Personally I have no use for Goretex. A very good discussion of it's merits may be found at www.wiggys.com I'ts true wool will not burn or melt as readily as poly and retains some warmth when wet. But lets look at reality. If I fall through ice, you can bet Ill have a fire going ASAP, strip and change into fresh clothing if available. Any fire violent enough to melt my clothing has allready caused severe burning or smoke and heat damage to my lungs. Still, in both cases natural over synthetic for the brief time it is superior can be critical. I have a mix; Poly underwear,wool outer. The wool also has the advantage of being silent and in subdued colors.The disadvantage is being missed by a search party. This is when those garrish ski slope parkas and cagoules earn their keep. Not all wools are equal. Blends may utilize inferior grades of wool. There is the Smartwool product, the boiled Austrian wool ( like the famous Dachstein sweaters and mittens) Pendelton,Filson and Woolrich brands. Any one of these can be compromised by poor or improper cleaning. rain or wind gear can be problematical too. The Australian drover coats and British Barbour line are traditional waxed garments. They are excellent with a few shortcomings. In cold weather they tend to become very stiff and the Drover coats have relatively short sleeves. Some raingear is so good at keeping rain out, you sweat even more inside ( the theory behind goretex), so venting is a must.