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Outdoors New England Outdoors Premier Head to Head-Wool Rising over the Fleece Landscape
Outdoors New England Outdoors Premier Head to Head-Wool Rising over the Fleece Landscape | Head to Head-Wool Rising over the Fleece Landscape |
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| Written by Administrator | |
| Saturday, 24 February 2007 | |
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Wool Rising over the Fleece Landscape by Jen Deraspe Fleece came of age when I did The fleece industry touted their new age material as far superior to any natural fiber ever utilized, like Nestlé Formula over mother’s milk. In my ancestors’ days all cloth was made from natural plant fibers, such as cotton, flax and hemp, and animal sources, such as wool, hair and silk. In the 20th century these were supplemented by artificial fibers, such as this newest, polar fleece. All the hip and trendy outdoorsy types sported it, so off I went to my local outfitter and purchased the recommended multi-layer system, garment upon garment, all guaranteeing to keep me warm and comfy in the outdoors. I now refer to these layers as my plastic clothes, since most are made from polyethylene terephthalate, recycled soda bottles. After a week in them while on expeditions, I began to feel like a soda bottle, plast-icky. Later I met an old Master Maine Guide who wouldn’t touch fleece with a 6’ paddle. He had been given some from his enlightened guests, who urged him to “get with the times” and improve his life in the outdoors. He remained firm. He’d stick with wool. I respected the Guide and decided to shed some of my plastic layers, trading them in for wool to test his theory for myself. I learned that wool remained dry in a light rain and didn’t melt from campfire sparks. Wool kept me warmer in the wind, the damp and the cold. A friend gave me an old pair of army green woolen pants, the kind with all the side pockets and parachute attachments. They are much heavier than any soda bottle pants but are perfect for activities that involve a lot of stopping and cold weather exposure. They are very toasty and block the wind tremendously. Wool still itches like crazy, though, so I have not given up my first wicking synthetic layer made of thermoplastic polymer. I like the snug fit and its quick drying characteristics. I guess you can call me a hybrid traditionalist. I may begin my layering with technologically advanced synthetics, but you can bet that I will bring along my favorite wool layers, whatever the season. That Maine Guide knows something and I appreciate a natural choice any day of the week. Besides, wool never melts when I wear it next to the campfire. Jen Deraspe is a Registered Maine Guide and owns Nurture Through Nature where she offers mind-body-spirit nature retreats. She lives off the grid in Denmark, ME. 207.452.2929, www.ntnretreats.com | |
| Last Updated ( Saturday, 24 February 2007 ) | |
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