthetic for active winter sports, but go to wool for less active activities like bushcraft or work, which also have a fire hazard where wool is safer too.

[@craigrobertson6082]

Very well done. I have always rocked polypro long johns and polypro top for active use. If it is slower pace or I get time to change, I will put a light merino top over the polypro top. The sweat will be drawn off the skin and will dry a bit better; the wool will insulate and keep you warm. Very well put about trying it out yourself...we all know those dudes that aren't used to working in the cold and layer up with everything they have and freeze their butts off!

[@johncarnes2688]

Very similar experience except for socks. I found Merino Wool socks better than synthetic & cotton blends. We would wear m65 field jacket liner underneath at times ad well

[@jelkel25]

I tend to go for the synthetics. Wool when it does get soaked, you're not getting that dry again without a heating source. You have to carry the extra weight too. Synthetics, you have some chance of getting it dry again, it wrings out better. I've got it dry by putting it in the sleeping bag with me. Saying that, I've never tried out the modern Merino wool stuff yet, lot's of people swear by it. If price reflected how good it is it should be brilliant.

[@herringbone5035]

In 1990 in Germany I was screwed somehow out of getting the brown 5 button sweater at Central Issue, they gave me an old OD green wool field shirt. I bought myself one eventually but came loved the wool field shirt. I Was always cold in Germany. The synthetic field jacket liner and field pants liners were popular as well. I liked a mix of synthetic and wool. You have to stripe off or put on a layer on the fly.

[@gpozdol7912]

I remember squatting in mud while my family was in danger in Chicago. Riots looting.

[@Pflap64]

I'm working security detail in Oklahoma this coming week and it's going to be between 7 and 17 degrees F. Also I don't have decent cold weather gear. And no heat in car. Just gonna be chilly willy 🙂.

[@stealthandysteath1069]

Sweet mate looked painful. All good. Thanks for sharing buddy 🇺🇸🇬🇧👍

[@xc8487]

The #1 advantage that a true wool garment (60%+) is the antimicrobial properties. My wool socks may smell when I take my boots off, but after the sweat evaporates the smell is almost gone.

[@hammerhound168]

Interesting ! For what it's worth the long johns we where issued where 50/50 mix of cotten and wool (11b in late 79 thru 84) all ways wore that sweater over a cotton t- shirt . the BDU where 100% cotton then. So either long johns or t-shirt, wool sweater then BDU top, then a m-65 Field jacket with a optional insert (insert was nylon/poly quilt same as a poncho liner) had field pants and insert for those too. Us grunts used to put the insets on over our under clothes then put on BDU 's no need for that sweater. But we loved that field jacket., been trying to get a new one now for several years! Good vid, thanks for a real world test. But we would never exercise in that sweater, just run in a cotton t with BDU top after we stopped then we put it on or more likely our field jackets .

[@TOPTENTRAVEL01]

I've always been a wool man - looking forward to the results on this!

[@RandallSteen]

Thanks. I have to try this. I like to wear thin cotton against skin because I don't get that clamy feeling. Maybe the new synthics are better. Thanks again.

[@pipedreams57]

Wool weighs too much. Some synthetics are not bad, but the best extreme cold weather gear I own is insulated with goose down. It is very expensive but it weighs very little, lofts well even when wet, and breathes well when moving around. It is also very wind resistant. Nothing beats goose down clothing when temps drop to - 20 and the wind is blowing 30mph.

[@pipedreams57]

@@Matthew_Australia A trip to the south pole would change your mind in a hurry.

[@GruntProof]

Mistreat down or leave it soaked for too long, and you're stuck with heavy, clumpy nothing, and still freeze. I'd rather wear 1000 layers than spend the thousands you need to get "good down." And still, mistreat it a few times and you're done.

[@vieuxacadian9455]

USAF / Keflavic, Iceland . Soo Cold , Nuff said . We had wool before Goretex and fleece back then. Today I would blend the layers with old and new tech.

[@MiddleOutdoorsman]

Personally, I use both, depending on season and what I'm doing. Mind you my perspective is that of a Hunter. There are times I have to move fast to move into position before grey light or before the thermals shift and blow my scent from uphill to downhill or vice versa, and times I have to move slowly and carefully to keep sound and/or motion to a minimum. October/ November is Elk Season, and they've pretty good noses. Wool doesn't stink up as fast, thereby keeping scent down. I may or may not wear merino wool long johns, depending on how cold it is. But I'll almost always have on a synthetic moister wicking base layer, the same issue wool sweater over it as an insulating layer, and a shirt over that to trap air and block wind. The moister wicking layer is key, the wool keeps me warm even if wet, and the shirt keeps the trapped warm air from escaping. I find it an effective combination. Winter, Ill run a synthetic moister wicking base layer, and merino wool long johns. I may or may not wear the sweater, but odds are i'll have my Gen 1 ECWS parka on. For rain/snow, I love that thing. Zipper in armpits to vent, and fur attachment for the hood during the deep freeze in winter, it's highly effective. Often enough, I'll just wear my base layer with my parka, then put on insulating layers when I stop. April/May, ill run pure synthetic top and bottom base layers, depending on temps. I'll be hunting turkey's and not Elk/Deer. They can't smell you, so scent isn't a concern. There is also more rain, and synthetic dries out faster. I might wear my wool sweater once i'm setup in ambush, it just depends on temperatures. Some years are colder then others.

[@DannyB-cs9vx]

Wash a wool garment and shake it out. Do the same for fleece. My experience is the wool will retain more water and take longer to dry. My first experience with wet fleece was when my watch cap fell in a creek fueled by snow melt. I shook it out, put it on and I was fine. Wool doesn't burn as easy, but if you are not cold, you don't need a fire to keep warm, only a small one if you want to cook.

[@ozdavemcgee2079]

Australian experience. British type wooly pully 90s type agree with you. I have worked in regios outdoors with snow. The older Vneck THINNER Army jumper is a different kellte of fish. I still weat one but its near dead 1958 made. That is perfect

[@GruntProof]

Cool

[@peesua]

I carry merino wool base layers for the winter and change into them at basecamp.

[@chrismaclean5434]

Been a Game Warden for 20 yrs and a hunter even longer. Govnt-issued uniform is shit in cold, they don’t even issue us fleece! We get a wind proof synthetic sweater to wear under a patrol jacket. I buy poly/merino base layers and pair that with polar fleece pants and jacket, then wear my issued nylon rain wear as a wind/weather proof layer. For hunting, I try to wear wool everything most of the time and fleece for milder weather. There is always compromises.

[@RodneyFisk]

I vote for synthetics, too. I've used both and advanced fabric wins for me

[@AtroposLeshesis]

Are you preparing to teabag someone doing those squats?😂

[@cantstartafire]

I always end up with a polypro base layer, smart wool shirt, wool socks and wool hat but I might try the all synthetic route. If nothing else, it's less expensive (sort of) and easier to care for.

[@bigkev73]

Is my favorite uncle drunk again.

[@wisenber]

You provided a complete answer for an incomplete question. Better for what? Synthetics definitely work better for higher aerobic activities. That's why you won't see a marathon runner in a wool singlet. Wool tends to surpass synthetics when worn for more days in a row. Synthetics clog and chafe after a few days whereas wool remains about the same. Most synthetics also smell like a** after a couple of days use and the smell never leaves after repeated washes. Since wool retains some of the moisture, it also keeps your skin from drying out as much in the cold. Working around a fire or drying with a fire also gives wool the nod. Both synthetic and wool are the answer depending on the question.

[@robertlove8429]

Yea the old school wool sucks, I used to could not wear wool especially if I was going to be active. Merino wool is different though, it is warm, breathable and comfortable. I also have a hard time wearing polyester and fleece stuff. I like cotton but it sucks when it gets wet and has no insulating factor in cold.

[@DumpTrump4TRE45ON]

Merino wool gets damp easily when I sweat in the Winter, but it still stays warm. However, I have a merino sleeping bag liner I do not use in the Winter for the same reason - it will stay wet and ice up and not ever dry. I use a synthetic or silk liner, not a cotton liner which also keeps my bag from getting damp. Down takes even longer to dry and does not insulate when wet, but its lighter and more compact than synthetic stuff. Gotta keep the wool clean or it loses some of its insulation properties.

[@regstrup]

I prefer Merinowool or a mix of Merino and synthetics as the base layer. If it’s really cold, I prefer the Fleece type Merino wool, because it removes the sweat from you skin. Over the base layer I usually have a cotton or synthetic wind proff jacket. When I was in Winter training in Finland, we got the Finnish army winter jacket, which we always took above all the other layers and combat gear, whenever we were taking a break from skiing to trap the heat from the physical activity to not get cold.

[@ed5042]

wicking 32 degree close to skin, very light merino wool polo shirt , then fleece and more fleece with a windbreaker jacket, I can handle almost anything

[@constancemiller3753]

'Whole different level of pain.'

[@invictus3598]

An awesome realistic comparison. Thank you for your sacrifice to recreate the ideal testing environments. So, do you also recommend synthetic over wool socks for activities in cold conditions? Again, thank you!

[@SurvivorMetalMan]

Great testing, both good, both not do good. But I’m on the side of the synthetic stuff myself.

[@rodneyshiles1270]

Great videos, new subscriber like ur real world testing

[@GruntProof]

Thanks!

[@youwild4432]

I was in Korea in 88 and we were issued a lot of wool military clothing back then. In the first field problem that we did...I was colder than I had ever been in my life. We were so cold that we were wearing Micky Mouse Boots. I promised myself after that field problem that I would never be that cold again. I am glad that the Military has spent as much as it has on research and issuing the Generation 3 stuff. Wool is okay for going out....walking around town - but not when you're living out in it.

[@LynnJynh9315]

Not a fair test. Militaries issue wool blankets for a reason. You're not meant to be running in them.

[@danieli7482]

Hi in the video you don't say what your base layer is.this makes a huge difference to comfort both in feel and temperature. I find synthetics wick well generally but cool you quickly,cotton mix feel clammy and make you cold that classic shivering under combat jacket feeling,but wool baselayer feels comfy and improves warmth regardless of whether it's under synthetic or wool. I've found wool more breathable,if layered well,and I'm moving away from synthetics back to merino and my ventile smock,or a mix of wool baselayer (bonus it smells better)and technical and wool layers depending upon activity. One big takeaway is we were taught it's better to be slightly cold than toasty warm.add layers when stopping. Even throwing on a poncho can help by trapping warmth and cutting wind.

[@GruntProof]

That's in the first part. I'm wearing the standard duty shirt, which is synthetic, for both tests

[@danieli7482]

@@GruntProof ah same layer. That makes a bit more sense perhaps of why you felt so cold. I've not had that issue even with a wet merino layer under a jacket on a blustery mountain top. They are worth a go if you haven't already.keep the videos coming.

[@GruntProof]

I'll check em out. Thanks!

[@mrbakerskatz]

Interesting , I’m older and less active (60) but really like my wool , although because of nerve pain in legs just this winter I’ve switch from sleeping with wool blankets , to a synthetic sleeping bag ! The first night and continuing still today I added at least 1 hour of sleep from 4 hours max to 5-7 hours with much less pain in my hands and feet !

[@mrbakerskatz]

@@Matthew_Australia well I might be but it might be you ! 🤣. Sorry bout that !

[@notsoserious0944]

Wet is wet--the feeling of sweat beading up and rolling down your back with synthetics is highly aggravating. I don't have a strict preference now that I'm long gone from the USMC but I need to wear FR as an electrician so I stick with wool. We aren't doing bends and mothers so the sweat isn't the problem. Its the freezing high up in a bucket truck. Brrrr! Wool with a windblock is the best.

[@rtz549]

Check the Refrigiwear site for some serious cold weather jackets.

[@cheap4x434]

I find that when I'm moving and sweating I ware as little as possible normally cotton t shirt and a Poly-cotton blend over shirt then I keep a heavier jacket near by so when I stop I can throw it on.

[@ernststravoblofeld]

This doesn't surprise me at all. Wool soaks up a certain amount of moisture, and holds it away from the skin. It becomes a thermal mass. This is awesome for very consistent levels of activity, but bad for any stop/start, hurry-up-and-wait situations. If I had no control over what I'm doing from one minute to the next, or if weight was a big issue, I'd go straight for synthetics.

[@JFerguson777]

Can you do a part three with modern merino civilian stuff?

[@GruntProof]

I'm considering it

[@Jason-iz6ob]

Pretty much what I expected. I love wool, especially merino. But if you’re really getting after it there’s just no way for it to compare to synthetic. I wore the 5 button sweater once like that. After that I’d only wear it in garrison or if I was going to be stationary. Otherwise it was polypro’s.

[@Jason-iz6ob]

@@tjellis1479 You don’t always get a chance to take a break and let your base layers vent when you’re on a road march or bounding across a danger area.......

[@iofthefox2723]

As a german bushcrafter, i prefer Synthetics: it's lighter and it dries faster. EXCEPT on my feet and sometimes my hands. Wool is nice when you mess around in your camp, but not on the way. I live in a low mountain range, called Hunsrück, where the weather is cold and wet three seasons. So wool is not my number one choice.

[@Thomistopheles]

I love my old pre-waffle polypro stuff... as long as I have a way to wash it in the field, they get funky real quick. The newer stuff has antimicrobial wizardry doesn't it?

[@Jason-iz6ob]

Yeah the polypro’s were pretty sweet. Just so bulky compared to this new stuff.

[@GruntProof]

I liked those when sitting around too. I'd get all slimy in them during activity though 😂

[@neilcastell6951]

i lean towards wool if static ... synthetic more if activity is involved, wool has the added benefit that you dont end up selling like a hobo after a few days,

[@GruntProof]

Good point. Did you watch the first test?

[@neilcastell6951]

@@GruntProof above and beyond on the testing front, .... super realistic tests are a rare thing, .... beats unboxing videos

[@RalphReagan]

Mittens with wool inserts and leather covers are better than synthetic gloves.

[@agoodlife2]

Times have changed for the better, all of our pt was in boots, over 100 we could take of the the fatigue top and do pt in tshirt, no shorts or sneakers, you had to be combat fit. A lot of our runs included our weapon,

[@glorybound6983]

I thought I knew what cold was then I pulled guard duty at a motor pool in Germany 🇩🇪 in the winter and was introduced to the HAWK. I now know what bone chilling cold really is and I was in cotton, wool and leather in 1977. Miserable 😭

[@justino3991]

I'd like to see modern merino wool tested vs regular wool. It's much better than standard wool for your testing scenarios. Only downside is price, but would be more similar to the level of synthetics used.

[@GruntProof]

The leggings were modern and worked pretty well. I'm playing with other modern wools

[@ricksilver7398]

My ass gets cold no matter what I wear. That coming from an Ole West Virginia Hillbilly

[@JohnZook78]

You still in Germany looks like my neck of the woods yet we have a bit more snow

[@GruntProof]

Yup! I'm in Saarland

[@JohnZook78]

@@GruntProof haven’t been there yet I’m near regensburg

[@katsugi183]

Good advice ❤❤

[@jasondiaz8431]

Wool is one of the most fire resistant materials available. I'd carry extra wool you are also not suppose to wear your ACU with the ECW system. Remember cotton kills. Its a plant that absorbs water. The new poly stuff should never be worn by Armor crews or anyone that will be exposed to flame weapons or spauling.

[@elijahbey3366]

Staying in my house when it's cold works best for me.

[@GruntProof]

🤣🤣

[@demetryanemojanis7574]

So we learned that for the same thickness wool is much warmer, and that when you do intense physical activity in cold weather and don’t ventilate, you will sweat more in warmer material. It sounds like the most important lesson learned is to regulate your body temperature to avoid sweating, because if you sweat in the cold, and get your clothes wet you could die from hypothermia.

[@GruntProof]

Wool is definitely most uncomfortable for me when there's movement

[@jamesbailand4311]

Question: can someone define' "generation three synthetics" please?

[@terminal1397]

The only wool layer i would use in freezing conditions is the merino wool winter combat shirt made by UF pro, i use it in conjonction with simple Swiss army issue sport t-shirt last week for a sniper competition it was good for the day. I agree with you on the fact that you don't want to use wool in cold weather conditions as first or second layer, exept to stay in an OP.

[@GruntProof]

Cool! Ive been planning to check that out!