Gray Wolf Woolens? What's the fuss all about?
 

[align=left]I hear so much about this Wolfskin clothing... At least once-a-day, somebody refers to it as the gold-standard in hunting clothing. It's great, it's the second-coming of Jesus, it's this, it's that...Everybody else seemingly accepts this as gospel,so I had to see for myself.

Like any Curious George, I clicked my way across the internet planet and arrived at "Gray Wolf Woolens," fully-expecting to be greeted by streets of gold, rainbowsand champagne flowing from the heavens. [/align][align=left][/align][align=left]Let's just say that my reception was less-than-expected.

Forgive me in advance for questioning the authenticity of the accolades that I've read over the years on here, but what the hell is so great about this stuff (other than the price)? Do these people own stock in the company, or is it really THAT good?

[/align][align=left] The Fendi of Hunting Clothing

I've looked at their site, and honestly - the clothes look quite average.100% polyester, with a rain treatment. They almost look like your garden-variety BDU's. No stock scent containment. Custom-cut to size.Uber-expensive.Seriously - these are Dolce & Gabbana prices. We passed right over "expensive" andquickly entered the realm of "absurd."





Maybe it's bad pictures... Maybe it's the fact that they offer the Predator patterns... But either way, I just can't see what makes these garments even approach beingworthy of theirobscene price tag.

Is "custom" sizing that important? Cabela's hawks pants in every conceivable size known to man. It might take me a few tries, but eventually, I will find a pair of pants that fits perfect, without having my clothes tailored or dropping 4 bills on a pair of camo pants.

Have you guys ever even seen this mythical Wolfskin clothing in person? What the hell makes it so great?

For the price of a pair of pants, I feel like they should automatically detectthe fill level of mybladder, then unzip and gently lift my Johnson out of my whitie tighties,and finallytuck it back in when I'm finished.

Seriously - you're looking at $1000 for a winterhunting outfit. Want Scentlok? Get out your checkbook homie. That's extra.


$329.95 Seriously. [/align][align=left][/align][align=left]http://www.graywolfwoolens.com/store/home.php?cat=19 [/align][align=left][/align][align=left]Maybe I'm nuts - but it just doesn't seem economical to be blowing that kind of bling on a hunting outfit. [/align][align=left][/align][align=left]Is it a "pride of ownership"thing (like a Rolex watch) - or is the on-field performance actually sufficient to warrant the price tag?[/align]

RE: Gray Wolf Woolens? What's the fuss all about?
 

I've not really heard too much about them. I think I'll pass on a $800 for camo. I don't think all the hunting clothes I have add up to that much...[&:]

RE: Gray Wolf Woolens? What's the fuss all about?
 

I live by one rule. Never buy pants that cost more than your shotgun.:D

Fran, even if they are 1% better than non grey wolf pants....isn't that worth it? Or is it all about the money?[8D]:D

RE: Gray Wolf Woolens? What's the fuss all about?
 

Preach the word quicksilver. So I went to the web site also and WOW! Nothing like have a camo that costs more than your bow. For this kind of money, the shirt should remove itself, field dress the deer for you and drag it to the truck for you. CRAZY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

RE: Gray Wolf Woolens? What's the fuss all about?
 

Wolfskin is just about the best material you can buy for hunting cloths. That said, you can get Wolfskin for much, much less than what your showing here.

That pair is wool line and very expensive but I'd bet if your hunting in high altitude snowy peaks, AK in winter or the Arctic Circle, it's a very small price to pay for your safety and comfort.

In our everyday bowhunting here in the states, simple Wolfskin and proper layering will suffice.

RE: Gray Wolf Woolens? What's the fuss all about?
 

Looks like a product geared for a very specific buyer.

RE: Gray Wolf Woolens? What's the fuss all about?
 

I've had several pieces that I subsequently sold.... Very high quality gear but overpriced IMO...

A pair of unlined wolfskin pants with pockets will cost you $150+.. That's pretty damn stout for pants! The best deal going is the lined vest IMO and the only piece I wish I still had...

RE: Gray Wolf Woolens? What's the fuss all about?
 

I live by one rule. When faced with a bargain.....buy it.

If I told you what I paid for my wolfskin garments, you'd ask me how to get onboard. It's MUCH better than "the clothes look quite average.100% polyester, with a rain treatment.".

Check.

For what some are charging....I agree with this statement.;)

Of course. I wear it when the leaf drop and temps allow me to. The quality of the garment isn't in question. It's there. The rain propelling aspects are an added bonus.

Would I pay what "they're" asking, though?

Nope.

Do I care if someone else does?

Nope.

Honestly, though.....I paid less for mine than a LOT of people paid for their sights, though.;)

RE: Gray Wolf Woolens? What's the fuss all about?
 

As one of the resident clothes hounds here of course I have Grey Wolf Woolens Wolfskin Jacket and Pants.Predator Grey and Comformax lined.If I had it to do over again I would have purchased them unlined because they would have more versatility.
Enigma Camo is the best value going in wolfskin clothing,having said that the Grey Wolf Woolen stuff is incredibly well made and will last a life time.No different than the Sleeping Indian or King of the Mountain stuff from an expense point of view.
Do you need it? NO,but none of us need $800 bows and arrows that are $10 a piece.Yes it was a lot of money and I am not sure that I would do it again or do it in the same way (I would go unlined).From a quality point of view I do not have any clothing that is better and as a few of you know I have a bunch.

RE: Gray Wolf Woolens? What's the fuss all about?
 

Those are officially the only pants I've ever seen where pockets come as an "option" andcost extra.

Joey - I agree 100%.

Scot - you are DEFINITELY a clothes-hound, buddy! FWIW - Idefinitely think the King of the Mountain gear is another level of clothing. Maybe it's just the presentation on their site - and I've seen it in person. My first reaction was "you can't get this stuff at cabela's."

Jeff - this statement speaks volumes.

RE: Gray Wolf Woolens? What's the fuss all about?
 

I have wolfskin and lets just say I am not all that impressed.

I will take a Fleece over it anyday of the week

RE: Gray Wolf Woolens? What's the fuss all about?
 

I think some of the stuff is pretty specialized and yes very expensive. [:-]

Remember a couple things with this stuff, the garments are handmade by a guy in the USA one at a time to your specs using the best materials you can find.
You guys think the wolfskin is nice? You should see the WOOL garments.[:-]

I certainly don't have money flying out my butt so I weigh my purchases carefully. I have finally seen the light on good quality garments though in a great pattern to boot.

I check out ebay, several classified sites and the returns section of the Gray Wolf site itself for deals.

I bought my Fall Gray WOOL , comformax lined jacket used from a local guy (thing looks brand new and like it was made for me) for $200 and is EASILY the single nicest , best made piece of hunting clothing I've seen.
This is truly a jacket that will outlast me so I hope I have a young XL relative worthy of it when I croak. :D

I alsohave a donated pair of pants and some hats from Greg (Thanks bud!) and a couple beautiful used lined wool and wolfskin vests in FG and SG and even the headcovers.

Value is a tough thing to put a finger on because it's in the eye of the beholder and their disposable income.

But if you can find a deal on any of this stuff I can personally vouch for the fact that it's worth every penny you can justify. sort of like really good optics. Once you own a pair you wonder exactly how you ever lived without them.

RE: Gray Wolf Woolens? What's the fuss all about?
 

Hey I said that and meant it, Fran......I wouldn't pay (on a personal level) what most are asking.

But I gotta tell ya....I keep a list of quotes from people.....and reference it, occasionally. I'm gonna add this one to that list.;)

RE: Gray Wolf Woolens? What's the fuss all about?
 

Not even if it was 1% better than the "bargain" stuff.

Hmmm, must be all about the money.

Who the heck has "disposable" income?

LT

RE: Gray Wolf Woolens? What's the fuss all about?
 

Well I just dropped $280 on Enigma camo and I am thinking that is about my max! That clothing is Wolfskin also! I am excited to try it out! The pattern is very nice too! But no way will I spend more than that on clothing!

RE: Gray Wolf Woolens? What's the fuss all about?
 

Vote with your dollars..

The big challenge is finding something that is as durable as cotton but not cotton.. Fleece is okay but can be very hot.. I love wool and I have a pair of surplus pants, but not in a camo pattern and too heavy for the early season. There are not many options out there in a non-cotton material that is versatile enough to layer so that you can wear the same garment on hot days and layer for cold and still not soak up all of the moisture within a 200m radius..

I did make an unlined graywolf wolfskin purchase and that was after far too many years of hunting in bargain cotton predator camo.. I hunt in the fall in the Eastern Slopes of the Canadian Rockies and cotton is the last thing you want to be wearing when the weather turns. I don’t have disposable income and nobody here in Alberta gives a crap about what you wear in the field. I test drove the wolfskin material by purchasing a $20 hat and was impressed with the material’s ability to breath, repel rain and not soak up the water like cotton and dry quickly.. My set is basic pants and jacket (unlined) and about the same price as an enigma set up.. I can guarantee you that what I have will last a very long time. I am happy with my purchase and if that changes, you’ll hear about it here.

Sadly if you want to buy American made, then it will cost more than Chinese made..

I certainly respect all of the opinions on this forum concerning gray wolfand if cotton works for you in your part of the world, then I do agree that this purchase would not be warranted...

On a slight threat drift…..

If you took quicksilver’s original post and replaced Filson with Graywolf Woolens, I would 100% wholeheartedly agree.. I have been extremely disappointed by the few purchases I made (on sale).. That company doesn’t know how to make a quality seam. All of the seams have pulls in the material and the stitching. Have a close look at brand new garments on the hanger at your local store. You can get better quality stuff from Old Navy or Walmart.

By the way I didn't vote because there wasn't an non-sarcastic option that reflects my opinion.

Cheers.

RE: Gray Wolf Woolens? What's the fuss all about?
 

Your prayers have been answered!

RE: Gray Wolf Woolens? What's the fuss all about?
 

Wolfskin is the T I T S, but I'd never pay the prices they ask for it. I own a pair of Wolfskin pants that I got out of the clearance bin and the material is really good. It tough and durable, but still comfortable. Like I said though, the list prices on those things are obscene and anyone paying top dollar for them better have a very specialized reason for getting it because if you're an everydayhunter your application for some of that stuff is pretty limited.

RE: Gray Wolf Woolens? What's the fuss all about?
 

Compare Graywolf stuff to any hand-made gear made in the USA. Now, is Jeff really that out of line? I know what he produces and the quality he puts into every piece of equipment he produces. He's not out of line.

I have worn Wolfskin for 8 or 9 years now. I can get anything I want from pretty much anyonefor free if I "worked" it. I continue to pay major money to continue to wear Wolfskin over any othergear on the market. Here is my reasoning.

1. Available in both Predator and Intrusion Treeline - best camo patternyou can buy - not available too many other places
2. Waterproof & actually breathes
3.Dead Quiet
4. As comfortable as PJ's
5. Very lightweight and compressable
6. Jeff is a great guy - and actually hunts like I do
7. Completely customizeable. I get double knees, special pockets, and collars.
8.Custom made to your body - where else can you get this?

Some guys spend over $100.00 on a quiver that I look at and say "My Kwikee is $20.00 and works better". Hunting equipment is a matter of supply and demand. Jeff's demand is lower because the quality and costs are high. It's not for every budget.

BTW - Lined Wolfskin pants are $269.00. Wool is crazy expensive, especially Jeff's wool because it is 100% wool, not a cheap blend like most of the other guys use. You get what you pay for.

When you hunt everyday, you can't put a price on comfort on-stand. It only took me about 12 years to spend some money on Gray Wolf, and it's the best investment I ever made. I still have the original stuff I ordered from "Marc" who used to own Gray Wolf, and my cameraman still wears it everyday during the season.I'vefinally replaced myoriginalcoatthis year. It's 8or 9 years old and is still in great condition, notears, and everyzipper and button still works flawlessly. Why did I get a new one? My cameraman doesn't have a nice coat, so he'sgetting my old one!

I could potentially work a sponsorship deal with a bigger company that could offer WKP more than Jeff is able to. Some things make me a better hunter, Gray Wolf is something that actually does this! Keeps me on-stand longer and Predator is BETTER than blob!

RE: Gray Wolf Woolens? What's the fuss all about?
 

That is nice, but I can kill deer in a 100.00 fleece suit;)

RE: Gray Wolf Woolens? What's the fuss all about?
 

Funny Germ.

RE: Gray Wolf Woolens? What's the fuss all about?
 

I think i would buy a new bow...or two....first.

RE: Gray Wolf Woolens? What's the fuss all about?
 

Graywolfwoolens gear is the best, period. I for one hunt exclusively with Jeff's gear in wolfskin, the only exception being my rain gear.

No need to slam a product just based on cost.

RE: Gray Wolf Woolens? What's the fuss all about?
 

I don't think Quick is slamming any product.

He's just wondering about the product.. and trying to justify the price. Just in his own way.

RE: Gray Wolf Woolens? What's the fuss all about?
 

I just got a complete suit and can't wait to use it this year. From everything I read and have seen it is great stuff. Jeff was great to work with.

RE: Gray Wolf Woolens? What's the fuss all about?
 

I have some Enimga I'll trade for some Wolfskin;). Both are very exspensive

RE: Gray Wolf Woolens? What's the fuss all about?
 

If I may ask

What benefit is it going to give you over a cheaper suit?
I can buy a fleece suit and MT050 cheaper[8D]

Now bear in mind I have a sitka suit;)

RE: Gray Wolf Woolens? What's the fuss all about?
 

I'll let you know in about mid-November, received my lined wolfskin fg predator several months ago. Seems to be top notch quality and as everyone else said, great customer service.

I've spent many yearsworking in the skiing industry in the past and can appreciate QUALITY clothes. When you're in the elements often, like I used to be with skiing and am with hunting, cheap garments do NOT hold-up after time. I listened tomany members speak of the high quality of Gray Wolf and decided to make the investment.Yes, its not cheap, but if it is top quality and lasts, then its worth it to me.

Quick-i'll give my opinion after i wear it for a season........

RE: Gray Wolf Woolens? What's the fuss all about?
 

I don't trust any company that doesn't carry a line of blue undies.[:@]

RE: Gray Wolf Woolens? What's the fuss all about?
 

I'm assuming that is an oxymoron cause Enigma is Wolfskin. ;)

RE: Gray Wolf Woolens? What's the fuss all about?
 

This isn't mutually exclusive to Quik, either ....even in this thread.;)

RE: Gray Wolf Woolens? What's the fuss all about?
 

I don't think anyone has slammed it;)
They have just ask is it worth it?

RE: Gray Wolf Woolens? What's the fuss all about?
 

Yeah Jeff - I'm coming at this more from the angle of "does the performance justify the price?"

Because, unlike a Rolex, this stuff doesn't "look" all that great. So if it's a "pride of ownership"or a "looks" thing - it's just a little bit lost on me. Let's face it, if Elite came out with a bow tomorrow thatwas MSRP'ed at$5,000.00 - our first reaction would be to look at the speed/specs and try to figure out why on earth this particular bow is 8x the cost of a normal bow.

Lend the King your ears for a minute:

Just doing a little digging - Gray Wolf describes his "Wolfskin" fabric as "a tightly woven fabric. 100% polyester. Technical name for it is a warp knit. Because if it's tightness of weave, it is also very wind resistant." ** Remember the words "warp knit" **


A year ago, I bought this jacket on clearance from Predator's website for around $50. Nice jacket, nothing great. Worth the price, I guess.



Interestingly enough - here's the productdescription: "Featuring our exclusive Warp Knit® fabric. This revolutionary new fabric is breathable and colorfast. It does not shrink, and is extremely soft, quiet, and feather light."

As it turns out - Warp Knit - is EVERYWHERE!
[ul][*]It's in the Cabela's Revolution Dry Fleece.[*]It's in the ASAT[*]Whitewater has it http://www.mackspw.com/Item--i-WHT1292S[*]Predator has it[/ul]
So, if nothing else, this whole discussion has been an eye-opener. I guess I had a "wolfskin" (aka warp-knit)jacket and didn't even know it. As the quest for the holy grail of hunting clothes continues...

RE: Gray Wolf Woolens? What's the fuss all about?
 

Fran I jump on the wolfskin bandwagon, I have two wolfskin suits. 1 of them ripped in the pants and jacket and I wore it less than 4 times;)

I can fully admit I was 100% wrong about wolfskin, it is a nice fabric. But I have had 2 scentlok suits with suede like material that lasted over 7 years. You can ask Mauser who has one, I bet it still looks great.

WolfSkin itself is not water resistant at all, it is treated with DWR. After you wear it awhile or wash it a few times it needs to be treated again.

It's funny my two most expensive suits have needed to be sent back for repair. Enigma 2 ripped and Sitka suit the threads started to come out.

I am going with Fleece from here on out. I am hoping UC is ready by fall, and am getting a ASAT and Predator fleece suit. I have a rain suit already.

I may order a fleece suit from Greywolf, he makes great stuff. IMO wolfskin is not worth the price, I was wrong.

RE: Gray Wolf Woolens? What's the fuss all about?
 

I will interject that Wolfskin and Warp Knit are not entirely the same garment. I have the warp knit stuff from predator and a wolfskin shirt from GWW..... They are close, butnot exactly the same.

RE: Gray Wolf Woolens? What's the fuss all about?
 

Me too I have that suit and wolfskin. IMO the wolfskin is nicer, but not by that much.WS tends to hold it's color more, warp knit fades a bit.

RE: Gray Wolf Woolens? What's the fuss all about?
 

This is what I've noticed about the WolfSkin stuff over the other warp knit. My jacket is faded more than my pants and I've washed the pants more.

RE: Gray Wolf Woolens? What's the fuss all about?
 

I've been an avid skiier and backpacker for many years now. I think part of the reason I don't think Jeff is out-of-line on pricing is because I've been exposed to the costs of some expensive gear for a long time. The North Face, Patagonia, Mountain Hardware, etc.... Their stuff is made overseas and it is nothing to pay $200-400.00 for a killer jacket or pack or something. They all have superior quality stuff that lasts forever. My Patagonia long underwear blow the doors off any Underarmer or Scentlok stuff - and I've owned some of my stuff for12 years. I'm 30 years old and still own the long-underwear I bought to go on a backpacking trip the year after I graduated high school. Still wear them now, everyday in many cases. Heck, I was just looking in my Outside Magazine at a Helly Hanson shell that is selling for $550.00.

Granted, the hunting industry is not the outdoor industry. The big thing that none of you realize is the costs associated with what Jeff does at Gray Wolf. Some of you have this misconception that Jeff is making tons of money on this stuff. If you only knew. He only raised his prices recently because he was simply not making any money. I encouraged Jeff to price his equipment appropriately based on the quality and service he provides. I've been friends with other companies that are HUGE in this industry and have seen the lack of attention and quality their customers get. It's all marketing and advertising BS with big name stars and people who are business minded only - they aren't hunters first and foremost. Jeff is.

I've had my unlined Wolfskin Predator Spring Green set for at least 4 seasons. Maybe more. Still waterproof in a downpoor, sit in the rain all the time. My original Wolfskin lined coat is 9 years old and is still waterproof, wear it every day - it does rain often throughout our season.

You can buy what you want, wear what you want. If Jeff didn't use Predator or Intrusion, I wouldn't even be having this conversation. To me, it's all about the hunt. I wear what works the best for breaking up my and my cameramans outline. Yall can wear whatever you want - doesn't make one difference to me or my hunting season.

Good luck - and be nice!

RE: Gray Wolf Woolens? What's the fuss all about?
 

I would take this comment further and say compare GWW stuff to comparable China made (factory production) items in Cabelas that also have 'technical' fabrics that are quick drying, not cotton and tough.. His prices for items that are unlined are indeed inline with pants, shirtsand jackets you can buy from Cabelas.. Evenlined wolfskin pants and jackets are in the same prices range as well... The wool is indeed more expensive but quality wool is generally out of my price range anyways unless it is military surplus.

The problem I think Quicksilver has is that GWW lacks the 'flash' and marketing that an Under Armor or Rolexwould have.. I personally love and respect the fact that few dollars are spent on marketing. GWW is all about good quality garments not a brand or logo.


I agree 100%, in the winter when I am not hunting I am a volunteer ski patroller at Lake Louise and anybody who's done any work in the high alpine in the winter can appreciate the above quote.. Good quality garments are on par with any othergear, be it your skis or bow.. After walking around in rain and snow in the mountains looking for elk, I would spent moreon mygarments since it can save your life. And I would first look foorquality garments on sale (read Ebay) You can go cheap but why risk it???Cotton Kills!! And besides, thisone GWW wolfskin suit will be the only thing I have and I will wear it every hunting day for a long time.. I won't be spending hundreds or thousands on a camo wardrobe so I can be in another shade of Predator, ASAT, Engima or the next revolutionary camo.

I learned a lesson a long time ago that you get what you pay for.. 11 years ago I bought a pair of Viberg boots for hunting http://www.viberg.com/hunt45.htm hiking and general everyday wear and I still have them.. They are in greatshape and I amgoing to have my rubber Vibram sole replaced for the 4th time after this hunting season ends.. The leather, midsole and insole are still fine.. They are expensive bootsbut over 11-15 years or morethey turn out to be quite economical.. In my group of hunting buddies since I got the Vibergs a few pairsof Danners have come and gone and now 3/4 of us are inViberg boots.. And these arebargain bin boys..

RE: Gray Wolf Woolens? What's the fuss all about?
 

I am surprised that all of the wolfskin fans are so quiet on this thread.. All of the GWW promoters and Enigma promoters are all much quieter than usual.