How to Choose a Blanket for the Woods - Wool VS Down VS Synthetic VS Fleece

How to Choose a Blanket for the Woods - Wool VS Down VS Synthetic VS Fleece

[@tray-b6955]

As a car-camper, I love the pairing of fleece and wool. I do own a down blanket, but for me, the cons outweigh the pros. Thank you again, Mark, for another detailed and informative video.😊

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Right on. Wool and fleece work well together for car camping. Thanks for commenting

[@margueritemitchell1829]

🐏🐑🐐🦙wool is fire proof, feels warm when wet. I hung wool blankets on my walls and over the sliding glass doors in my poorly insulated early 60's house. (3 inch binder clips, 1/4 inch plywood valances )

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Cool idea. Great for cabins with no insulation as well. Thanks for commenting

[@calibos3329]

Fire resistant - ask me how I know

[@miriamhawkins7825]

I have asthma and can’t use wool or down. I car camp and I found a rayon batt comforter and a duvet to wrap around myself - heavy but warm. I wrap in a fleece blanket inside the comforter during cold weather.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I will be reviewing a blanket that may be of interest to you. Thanks for commenting

[@trioultimo]

Its a milestone knowledge. You did a job you should be paid for. Im soo thankful.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thank you for your kind words

[@charlesseelye3528]

Made me think back to my days as a teenager when I would roll up an old wool Army blanket around a can of beans, grab my fishing rod and head up the Sierra Nevada trail for an over night by myself relaxer. Great times. The beans were just in case my fishing skills let me down. :)

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I have a funny story about cooking canned beans while camping. I was 12 and out solo. I forgot to take a can opener. Put the beans on the fire unopened. You can guess what happened next. Lesson learned. Thanks for commenting

[@charlesseelye3528]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft Have to ask. Without a can opener, what did you intend to do when they got hot? :) The fun we had when we were young. The fun we still have when we are old. Speaking for myself youngster.:)

[@funyunmaker3182]

I have a Swedish 6lb wool blanket in my bushcraft bedroll it is comfortable down to 30 degrees fernhight. If I am expecting lower temperatures I have a down blanket that compresses into a small sack that I use as another layer. My bedroll with oiled canvas is around 10 lbs but I'm not hiking long days I just enjoy rustic camping.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

That sounds like a great setup. Thanks for commenting

[@jimf1964]

Morning Mark. So one of the reasons down varies in price is the quality of the down. For example I have a duvet for home, and a real duvet means all the feathers are of a certain type. The ones that are so fine they almost float on the air, and never had a feather poking out. Cheap ones are gonna have those annoying actual feathers poking through. One thing you missed is that the natural materials like down and especially wool are far more forgiving in temp range. I find polyester may keep you warm, but will also make you sweat if it’s just a little too warm. I found a US army wool blanket at a surplus store. It’s been treated so it’s highly water resistant. I take it camping all the time. I used it recently in a fall hammock camp/hunt under my bag, because I didn’t have an under quilt. Worked great, and also used it as a cloak in the morning. I would recommend anyone taking them out to treat them with lanolin. It’s not so easy to find, but it’s around. It will help with water resistance, and keep the fibres more "healthy", just be warned it could possibly attract cloth eating moths (so I’ve been told). They apparently like the oil. Oh, and mark, I have a queen size Hudson’s bay blanket that was a wedding gift to my parents around…..well, many years ago. It won’t ever see a camp site either. Happy New Years! 🎉🥳

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Good points on down, synthetics and wool. I did not talk about the different types and qualities of down, like duck VS goose, etc. Only so much time in one video. Makes room for a follow up. Thanks for commenting Jim

[@Addy-ft4ps]

Thank you for the informative video. I go the fabric store and buy excellent quality fleece on sale and make my own blankets. You can often find double fleece fabric that is super thick and warm. The best time to find these on sale are just before and after Christmas. The best part for those who do not have a sewing machine, is that you really don't need one!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Great suggestion. Thanks for commenting

[@slickwillie3376]

Very interesting, especially the idea of combining fleece with wool. One guy turned a wool blanket into a robe with hood by cutting it halfway up the middle & adding a hood. Gee, if you could add a fleece lining to this robe, even better, and if a fellow threw on one of those extra large ponchos to keep the rain out, he could use the poncho as a shelter, and maybe wouldn't need a sleeping bag, perhaps just a small tarp for a floor. Now if a fellow custom-made his own poncho to fit, and to be a shelter as well, , and also had a way to deal with perspiration...like maybe a third lining of polyester inside the fleece...or something.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Some great ideas. I do have a video on making a poncho from a blanket. Thanks for commenting

[@benthere8051]

I got a Korean acrylic blanket for Christmas that is exceptionally warm and fairly inexpensive. I feel that deserves consideration.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

For sure. all to often "bushcrafters" (including me at times) have turned out noses down at synthetics because they are not traditional but they definitely have a place. Thanks for commenting

[@benthere8051]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft I went camping in 1961 with two friends on a very cold night with only a piece of canvas for a sleeping bag. It got down to 17° and I would have killed to have the acrylic blanket that I mentioned.

[@randybranch4005]

This overview was done very well. I appreciated each material being discussed in a concise yet detailed description. Personally, I have used each one of these extensively. Weather and weight really go into the decision on which to use. Usually ends up being some sort of trade-off on which to use.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thanks for your kind words. I agree, all the blankets have a place depending on where and when you are going to use them.

[@Roarmeister2]

I have a couple of polyester moving blankets that I keep in the car to wrap around fragile items. They will double as warming blankets but clearly will not be as insualtive as down or wool. I got them because they were really cheap. I also have a wool anorak and wool pants along with insulated bibs in the BOB; they are quite suitable for ice fishing. 😍

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Right on. Moving blankets are cheap and durable and having them on hand is better than not having a blanket. Thanks for commenting

[@kellyjohnson3617]

I have all these. I have a couple twin sized wool blankets. One I keep in the house and take car camping with me. They don’t compress well but one is thinner than the other. The smaller one I keep in the car for emergency reasons. I also have several wool throws that I’ve picked up at thrift stores. They really are warming. What’s great about wool is it can be an under layer. If I go camping, I have an ultralight down quilt and if it’s cold I will wrap myself in the wool blanket and have the down quilt over me and it toasty. I have a down throw as well. It’s warm to put on my lap, but I’d never use it in front of the fire. Only in the tent. I have a synthetic blanket that also functions as a cape with snaps. It wraps around my whole body except my lap if I’m sitting. Around the fire I will use a wool throw for my lap. And maybe the down in the tent. But honestly the wool stays on my lap easier. My cat likes to get under the down throw when we camp so she stays warm in it. The wool is heavier so it’s not as comfortable. I keep tenacious tape for repairing my down quilt and throw. Works well. My synthetic throw is nice. I have a fleece sleeping bag liner like you showed. I keep fleece blankets around the house cuz my cat loves to sleep and lie on the and they are easy to wash. I take them camping and traveling with her. My main reason for the down blanket was to have something for back packing. I use mine on my bed in the winter but my kitty has accidentally ripped it with her claws. Tho she doesn’t like it cuz it’s slippery. She prefers to get under it. Lastly I hav3 my dads old flannel Coleman sleeping bag. Honestly it’s what I use the most car camping in the summer. Yes it’s heavy and bulky but it fits the needs of car camping with my cat. It’s practically indestructible. I can wash it and dry it easily. My cat loves it. And it just brings back childhood memories of carrying that thing on my back when i was a kid backpacking in the woods. He carried his wool blanket and I got the soft flannel. Of course he carried all the heavy stuff in his pack. I had ramen and the other lightweight food in my pack. I was 12 and 5’2” so I could carry the flannel. I just open it up now and use it as a blanket cuz I have a sleeping pad with a soft blanket from home over it. But if I could only have one blanket for the rest of my life, I’d probably pick the wool one. It’s the most versatile. And durable. The one in my trunk is almost 100 years old, got it from a friend from Hungary who died at age 100 and she got it around 1930. My gramma used to make quilts with old wool blankets. She’d just patch up any moth holes then cover them in some cute fabric so they’d be soft and could be a cute bed spread and very warm during a WA state winter. So I’m still a fan of wool. Wish I still had that old quilt she made for me. The cover died but looking back the wool part was still fine….I was too young to know lol

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Great experiences with the various options. Like you, if I had to give up all my blankets but one, it would be a wool blanket I keep. Probably the Hudson Bay blanket. Not just because of its value but because it was willed to me. Thanks for commenting

[@starlingblack814]

Thanks Mark for the interesting discussion. When bushwacking in Alaska I usually carried a down sleeping bag, but always wore wool clothing, as it was very quiet when brushing up against objects, but stayed very warm even if I had crossed an ice-cold stream. Never thought about using wool as a blanket, probably because of its bulk and weight.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

For sure, down makes the most sense if you have to carry it an distance . Thanks for commenting

[@redsorgum]

I could see sowing together a fleece blanket with a wool blanket, I think that would be a great combination. I’ve had an army down sleeping bag, as nice as it was, eventually the feathers would start to poke through. I like synthetic and fleece. ✌️🇺🇸🇨🇦✌️

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I have considered doing just that. The challenge is the fleece stretches much more than the wool so it would need a lot of cross-stitching to keep them together. Thanks for commenting

[@mclostinthewoods]

There is a modern, affordable version of the "woobie" blanket (Army) made by Snugpak called the Jungle Blanket. It's cost effective and warm down into the low 50s (F). Amazon carries them.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Yes, worth looking at. I new of them but did not look closely. I will now. Thanks for commenting

[@jackvoss5841]

As I recall from high school,physics class, all materials give off heat as they moisten. And in return, reabsorbs the same amount of heat (read “gets cold”) as they dry. It is called heat of vaporization. I could be wrong, but that’s what I recall. Courtesy of Half Vast Flying

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I did find refernce to how wool generates heat when wet but not to other materials. Thanks for commenting

[@andymytys]

Excellent video, Mark. Please consider an addendum or follow-up to this video and talk about wool ponchos. Bushcraft Spain sells wonderful Shetland wool ponchos that can be used as in-camp or on trail insulation, and then opened flat to become a twin sized blanket. Folded, tucked, and rolled correctly, you can get two layers out of it to sleep under. Suddenly, it becomes a viable alternative even for summertime ultralight backpackers.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I will check out the Bushcraft Spain poncho. I have a three-part video on making a wool blanket poncho. Thanks for commenting

[@cdredger16]

Very reasonable discussion of pros and cons of the different options. Thank you!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for commenting

[@lyndapayne1680]

When we taught canoe class, no cotton and no down were the first things we told students when we discussed what to wear on day trips and on multiday camping trips.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Right on. No fun getting wet with those materials. Thanks for commenting

[@miken7629]

Another option is Ameritex "Waterproof Dog Blanket" bought from Amazon, comes in variety of sizes & colors. I use the 80 x 82 size as a cold weather bedroll folded in thirds, middle layer on bottom + torso pad and two layers on top of me. Also have the 52 x 82 as a bedroll blanket containing my hammock, tarp, poncho, & torso pad. Looks a little Hobo carrying a bedroll.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I will take a look at it. Thanks for commenting

[@BBQDad463]

Thank you for this video. Great overview.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for commenting

[@terryw.milburn8565]

Great Comparisons On These Mark. Many Thanks . Hap-E 2023 Friend ! ATB T God Bless

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thanks, you too! Thanks for commenting Terry

[@oddball7483]

In my junior years, when today's camping equipment was not available. We used WW2 ex military wool (?) blankets (3) when camping. I used one folded in three to sleep on with the remaining two made into a sleeping bag using blanket safety pins. Pillow was my jacket and an adult size submariners oiled WOOL roll neck jumper was my night time warmth back up. Cooking was done over a wood fire usually consisting of sausages and beans and a flour dough wrapped around a stick in the embers of the fire filled with butter and jam once cooked. Happy days

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Sounds like good times for sure. Thanks for commenting

[@AlexanderMason1]

There are several synthetic insulation materials that keep 94% of its insulating properties when completely soaking wet, while wool, even with the highest grade wool, will keep up to 80% of it warmth when slightly wet (up to 30% of its dry weight in water) the best synthetic insulation Primaloft Gold is equivalent to 750 fill power down while Primaloft silver is equivalent to 650fp. They don’t compress to as low of a volume as high fill power down (700fp and above) but still lighter than wool for its insulation and warmer pound for pound.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thanks for commenting

[@pulankaoutdoordesign]

Thanks for the effort for making this complete video. Its good to see that you take the time to explane things, instead of a 3min vid which misses the point 🙂 There is a Norwegian brand (Jerven) that makes 'blankets' (Fjellduken) with zippers all around. They combine an waterproof shell with a Primaloft insulation. Can be used as a bivybag, poncho, shelter or whatever you can make of them. I own one now for several years and in wintertimes I never leave for a hike without it. They are quite expensive, but its a purchase for life. My experience with this primaloft blanket are good, very good. Even when wet, it keeps me warm and out of the wind. I love it, and when it gets lost...I buy an other one without blinking. Keep up the good work! Cheers Ronald

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

The Jervan bag has been on my wish list for years. Hoping to won one some day. Thanks for commenting

[@karenporter3156]

Great video! Lots of pros and cons to review and think over, including what time of year the blanket will be used. Thanks very much for your post.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for commenting

[@teatowel11]

I bought a couple of second hand 100% wool blankets. I don't hike with them but i do take it when i go motorcycle camping. They are queen size and i will lay it on the tent floor, put hiking air matress on one half and then fold the other half over the top. This makes the mat a lot more comfortable, warm and less noisy. I wish i could have it with mr when hiking but it is way too heavy. To hike i use a down quilt. Super light and warm but not durable and compresses under you so doesnt add comfort in that way.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Yes, weight is the one down side of wool.Thanks for commenting

[@AlexanderMason1]

6:01 actually the real fact is that wool (depending on the grade and quality) will keep UP TO 80% of its warmth/insulating properties when wet with UP TO 30% of its dry weight in water. That last part is always ignored by people who have no clue what they are talking about (not you). So 1000g of the highest quality (wool blankets are not made from that wool. Usually its found in higher end base layers) 100% pure extra fine wool will keep 80% of its insulating properties when wet with up to 300 grams of water.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thanks for commening

[@georgerector9252]

Living in Deep East Texas, we don’t experience the extreme colds as most do. However recently we had temps in the lower teens (F°) with winds 25/30 mph. Being curious I decided to find out about surviving in a stranded vehicle. Based on several hours in my cold pickup truck I found the military poncho liner best all round. Not necessarily the warmest but due to its less storage size (pickup cab storage is limited) it will be used. My go-to camping set up is a canvas tarp outer with a wool blanket inner. I sandwich a thin mylar sheet between the two (bulky and heavy).

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Good point about location and deciding what to use. Sounds like an upgraded cowboy bedroll. Thanks for commenting

[@georgethomson8595]

Great overview, Mark. I love my poncho liner! Very versatile and it has a couple of holes from sparks but that just adds to its character 🙂. I think you hit on an idea at the end about pairing these materials. I like your BBQ cover-wool blanket pad you use and have seen waxed canvas-wool blanket on other sites. Keep up the great videos. I enjoy them.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Hey George. We so need to have coffee and catch up. Let me know next time you are up this way

[@georgethomson8595]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft I will!

[@markmartello]

Thanks Mark, another great video.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you liked it. Thanks for commenting

[@AlexanderMason1]

Primaloft gold is equivalent to 750 fill power down while Primaloft silver is equivalent to 650fp down. Usually the majority of the warmest winter parkas use 600 to 700 fill power down usually cut with up to 30% feather which adds weight and bulk. Down looses all insulating properties when wet while all synthetics will keep warm when completely soaked. Both Primaloft silver and Primaloft gold keep 94% of their insulating properties when soaked. Pound for pound warmth is not all that matters. You can get some thing that will be a lot warmer and perform better, with the only downside being that it weighs a little bit more then its natural equivalent.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thanks for commening

[@MarcMallary]

I bought a breathable, reflective bivy. It has a shiny metallic layer, facing inside, that will stop heat radiation losses, which simple insulation does not do. The only thing I don't like is it's a Tyvek material instead of a cloth, that will wear out, faster.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Is that the one made by SOL? I have an older one by them I keep for emergency use. It was a bit small for me to be comfortable in. Thanks for commenting

[@jackvoss5841]

I think that you did a god job of covering the ground. Thanks. Courtesy of Half Vast Flying

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks

[@brucematys8597]

Like you I picked up a nice 100%wool blanket at the thrift store, it's a little heavy but very durable. I don't own any down blankets or sleeping bags (mine are synthetic like permaloft). I like the idea of pairing wool with fleece as I do have a couple of fleece blankets. When I was younger I did pick up an army surplus down/feather mummy bag(I wish I still had it) but it is long gone. Cheers Mark.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I find a great many deals at our thrift store. I bought the Canadian sleeping bag system a few years ago. Do heavy-duty and effective but also heavy. Thanks for commenting

[@andymytys]

Regarding blankets, if you sew a channel on a short end and rig a draw cord into it, and set some snaps up the side about 18-20”, you can create a footbox when needed on colder nights. Now you have both a down blanket, and a sleeping quilt. I did this with my Double Black Diamond CostCo quilt, which is the one I suspect you have. Good down to about 45 F, meaning if I’m sleeping in a tent the low is probably around 52 F as I get protection from wind and some warmth trapping.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Yes, good suggestion. I have a couple of those Costco blankets and converted one into a top quilt . Was easy to do. Only issue is that it is a bit short. I use it on top of another quilt. Thanks for commenting

[@mountaineer5596]

Good video. Thanks.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for commenting

[@Flashahol]

Great overview! I have used a wool blanket to sit directly in snow and it worked great. The only downfall is it can get frozen into the snow as you warm up the upper layers with body heat.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I have had that happen as well. For that reason I made a sit-pad with nylon on the bottom, reflectix in the middle and wool blanket on top. I have a video of this if interested. Thanks for commenting

[@Flashahol]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft I had the same idea but first I want to try the reflectix alone as a car windsheld reflector seems to work fine... if you can sit on a narrow pad (I had to use 2) Right now it's raining in Montreal, so it will take a little while.

[@benthere8051]

David Pearson carries a sheet of vinyl that's about 2' by 3' that would really help in this situation.

[@MichaelR58]

Good video Mark , thanks for sharing , God bless !

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for commenting

[@eyeofthetiger4184]

G'day Mark, excellent subject for a vid mate. Up front give me a blanket anytime over a bag and I do have to assume a downpour may well occur at any time here, even in the middle of summer. I'm a BIG fan of wool, though in fairness, I'm with ya, ....... not keen on carrying it any great distance, lol. Main thing IMO is consider your shelter system. Under a tarp for example, cold wind and rain potentially blowing in, perhaps with a fire out front, possibly all night, ..... forget anything but wool. On a multiday trek, certainly anything other than down or synthetic, doesn't stand to reason weight and size wise; But I'd be sure to have, (and rigorously tested), a fully water - PROOF !!! tent, (indeed pack too), and with no significant condensation issues. Cheers Duke.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Great thoughts on the topic. Thanks for commenting Duke

[@AlexanderMason1]

Wool blankets are definitely not used by backpackers let alone ultralight backpackers. it’s a lot heavier and bulkier than down filled synthetic fabric. Ie don’t jackets or down sleepingbags. Synthetic insulation in jackets and sleeping bags also outperform wool when wet.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thanks for commenting

[@tombryant6061]

Blankets made with Climasheild continuous filliment fiber are excellent. I have some from Wilderness Innovation and quilts from Enlightenment Equipment. Bulkier than down but they are an excellent insulation. I have down, wool, and synthetic blankets. I find them more useful than sleeping bags. Down can last a very long time. My oldest down bag is a North Face Superlight from 1976 and it is still in use.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I just looked at Climashield. Very interesting. Not a lot of blankets that I could see but a lot of top and bottom quilts as well as material for DIY projects. Very good looking material. Thanks for commenting

[@funzeevanzee]

Great info

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thanks for commenting

[@ianbruce6515]

On cruising boats we would use duvets and duvet covers. The duvet cover functioned as a sheet and could be removed for washing. I would think that one could have something similar on a down or synthetic down camping blanket. Lightweight cotton for the ultralight hiker, and something a bit tougher and more durable for the less weight conscious. This would enable you to wrap your primaloft blanket around you near the fire, providing some spark protection. In warmer weather it would protect you from the sticky clammyness of a polyester shell if you sweat. I believe ours had ties on the bottom of the duvet, and inside the duvet cover and a sort of pocket on the other end.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Interesting idea. Would help keep the blanket clean as well. Would only have to wash the cover. Thanks for commenting

[@charlesknight3204]

Mark … A couple of things you might want to consider with down blankets … first, there is a small percentage of the population that is HIGHLY allergic to feathers/down; I happen to be one of those people. Down is not a consideration for me; I simply cannot be in the same room with it. Another disadvantage of BLENDED wool is that it attracts both household and outdoor dust. I am allergic to dust. While I outgrew some most of my allergies, feathers, dust and cats were the three I still have. I still camp, and I still camp on a budget, but I work within my limitations; when I camp, hunt and fish, I have a blast!!! Just a couple of points that you might want to consider. Happy New Year!!! Take care, be safe, best wishes and God bless!!! Chuck Knight from Buffalo, Texas, USA. 👨‍🌾✝️🙏☃️🐩

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Hi Chuck. Good points for someone to consider. I have a blanket that I will be reviewing that addresses both those issues. Thanks for commenting

[@charlesknight3204]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft Mark … Looking forward to the review. I addressed it fifty years ago (gads) with a hollowfill sleeping bag rated to fifteen degrees Fahrenheit and a warm inexpensive blanket; in East/Central Texas where I camp, I don’t camp under 15 degrees F. Chuck. 👨‍🌾

[@benthere8051]

@@charlesknight3204 I know how you feel.

[@charlesknight3204]

@@benthere8051 … Thanks, Ben!!! God bless!!! Chuck. 👨‍🌾

[@andymytys]

You spent a lot of time talking about how down is useless once it gets wet, which is true. But getting your down wet is a rookie mistake that should only happen once. Just line your backpack with an inexpensive trash compactor or nylofume pack liner and place your bag in there. A dry bag works as well. Don’t take your bag out until your shelter is pitched in camp. If you can’t pitch a tarp to keep dry, your tent leaks, or you allow yourself to constantly brush up against the walls of a shelter filled with condensation, these are other issues that can be overcome with skills and proper maintenance (seam seal that tent). When I’m camped in the mountains above treeline and a severe storm moves in, one that is so bad I question my shelter’s ability to withstand it, I simply pack my down bag up into its waterproof bag, get into my hiking clothes and pack my dry sleeping clothes away, and weather out the hour or so that it takes for the worst of the storm to pass. Down is my first choice of insulator due to its weight, packability, and insulative qualities. Stored properly, a good down bag will last a lifetime. I’m still using down bags I purchased over 25 years ago on winter trips. I would also add that it’s a pain to wash down properly and, in order to avoid washing, you just have to keep the down bag clean and avoid a lot of direct contact between your skin and the bag, preventing the oil from your skin from getting into the bag’s shell. The best way to do this is by wearing long underwear and sleeping socks, plus a hat to sleep.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

You make a good point. I am not against down, in fact, I prefer to sleep in down. It is worth making the point of what happens to down when it gets wet as a reminder to not let it happen. Thanks for commenting

[@andymytys]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft I don’t think you’re against down at all. In a more general sense, I always find it puzzling how much time is spent focusing on the fact that down is useless when wet, yet it happens so infrequently. Nobody is going swimming with their down insulation. Looking at deaths from exposure, it’s usually someone going off trail and getting lost, an injury, improper clothes for conditions, etc. and not someone that found themselves with a wet down blanket. I think most people that lose loft in down have it limited in their footbox, due to rubbing against the walls of a shelter, storing wet boots and clothes in their footbox while sleeping, etc. Rather than talking about how utterly useless a wet down is, though, I wish more energy was spent simply talking about the proper use of down to avoid losing the limited amount of loft that most people experience. As for selecting a wool blanket over down, I think another factor is esthetics, or wanting a more pure bushcraft experience. It’s the same reason folks choose a ferro rod over a lighter, or a heavy waxed canvas rucksack over a lightweight nylon backpack, or cooking over wood rather than a camping stove. Bushcraft is about merging outdoors skills with hardware that’s otherwise from a different era, IMO. The more one leans towards modern gear the more what they’re doing is more like backpacking or camping than bushcraft. There’s food for thought. What is the essence of bushcraft, and how does the selection of gear impact one’s ability to truly experience it?

[@canadafree2087]

Mark, have you used any of the European military shelter halves? The ones that double as rain wear? Plash-palatka?

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I have been considering them but have not purchased them yet. I will give them a closer look. Thanks for commenting

[@margueritemitchell1829]

Hello from British Columbia Canada 🇨🇦🖐👍♥️💤🚍🦝🏒☃️🛣🚍❄🌨🥶💜❄🌨

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thanks for commenting

[@irmuggle]

I like the synthetics cuz they're light easy packable blah blah blah but the only drawback is they slide off everything so if you try to put a wool blanket on top of a synthetic blanket the blankets are going to be on the ground the next morning but other than that wool is great synthetics great if they could just made it less slick it would be wonderful

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I agree, the slippery synthetic surfaces are a pain. I have fashioned a down blanket into a simple topquilt to add to my sleeping bag if required. Stays on much better. Thanks for commenting

[@i_am_a_freespirit]

That's one of the other things I am looking for. I am allergic to wool, but want I want the same quality a wool blanket has in a different type of blanket. I am ALWAYS freezing even in 100°degrees Fahrenheit temperature. I keep looking and shopping on-line for one. It may take me several more years before I find one I like. I grew up with down blankets in Germany, but they have become too expensive for my taste. I think I stick with my hot water bottle 🤣😂🤣

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I have a couple of synthetic filled blankets designed for the outdoors that I will be reviewing soon. Thanks for commenting

[@margueritemitchell1829]

♥️my Costco down throw saw them earlier this year not sure if they have them still.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I have not seen them in a bit but Costco is like that. Get them in and out they go. Thanks for commenting

[@northwind7409]

Your comment on wool not compressing is prompting me to use one (folded) as a layer on my cot, under my military down sleep system. The blanket weighs a full 5 pounds. Interesting discussion.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I think that would be a good pairing with the blanket under the bag. Thanks for commenting

[@johnruckman2320]

What about Alpaka? Spendy I know, but as far as insulation goes, and wet/dry conditions.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Yes, would love to own an Alpaka blanket. As you say, expensive and twin size or larger are not common. Thanks for commenting

[@nathanaeldubose2955]

Check out “Appalachian gear” all of their stuff is made from alpaca wool. Very nice stuff

[@ginnysimpson5232]

Polyester keeps you very warm (hot) , particularly fleece.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Yes it can. Thanks for commenting

[@VandrefalkTV]

I'm waiting for a blanket/quilt/sleepingbag that has aerogel in it. Currently I have a very thin, but very warm and insulating jacket with aerogel in it, and it's fantaaastic! Very interesting technology. But I like 'em all. 😊 I just wish ponchos were more acceptable. 😅 I love them, but most people (here) don't. Shame. Great video, Mark!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I have heard of aerogel but had not looked into it. I will now. Another new material with promise is graphene. It is supposed to regulate being too hot as well as too cold. Thanks for commenting

[@VandrefalkTV]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft Graphene! The answer to most things it seems, haha. That's neat, thanks!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

of interest biigloo.com/pages/biigloo-aerogel?nbt=nb%3Afb%3Afb%3A23852232280370357%3A23852232280440357%3A23852232280380357&nb_placement=Facebook_Desktop_Feed

[@VandrefalkTV]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft Oh my! Now this I would be VERY interested to see if and how it works in practice. Will definitely pay attention to it! Thanks! 😄

[@Jennifurdawn]

I’m setting up my SUV for van life in the mountains at 4,000 ft . . . I’ve been researching ways to stay warm when it’s snowy and temps drop . . . I wonder if I could make a cocoon of sorts out of a wool and fleece blanket that would line the entire back of my SUV? I could sew it to fit the area and add zippers where the doors are and maybe cut out a small area or two in front of the windows to let a little light in? Does this sound like a ridiculous idea? And then maybe a hot water bottle or two and a down blanket to sleep with? I’ve watch a thousand videos on car camping in the winter but I haven’t seen anyone do anything like I am picturing, so not sure if it’s a crazy dumb idea or a great idea ha ha

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Your idea sounds legit. I think I would go with a down or synthetic puffy blanket. You may want to consider a 12V electric blanket in combination. Thanks for commenting

[@Jennifurdawn]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft oh yeah! I’m definitely gonna do that - thank you so much for your input 🙏🙏🙏

[@michellemichaels3258]

❤

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thanks for commenting

[@AvoidingChores]

All I know is that if I need to stay over at your place, there are no shortage of blankets. Great rundown!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

LOL... I am beginning to think I may have a hoarding addiction. Thanks for commenting Jim. BTW... I am interested in chatting with you about your exploration of the Mersey lands

[@AvoidingChores]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft anytime.

[@nvalley]

Mark, do you know anyone using a natural fiber tarp like waxed canvas in the woods? I love the material, but the weight gives me some pause. Might be a interesting video topic that piggybacks off this one

[@redsorgum]

Yes, just type "waxed canvas tarp camping" that should give you videos suggestions to watch.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I don't currently have a waxed canvas or oilcloth tarp but I am considering making my own. As mentioned, lots of reviews available. They are heavy-duty and just plain heavy. They have a place for sure. Thanks for commenting

[@robertfreeman6082]

Look up ‘Giles binyon’ who does overnight camping here in the U.K. using only natural fibre kit. His tarp is an old military tarp so will be cotton canvas

[@squirrelcovers6340]

Wool all the way for outdoors AND indoors.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thanks for commenting

[@jasondownes151]

Do you actually do any camping as not seen any of your videos of you camping

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

yes but not as much as I used to. Mostly car camping. some of the videos I make are during solo trips. I have not made full-length camping videos