Choosing between fleece vs. wool hunting clothes can make a big difference when it comes to staying comfortable outdoors. As temperatures drop and the winter season approaches, the right apparel can mean the difference between a full tag and cold, aimless walks through the wilderness. In fact, the material of your hunting clothes directly influences your comfort, performance, stealth, and—in the most dramatic instances—your survival.

Over time, two standout materials have emerged as contenders for the best winter hunting gear: fleece and wool. Each exhibits unique properties, offering hunters various advantages in challenging outdoor conditions.

This guide will delve into options for cold weather hunting gear, comparing fleece vs. wool to help you make an informed decision about your winter hunting wardrobe. We'll explore the origins, manufacturing processes, and key benefits of both materials, giving you the insights needed to choose the best option for your next cold-weather adventure.

Table of Contents Fleece Hunting Clothes: What To Know Wool Hunting Clothes: What To Know When To Choose Fleece Vs Wool For Winter Hunting Best Environments For Fleece Vs Wool How To Layer With Fleece And Wool Clothing Fleece Vs Wool: The Verdict Fleece Vs Wool FAQ

Fleece Hunting Clothes: What To Know

Originally invented to imitate wool, fleece is typically made from polyester or polyester blends. During manufacturing, the synthetic fibers are carefully brushed to create volume, resulting in a soft, fuzzy texture that impressively mimics the look and feel of traditional sheep's wool fleece.

Benefits of Fleece Hunting Clothes

• Lightweight and easy to pack
• Quiet material, ideal for stealth
• Breathable for active hunts
• Quick-drying when wet
• Affordable

Wool Hunting Clothes: What To Know

Primarily sourced from sheep, wool is a natural fiber that has stood the test of time, proving its worth across generations of outdoor enthusiasts. Cultures worldwide have long prized wool for its protective and insulating qualities.

While various types of wool exist, Merino wool has gained particular popularity in modern hunting apparel. Known for its superior performance characteristics, Merino represents the pinnacle of wool technology for outdoor clothing.

Benefits of Wool Hunting Clothes

• Insulating, even when wet or in freezing temperatures
• Naturally odor-resistant
• Naturally moisture-wicking
• Durable
• Renewable and eco-friendly

When To Choose Fleece Vs. Wool For Winter Hunting

Selecting the right hunting apparel is a nuanced decision that depends on multiple factors. Understanding the strengths and limitations of fleece and wool hunting clothes can help hunters make informed choices that maximize their comfort, performance, and success in challenging winter conditions.

Insulation

Both fleece and wool excel at keeping hunters warm, but they perform differently in varying conditions. Wool has a slight edge in wet environments, providing insulation even when saturated with moisture. This is crucial during unexpected weather changes or when crossing streams and wet terrain.

Scenario Recommendations:

• Choose wool for extended hunts in persistently damp or unpredictable weather conditions.
• Opt for fleece in dry, cold environments where weight and packability are priorities.
• Consider a layering system that combines both materials for maximum versatility.

Moisture Wicking

Moisture management is critical for managing comfort and preventing hypothermia. While both materials are breathable, they handle moisture differently.

Fleece dries extremely quickly, so it's ideal for high-intensity activities with rapid moisture evaporation. Wool is excellent at pulling sweat away from the skin but retains moisture longer.

Scenario Recommendations:

• Select fleece for high-energy hunts with lots of movement.
• Choose wool for more static hunting situations like tree stand or blind hunting.
• Check the tags or spec pages for specialized moisture-wicking designs.

Odor Control

Scent management helps hunters remain undetected by their prey. Wool offer superior odor resistance and can be worn multiple times without washing. Fleece is more prone to capturing and retaining odors after intense use.

Scenario Recommendations:

• Prioritize wool for multi-day hunting trips.
• Use fleece for shorter expeditions or as a mid-layer.
• Consider merino wool base layers for maximum scent control.

Weight

Modern hunting requires gear that's both effective and portable. Fleece is typically lighter and more compressible. Wool varies by weight and construction, but is generally slightly heavier.

Scenario Recommendations:

• Choose fleece for backpack hunting and long-distance treks.
• Select wool for stationary hunting or when weight is less critical.
• Consider hybrid garments that blend both materials.

Durability & Sustainability

Environmental considerations and long-term performance matter for hunters who want to enjoy the great outdoors for as long as possible.

Fleece is more affordable than wool. Generally, it's less environmentally friendly than wool but many companies are increasingly using recycled materials during production. Fleece is also potentially longer-lasting than wool.

Wool is biodegradable and offers more sustainable production than fleece. Wool production is potentially ethical—always check the tag for cruelty-free statements. As for durability, it can be more prone to wear than fleece.

Scenario Recommendations:

• Choose wool from brands with transparent, ethical sourcing.
• Look for recycled fleece options.
• Always invest in high-quality, long-lasting garments regardless of material.

Breathability and Comfort

Comfortable clothes that allow breathable movement can make or break your hunting experience. Both materials provide excellent breathability, but they have different textures.

Fleece is soft, non-irritating, comfortable for most skin types. Wool is generally less soft, but Merino wool offers improved comfort compared to traditional wool.

Scenario Recommendations:

• Select fleece for hunters with sensitive skin.
• Try merino wool for a softer natural fiber experience.
• Consider personal comfort and layering strategies.

Cost

Your budget also plays a significant role in gear selection. Fleece is typically more affordable and easier to replace. Wool has a higher upfront cost, but potentially offers more long-term value.

Scenario Recommendations:

• Start with fleece for budget-conscious hunters.
• Invest in quality wool pieces for critical hunting situations.
• Mix and match based on specific hunting needs and budget.

Best Environments for Fleece vs. Wool

In addition to their personal preferences, hunters should consider their environment when choosing between fleece vs. wool.

Consider choosing fleece hunting clothes in these conditions:

• Dry, cold climates with minimal precipitation.
• Active hunting scenarios that require unrestricted mobility.

We recommend the FORLOH Raider Polartec® Power Grid™ Half Zip:

• Constructed with NASA-approved Trizar™ warming technology and an Odor Crunch anti-microbial/anti-odor finish.
• Breathable and layerable.
• Geometric grid knit pattern for maximum thermal performance and comfort.

Choose wool hunting clothes for these conditions:

• Wet, cold climates where staying warm when damp is important.
• Changing temperatures/conditions where you need versatility.

We recommend the FORLOH Men's Reversible Hi-Loft Merino Wool Jacket:

• The first-ever American-made reversible quilted wool jacket.
• Constructed with military-grade, Quantum DWR-treated, 40D Ripstop nylon.
• Sustainably sourced and cruelty-free, our Hi-Loft Merino Wool insulation provides a low-bulk fit with a high warmth-to-weight ratio.

How To Layer With Fleece and Wool Clothing

Winter Layering Basics

With continuing advancements in clothing technology, hunters have more options than ever to tailor their outfits for a variety of scenarios, both planned and unexpected. Generally speaking, when layering wool and fleece hunting clothes, you should adhere to the following strategy:

• Base layer: Moisture-wicking layer
• Mid-layer: Fleece or wool for insulation
• Outer layer: Weatherproof shell for protection

Understanding how to layer clothes for hunting is always helpful for staying comfortable in the field, but it's even more essential for staying warm in the winter.

When to Choose Fleece or Wool for Layering

Choose fleece as a mid-layer in active hunts or milder conditions. The FORLOH Raider Polartec® 200 Fleece Vest makes an ideal mid-layer:

• Sustainably made with FORLOH’s recycled Polartec® fleece technology.
• Featuring FORLOH's flagship cooling and moisture-wicking technology, brrr® Pro.
• Our proprietary, multi-step process combines knitting with chemistry for 85% less shedding than other fibers.

Choose wool clothing as a base or mid-layer in cold, damp conditions. Check out the FORLOH Men's Reversible Hi-Loft Merino Wool Vest:

• Reversible Merino Wool design combines rugged performance with modern style.
• Resistant to wind and rain.
• Color options include Blaze Orange, Camouflage, and solid vest faces.

Fleece vs. Wool: The Verdict

As we’ve learned, there's no universal "best" material. The ideal choice depends on your specific hunting environment, personal comfort, budget, and performance requirements. Consider building a versatile layering system that leverages the strengths of both fleece and wool. No matter what materials you select, always invest in high-quality, durable garments.

With a broad selection of American-made fleece and wool hunting clothes to choose from, FORLOH has everything you need to create outfits that perform. Our technical hunting gear is thoughtfully crafted with state-of-the-art fleece technology and time-honored wool for apparel that honors tradition while celebrating the future.

Fleece vs. Wool FAQ

Which is warmer, fleece or wool?

Both materials excel at heat retention under dry conditions, but their performance is closely tied to your body's heat generation.

Merino wool has a slight advantage in damp environments due to its natural lanolin water-repellent properties, providing initial insulation when wet. However, it takes considerable time to dry and becomes heavy when saturated. Fleece, on the other hand, gets wet quickly but also dries rapidly.

For wind protection, wool typically provides better insulation, though fleece with integrated wind-resistant technologies can compete effectively.

The best choice depends on your specific hunting conditions, activity level, and potential exposure to moisture. Hunters should consider layering systems that optimize the strengths of both materials.

How do you care for fleece hunting clothes?

Fleece maintenance is relatively straightforward but requires attention to detail:

• Most synthetic fleece (particularly polyethylene terephthalate, or PET) resists significant shrinkage.
• Always follow the manufacturer's specific instructions when washing hunting clothes.
• Avoid high-heat drying, as temperatures above 180°F can permanently damage the fabric.
• Cotton-blend fleeces are more prone to shrinkage and require extra care.
• Use gentle wash cycles and low heat settings to preserve the fabric's integrity.
• Consider air-drying or using low-temperature settings to extend the life of your fleece garments.

Can wool hunting clothes get wet?

Wool is remarkably resilient to moisture. However, hunters should always treat wool garments with care. While they perform exceptionally in moisture, they require gentler handling than synthetic alternatives.

When exposed to rain or moisture, wool offers several unique advantages:

• Naturally water-repellent due to lanolin content.
• Continues to provide insulation even when damp.
• Resists immediate saturation better than many synthetic materials.

Proper care is crucial when wool becomes wet:

• Avoid machine drying, which can cause significant shrinkage.
• Reshape garments while damp.
• Dry flat or gently roll in a towel to remove excess moisture.
• Allow to air dry naturally to maintain the fabric's structural integrity.