While it's true that wool can absorb about 33% of it's weight in water before it starts to feel wet, and it will retain most of it's insulative properties at this ratio, once it starts to feel wet it's very wet, and will need to be dried out. This may take a while.
I agree that the best shell for extreme cold is a windproof, very breathable cotton shell, but personally I would use synthetic insulation layers for their wicking and fast drying properties. The base layer material, as long as it's thin, can be either wool or synthetic. It's a fact that synthetic is smellier, but if you're working hard for a few days or weeks it'll take a beagle to say which stinks the worst.
I'd also opt for windproof trousers over a base layer, especially if you're male. I don't care how well you're endowed, but if you're trousers aren't windproof you'll end up with a frozen acorn and a wallnut inbetween your legs if the cold wind is allowed access to your bits.
Cheers, Michael.
I agree that the best shell for extreme cold is a windproof, very breathable cotton shell, but personally I would use synthetic insulation layers for their wicking and fast drying properties. The base layer material, as long as it's thin, can be either wool or synthetic. It's a fact that synthetic is smellier, but if you're working hard for a few days or weeks it'll take a beagle to say which stinks the worst.
I'd also opt for windproof trousers over a base layer, especially if you're male. I don't care how well you're endowed, but if you're trousers aren't windproof you'll end up with a frozen acorn and a wallnut inbetween your legs if the cold wind is allowed access to your bits.
Cheers, Michael.