The smelly comments are most relevant for under garments. I use high quality merino wool undergarments. Not only because of the smell, but mostly because it works much better than synthetic counterparts when wet or damp. Reduced smell is just a bonus (although if you've ever smelled someone who has been wearing synthetic underwear for 3 days, you'd agree that it is a pretty big bonus.). Synthetic underwear has its place for high-activity stuff where you don't stop running until you hit the shower. If you stay outdoors for extended periods of cold weather, wool undergarments are a much better choice.


Fleece is excellent for mid-layer garments, though - and some wind/water resistant qualities are also good choices for outer layer in some conditions.

I am fascinated about how high quality fleece repels water. You can literary shake fleece dry (almost), and the remaining moisture dries very quickly. This alleviates the problem of loss of insulation when wet. Wool insulates better when wet, but dries slowly.


I love my wool sweaters (some of which are in the "outdoors only" wife acceptance class), but fleece is what I actually bring with me for extra mid-layer insulation. Except if I know I'm going to do a lot of wood burning or want the extra fuzzy feeling that wool gives me...