Backcountry Forum
Backpacking & Hiking Gear

Backcountry Forum
Our long-time Sponsor - the leading source for ultralite/lightweight outdoor gear
 
 
 

Amazon.com
Backpacking Forums
---- Our Gear Store ----
The Lightweight Gear Store
 
 WINTER CAMPING 

Shelters
Bivy Bags
Sleeping Bags
Sleeping Pads
Snow Sports
Winter Kitchen

 SNOWSPORTS 

Snowshoes
Avalanche Gear
Skins
Hats, Gloves, & Gaiters
Accessories

 ULTRA-LIGHT 

Ultralight Backpacks
Ultralight Bivy Sacks
Ultralight Shelters
Ultralight Tarps
Ultralight Tents
Ultralight Raingear
Ultralight Stoves & Cookware
Ultralight Down Sleeping Bags
Ultralight Synthetic Sleep Bags
Ultralight Apparel


the Titanium Page
WM Extremelite Sleeping Bags

 CAMPING & HIKING 

Backpacks
Tents
Sleeping Bags
Hydration
Kitchen
Accessories

 CLIMBING 

Ropes & Cordage
Protection & Hardware
Carabiners & Quickdraws
Climbing Packs & Bags
Big Wall
Rescue & Industrial

 MEN'S APPAREL 

Jackets
Shirts
Baselayer
Headwear
Gloves
Accessories

 WOMEN'S APPAREL 

Jackets
Shirts
Baselayer
Headwear
Gloves
Accessories

 FOOTWEAR 

Men's Footwear
Women's Footwear

 CLEARANCE 

Backpacks
Mens Apparel
Womens Apparel
Climbing
Footwear
Accessories

 BRANDS 

Black Diamond
Granite Gear
La Sportiva
Osprey
Smartwool

 WAYS TO SHOP 

Sale
Clearance
Top Brands
All Brands

 Backpacking Equipment 

Shelters
BackPacks
Sleeping Bags
Water Treatment
Kitchen
Hydration
Climbing


 Backcountry Gear Clearance

Page 1 of 2 1 2 >
Topic Options
Rate This Topic
#87193 - 01/15/08 05:55 PM Dog Fur
preprunner Offline
member

Registered: 03/06/07
Posts: 28
After pulling my dogs shedding undercoat off him for the past few weeks or so, along with vacuuming daily and getting full buckets of hair off the carpet I got to thinking...Has anyone tried using dog fur, perhaps just the undercoat, as a substitute to down? Maybe like a poor mans down if you will? I figure you could harvest it yourself if you have a dog via a vacuum and comb, and just use it as stuffing for any DIY bags, quilts, vests, etc.

I know I saw a news clip where someone made a sweater out of dog fur so I know it's possible. I'm just wondering where it ranks on the warmth, loft, compressibility, usability, etc scale.

Any thoughts?

Top
#87194 - 01/15/08 05:58 PM Re: Dog Fur [Re: preprunner]
Earthling Offline
member

Registered: 02/22/03
Posts: 3228
Loc: USA
Please read the archives...Please <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> If one more person brings this up I'm gonna go 'n tar n feather them! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />
_________________________
PEPPER SPRAY AIN'T BRAINS IN A CAN!

Top
#87195 - 01/15/08 06:01 PM Re: Dog Fur [Re: preprunner]
CamperMom Offline
member

Registered: 01/04/02
Posts: 1228
Loc: Eastern MA, USA
preprunner-

I have no idea how dog fur would serve as a down relpacement. I HAVE heard of people spinning their pet's fur along with some wool and using that product to knit sweaters and such. I got the impression that they were more interested in harvesting an otherwise wasted resoure or keeping a momento of their pets for sentimentality. If you try this, let us know how it works for you.

CamperMom

Top
#87196 - 01/15/08 06:10 PM Re: Dog Fur [Re: preprunner]
pennys Offline


Registered: 12/31/01
Posts: 2842
Loc: Washington
dog fur yarn really stinks.
_________________________
tips for making gear

Top
#87197 - 01/15/08 06:15 PM Re: Dog Fur [Re: pennys]
preprunner Offline
member

Registered: 03/06/07
Posts: 28
Eh, so do I after a day or more on the trail <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Top
#87198 - 01/15/08 07:00 PM Re: Dog Fur [Re: preprunner]
Dryer Offline

Moderator

Registered: 12/05/02
Posts: 3591
Loc: Texas
I've got a friend who spins yarns of all sorts of critters and poodle fur turns out to be like kevlar. Really strong and as Penny says, stinks like a......wet dog.
_________________________
paul, texas KD5IVP

Top
#87199 - 01/15/08 07:01 PM Re: Dog Fur [Re: Earthling]
Dryer Offline

Moderator

Registered: 12/05/02
Posts: 3591
Loc: Texas
Quote:
Please read the archives...Please <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> If one more person brings this up I'm gonna go 'n tar n feather them! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />



Now there's an idea! Has anyone tried tar and feathers as an insulator or top coat? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
_________________________
paul, texas KD5IVP

Top
#87200 - 01/15/08 07:42 PM Re: Dog Fur [Re: pennys]
Earthling Offline
member

Registered: 02/22/03
Posts: 3228
Loc: USA
Quote:
dog fur yarn really stinks.


My point exactly! Why reinvent the wheel <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> Even cavemen did'nt wear dog fur! Ok, maybe some did, but they had to sleep outside when it rained <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />
_________________________
PEPPER SPRAY AIN'T BRAINS IN A CAN!

Top
#87201 - 01/15/08 11:17 PM Re: Dog Fur [Re: Dryer]
TomD Offline
Moderator

Registered: 10/30/03
Posts: 4963
Loc: Marina del Rey,CA
Quote:
Quote:
Please read the archives...Please <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> If one more person brings this up I'm gonna go 'n tar n feather them! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />



Now there's an idea! Has anyone tried tar and feathers as an insulator or top coat? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />


Not quite, but have you ever seen oilskin or japara? When I was in NZ back in the 80's, a lot of local raingear was cotton infused with some kind of oil or wax-heavy, but waterproof. When it wore off, you could just treat the fabric again and it would be good as new.

I have an Australian stockman's coat, like in the Aussie westerns. It is a treated cotton or light canvas of some type., the coating is some kind of wax, maybe parafin. The brand is Driza Bone, a well-known Aussie company.

There are still a lot of jackets and other clothing made from these fabrics; Yahoo turns up a bunch of sites for sellers and manufacturers. Nothing particularly lightweight, but my stockman's coat is incredibly tough and fun to wear on occasion.

Here is an interesting story about the history of oilskins on an online store's site that I found.
oilskin history
_________________________
Don't get me started, you know how I get.

Top
#87202 - 01/16/08 02:46 AM Re: Dog Fur [Re: Earthling]
leadfoot Offline
member

Registered: 07/16/03
Posts: 954
Loc: Virginia
wear dog fur and you'll get fleas. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

Top
#87203 - 01/16/08 04:24 AM Re: Dog Fur [Re: TomD]
Dryer Offline

Moderator

Registered: 12/05/02
Posts: 3591
Loc: Texas
"a lot of local raingear was cotton infused with some kind of oil or wax-heavy, but waterproof."


Here in cowboy land, those are called "slickers". Long cotton duc (oilskin) raincoat coated with fat or varnish. Riders still wear modern versions.
_________________________
paul, texas KD5IVP

Top
#87204 - 01/16/08 05:31 AM Re: Dog Fur [Re: Dryer]
JAK Offline
member

Registered: 03/19/04
Posts: 2569
You would need to bring along a can of "Walter's Canned Flatulence" to get the full rainy day effect.

Top
#87205 - 01/16/08 05:34 AM Re: Dog Fur [Re: JAK]
JAK Offline
member

Registered: 03/19/04
Posts: 2569
http://www.allfiberarts.com/library/gallery/bl-wooldogs.htm

Woolly Dogs
by Elizabeth Flower Anderson Miller

I have been studying since 1987, the wool dog or woolly dog, grown for at least 700 years, possibly 2500 years, by the First Nations or Native American peoples in the areas now western British Columbia and western Washington. I just presented at a conference at the Sto:lo nation in B.C. what I knew about the dog grown by their ancestors, including information I gathered from spinners on this forum.

Also, I am interested in hearing from anyone who has spun American Eskimo dog hair, or owners or breeders of Eskies about that dog's hair, especially if they have a dog with the recessive genes that caus the soft insulating hair to be longer than the guard hairs.

continues

Top
#87206 - 01/16/08 06:52 AM Re: Dog Fur [Re: JAK]
Dryer Offline

Moderator

Registered: 12/05/02
Posts: 3591
Loc: Texas
I guess my question would be "why"....would anyone want to use problematic fibers. We know that sheep, goat, alpaca, llama, rabbit, camel, and a few other critters are proven and have been used for thousands of years. I'm a sheep wool addict, myself.
My spinner friend will spin a yarn from odd wools, just to try it, but usually only once. He then goes back to the proven fibers.
_________________________
paul, texas KD5IVP

Top
#87207 - 01/16/08 08:43 AM Re: Dog Fur [Re: TomD]
Keith Offline
member

Registered: 01/04/02
Posts: 1667
Loc: Michigan's Upper Peninsula
Filson Outfitters makes (or sells, at least) waxed cotton outer wear.

Also, I have seen the mule-train wranglers in the Grand Canyon wearing these heavy canvas-like drovers coats.
_________________________
Human Resources Memo: Floggings will continue until morale improves.

Top
#87208 - 01/16/08 02:10 PM Re: Dog Fur [Re: preprunner]
hootyhoo Offline
member

Registered: 12/14/06
Posts: 686
Loc: Cyberspace
If you washed the dog fur would it remove the oils and render it less effective than it was - say on the dog? Just leave the fur on and put the dog in your sleeping bag. That would be warm.

Top
#87209 - 01/16/08 02:32 PM Re: Dog Fur [Re: hootyhoo]
Dryer Offline

Moderator

Registered: 12/05/02
Posts: 3591
Loc: Texas
"put the dog in your sleeping bag. That would be warm. "

If it got really cold, add a couple more dogs. "Three Dog Night". yuk yuk yuk <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
_________________________
paul, texas KD5IVP

Top
#87210 - 01/16/08 03:20 PM Re: Dog Fur [Re: JAK]
Jimshaw Offline
member

Registered: 10/22/03
Posts: 3983
Loc: Bend, Oregon
JAK
I have a good library of the peoples of the arctic basin. Dog skin and fur was an important commodity. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />Dog makes the best mukluk liners. just think about wolf and coyote ruffs on parkas - those are some warm frost free furs. Also as you know - those people had very limited resources - seal - polar bear - dog - ground squirrels - fish, and the occasional caribou and rarer wolverine, acrtic fox and of course the chest hair of beached whales... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I agree the warmest dog fur is still attached to the dog... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />
_________________________
These are my own opinions based on wisdom earned through many wrong decisions. Your mileage may vary.

Top
#87211 - 01/16/08 04:01 PM Re: Dog Fur [Re: Keith]
Earthling Offline
member

Registered: 02/22/03
Posts: 3228
Loc: USA
Quote:
Filson Outfitters makes (or sells, at least) waxed cotton outer wear.

Also, I have seen the mule-train wranglers in the Grand Canyon wearing these heavy canvas-like drovers coats.


English companies make waxed cotton gear for motorcyclists. had plenty when i rode, cuts the rain and wind to nothing! Still wear a waxed cotten hat for Fall til Spring <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> Stylish eh? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
_________________________
PEPPER SPRAY AIN'T BRAINS IN A CAN!

Top
#87212 - 01/16/08 04:11 PM Re: Dog Fur [Re: Dryer]
Kate Offline
member

Registered: 01/14/08
Posts: 45
Loc: On top of the North Downs, UK
I sometimes have a two cat night... They're lovely and warm, too! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
_________________________
Kate XXXXXX
Mad sewing witch!
http://www.katedicey.co.uk

Top
#87213 - 01/16/08 04:35 PM Re: Dog Fur [Re: Jimshaw]
JAK Offline
member

Registered: 03/19/04
Posts: 2569
Jim,
I know they are not as wide ranging, but the Muskox has excellent wool yet you don't hear about the native's using them so much. I am sure they do, but their not as wide ranging maybe. Not sure. In the article I posted there were a few native groups that made wool from dogs. I wonder if any used wool from Muskox or if they just used the fur. I suppose the Muskox wheren't so easy to shear. Perhaps that was it.

p.s. It just occured to me that there might be reasons of efficiency why some people of certain regions adapted to herd and shear certain animals rather than simply hunt them and use their pelts, similar to the way they are sometimes used for milking or bleeding rather than just for meat. Herding isn't just a means of food storage, but creates other opportunities as well. Interesting.

I'm guessing that herding for food came first, and wool second, but who knows.

Top
#87214 - 01/16/08 05:07 PM Re: Dog Fur [Re: Earthling]
Rick Offline
member

Registered: 05/10/04
Posts: 708
Loc: Ontario, Canada
Quote:
Quote:
Filson Outfitters makes (or sells, at least) waxed cotton outer wear.

Also, I have seen the mule-train wranglers in the Grand Canyon wearing these heavy canvas-like drovers coats.


English companies make waxed cotton gear for motorcyclists. had plenty when i rode, cuts the rain and wind to nothing! Still wear a waxed cotten hat for Fall til Spring <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> Stylish eh? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />


Yes indeed, back in the time before fairings and huge touring bikes. Excellent wind and wet clothing.

I can't for the life of me remember the brand or the name we called it. Dang age thing again.

Top
#87215 - 01/16/08 05:53 PM Re: Dog Fur [Re: JAK]
midnightsun03 Offline
member

Registered: 08/06/03
Posts: 2936
Loc: Alaska
JAK

It is called Qiviut, and it is just the undercoat of the musk ox... I don't believe it is harvested off the animal itself, but rather picked up off the ground. These animals shed in huge clumps, and their fur is very fine and extremely warm. Articles of clothing knitted from this yarn sell for megabucks here.

MNS
_________________________
YMMV. Viewer discretion is advised.

Top
#87216 - 01/18/08 04:03 PM Re: Dog Fur [Re: preprunner]
tahomus Offline
member

Registered: 04/01/06
Posts: 23
Loc: Tahoma, CA
i am a spinner and weaver, but haven't played much with dog fur, since i think it feels gross and smells. however, i'm sure you *could* stuff some gear with it and it *would* insulate- all that's needed for insulation is to trap air. however, i doubt it would perform well. i think it would be prone to shifting and matting. then you loose the insulating properties of your garment/bag. one reason to blend dog fur with wool is to get the crimp of the wool (wavy structure) into your project. dog fur alone doesn't work well, since it usually doesn't have a good crimp to hold the fibers together, and will just pull apart.
in old-times, quilts were "stuffed" with cotton or wool batting. these days it's all synthetic.

Top
#87217 - 01/22/08 08:25 AM Re: Dog Fur [Re: tahomus]
robi Offline
member

Registered: 05/29/03
Posts: 312
Loc: budapest, hungary
not all dog furs smell!

and you can wash it, after all.

what about making into felt?

Robi

Top
Page 1 of 2 1 2 >

Shout Box

Highest Quality Lightweight Down Sleeping Bags
 
Western Mountaineering Sleeping Bags
 
Lite Gear Talk - Featured Topics
Backcountry Discussion - Featured Topics
Make Your Own Gear - Featured Topics
Featured Photos
Spiderco Chaparral Pocketknife
David & Goliath
Also Testing
Trip Report with Photos
Seven Devils, Idaho
Oat Hill Mine Trail 2012
Dark Canyon - Utah
Who's Online
2 registered (), 174 Guests and 0 Spiders online.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Newest Members
Noodles, McCrary, DanyBacky, Rashy Willia, WanderBison
13240 Registered Users
Forum Links
Disclaimer
Policies
Site Links
Backpacking.net
Lightweight Gear Store
Backpacking Book Store
Lightweight Zone
Hiking Essentials

Our long-time Sponsor, BackcountryGear.com - The leading source for ultralite/lightweight outdoor gear:

Backcountry Forum
 

Affiliate Disclaimer: This forum is an affiliate of BackcountryGear.com, Amazon.com, R.E.I. and others. The product links herein are linked to their sites. If you follow these links to make a purchase, we may get a small commission. This is our only source of support for these forums. Thanks.!
 
 

Since 1996 - the Original Backcountry Forum
Copyright © The Lightweight Backpacker & BackcountryForum