Chris,

I love it, only you would have a story like that <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Pete

Fleece :
I guess that is called " laine polaire " in France. Artificial fiber, made out of "plastic" (recycled from plastic bottles caps).
Is that what you are talking about ??

Yes, but when a coke bottle recycled into a garment is never recycled again, wool and other natural materials do what they have for millenia.

No. Wool is the new wool.

Fleece is what the manufacturers of synthetic pile do to their customers!

Nothing performs as well as wool in as wide a range of situations and climates.

If you haven't done so, I suggest you check out such companies as Ibex, Smartwool, Filson, King of the Mountain, etc. to get an idea of what's being done with wool today.

Personally, I have resolved to eliminate plastics from my outdoor gear wherever possible. I've even thought of starting a retail business to provide all-natural travel, camping, and survival gear. The only areas I have found so far where natural materials are at a significant disadvantage is in sleeping, shelter, and climbing gear. Everywhere I can, I subsitute wood, metal, leather, or natural fibers for plastic. While many of my substitutes are heavier than equivalent plastic items, the additional utility of a stronger, more repairable item is worth the trade-off...not to mention the lessened environmental impact.

For me it sure is. I believe fleece offers twice the warmth of wool at half the weight. You can't beat that. Plus, it dries very quickly. Wool does not.

During last winter's cold snap when temperatures plunged to zero for a few days, I wore fleece, not wool. No regrets.

The only time I wear wool now is for dressier events. Wool still looks classier than fleece. If I'm dressing to impress, I bring out the wool sweater.

-- Craig

Ah, yes. But fleece is cheap -- often $10 for a hoodie at the discount retailers. Cheap enough to keep one in the bob, one in the car and have a spare for camping.

..Or like me; 10 fleece tops.

I bought my first fleece in 1983. That was the beginning of the end for wool garments for me. Fleece is better in nearly every respect, with the exception of flame resistance.

..and nice and soft for nap time

If you can still find it, try wool pile. Not the WWII stuff, they used the same design as the synthetic but used wool thread (real good stuff too). Light as fleece, but all the advantages of wool. Helly Hansen used to make it for the Swedish Army. They started it, I am told, because the synthetic dld not work well when they could not wash it every day or two. I'd love to find some more.

Respectfully,

Jerry