Pretty good debate topic: wool vs synthetics.
And I'm not talking about the light and thin merino base layers - the most anti-synthetic people I know are all about the thick, heavy wools. There are many pros and cons from weight, durability, flame resistance, to comfort. My thoughts are, it depends on what you're doing. If you're just hanging around camp or your tree stand, the heavy wool stuff is fine. However, if you are conducting heavy movement in freezing temps, the heavy wools are horrible. We dropped the wools for the mountains of Afghanistan; thruhikers dropped the heavy wools, and mountaineers dropped it well before we even heard about ECWCS. WHY? I know so many people cannot fathom this idea, so here's a fun experiment. Put on your favorite heavy wool sweater, grab your ruck, and cover at least 12 miles in 15 minutes.
I think then you'll see why we no longer carry it for movements and patrols. So what about static positions after that movement? Well, that's exactly what the Level 7s are for. And if you compare the weight it'll add to your already heavy ruck, plus the compression you get vs those big ole sweaters and heavy jackets, it's no comparison - none. What about fire? Well, unless you're working in a refinery I don't see the point. I'm sure what y'all are doing around fire but I've been playing with it for at least 30 years and I've gotten a few ember holes. And that was usually when the alcohol and mo-gas was involved.
Go out and train, and you'll find exactly what works for you. If I'm wrong, great. At least you know what works for you.
Carry on!
