View Full Version : Ullfrotte
directdrive
17-11-2005, 15:01
Hello, All: Have any of you used Ullfrotte as a base layer? If so, what's your opinion of it? Is it superior in any way to the synthetics now widely available as base layers?
Thanks.....Bruce
Hello, All: Have any of you used Ullfrotte as a base layer? If so, what's your opinion of it? Is it superior in any way to the synthetics now widely available as base layers?
Thanks.....Bruce
Strange you asking that as I was just wondering the same thing!
I have seen a picture on the Woodlore site that made the Ulfrotte 200g base layer top look like a fitted and snug hi tech top... I have also seen another picture of the same top that made it look like a set of grand dads thermals (all baggy and wrinkled... :rolleyes: )
I'm interested in something good to go under my new Swannie Ranger shirt, so will keep an eye on this thread.
Hellz
I got a set (top and long johns) from Gary a while ago and I'm very impressed. A lot warmer than synthetics, more comfortable (not itchy due to the Terry-knit lining) and much less odour after a long day!. I'm currently replacing all my synthetics with wool. These are made quite small though so I would consider going up a size.
Good quality, very comfortable and very warm...... but not really that good around a fire :( unlike synthetics which if they catch a spark from a fire, just melt and leave a hole, ullfrotte being wool doesn't do this, the thread burns through and then will start to unravel..... I got a spark on mine yesterday and it was the tinyiest thing... a small hole about 1mm...... by the time I got home this had unravelled to the size of a 50 pence piece..... so keep em covered around fire and you should be fine.
I still prefer them to synthetics as I find i sweat less with natural fibres and its doesn't smell as bad when you've been out for a week solid in your clothes like synthetics do.
Ed
Bruce,
It depends on what you mean by "superior" to synthetics. I don't believe that either is better than the other, they both have pros and cons. Here's a few:
Synthetics:
-Transfer moisture from the body at a much faster rate than wool
-Really fast drying, but feels clammy
-Lighter weight. Ex: Polypropylene is (I believe) the world's lightest synthetic fibre
-Really smells after a few days in the boonies
-Melts when a spark hits it. Not a good idea when you're next to a fire
Wool:
-Synthetics simply cannot even begin to compete with wool in terms of warmth.
-Don't feel clammy when wet. The wool fibre is structured so as to be able to absorb up to 30% of it's weight in moisture and still feel completely dry
-Doesn't transfer moisture at the same rate as synthetics. That's the reason high-performance athletes such as biathlon competitors don't wear wool.
-Doesn't stink. Period.
-Doesn't get dirty as fast as synthetics.
-Is flame retardant.
-Slow to dry. (but still keeps you warm when wet)
Different tools for different jobs. Would you take your Bentley to go bombing around in the bush? ;)
Cheers,
Adam
I wear the 200 baselayer when ice fishing. Warmest underwear I've ever worn.
arctic hobo
17-11-2005, 19:48
It's wonderful stuff. Addyb's post sums it up brilliantly... I recommend them heartily. I wore the top once for two solid weeks, which i only took off to wash myself (not the top). At the end, it still smelt of washing powder! :eek: Very impressive.
Thanks mate!
Anyway, here's another one for the masses:
Does anyone have experience with Brynjie string underwear? Good stuff? Bad stuff?
Adam
Both brynje and ullfrottè is used by the Norwegian army. I still got my ullfrottè, which I wear frequently if the temperature goes under -10C and it kept me pretty warm even lying still in -30C during my service.
The brynje was a favourite among many of my army comrades, but I personally never liked it much as I find it uncomfortable. But it creates very big spaces for air to settle, thereby insulating extra.
Torjus Gaaren
I have 4 pieces of Brynje string underwear...their Super Thermo stuff.
This is excellent underwear. The only thing I do not like is that their 3/4 length bottom does not have a fly opening.
I also have Devold wool net, and old cotton string underwear. This Super Thermo is my favorite. The old Devold wool net is really too warm for out here....way way way warmer than my 200g wool tops from smart wool, icebreaker and ibex.
The Brynje net is my choice for spring, summer and fall. I have added wool on top of it for superior performance all around but this takes some pretty cold weather to pull off.
I have essentially stopped using all my capilene poly underwear in favor of the Brynje net or thin wool.
directdrive
18-11-2005, 03:13
Adam (and other replies as well) Thanks for the info. I've been wearing poly forever and wanted to try out the wool but was afraid I'd itch myself to death...My favorite poly is made in the U.K. and is called "Meraklon". The stuff does absorb odors and will melt but is otherwise indestructible. I have run through enormous briar thickets that have literally torn my clothing to shreds but the Meraklon stands up like iron. Truly incredible material. I'll order some of the light weight Ullfrotte and try it out..... tight lines to one and all...Bruce
The itching goes away after a while. Takes some getting used to.
Torjus Gaaren
Cool... :cool:
Next question, where to buy? £35 on Woodlore, but is there anywhere cheaper?
Cheers,
Hellz
Well, I ordered the 200g base layer top and it arrived yesterday:
On first inspection it actually looks like a lightweight jumper, quite trendy even. (Upon donning it my other half asked where her 'Milk Tray' was... :rolleyes: )
I was concerned about itching but the terry loop lining is really soft and no itching ensued ;) I wore it under my ranger shirt in the evening whilst working over at the stables. I was very impressed at how the ullfrotte kept a layer of warm air next to the skin and was very warm even when just standing still.
I thought I would overheat during some energetic sweeping but I seemed to stay at roughly the same temperature so that is a plus.
Not had it long but I think it's going to get a lot of use over the winter :D
Hellz
So where did you get it in teh end Hellz?
So where did you get it in teh end Hellz?
Couldn't find much of a deal on these so went through the woodlore site. Probably could have got it cheaper elsewhere if I'd tried harder, but I got it quickly and easily, and now I'm all nice and warm ;)
Hellz
[QUOTE= try out the wool but was afraid I'd itch myself to deathBruce[/QUOTE]
The fear of itching is way too exaggerated, probably by all those manufacturers of sophisticated plastic ;)
Wash Ullrotte, Icebreaker and other woollen underwear always inside out. This makes the side worn next to the skin fluffier, therefore warmer and more comfortable.
I wear my garments from the two above mentioned Brands for more than 250 days a year and got nearly completely rid of all other plastic underwear.