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By David Crane
david (at) defensereview (dot) com
November 15, 2016
Last updated on 11/15/16.
DefenseReview (DR) ran into a very interesting company (making equally interesting products) in the outside hall at SOFIC (Special Operations Forces Industry Conference) 2016 called Woolpower out of Ostersund Sweden, and we were really impressed with what they showed us. Woolpower’s main claim to Merino-wool fame is their proprietary Ullfrotté Original terry-loop technology on the underside of all their combat/tactical garments. The terry loops are 100% Merino wool, and the technology “traps the heat in al the pockets, it wicks the moisture from the skin, it actually creates heat in extreme situations.” The outside of the garments incorporate some synthetics for enhanced durability, which is important for the Swedish military Special Operations Forces (SOF) that wear it during cold-weather and arctic ops.
For added comfort the Woolpower Ullfrotté Original Merino wool combat/tactical garments feature a tubular knit and minimal seams. DR got to see (and touch) a bunch of different garments, including shirts, pants, jackets, long underwear, and a combat/tactical balaclava, and all looked quite well made to us. We should mention that the long underwear we saw utilized a 200-weight flat knit for “athletic activities”. DR particularly liked the FDE (Flat Dark Earth) colored garments. Woolpower also makes t-shirts, socks, etc., so the Woolpower clothing system is a head-to-toe system. The garments DR saw at the Woolpower both were also FR (Flame Resistant).
On an interesting side note, the seamstress for each garment stitches her name into it, and only one seamstress touches each individual garment. DR really likes this old-school, pride-in-craftsmanship, hand-made touch, and gives us even more confidence in the brand.
Woolpower’s U.S. distributor is located in South Carolina, which is a great state that DR recently visited, including historic Charleston.
Anyway, Defense Review is very interested in trying out some of the Woolpower garments at some point, as they look really comfy, not to mention warm and toasty. After all, winter’s comin’, so a little Woolpower wouldn’t be a bad thing, now would it.
The following information on Woolpower Ullfrotté Original terry-loop technology and garments comes directly from the company’s website:
“Ullfrotté Original was first developed by Woolpower AB in Östersund, Sweden during the early 1970’s in collaboration with the Swedish military. The result: a garment providing superior insulation and effective moisture management.
Our blend of fine Merino wool, synthetics, and air creates a supergarment that balances durability with raw function.
Intended to be worn directly next to skin, Ullfrotté Original’s unique terry-loop design with loose-knit wool fibers optimizes heat retention while effectively managing overall thermal comfort.
It’s All in the Loops…
– Ullfrotté Original –
Ullfrotté Original is knit with a smooth outer synthetic layer, and a soft terry loop inner lining. The lofty terry loops on the inside, coupled with the natural crimp of Merino wool fibers, create a garment capable of trapping warm air circulating just above the outer layer of skin.
The permeable nature of Ullfrotté Original material allows moisture to be transported away from the body. As the body heats up, perspiration is released and water vapor accumulates inside your clothing. The terry loop design facilitates the process of trapping body heat while simultaneously releasing moisture.
Merino wool is naturally delicate. A pure wool garment therefore
does not lend itself to optimal wear resistance. In order to achieve
maximum durability, we created Ullfrotté: a Merino and synthetic
blend that offers increased strength, memory, and elasticity. Thus,
an ultra-resilient, comfortable garment is born.
4 Degrees
200 g/m2:
The thinnest Ullfrotté Original garment to be worn directly against the skin as a base layer.
400 g/m2 & 600 g/m2:
Designed as a mid-layer to increase insulation between base layer and outer shell.
800 g/m2:
The heaviest Ullfrotté Original fashioned into the warmest, comfiest sock on Earth.”
Company Contact Info:
Grand Forest
219 Varnfield Drive
Summerville, SC 29483
Toll Free: (800) 433-2863
Phone: (843) 875-0240
Fax: (843) 821-2285
Email: info@woolpowerus.com
Website: https://woolpowerus.com
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