The Beerenberg Oiled Wool Pullover
From Arthur Beale
Modern Innovtion vs Traditional Craft
Over the past century there have been some fantastic developments in the field of outdoor equipment. From high tech breathable fabrics, such as Gore-Tex, to ultra- light tents that would have been the stuff of dreams for adventurers in the past.
We really are spoiled for choice, with a wide range of specialist equipment to suit every environment and budget.
Why Wool Still Works
Modern equipment is superb in the hills, but when it comes to Bushcraft, the old ways are very often the best and in many ways our choice of clothing has changed little since the golden age of exploration. Natural fabrics such as wool were worn by polar explorers like Ernest Shackleton because it works. Wool provides excellent insulation (even when wet), it looks and feels wonderful and it’s better for the environment than the synthetic fabrics that have become a standard feature of the outdoors. Wool is also naturally fire resistant and self-extinguishing, so it is an ideal choice for those of us who spend a lot of time around campfires.
Discovering the Beerenberg
My search for an authentic 100% wool pullover led me to Arthur Beale and their classic oiled wool Beerenberg roll neck pullover. The Beerenberg is named after the world’s most northerly volcano, which can be found high up in the Arctic, on the remote island of Jan Mayen. The Beerenberg is a classic design, closely based on the pullovers worn by Shackleton and other members of the Imperial Trans Antarctic Expedition 1914-17.
British Wool, Low Impact
The Beerenberg is made in the UK from British Wool, so it has a low carbon footprint. They are only available in three colours, which are the colours of the sheep that supply the wool. Ecru , Welsh Grey and Black Welsh Mountain. The oiled wool isn’t highly processed or dyed and it still contains the natural lanolin oils from the fleece, this gives the pullover a fresh wool smell. Unlike synthetic fabrics these pullovers are completely biodegradable and won’t shed harmful micro plastic fibres like artificial fleece.
Simple Functional Design
The design is simple yet functional, with a chunky rolled collar to keep your neck warm, canvas reinforced shoulder seams and another superb feature is the reinforced thumb holes in the sleeves. These keep the back of your hands warm while leaving your fingers free for fiddly tasks. This pullover has earned its place in my winter wardrobe and will be a trusty companion on backwoods adventures as well as trips to the local pub for many years to come.
The Beerenberg Oiled Wool Pullover
Read more about this classic wool pullover from Arthur Beale.