I'm an anomally in this bushcrafty thing.
I'm vegan, and it takes me all my time to wear leather boots let alone anything else.
I'm also a realist.
People only exist in extreme climatic conditions because of their clothing. No where is that more apparant than in the Arctic.
There is no other material, no other fibre, no other clothing, that works to preserve and allow life there, anywhere near as effectively as fur and animal hide.
The peoples who live there, descendants of those who have lived there for millenia, make full use of the advantages of modern life, but they still when the situation calls for it, hunt, prepare, tan, animal skins.
The wolverine is a superb example of a species so thoroughly adapted to it's habitat
I did wonder when I posted the link if it would get a critical response; thank you for at least being courteous about it.
As far as I know however, there is no other fur that does not freeze around the face. It is strongly hydrophobic, lasts for many years, and yes, the animal which produces it, is become a threatened species.
Humanity is not a benevolent species, it is a very self centred one.
No where is this more apparant than in our financial dealings.
If the skin becomes too expensive, and it must surely be at that point by now, then that becomes the inspiration of innovation.
Why can't there be a man made equivalent that works as well as the Wolverine skin ?
But then, if that develops then other skins would follow suit and ultimately it would deprive peoples who have no other way of obtaining a livelihood, from necessary earnings.
No easy answer. For myself I would not visit the Arctic if in doing so I had to be the reason that an animal lost it's life. That's *my* choice though, and I make it from a warm centrally heated little house connected to mains power and the internet. It's easy for me to say since I have a choice.
regards,
Toddy