Mountain Project Logo

Polyester or Wool?

Original Post
Andrew Maver · · 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!

Gavin W · · 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).

fossana · · 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.

Chris Schmidt · · 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

jaredj · · 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.

djh860 · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Dec 2014 · Points: 110

Poly base layer. Wool middle layer. Windproof on top

Gunkiemike · · 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.
djh860 · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Dec 2014 · Points: 110

Poly base layer. Wool middle layer. Windproof on top

Who Dat · · 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.

KEN tucky · · 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..

KEN tucky · · 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..

Ralph Swansen · · 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.

christoph benells · · tahoma · Joined Nov 2014 · Points: 306

cotton thrills

Mike Collins · · 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

Muscrat · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Oct 2011 · Points: 3,625

Whatever i find cheap at the local thrift.
Cotton kills, wool pills, capalene thrills.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Climbing Gear Discussion
Post a Reply to "Polyester or Wool?"

Log In to Reply

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.