From warm woolen mittens to cozy wool socks, wool has become synonymous with warmth. For decades, people worldwide have relied on wool clothing for warmth and comfort in some of the toughest environments.
It’s no surprise that many seasoned hunters rely on wool clothing for their outings. But why is wool so popular?
Read on to find out why wool clothing is essential for cold weather and learn about some of the best wool hunting clothes you can find.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Wool Hunting Clothes
- OUR TOP PICK: MERIWOOL Men's Base Layer Thermal Pants
- RUNNER-UP: People Socks Merino Wool Crew Socks
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Legendary Whitetails Buffalo Plaid Jacket
Comparison of the Best Wool Hunting Clothes
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Why Wear Wool When Hunting?
When it comes to hunting trips, wool is an especially savvy choice to keep you comfortable and cozy even in the coldest temperatures. Let's take a look at the top three reasons you should consider wool clothing for your next cold weather hunting trip.
Comfort
Since wool is a natural material (it is animal fur), it tends to be more breathable than other materials. Why does that matter? It keeps air circulating around your body to help you regulate your body temperature.
Speaking of comfort, some people may think of wool as itchy or restricting. However, many modern wool products tend to be soft and stretchy.
Moisture Control
Wool naturally pulls moisture away from your body and traps it to keep you well insulated. It also happens to be water-resistant, so even if your outer layers get wet, the wool items keep you dry longer.
Odor Control
For some people, this may be the best feature of wool. It is naturally antibacterial, which means bacteria that create odors can’t grow in the wool. You can quite possibly wear the same wool items for days without washing them!
What is Merino Wool?
Merino wool is the highest quality of wool you can buy. It comes from Merino sheep in Australia (though the type of sheep originated in Spain). Often associated with luxury clothing, Merino wool became a staple in performance wear because of the reasons listed above and a few more.
Merino wool is finer than other types of wool, which makes it softer and more pliable.
It’s biodegradable and disappears into the ground in about one year.
You get some UPF protection when wearing Merino wool clothing.
Merino sheep are sustainably raised on Australian farms, so it’s a renewable fiber.
Review of the Best Wool Hunting Clothes
Choosing wool hunting clothes is a fantastic idea, but where do you start? Don’t worry, we put together a list of some of our favorite products, including why we love them.
Best Overall:
MERIWOOL Men's Base Layer Thermal Pants
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Most reviewers had a lot of good things to say about these Meriwool pants. From working as a base layer for outdoor activities to preventing chafing when biking, there are loads of positive comments. Oh, and these are safe to machine wash and tumble dry on low, so you don’t have to line dry them.
The only negatives we found related to sizing. Some people didn’t appreciate the slim fit (yet still opted to keep the pants), and others noted that they might come up a little short for taller guys.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Who knew long underwear could look so good? Sure, the design is basic, but it works well as a base layer or cold-weather pajama bottoms. We like that the seams aren’t overdone so that they won’t chafe or irritate your skin.
In terms of selection, you have a choice of sizes, so you can easily pick a slimmer or looser fit. There are also eight different color choices, mostly neutral, so you can choose one (or more) that works with your style or other attire.
Bottom Line
Whether you want a warm base layer or something versatile enough to sleep in, these Meriwool thermal pants may work. Just make sure you check the size charts to get the right fit.
Runner-up:
People Socks Merino Wool Crew Socks
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
By and large, reviewers love these socks for all-day use, especially in the cold weather months. A few reviews addressed the importance of following care instructions to prevent shrinkage and extend the life of the socks. However, a handful of reviewers noted that they didn’t hold up for heavy wear, especially in the heel.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Four pairs of socks are generally a good deal, especially if you plan to use them a lot. We also appreciate the unisex design with multiple color options, with each color having a two-tone design. If you can’t make up your mind about the color, pick a mixed pack.
These socks are thick enough to keep you warm but not so thick that they feel cumbersome. Plus, there’s an extra cushion in troublesome areas for added comfort.
Bottom Line
Comfortable and moisture-wicking socks are crucial for hunting, especially in the cold, but these let you do it with style. It’s a bonus that they are made in the USA.
Best for the Money:
Legendary Whitetails Buffalo Plaid Jacket
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
One of the most common compliments we found is the durability of this jacket. It looks like many people commented on the sizing, but several others noted that it was easy to exchange for a smaller size. Another frequent comment was the option for tall and extended sizing.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The patterns and style look appealing, but that’s not what truly sold us. Durability is key when you spend money on a coat, and this one measures up. We appreciate the attention to detail and the choice to use higher quality components, like the brass zipper and sherpa lining, instead of cheaper alternatives.
As for sizing, it is a substantial jacket that may be bulky if you buy it too large. That said, we felt that the sizing options provide plenty of room to find the best fit for you.
Bottom Line
Legendary Whitetails created a warm, durable jacket that is available in a few color options and multiple sizes, including extended and tall options. It’s reasonably priced and has some neat details that make it quite versatile.
Best Wool Hunting Pants:
Big Bill Heavyweight Wool Cargo Pants
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
It’s tough to find many complaints about these pants. Most reviewers compliment the look and feel of the pants. There are several comments about the warmth in various cold weather circumstances, and more than a few hunters note the convenience of the pockets.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We appreciate the design of these pants. From the extra cargo pockets to the suspender buttons, it’s clear that somebody designed these with outdoorsmen in mind. They are soft and breathable while providing plenty of warmth and mobility.
It would be nice to see a wider selection of colors, but that’s a minor complaint when it comes to a durable pair of wool pants. We would caution that these are dry clean only though some people reported washing them and line-drying them with minimal shrinkage.
Bottom Line
A stylish, comfortable, and versatile pant that should work well in most cold-weather situations. The pockets are convenient, and if you like suspenders, there are built-in buttons to accommodate them as well.
Best Wool Hunting Socks:
Carhartt Men's Extremes Arctic Wool Boot Socks
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The vast majority of reviewers love these socks for their warmth and comfort. Several reviewers comment about using them to stay warm in extreme cold. A few mention that these socks help their feet stay dry in damp to wet conditions as well. That said, a handful of reviewers complained about the durability and noted poor quality.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Once your feet get wet in the cold, you’re destined to feel the chill, but these socks seem to do a decent job of preventing that. We like the fit, especially the contours around the ankle that prevent that bulky bunching. The ribbed cuff at the top keeps the socks up, so you don’t have to worry about them falling down in your boots.
We would like to see some more color selection, but that’s a minor complaint given the neutral options available and the fact that they are usually in a boot. The fit is good, and they seem to be true to size.
Bottom Line
Carhartt does heavy-duty clothes and these socks are no exception. They are sturdy, comfortable, and sweat-wicking to keep your feet warm and dry.
Best Wool Hunting Jacket:
Walker and Hawkes Derby Tweed Country Jacket
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Again, the majority of reviews rave about the look, feel, and function of this jacket. Some reviewers concede that sizing is slightly problematic and that you truly need to follow the manufacturer’s size chart instead of your normal size. There are several comments about the unique features, like the glove snaps on the handwarmer pockets.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This jacket delivers a classic look with a modern twist. The lining is quilted padding made of a polyester blend, but the exterior is a wool blend treated with Teflon to protect it against water, dirt, and oil. We like the soft, sturdy feel of the jacket, and it’s well-made with quality components.
Since it’s windproof and waterproof, it handles well as an outer layer though you could easily use it as a middle layer too. We also appreciate the attention to design, especially the pockets with snap closures and glove snaps.
Bottom Line
In terms of functionality, style, and price, it’s tough to go wrong with this Walker and Hawkes Derby Tweed Country Jacket. It’s not flashy, but it will get the job done, and it’s still stylish and comfortable.
Best Merino Wool Base Layer For Hunting:
MERIWOOL Long Sleeve Thermal Shirt
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Reviewers seem to agree that this shirt is comfortable and works well as a base layer or lightweight sweater. However, reviewers seem to disagree on the fit, which appears to vary some between colors. Several reviews noted how well the shirt managed sweat without smelling, even after wearing it for several days.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We love this shirt as a base layer, especially since it can double as a pajama top overnight and looks nice enough to wear as an everyday shirt. It’s soft, breathable, and moisture-wicking. We felt this shirt handled a long weekend of hunting well without developing an odor.
The only downside is that we would concur that there are some sizing issues. We thought the neck hole was a little wide for the shirt, and you may need to go down a size for a snug fit.
Bottom Line
If you want a classic-cut shirt made of Merino wool, this may be the shirt for you. There is a decent color selection, and it’s a durable, midweight base layer.
Pros and Cons of Wool Hunting Clothes
Before deciding on the best wool hunting clothes, you may want to know the pros and cons of choosing wool in the first place. No textile is perfect, but if you know the benefits and disadvantages, it’s easier to determine which works for you. Wool has a lot to offer, and you may be able to overcome the cons.
Pros
Here are some benefits to choosing wool clothing for hunting:
Moisture-Control
Since it comes from sheep and other animals, wool is a natural fiber that reacts to your body temperature. If you sweat, it absorbs the sweat without making you feel damp or wet.
Comfort
Wool is soft and lightweight, so it’s breathable. Air flows easily beneath and around the wool fibers to help keep you insulated in cold weather and cooler in warmer weather. Wool simply feels nice to wear in many situations.
Odor-Control
Wouldn’t it be nice to take less clothing on your weekend hunting trip? Wool clothes make it possible because you can actually wear them for several days without developing an odor because the wool fibers naturally fight odor-causing bacteria.
Cons
There are, however, a couple of downsides to this material:
Price
Like most things in life, quality comes at a cost. Wool items cost more than other materials.
Extreme Precipitation is Problematic
Yes, wool provides moisture control in terms of sweat and light precipitation. However, if you fall in a lake or get stuck in a torrential downpour, you may be wet for a while. When saturated, wool takes a long time to dry out again.
Comparison Overview: Wool vs Synthetics
Now that you know the ups and downs of wool clothing, you may be wondering how it measures up against the alternatives. Let’s talk about some popular options and how they differ from wool.
Merino Wool vs Polyester For Hunting
Synthetic fibers, like polyester, may never perform as well as Merino wool in most areas. However, they outperform wool in a few ways. First, polyester costs less, which makes the garments more accessible. This could be a benefit when considering it’s possible to buy a few pairs of poly-blend long underwear for the price of one Merino wool pair.
The other difference is in drying time. Polyester dries significantly faster than Merino wool, which means you dry faster after a soaking rain. You can also take off your polyester shirt or pants, wring them out, and pull them back on.
Unfortunately for polyester and other synthetics, they fall short in many other areas that wool, especially Merino wool, dominates. For example, you can’t hope to wear a synthetic pair of long underwear for a long weekend, unless you don’t mind reeking for more than half of the trip.
Wool vs Synthetic Base Layer For Hunting
Let’s talk about just the base layer for a moment. We mean underwear, long underwear, and socks, or the clothes closest to your body.
Depending on the length of your hunting trips, you may want to fork over a little extra cash for the wool undergarments. Not only do they keep you warm and comfortable, but you can also wear them longer without the smell, and that has to count for something!
How to Wash Wool Hunting Clothes
Wool may be a durable fabric, but the fibers are quite delicate, requiring some special care. As you can see from the clothes we reviewed, some wool items need to be dry cleaned. Even those garments that don’t require dry-cleaning have some special instructions for laundering.
- Wool garments need to be hand washed or machine-washed on a gentle or delicate cycle.
- Set your machine to the coldest water setting. Add detergent only if it has no bleaching agents or other special additives.
- Run your machine through a gentle or delicate cycle or hand wash the item(s).
- Remove your item(s) immediately and place it on a clean, dry towel.
- Put another towel on top of the garment(s).
- Roll the garment and towels as tight as you can and squeeze excess water. Do not try to remove excess water by wringing wool garments because it will stretch them out.
- Unroll the towels and lay your wool clothes on a flat surface. You may need to reshape them.
- Let the garments sit undisturbed until dry. Do not drape them or hang them because it will change the shape.
What Do You Wash Your Wool Hunting Clothes With?
It may sound strange, but you can use distilled white vinegar to wash your wool garments. It’s more affordable than special wool laundry detergent, and it doesn’t have harsh chemicals. Plus, it acts as a fabric softener and stain remover!
To use vinegar, add one cup to the fabric dispenser on your washing machine or toss it in before the rinse cycle. If you choose to hand wash your clothes, add vinegar to your rinse water.
Can You Wash Wool Pants That Say Dry Clean Only?
Yes, technically, it is possible to wash wool pants labeled dry clean only. However, it takes time and effort to prevent shrinkage or other damages. We would not recommend washing your own wool pants, especially since you would need to remove the lining.
What Happens If You Machine Wash Wool?
Machine washing wool that is meant to be hand washed or dry cleaned could result in significant shrinkage and loss of shape. In some cases, a garment can lose half of its size!
Conclusion
Wool is a warm, soft, lightweight, and hygienic choice for clothing, especially during cold weather months. The natural moisture-wicking abilities of wool help you maintain your body temperature and the materials feel nice against your skin.
There are plenty of options to fit any tastes and sizes. Now that you learned about some of the best wool hunting clothes, you may want to consider wool garments for your next cold weather trip!
People Also Ask
Do you still have some questions about wool hunting clothes? We thought you might, so we compiled some common questions and answers to clear things up for you!
Are Wool Pants Waterproof?
Not exactly. Wool is not a waterproof material, it’s water-resistant. However, some wool pants get a special treatment that improves the water-resistance so they can repel water. Most wool pants stand up to rain and snow but eventually reach a breaking point where they can’t handle any more moisture.
Is Silk Warmer Than Wool?
No, silk offers insulation, but it’s not as dense as wool to provide warmth. Silk blankets and clothing are lighter and thinner than wool, making them more breathable and capable of expelling excess body heat.
How to Felt Wool Hunting Pants
Felting wool involves shocking the fibers with extreme heat or chemicals to shrink them, which limits the space between stitches. When you felt wool garments, it shrinks them significantly, so it may not be in your best interest if your pants are already the ideal size.
When Will I Know When My Wool Hunting Pants Are Felted?
You can tell when the wool has felted because it has a smoother surface that ‘runs’ together.
What Fabric Weight Are Wool Clothes Classified As?
Wool clothes generally fall in the heavy fabric classification because of the density. However, some wool fabrics fall in the medium to medium-heavy class.
How to Layer With Wool For Hunting
Layering your clothes is important when hunting because it helps you adjust to different weather conditions and remain comfortable. Whether you stick with wool or choose a blend of wool and synthetic, layers are crucial for your comfort.
- Start with a base layer: underwear, socks, long underwear top and bottom. Merino wool is an excellent choice because it’s soft and luxurious but handles sweat and odors.
- Next, address the middle layer with wool or synthetic, though, again, wool handles stains, moisture, and odors better.
- Finally, choose outer layers that are windproof and water-resistant to waterproof, so you’ll stay dry and warm longer.
