Sorry to dig up this again...

But I figured those into cheap wool might be interested to know, Sportsmans Guide is selling four pairs of surplus East German wool pants for 25 odd dollars or so... pretty good deal. A quick search seems to say everybody who bought them are happy, so I also ordered a pack.

I also went and hunted down an Austrian Alpine Sweater at my local surplus store after seeing the recommendations on this thread. I don't know how much it usually goes for, but for 30 bucks I'm very happy with how warm it feels when I pulled it on!

Thanks Akilae, and welcome to the forum!

Yep, SG always has good surplus deals, lots of wool.........

The "buyers comments" section is fairly new, good to see them add it.

Consider joining their Buyer's Cub, it's worth it for their buyer's only deals if you use them often.

Thanks for the welcome!

For some reason everybody I've heard talk about Sportsmans Guide fall on two extremes: Love them for the price, hate them for the service. I was leery ordering from them until I saw a few people mention that they actually got their wool pants as advertised.

My first foray into wool was ordering a Swedish wool great coat off US Cav. Sucker weighed a ton, and was unfashionable as heck back in college, but kept me warm. So much so I then ordered a pair of Swiss wool combat pants, which was even more unfashionable (leather ankle garters?!). They were cheap back then too, I think US Cav was clearing them out, $50 for the coat, $20 for the pants. The same coat and pants are going for more these days.

I think my next wool purchase will be a Schott pea coat. Not cheap though...

I got a nice PM from a member who has never posted informing me that Sportsman's Guide has the Austrian Sweaters in stock again....more sizes this time around and also $4 more, but this time I have one on the way.

Thanks.


http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=500870

I got the "Dutch military sweater" from Cheaper Than Dirt. I like it very much. The size and fit was right on. I'd say it it is a "light-medium" weight. It has had one trip through the washing machine without apparent harm. They thoughtfully include a spool of repair yarn. My only nitpick, and its a minor one, is that the head hole is a bit roomy, losing some warmth thereby. I have a 38 inch sleeve, and there is enough length for me to turn back the cuff. At 6' 3" and 235 lbs, the 2XL was just right in length and girth. The "weave" is neither tight nor loose, with an attractive, subtle vertical ribbed pattern. My wife really likes how it looks on me, FWIW, and it has quickly become a favorite. I rate it an excellent buy at $30.

Jeff

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/BJR876-1.html

I have an old Norwegian army sweater which is fantastic. I looked for a source but couldn't find any. Pity, it is the best sweater. It is long, long sleeves with a thumb hole so you can pull the sleeves over your hands, collar can ride high. It covers all of the normal gaps, is exceptionally warm and durable. it carried me through the mountains of Afghanistan and still looks good. I traded a poncho liner for it in Bosnia, and now I wouldn't trade it for anything.

I have some Swiss army wool pants which are exceptional also.

Well finally my Austrian Sweater arrived. It is just like I remember the Dachstein's long ago. Heavy dense wool, tall tall collar, very well constructed.

Cut is sort of trapezoidal....narrow waist, broader shoulders. This makes it a bit of a tight squeeze getting it on, but it fits nice. I got a Large....probably should have ordered an XL to compensate for the more European cut.

This one has cotton facings on the sleeves and shoulders for wear resistance, button epaulettes, made in 1985 and looks to be essentially brand new.

Glad I got one and thanks. This one is going in my car kit for sure.

Sounds like you have the D190 Arktis Antarctica Shirt,

http://www.qmstores.co.uk/gbu0-prodshow/AK-1514.html

If it is the same one you can get the D190 here at;

http://www.arktisusa.com/PriceList/

Not the same one, but I like it a lot! Thanks.