What is the best wool blanket
- Thread starter Atkins72
- Start date
stillscout
Visayan land pirate
- Joined
- Dec 5, 2010
- Messages
- 4,981
- Likes
- 12,978
The one you have with you
Does anyone have a Merino wool blanket? Most wool blends make me itchy as Hell, but I own a Merino wool beanie from Minus 33 and it is so soft that I have zero irritation. Or, is there another suggestion for a different maybe cheaper soft wool other than Cashmere?
The older HBC Point blankets with long fiber napped finish were made with the finest pure Merino.
Some SEAL-A1 labeled blankets from the 1920s were near cashmere in softness.
I’ve never had an old school, pre 2005 or so Hudson Bay or Whitney feel scratchy. Or the Brit all white barracks blankets. The Brit 2 or 4 thin blue stripe down the middle were scratchier, but nothing like an OD Green Army blanket, or the continental European blankets.
Golly, that was a lot to digest.
All blankets die honorably, no matter their birth.
All blankets die honorably, no matter their birth.
Last edited:
Luke Dupont
Guide
Yep. This is why I'm not on the King / Queen bandwagon.
Even a four point is a bit larger than necessary sometimes.
A 3.5 point Hudson Bay or Witney is hard to beat and sufficient unless it's really cold or you're really large or toss and turn a bunch.
I don't do the diamond wrap up thing. Never found it to work for me -- just comes apart and is incredibly annoying no matter how big a blanket I use. So I just fold the blanket in half once anyway. Twin / 3.5 point size is good enough for that.
Ioway
Bushmaster
- Joined
- Feb 18, 2020
- Messages
- 7,720
- Likes
- 35,519
I never thought they were particularly itchy, but they definitely aren’t very warm. Maybe they were thick when new, but after a gazillion wash cycles there isn’t too much meat left on the bones.
For making ponchos and cloaks, I have been using Ektos 100% virgin wool. These are heavy (5lbs) and well made. I would love to compare an HBC to Ektos and see the difference. Arcturus is good as well, although their heirloom quality get pricey (not compared to HBC) for me, but their 95% wool is a great price and value.
gardengirl
Tracker
I don't have the newer virgin wool Extos blanket, but several of their original 100% wool and 90% wool blankets. I agree with you that they are a great price for the quality. I am also making a poncho and as well as a couple pairs of wool pants and an anorak out of a some of the blankets. Will probably line them with heavy cotton flannel for extra warmth and softness next to the skin.
gardengirl
Tracker
I've purchased several different brands of wool blankets since 2020, including Extos, Bushcraft Spain, and Ritzy Lucero from Canada. But the absolute thickest, softest, and warmest blanket I purchased was from a seller on Etsy located in Germany. The blanket is 100% organic virgin wool. None of my other wool blankets, including the Bushcraft Spain, even come close to the quality of this blanket. You can choose among various sizes or the seller can also make a custom size for you. I was a bit hesitant ordering from overseas at first, but the transaction was flawless and the seller was great to work with. I'll post the link in case you'd like to check it out. The pictures in the listing don't do the blanket justice. The color and the blanket look way better in reality. I ordered two more after purchasing the first, they were that nice. The blankets are also very reasonably priced, especially for the quality. https://www.etsy.com/listing/209082688/organic-wool-blanket-thick-and-warm-100?ref=yr_purchases Several of my reviews are listed there also. Good luck in your search!
gardengirl
Tracker
Haha. Just noticed the original post was from 2012. I suspect he found a good wool blanket by now. 
gardengirl
Tracker
I would suggest lining it with a wool flannel VS a cotton wool. SAR has a motto "cotton kills," because of how slow it is to dry. I have lined several of my ponchos, ruana cloaks with wool flannel. Just as soft as cotton flannel, but without the cotton issue. Etsy has a seller that often has outstanding sales for 100% wool flannel.. Just my thoughts
Also, while making some wool ponchos for the homeless, my brother ordered McGuire wool blankets. They are 80% wool and very soft, heavy, and an outstanding price of $29 on Amazon.
gardengirl
Tracker
@Hineni Thank you for this very good idea. I remember hearing something like that about cotton. I'll take a look on Etsy for the wool flannel you suggested.I would suggest lining it with a wool flannel VS a cotton wool. SAR has a motto "cotton kills," because of how slow it is to dry. I have lined several of my ponchos, ruana cloaks with wool flannel. Just as soft as cotton flannel, but without the cotton issue. Etsy has a seller that often has outstanding sales for 100% wool flannel.. Just my thoughts
Also, while making some wool ponchos for the homeless, my brother ordered McGuire wool blankets. They are 80% wool and very soft, heavy, and an outstanding price of $29 on Amazon.
