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old wool pants for skiing

Posted: Tue Aug 27, 2024 10:13 am
by blitzskier
i know its old tech from a bygone era..but i'm a throwback. and i like the feeling of natrual fiber materials on my body. I get tired of plastic clothing that makes you smell like a bum and sweat your ass off cause it doesn't breath..

Has anyone tried skiing in heavy thick wool pants before?

What where the pros and cons of wool for old time skiers?

Re: old wool pants for skiing

Posted: Tue Aug 27, 2024 10:58 am
by Lhartley
The hunting forum I lurk is always going on about these pants.

https://www.varusteleka.com/en/product/ ... ants/60021

Re: old wool pants for skiing

Posted: Tue Aug 27, 2024 1:24 pm
by turnfarmer
I skied for years in a pair of wool pants. This was in. Utah so snow was dry. Only downside was if it was extremely windy they didn’t block enough wind. They were a smooth outside so shed snow well. Aslo if you were resort skiing on a cold day and were skiing fast, sometimes the private parts got chilly.

Re: old wool pants for skiing

Posted: Tue Aug 27, 2024 4:35 pm
by phoenix
I've skied (toring/bc) in wool pants many a time, and they work well most of the time. Turnfarmer pointed out possible exceptions. They still have a following with some very experienced skiers. I stillwear mine sometimes, over a base layer, on very cold days.

Re: old wool pants for skiing

Posted: Wed Aug 28, 2024 7:08 am
by Woodserson
Yes, use them all the time, flannel lined carhartts as well (I'd argue superior to wool pants for wind blockage while keeping breathability unless you're going to get really wet).
I've used US Army wool pants from WW2, tight weave, no scratchiness, and thick, really desirable.
Also, East German army wool pants. They are commie pants but the quality is very high, the wool is incredible. Here's an example of what I have, I'm sure there are other providers https://www.americanapipedream.com/prod ... l-trousers

Re: old wool pants for skiing

Posted: Wed Aug 28, 2024 8:06 am
by fisheater
Wow, @Woodserson Those look like the East German pants I bought from Coleman’s quite a few years ago. I liked the first pair so much I bought 2 more. One pair is still in the cellophane wrapper, one pair I wear to church on Sundays, when I going skiing immediately afterwards. The last pair are my regular touring pants. They breathe okay, shed snow and water well. I don’t recommend them when a chair is icy and wet all day, waterproof ski pants are better for that!

Re: old wool pants for skiing

Posted: Wed Aug 28, 2024 10:54 am
by randoskier
Why not just wear pants made from a highly breathable soft-shell stretch fabric like Schoeller and wear a wool base layer? Works for me on two week tours, no odors. Haglofs, Norrona, ArcTerryx, others, all make good ones for ski touring.

Re: old wool pants for skiing

Posted: Wed Aug 28, 2024 3:32 pm
by phoenix
Use to wear wool (or flannel lined jeans) to work in the ski shops, then just put on your boots and head out the door for a little ski. Same if I was working outside; minimal transition to ski mode.

Re: old wool pants for skiing

Posted: Thu Aug 29, 2024 12:07 am
by blitzskier
randoskier wrote:
Wed Aug 28, 2024 10:54 am
Why not just wear pants made from a highly breathable soft-shell stretch fabric like Schoeller and wear a wool base layer? Works for me on two week tours, no odors. Haglofs, Norrona, ArcTerryx, others, all make good ones for ski touring.
not interested in $200-300 pants or jackets. i'm on a budweisser budget, when i get rich i will look into those brands, thanks bud ;) ..

Thanks for the input everyone. i will have to try my local thrift store or millitary shop :D

Re: old wool pants for skiing

Posted: Thu Aug 29, 2024 3:27 am
by randoskier
blitzskier wrote:
Thu Aug 29, 2024 12:07 am
randoskier wrote:
Wed Aug 28, 2024 10:54 am
Why not just wear pants made from a highly breathable soft-shell stretch fabric like Schoeller and wear a wool base layer? Works for me on two week tours, no odors. Haglofs, Norrona, ArcTerryx, others, all make good ones for ski touring.
not interested in $200-300 pants or jackets. i'm on a budweisser budget, when i get rich i will look into those brands, thanks bud ;) ..

Thanks for the input everyone. i will have to try my local thrift store or millitary shop :D
These Mammut Scholler pants (a good Swiss brand) will set you back about four cases of Bud (and spare you from drinking that swill).
https://www.sierra.com/s~soft-shell-pants/

Too bad Decathlon the French chain is not near you (they own Simond, Chamonix- famous for ice-axes)- these are great pants for 75 bucks.
https://www.decathlon.it/p/pantaloni-al ... 810&c=nero

Bud drinkers size up : )