Wool Blanket - Worth it?

[QFT]

A down top quilt, like an Enlightened Equipment Revelation, weighs 1 pound, is breathable, very packable, and can go very, very cold. Not a good idea to get it wet (though I think the down is hydrophobic treated), but I just keep a garbage compactor bag in my pack and all of my "don't get wet" stuff goes into it.

I'm sure the wool is functional, but I think weight and packability count for a lot. I don't bring wool blankets for the same reason I don't bring a full set of cast iron skillets.

[Secondmouse]

I KNOW! Hahahahaha! But yes, I do. That's my conundrum. How do you give up something so good...when it's so bad. Truth be told, I'm a strong hiker and I'm not that concerned with weight, but alas...they are so darned HEAVY. I am trying to mend my ways, but I can be so stubborn.

a fleece blanket should be just as warm and much less weight, though it probably won't pack down any smaller.

fleece is not as durable as wool so if I'm going to the trouble of carrying that (I don't hike with it), I also pack a GI poncho liner (woobie) to use as a wind cover. that's a pretty good combo that is nice when car or canoe camping...

[OCDave]

... Opinions????

Never in my pack.

Seems appropriate only if you are attending a Buckskinner Rendezvous or consider yourself a Bushcrafter but, carry what ever you feel you need to be safe and comfortable.

[winterbeard]

Hi, Rick.

Just recently I've taken to using one in the backyard, to line the Ridgerunner, during sleep. Great addition, and that slippery nylon feel is changed to a warm blanket feel. When it's below 40, that seems nicer.
Couldn't see myself packing one, though, unless I pulled a pulk, like shug.
Regards, Ted


"What's the best gift you can give a kid?
Happily married parents!"

[Carbon]

Only when car camping. I've got a couple of $10 Harbor Freight wool blankets. They're not bad after you give them a few washes.

[Flash Grundelore]

Hi, Rick.

Just recently I've taken to using one in the backyard, to line the Ridgerunner, during sleep. Great addition, and that slippery nylon feel is changed to a warm blanket feel.

What do you use to keep it from moving around under you?

[subcanis]

What do you use to keep it from moving around under you?

Sometimes I let it drape over the edges, but even if I don't, it doesn't really move. Then again, I sleep like I'm dead.

-Rick

[pH@willie]

Never in my pack.

Seems appropriate only if you are attending a Buckskinner Rendezvous or consider yourself a Bushcrafter but, carry what ever you feel you need to be safe and comfortable.

Wear the blanket as a capote like re-enactors at a rendezvous. Check this link.
http://www.nwtrader.com/capotes_styles.html

I still have the one I made in the Noe'Wester style. Very simple to make and warm on cold windy days.

[JmBoh]

Soooooo worth it!!! A light weight one wouldn't be too bad for a 2 or 3 day hike. A thru hike I don't think wool would be a good idea. I have a wool boreal shirt. A wearable wool blanket basically and I have a hard time leaving home without it in cold weather. Granted, I don't do a LOT of hiking these days, but if the weather was nippy, I'd find a place for the wool.

[Otter1]

I LOVE wool. The weight & bulk are why I don't bring it (except for merino socks & baselayer sometimes). I like a very light load, and compactness is high on my priorities too.

You just have to decide if a high warmth/weight ratio matters more than your love for wool. Probably won't be a tough decision, but if it is, then have two setups: one for down/small/lightweight, another for a heavy/big/wool setup.

Don't give up something you love unless your back and knees just can't take it anymore!