I have a G. Fred Asbell Pathfinder Pullover and a zippered jacket. I also have one of their windblocker vests. Today it was 5°F with a wind chill below zero. I was wearing a thin wool shirt the wind blocker vest and the Pathfinder. It kept me quite warm on a short (2 mile) easy going hike.
The part I like the best is that it breathes amazingly...it's tough in the super cold, wind blown chill, but without wind it's great...and combining it with another layer, like you did, it's wonderful.
I have the exact same Asbell anorak in gray. I agree that it is high quality and well made. I live in Virginia and because this anorak is so warm I only get to wear it in the winter here. Love it!
Nice! YA, it must be about perfect if its a bit warmer down there. It get's to be pretty cold here and this wool is a bit less warm than I truly need...but layers will always make up for it. It's a great component in an outerwear system, or perfect standalone if it's moderately cold.
Thank you for responding so fast .I did two washing back to back till nothing was left in the tub all by hand. It's drying now and so far so good . I think when it was made remnants from the work area must have got on.That's all I can think. I really like it and I think this solved it... And thanks again for the quick response and the videos keep it up!
That's good...I would have been kinda surprised if the wool was really shedding. Like you said...if you've had other wool, it's not generally going to shed like that. I recently wore mine on a backpacking trip...it's in my latest video...two day overnight in the snow, and it was awesome. I was soaked, but still quite warm. And then I dried out almost instantly...it was pretty incredible actually.
I have the northwoods anorak in grey. Its a very nice piece of outerwear, i used it for hunting last year a couple times. For the price of the asbell wool products they are very well made. Very good review of your anorak.
RSENL 7 thanks, I absolutely love that thing...i really look forward to that first chilly day that I get to wear it! I am trying to convince my wife she wants one, but she says she hates wool...i bet she would grow to appreciate it.
The anorak I ordered has come in and I love it. The color is great and it looks really well made. Received it in 3 days of ordering it. Can not wait to check it out this fall, looks like it will really be warm. Thanks again for your video!
10* 10* 10* Asbell anoraks are a total gold product. All U.S., family-owned business, personally hand made, quality - and no BS. This has multipurpose use. Mentioned to Fred's wife, that making a lower wool foldover with velcro zips, it could be attached to the anorak skirt, and become a total wool mummy blanket sleeping bag in its own right - and anti-skeeters/gnats/no-see-ums/deer-horse biting flies, ....
Oh, cool, that's a neat idea! Ya, I think this would be a great sleeping system, and with your idea on the addition it's perfect for cold weather camping. I LOVE this product. It's something I look forward to wearing every single time and I can see me getting a couple more for backup!!
Depending on whether you are carrying a backpack or not, mentioned to the wife, about having "inside" pockets on the back (like a pheasant stuffing pocket in hunter's jacket) for other carrying capacity. Also having velcro slits at arm pits (open and close for heat/humidity control), and chest pockets to put critical items, fire steel, compass, maps, ham radio, etc safe and warm. Also front knagaroo hand pouch, but also velcro slits to an inside hand/carry pouch (hands warm in outside pouch, but totally warm against hot body). Same for inside front pockets or pouches. No reason not to use both sides of anorak wool for carrying capacity. Even having a vertical pocket on the inside back for a camelbak water pouch removes need to have ruck for water carry. And water is next to body, not in detached ruck, cool in summer keeping you cool in hiking, and putting in warmed water (hot water bottle) also keeps the body warm in cool/cold weather. (As mentioned above) same wool blanket for legs/feet with velcro zips, can also become further (Scottish kilt) rain poncho, further emergency thermal wrap, extended skirt-gaiters in wet and grabby brush, 2 pole blanket stretcher, tie up and it becomes small hammock cot between poles, same legs/feet blanket wrap around fire for keeping warm from cold/wind chill, tied up into hobo blanket carry pouch, bear hang pouch, wounded arm sling, arm sling tinder/sticks carry sling, ... Also consider my mods to hood. Sew in another piece of wool at hood edging, that folds up, over, and back of head and full ear coverage (double insulation for head and ears), ... but at night or severe cold/wind and bug attacks (with small eyeholes, nostrils, and mouth hole (balaclava face shield), can be pulled down into entire wool sleeping bag unit and face mask. Pull out and down over face and tuck into/under the neck warmer piece for total wool coverage and heat retention. Also sew in mosquito netting to hood edging for a mosquito netting that can be pulled down and used separately in summer (or with face mask in winter) for skeeter control. The anorak + wool blanket sleeping bag approach is this design, and removes additional weight (sleeping bag) in ruck carry system. Same for potential removing hammock or ground footprint using the wool skirt in a ruck.
I just ran across this video... I am a BIG FAN of outer waist belts, so I have modified ALL my wool anoraks to the same pocket layout as this one. I even made lower pockets like this one but I put zippers on them... Did not know about these anoraks, thank you for sharing!
Nice! Ya, I don't generally mention price on my videos, specifically because I want people to make their own judgement about value. But the Lester River is very pricey. The quality on this Asbell is almost 1/3 the price and almost the same quality...so value is high on this one!!
Great video! I was shopping around for a wool pull over like this. Your video helped me to decide. I purchased a large OD Green anorak from G. Fred Asbel today. Thanks again!
Oh buddy, you're gonna LOVE it!!! I can't wait for fall just to wear mine...I have been totally soaked in that thing and it still keeps you warm for sure. I like to wear a poly-pro T or long sleeve underneath...those shirts dry fast even if they get wet.
Thanks for this excellent and thorough review! I ordered one yesterday, I got the same one just in green. I wanted the grey originally but large was out of stock, however the green is already growing on me :) I am 6'1 like you and slender, my normal size is medium but I was like what the heck and opted for the large. This will be my main outershell during fall,winter, and spring here in Michigan so the extra space will come in handy for layers and sleeping in if I need to. It may look funky, but it will be damn practical! I just subbed as well, you have a great channel. Thanks again!
Thanks for joining! I literally just filmed a quick segment talking about how this is one of my most useful pieces of kit. The sherpa fleece lined pocket is awesome...the durability has been fantastic and I have POUNDED on mine...you'll love it!
Great review. Everything you say about the breathability is true. I just bought the pathfinder pullover in grey blanket weight. I think its a great, well made product. One thing, the large hood is to accommodate a large variety of brimmed headwear.
I have had one of these for a couple years. Depending on what layers I'm wearing I have been comfortable from about 10F to 50F when it is not windy. I recently purchased a nice and roomy wind shell to wear over this and other layers. Obviously I haven't used the combo in winter but just standing around in my place, which is about 68F, the combo has me instantly roasting. The shell is an Empire Snowshoe Hare
I love mine...it's great that it's getting to the time of year to wear it again! 10F Is a bit on the chilly side, but it is great with layers. And I have been soaked in mine and the wool keeps you warm, even when wet.
outer limitless yeah it is definitely the most versatile jacket I have bought. When it was 10 I was wearing a base layer and two lightweight wool sweaters under it. I'm now curious to try out their new Northwoods anorak. It looks a bit longer with one fleece lined kangaroo pocket. I don't think you can go wrong with their wool considering their prices.
outer limitless by the way dude if you are ever looking for heavy wool pants for cold weather check out Big Bill pants. I have a pair of their wool blend pants and they are very good quality. It is a Canadian company and I got mine new for about $50
Awesome! Ya, they are super nice man...i really love mine and look forward to wearing it every single time. I'm thinking this makes for the perfect gift for someone who would appreciate it!
Great video I own a Weatherwool Anorak, it’s great has different colors and details! Weatherwool uses a tighter woven wool that’s superior to other wool but again it comes with a price. Check them out they also offer other products hats, scarves, pants and support our military! Thank you
I have seen weather wool. I have not gotten my hands on any of their products, but I am familiar with what they offer. I like that they make pants too.
I forget what size I said I have...I'm pretty certain it's a large. But I love how mine fits...I'd say you want it a touch on the big size...so you can layer, and plus the extra fabric is comfortable. I'm 6'1" and it absolutely fits me great. Hope that helps!! Good luck! Let me know what you end up getting.
im 6'1 220 bit of a gut. i wear the xxx so i can fit a few wool sweaters underneath. a merino wool base layer, a medium weight wool shirt or sweater and a heavyweight wool sweater with my asbell anorak or longhunter shirt in blanket weight im good to 35 below zero farenheit. be aware you will need a windblocker layer. i use a us military 50/50 cotto/poly blend anorak.
In that video I was 190lbs. I'm more like 170 now, and I am 6'1" I'm not 100%sure on the size, but I am fairly sure it is a large. I bought it used without tags but I am 99% sure it's a large. The size for me is important in the arm length as much as anything else. I'd prefer loose fit as long as the arms are the right length.
I just bought the traditional woodsman anorak, has anyone after opening the package found that it is sheding for lack of a better word . I have owened wool all my life never had this happen. Even after washing.Is this common for this product.
seems a little strange...mine doesn't shed...but be careful how you wash it...you should hand wash, and not machine wash. I actually didn't get mine brand new...it was new, but pre-owned. I'm not sure what to say about the sheding? Maybe call G Fred Asbell and see what they say about it? I'm interested to hear what they say if you find out anything. Thanks for watching!
Here's the link to their sizing chart for wool products. It doesn't mention length. I'm sorry, but I am not certain and don't want to give you bad info...maybe try calling or writing to them? If you get the answer, can you please post on this thread?? Thanks!! www.gfredasbell.com/wool_sizing_washing.php
just wider not longer. if you want a longer top you can buy the longhunter shirt then buy the hood from ron leclair at shrew bows. its all g fred asbell wool gear.,
It is loose...but I'm not sure how you would get one of these to fit tighter. Basically the arm length is perfect...so you might want to see what happens to the arm length as these get smaller in size. I believe I have a large. I checked, but it does not have a size tag...but if I remember correctly, mine is a large. I am 6"1" and at the time of that video was like 185ish. I'm only 170lbs now. If the medium is that much smaller I would be surprised...and I would be careful of the sleeve length. I hope that helps...but I don't have very good advice to get you pinpointed on a size. I struggle with that myself!
This Anorak is not nearly as good as the Boreal Mountain Anorak. It may be 100% wool, but that doesnt mean it compares to a Lester River or Boreal Mountain Anorak. You get what you pay for. Take care & good luck.
That's a reasonable opinion... and probably ultimately true...But this is still a damn good Anorak... and the quality is fantastic. That's like saying your Honda is not nearly as good as my Porsche. You get what you pay for. Not everyone is looking for a Porsche... not can they afford one... and the Honda still gets them to work.
@@outerlimitless Personally I don't have a car. I gave my last car away. To a Canadian Family who had been flooded. I agree with a lot you say, however which would you prefer a Honda or a Porsche❓If you can be honest I already know the answer.🤣
I have a G. Fred Asbell Pathfinder Pullover and a zippered jacket. I also have one of their windblocker vests. Today it was 5°F with a wind chill below zero. I was wearing a thin wool shirt the wind blocker vest and the Pathfinder. It kept me quite warm on a short (2 mile) easy going hike.
The part I like the best is that it breathes amazingly...it's tough in the super cold, wind blown chill, but without wind it's great...and combining it with another layer, like you did, it's wonderful.
I have the exact same Asbell anorak in gray. I agree that it is high quality and well made. I live in Virginia and because this anorak is so warm I only get to wear it in the winter here. Love it!
Nice! YA, it must be about perfect if its a bit warmer down there. It get's to be pretty cold here and this wool is a bit less warm than I truly need...but layers will always make up for it. It's a great component in an outerwear system, or perfect standalone if it's moderately cold.
Thank you for responding so fast .I did two washing back to back till nothing was left in the tub all by hand. It's drying now and so far so good . I think when it was made remnants from the work area must have got on.That's all I can think. I really like it and I think this solved it... And thanks again for the quick response and the videos keep it up!
That's good...I would have been kinda surprised if the wool was really shedding. Like you said...if you've had other wool, it's not generally going to shed like that. I recently wore mine on a backpacking trip...it's in my latest video...two day overnight in the snow, and it was awesome. I was soaked, but still quite warm. And then I dried out almost instantly...it was pretty incredible actually.
I have the northwoods anorak in grey. Its a very nice piece of outerwear, i used it for hunting last year a couple times. For the price of the asbell wool products they are very well made. Very good review of your anorak.
RSENL 7 thanks, I absolutely love that thing...i really look forward to that first chilly day that I get to wear it! I am trying to convince my wife she wants one, but she says she hates wool...i bet she would grow to appreciate it.
The anorak I ordered has come in and I love it. The color is great and it looks really well made. Received it in 3 days of ordering it. Can not wait to check it out this fall, looks like it will really be warm. Thanks again for your video!
That's great...still much too warm outside for me, but in another couple weeks I'll get mine out for the winter. Enjoy...I hope it treats you well!!
Loved my first one, I had to get two. I have the zippered jacket for warmer days and just got the anorak for colder weather.
Nice! Ya, I'm thinking about getting another model too. How you like the jacket??
Love it. It's ideal for those days when you could use some ventilation. For the cost, it's well worth having both IMHO.
10* 10* 10* Asbell anoraks are a total gold product. All U.S., family-owned business, personally hand made, quality - and no BS. This has multipurpose use. Mentioned to Fred's wife, that making a lower wool foldover with velcro zips, it could be attached to the anorak skirt, and become a total wool mummy blanket sleeping bag in its own right - and anti-skeeters/gnats/no-see-ums/deer-horse biting flies, ....
Oh, cool, that's a neat idea! Ya, I think this would be a great sleeping system, and with your idea on the addition it's perfect for cold weather camping. I LOVE this product. It's something I look forward to wearing every single time and I can see me getting a couple more for backup!!
Depending on whether you are carrying a backpack or not, mentioned to the wife, about having "inside" pockets on the back (like a pheasant stuffing pocket in hunter's jacket) for other carrying capacity. Also having velcro slits at arm pits (open and close for heat/humidity control), and chest pockets to put critical items, fire steel, compass, maps, ham radio, etc safe and warm. Also front knagaroo hand pouch, but also velcro slits to an inside hand/carry pouch (hands warm in outside pouch, but totally warm against hot body). Same for inside front pockets or pouches. No reason not to use both sides of anorak wool for carrying capacity. Even having a vertical pocket on the inside back for a camelbak water pouch removes need to have ruck for water carry. And water is next to body, not in detached ruck, cool in summer keeping you cool in hiking, and putting in warmed water (hot water bottle) also keeps the body warm in cool/cold weather.
(As mentioned above) same wool blanket for legs/feet with velcro zips, can also become further (Scottish kilt) rain poncho, further emergency thermal wrap, extended skirt-gaiters in wet and grabby brush, 2 pole blanket stretcher, tie up and it becomes small hammock cot between poles, same legs/feet blanket wrap around fire for keeping warm from cold/wind chill, tied up into hobo blanket carry pouch, bear hang pouch, wounded arm sling, arm sling tinder/sticks carry sling, ...
Also consider my mods to hood. Sew in another piece of wool at hood edging, that folds up, over, and back of head and full ear coverage (double insulation for head and ears), ... but at night or severe cold/wind and bug attacks (with small eyeholes, nostrils, and mouth hole (balaclava face shield), can be pulled down into entire wool sleeping bag unit and face mask. Pull out and down over face and tuck into/under the neck warmer piece for total wool coverage and heat retention. Also sew in mosquito netting to hood edging for a mosquito netting that can be pulled down and used separately in summer (or with face mask in winter) for skeeter control.
The anorak + wool blanket sleeping bag approach is this design, and removes additional weight (sleeping bag) in ruck carry system. Same for potential removing hammock or ground footprint using the wool skirt in a ruck.
I just ran across this video... I am a BIG FAN of outer waist belts, so I have modified ALL my wool anoraks to the same pocket layout as this one. I even made lower pockets like this one but I put zippers on them... Did not know about these anoraks, thank you for sharing!
These are great...I don't have much experience with other brands, but this one is certainly quality!! Thanks for watching!
I'm liking that! was looking at the other one you mentioned but that price is insane! Thank you for sharing this, going to check it out now.
Nice! Ya, I don't generally mention price on my videos, specifically because I want people to make their own judgement about value. But the Lester River is very pricey. The quality on this Asbell is almost 1/3 the price and almost the same quality...so value is high on this one!!
Great video! I was shopping around for a wool pull over like this. Your video helped me to decide. I purchased a large OD Green anorak from G. Fred Asbel today. Thanks again!
Oh buddy, you're gonna LOVE it!!! I can't wait for fall just to wear mine...I have been totally soaked in that thing and it still keeps you warm for sure. I like to wear a poly-pro T or long sleeve underneath...those shirts dry fast even if they get wet.
Everything I have purchased from them is perfect.
I love mine...I rely on it and wear it all the time. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for this excellent and thorough review! I ordered one yesterday, I got the same one just in green. I wanted the grey originally but large was out of stock, however the green is already growing on me :) I am 6'1 like you and slender, my normal size is medium but I was like what the heck and opted for the large. This will be my main outershell during fall,winter, and spring here in Michigan so the extra space will come in handy for layers and sleeping in if I need to. It may look funky, but it will be damn practical! I just subbed as well, you have a great channel. Thanks again!
Thanks for joining! I literally just filmed a quick segment talking about how this is one of my most useful pieces of kit. The sherpa fleece lined pocket is awesome...the durability has been fantastic and I have POUNDED on mine...you'll love it!
THANKS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Great review. Everything you say about the breathability is true. I just bought the pathfinder pullover in grey blanket weight. I think its a great, well made product. One thing, the large hood is to accommodate a large variety of brimmed headwear.
Nice! How do you like the pathfinder? It seems similar to this, but not as long? Is that true?
I have had one of these for a couple years. Depending on what layers I'm wearing I have been comfortable from about 10F to 50F when it is not windy. I recently purchased a nice and roomy wind shell to wear over this and other layers. Obviously I haven't used the combo in winter but just standing around in my place, which is about 68F, the combo has me instantly roasting. The shell is an Empire Snowshoe Hare
I love mine...it's great that it's getting to the time of year to wear it again! 10F Is a bit on the chilly side, but it is great with layers. And I have been soaked in mine and the wool keeps you warm, even when wet.
outer limitless yeah it is definitely the most versatile jacket I have bought. When it was 10 I was wearing a base layer and two lightweight wool sweaters under it. I'm now curious to try out their new Northwoods anorak. It looks a bit longer with one fleece lined kangaroo pocket. I don't think you can go wrong with their wool considering their prices.
outer limitless by the way dude if you are ever looking for heavy wool pants for cold weather check out Big Bill pants. I have a pair of their wool blend pants and they are very good quality. It is a Canadian company and I got mine new for about $50
I own this anorak and another full zipper jacket from them. I love both of them!
Awesome! Ya, they are super nice man...i really love mine and look forward to wearing it every single time. I'm thinking this makes for the perfect gift for someone who would appreciate it!
Thank you for such an informative and well done review.
Thanks for watching! That Anorak is definitely sweet. I love the fall when I finally get to use it!
Thanks for such a great video!!!
I have one in green in 2xl in case i want to layer underneath and for sleeping in. Its very warm so far!
Nice! If I were to get another it would be green. It's like a forest green, right?
@@outerlimitless No, its an olive green.
Hey great video! what size did you get? I'm 6'1" 160lbs and trying to figure out if I want the medium or large. Thanks!
Mine is the large. I'm 6'1" too. sleeve length on the large is perfect.
always better to get a size larger that way you can layer
Very nice
Pocket is good if you have a harness for tree stand
I love the high pocket...that makes this anorak!
Great video I own a Weatherwool Anorak, it’s great has different colors and details! Weatherwool uses a tighter woven wool that’s superior to other wool but again it comes with a price. Check them out they also offer other products hats, scarves, pants and support our military! Thank you
I have seen weather wool. I have not gotten my hands on any of their products, but I am familiar with what they offer. I like that they make pants too.
hey that's cool!👍
Thanks for your great video. I think you helped me make the decision to get one. I am curious about what you thought of the sizing. Thanks
I forget what size I said I have...I'm pretty certain it's a large. But I love how mine fits...I'd say you want it a touch on the big size...so you can layer, and plus the extra fabric is comfortable. I'm 6'1" and it absolutely fits me great. Hope that helps!! Good luck! Let me know what you end up getting.
im 6'1 220 bit of a gut. i wear the xxx so i can fit a few wool sweaters underneath. a merino wool base layer, a medium weight wool shirt or sweater and a heavyweight wool sweater with my asbell anorak or longhunter shirt in blanket weight im good to 35 below zero farenheit. be aware you will need a windblocker layer. i use a us military 50/50 cotto/poly blend anorak.
is that the heavy wool or the blanket wool?
bushcrfter791
Blanket weight. Great question, and I wish I ststed this during the review!
These only come in Blanket Weight I believe.
What's your height and weight and what size did u get please..great vid
In that video I was 190lbs. I'm more like 170 now, and I am 6'1" I'm not 100%sure on the size, but I am fairly sure it is a large. I bought it used without tags but I am 99% sure it's a large. The size for me is important in the arm length as much as anything else. I'd prefer loose fit as long as the arms are the right length.
I just bought the traditional woodsman anorak, has anyone after opening the package found that it is sheding for lack of a better word . I have owened wool all my life never had this happen. Even after washing.Is this common for this product.
seems a little strange...mine doesn't shed...but be careful how you wash it...you should hand wash, and not machine wash. I actually didn't get mine brand new...it was new, but pre-owned. I'm not sure what to say about the sheding? Maybe call G Fred Asbell and see what they say about it? I'm interested to hear what they say if you find out anything. Thanks for watching!
do you know if the anorak gets longer as you go up in size or just wider?
Here's the link to their sizing chart for wool products. It doesn't mention length. I'm sorry, but I am not certain and don't want to give you bad info...maybe try calling or writing to them? If you get the answer, can you please post on this thread?? Thanks!!
www.gfredasbell.com/wool_sizing_washing.php
just wider not longer. if you want a longer top you can buy the longhunter shirt then buy the hood from ron leclair at shrew bows. its all g fred asbell wool gear.,
looks loose, how big are you and what size did you get? Thanks
It is loose...but I'm not sure how you would get one of these to fit tighter. Basically the arm length is perfect...so you might want to see what happens to the arm length as these get smaller in size. I believe I have a large. I checked, but it does not have a size tag...but if I remember correctly, mine is a large. I am 6"1" and at the time of that video was like 185ish. I'm only 170lbs now. If the medium is that much smaller I would be surprised...and I would be careful of the sleeve length. I hope that helps...but I don't have very good advice to get you pinpointed on a size. I struggle with that myself!
@@outerlimitless awesome thanks for the quick reply.
Which is heavier, there extra heavy weight or the blanket weight?
I'm not sure to be honest...I would suggest reaching out to them.
Blanket Weight is the heaviest Fred Asbell offers.
you remind me of deacon from fallout 4 at 8:51
HAha, I can see why you say that. Is that a good thing? I'm not that familiar with that game.
yeah he is a cool cat
Nice, cool...thanks for watching! I'll have to check out fallout at some point.
4:30 - 5:15 mountain man mating dance
Haha, I wish I could add a fast forward version to music. I get your humor...and it's pretty good actually.
This Anorak is not nearly as good as the Boreal Mountain Anorak. It may be 100% wool, but that doesnt mean it compares to a Lester River or Boreal Mountain Anorak. You get what you pay for. Take care & good luck.
That's a reasonable opinion... and probably ultimately true...But this is still a damn good Anorak... and the quality is fantastic. That's like saying your Honda is not nearly as good as my Porsche. You get what you pay for. Not everyone is looking for a Porsche... not can they afford one... and the Honda still gets them to work.
@@outerlimitless Personally I don't have a car. I gave my last car away. To a Canadian Family who had been flooded. I agree with a lot you say, however which would you prefer a Honda or a Porsche❓If you can be honest I already know the answer.🤣