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Andrew Maver
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Oct 29, 2015
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Gardiner, NY
· Joined Mar 2013
· Points: 0
What do you prefer? What specific piece do you wear for winter climbing, what activities do you do, what kind of conditions do you typically find yourself in, and why do you prefer one over the other? I'd love to hear some input!
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Gavin W
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Oct 29, 2015
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NW WA
· Joined Feb 2015
· Points: 181
In my experience wool stinks less, but polyester wicks better. On warm or mild days I wear a thin enough layer that the wicking isn't an issue, so I go with wool to prevent stink when I sweat. On cold days when I wear a thicker baselayer I go with polyester so that I get the benefit of better wicking (also prevents me from getting too cold from my sweat building up on my baselayer when I stop).
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fossana
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Oct 29, 2015
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leeds, ut
· Joined Apr 2006
· Points: 13,318
The other downside to thinner merino wool is that it tends to be less durable. My thinner wool climbing shirts are full of holes. I've had better luck with wool/poly blends for climbing at least.
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Chris Schmidt
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Oct 29, 2015
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Fruita, CO
· Joined Nov 2012
· Points: 0
Lookup the MH Integral Pro I believe it's 60% wool 40% polypropylene- my personal favorite synthetic material (although it is extra stinky). Good thing it's 60% wool
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jaredj
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Oct 30, 2015
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Unknown Hometown
· Joined Jan 2013
· Points: 165
Anecdotal: People who feel they run hotter than average during exertion and colder than average while sedentary seem to like polyester more because they place a premium on breathability (I count myself in this category). These folks usually seem leaner. People who are older and / or less lean seem to like wool better.
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djh860
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Oct 30, 2015
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Unknown Hometown
· Joined Dec 2014
· Points: 110
Poly base layer. Wool middle layer. Windproof on top
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Gunkiemike
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Oct 30, 2015
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Unknown Hometown
· Joined Jul 2009
· Points: 3,492
jaredj wrote:Anecdotal: People who feel they run hotter than average during exertion and colder than average while sedentary seem to like polyester more because they place a premium on breathability I'm in this group, but it's because my polyester base layers will dry out quickly whereas damp wool stays damp all day long. Sure it's a "warm dampness" but I prefer warm AND dry.
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djh860
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Oct 30, 2015
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Unknown Hometown
· Joined Dec 2014
· Points: 110
Poly base layer. Wool middle layer. Windproof on top
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Who Dat
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Oct 30, 2015
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Spinning Rock, MW
· Joined Dec 2014
· Points: 5
Poly, generally. Pro's: Lightweight, doesn't shrink if you leave it in the dryer too long. Con's: Doesn't resist stink like wool. Not as durable in my experience.
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KEN tucky
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Oct 30, 2015
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Pewee Valley
· Joined Jan 2009
· Points: 60
I like both equally.. wool is great for cold and I usually have wool socks regardless. The thing about wool is after a full day with sweaty feet the wool makes my ankles itch. I wear Patagonia bottoms and usually a soft shell pant and a shell pant which has always been plenty. As for tops I go with poly.. I would rather carry an extra top or two and deal with the stink rather then itch or spend the extra money.. I wear Under Armour heat wear tops most of the year, they are light and wick very well. wool hats if it's really cold but a poly buff or balaclava don't itch as much..
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KEN tucky
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Oct 30, 2015
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Pewee Valley
· Joined Jan 2009
· Points: 60
I like both equally.. wool is great for cold and I usually have wool socks regardless. The thing about wool is after a full day with sweaty feet the wool makes my ankles itch. I wear Patagonia bottoms and usually a soft shell pant and a shell pant which has always been plenty. As for tops I go with poly.. I would rather carry an extra top or two and deal with the stink rather then itch or spend the extra money.. I wear Under Armour heat wear tops most of the year, they are light and wick very well. wool hats if it's really cold but a poly buff or balaclava don't itch as much..
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Ralph Swansen
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Oct 30, 2015
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Boulder CO
· Joined Nov 2012
· Points: 761
I'll take wool next to skin every time. It's way more comfortable, can be worn for days without stinking and I've not had a problem with the wicking\drying. I just hate the feeling of polyester and the smell. I have some holes in my well worn thin wool garments but the sacrifice in durability and the cost are still worth it to me. Icebreaker seems to last longer than smart wool.
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christoph benells
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Oct 30, 2015
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tahoma
· Joined Nov 2014
· Points: 306
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Mike Collins
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Oct 30, 2015
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Northampton, MA
· Joined May 2013
· Points: 0
poly smells like shit and can feel weird to me. buy a couple or a few stoic merino shirts on steep and cheap for 30-40 dollars and you are totally set. mine have been reasonably durable and for that price i'll take that all day. plus I can wear for a week and not smell like poly I wore for 5 minutes
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Muscrat
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Oct 30, 2015
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Unknown Hometown
· Joined Oct 2011
· Points: 3,625
Whatever i find cheap at the local thrift. Cotton kills, wool pills, capalene thrills.
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