I'm going through a wool "phase" and want to try out some wool clothing to compare to my synthetics. I've looked online and come up with "filson" and "woolrich" clothing which will require a second mortgage to get a few layers. Anyone know where i can get some cheaper stuff (I assume wool is wool, right?)

Some army surplus wool clothing is inexpensive and of excellent quality.

Try the Codet or Big Bill Brands, I think they are made in Quebec, Canada. Not the quality of Filson but much cheaper.

Mike

Nope, not all wool is equal. Merino wool is very nice. Virgin wool in general is nicer than non-virgin wool due to longer fibers.

Filson is pricey and worth the bucks IMO, as is Smartwool. I've got a few Filson wool shirts and it's hard to tell from feel that you are wearing wool, no scratch/itch. Smartwool socks are outstanding IMO.

Some Woolrich is good, not as nice as Filson and Smartwool, but good nonetheless. I've got wool from other brands that dates to the early 80's and it still does warm quite well.

My opinion, YMMV.

Look at "thrift shops," such as Goodwill. You can often find like new clothing, including wool, for next to nothing...

I'd almost agree except for the fact that the tops of the socks seem to fit very tight and when I wear them for several hours, they leave deeper indentations on the legs. They are either using too much stretchy fiber in the tops or making them too slender. The sole of the socks feel great though.

Yeti I think that's to prevent them from going down while being active. Mine actually don't do that anymore, I have ~20 pair and they do the first few times then they stop.

Smartwool are AWESOME socks I love them. I also have a smartwool blanket and a woolrich blanket both are very nice.

Thrift shops, though times being what they are the supply of wool clothes is dropping somewhat lately.

For new, look at outlet shops, I bought a really great Woolrich wool coat at an outlet shop on the way to an offsite for work. It was either a Woolrich shop or Burlington Coat Factory. I've seen some wool shirts at Eddie Bauer outlets too.

Locally Pendleton Woolen Mills in Oregon puts out nice wool clothing, some of their shirts are offered in Macys stores, I have 30 year old Pendleton shirts that look like new. Visting Pendleton was like a trip to Mecca. There are other woolen mills around the US still, Faribault (Faribo) Woolen Mills is a favorite and has an outlet in Fairibault MN (not so much on clothing, but great blankets).

If you are looking at thrift stores in your area here is a web site listing thrift stores,

http://www.thethriftshopper.com/

Standard disclamer, no affiliation....

I get a lot from Goodwill type thrift stores. The local one,
Savers, has new woolrich and filson at times.

Also sierra trading post gets them in from time to time.

currently---
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/search/...e&N=9400058

I like the new washable wools. I have some canadian wool t-shirts from
the trading post for 8 bucks each. Also the washable alaskan type
woolrich shirts are great.

Cabela's sometimes has sales on them too.

Our local Meijer Store carries Fox River socks. One variety has 85% wool. They list for 9 bucks. However, after the deer season, they get reduced to 3 or 4 bucks. I pick up a pair every time I go there. Got a drawer full now.

They are not 100% wool, but then again, 85% and the price ain't all bad.