i've worn merino wool socks year 'round forever, and 30 years ago wool was all i wore in winter. i was one serious Filson fan (in wool and canvas).

that was until i took a rafting trip down the Snake with two close friends (also traditionally in wool), and a bunch of younger folks all in modern fancy "plastic" clothing (yuck!).

in wool, we could never dry out. we felt clammy and awful all the time, always very cold. everyone in plastic dried out in minutes, they were always warm and comfy.

for the entire trip we were wet, even big evening fires didn't help.


so yes, wool is much much better than cotton (or cotton canvas) when wet.

wool is much safer around fire.

wool is better smelling than poly. (i'd rather smell like a wet dog than a horrible men's locker-room)

wool is tougher and longer lasting.


but poly can keep me much warmer if wet.

poly dries out very quickly.

poly is lighter weight.

poly shells can be made more rainproof.


thus, there is room for both, depending on conditions.

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