I've been living in a warm climate for the past few years and this will be my first winter back north of the 49th parallel. The only dedicated cold weather gear i own is a pair of merino long johns, acrylic beanie and polyester fleece lined hoodie. I've worn that to do some 30-45 minute walks in very cold (-15C/5F) temperatures, but I definitely wouldn't want to be outside longer than that. This winter I may need to buy some more layers. My plan is to get a flannel shirt, gloves and socks, then maybe a wind breaker or raincoat if i end up somewhere it rains or snows.
I do my best to eat and live vegan nowadays, so I have been looking into alternative fabrics, i.e. not wool. I'm not really keen on polyester because it retains odor, and that's one of my biggest complaints about winter clothes in general. I've seen a few places selling bamboo gear, but it's very expensive and I don't want to take a risk if it's no good. I know all the marketing spiel says it's amazing, but I would like to hear a real review. Has anyone tried bamboo gear for the winter, and can they recommend it? Or should I just bite the bullet and go with wool?
I do my best to eat and live vegan nowadays, so I have been looking into alternative fabrics, i.e. not wool. I'm not really keen on polyester because it retains odor, and that's one of my biggest complaints about winter clothes in general. I've seen a few places selling bamboo gear, but it's very expensive and I don't want to take a risk if it's no good. I know all the marketing spiel says it's amazing, but I would like to hear a real review. Has anyone tried bamboo gear for the winter, and can they recommend it? Or should I just bite the bullet and go with wool?