[Sherman Logan]

For true survival conditions, nothing beats wool.

Inaccurate. Modern pile and fleece are much more effective than wool in damp/wet conditions, besides being considerably lighter.

[Trailerpark Badass]

Modern pile and fleece are much more effective than wool in damp/wet conditions, besides being considerably lighter.

They can be almost too good, and lead to overheating. Modern wool fabrics like those from Smartwool, Ibex, etc are quite lightweight, soft, warm when wet, and provide better temp regulation, in my experience.

[mountn man]

Though you are right, I would NEVER give up my Smartwool mountaineering/expedition socks. I wear them all year long (and even wash them occassionaly :). Winter time in sub zero temps (add a second pair if need be), or summertime when its 100 degrees.

Though my fleeces are "MY" BASIC all weather gear, some people don't have fleeces, and can't afford them. But they do have a wool sweater. For those who can afford them, fleece IS the way to go. BUT wool is a tried and true alternative.

Also, some might assume that their fleecy sweatshirt is "polar"fleece, most are not. Most sweatshirts are nothing but cotton towels. Terrible for survival.

One other thing about fleeces, being a polyester fabric, they melt. Around open flames or sparks, fleece is not good, where as wool is.