Post by: Bullkllr on December 15, 2013, 08:23:45 AM
This late season was the first time I tried them. I thought they were awesome in the cold and snow. When it warmed up to whatever it is now (50 degrees+/-) they were a little on the warm side, but not too bad. They seem really durable and did not pick up a lot o burrs and other debris. Extremely quiet. Padding around knees is a nice touch.
I haven't worn them in a soaking rain yet. I read where the tight weave is supposed to repel some water. But I have to imagine they soak up some water. If they soak up like other wools I have worn, I'm concerned that they may weigh about 20 pounds.
Anyone wear them? Or have any reviews good or bad? I'm actually considering a matching jacket. But I know I'll likely have to pay way more than 50 $.
Post by: sirmissalot on December 15, 2013, 10:00:39 AM
Post by: washelkhunter on December 15, 2013, 11:59:08 PM
Post by: RadSav on December 16, 2013, 01:03:34 AM
Both Gear Aide and Kiwi has had some stuff you would wash your wool with in the rinse cycle. It is made for acrylic fleece but works fine on wool. Then if you are brave run it through a very low heat dryer or hang over a heater vent to dry. Makes that tight knit wool act a lot like the DWR finish on most your premium synthetic stuff. Just be extra careful on heat and quick drying as some of that stuff will really shrink bad. Not going to stay water proof in a heavy rain storm, but it does very nice in moderate moisture conditions.
Post by: Bullkllr on December 16, 2013, 06:29:05 PM
Not sure I'm brave enough to try the dryer. Had a few bad experiences. List price on the website for those bad boys is $591 :yike: Ouch.
Post by: follow maggie on December 16, 2013, 08:16:48 PM
Post by: fair-chase on December 16, 2013, 08:41:55 PM
I will try not to thread jack this to badly, but will someone with experience please enlighten me as to why KOM is nearly twice the price of Filson? I'm trying to get a feel for how the KOM Bowman/Bunwarmer line stacks up against the Filson Mackinaw line. I already own the Filson but have never seen the KOM in person. Would like to first of all know why it's so spendy, and wether or not the quality is there to justify the price being twice that of Filson? Also would like to know how they compare in weight, breathability, water repelancy, and athletic comfort (do the knees articulate better, are there any binding issues etc.). Thanks.
Post by: Bullkllr on December 21, 2013, 07:16:30 AM
Wow that stuff is spendy!!!
I will try not to thread jack this to badly, but will someone with experience please enlighten me as to why KOM is nearly twice the price of Filson? I'm trying to get a feel for how the KOM Bowman/Bunwarmer line stacks up against the Filson Mackinaw line. I already own the Filson but have never seen the KOM in person. Would like to first of all know why it's so spendy, and wether or not the quality is there to justify the price being twice that of Filson? Also would like to know how they compare in weight, breathability, water repelancy, and athletic comfort (do the knees articulate better, are there any binding issues etc.). Thanks.
What I know- from reading write-ups in catelogs, etc- is that the KOM (and Sleeping Indian) material and the way its woven makes it more naturally water repellant than other types of wool.
I'm a pretty old school wool guy, and have worn and liked Woolrich, Pendltn, and various off brands as well as (mostly) army surplus for decades. Comparing those to the KOM bibs I have I would say:
KOM bibs are thicker and heavier than any other wool I've worn
KOM naturally were warmer than thinner wool
Quality of material seems fine- nothing poked through it- and it didn't collect a lot of burrs/briars
Despite the thickness the breathability seemed good- I didn't overheat in 50 degree temps
Mine fit me really well. They have nothing special at the knees for movement, but moving in them was very comfortable. Didn't notice any binding.
Can't speak for performance when its really wet- and that's one thing I have concerns about. As I posted. if they soak up a lot, they will weigh a ton.
Is the cost justified? Good question. Right now I think not. Maybe for guys that hunt a lot where it is cold and wet, but more on the snow side, they may be the ideal garment. Chasing elk on the west side where late season temps can typically be 50+ and rain- maybe not. But my experience is limited- I'll know more when I try them in a wider variety of conditions.
Post by: Wilderness Addict on December 21, 2013, 07:50:25 AM
I like the fact that it is silent, warm, breathable, and a great camo pattern.
Post by: fair-chase on December 21, 2013, 09:34:55 PM