Atlantic Rancher Ranger Questions

[Jason Snyder]

I’ve read a lot about these sweaters through various other threads, but it’s a little challenging to sift through multi page threads addressing multiple topics.

1. Do you prefer 1/4 zip or regular? I’m assuming 1/4 zip will slow much better temperature regulation?
2. Are these suitable for hiking, or are they more of a glassing layer?
3. It seems like durability isn’t an issue.
4. I’m assuming dry clean only? Any issues with shrinkage over time?

I’m looking for a Swiss Army knife garment. I spend a lot of time hiking pretty steep and rugged country through the winter. I’m looking at this as a primary layer (over a light base). I want it to breathe well a dry relatively quickly. I also want to use it as mid layer for steelhead fishing.

Right now I’m using a SG 1/4 zip grid fleece for hiking, adding a vest when it’s colder and a cheap synthetic Costco sweater for fishing. They do okay. Not fantastic.

 

[WyldGoose]

I’ve been curious about the breathability while active as well.

 

[Formidilosus]

I’ve read a lot about these sweaters through various other threads, but it’s a little challenging to sift through multi page threads addressing multiple topics.

1. Do you prefer 1/4 zip or regular? I’m assuming 1/4 zip will slow much better temperature regulation?

Most would probably prefer 1/4 zip.

2. Are these suitable for hiking, or are they more of a glassing layer?

That depends on the person, temperature, and exertion level. Some can hike in them regularly, some cannot.

3. It seems like durability isn’t an issue.

That’s relative of course. It isn’t an issue compared to other similar tops.

4. I’m assuming dry clean only? Any issues with shrinkage over time?

No. You can wash them at home. Lay out flat to dry- you will need to slightly stretch it back into shape after the wash when you lay it out.
Having said that, you really don’t have to wash it often. I wear mine 120-150 day a year and probably wash it one a year.

I’m looking for a Swiss Army knife garment. I spend a lot of time hiking pretty steep and rugged country through the winter. I’m looking at this as a primary layer (over a light base). I want it to breathe well a dry relatively quickly. I also want to use it as mid layer for steelhead fishing.

It isn’t going to dry as quick as synthetic generally. It is merino wool. But, it feels drier, quicker than comparable synthetics.

As for breathability- it’s excellent. It also seems to get more breathable/better for active use after a couple of washings and some time wearing/using it. Mine that I’ve had for 5-6 years is not as thick, and definitely breathes better than new ones. I can hike in cold’ish weather with a pack, as long as exertion isn’t too high.

Right now I’m using a SG 1/4 zip grid fleece for hiking, adding a vest when it’s colder and a cheap synthetic Costco sweater for fishing. They do okay. Not fantastic.

I wear a thin T-shirt under the Ranger Sweater once the temps are in the 30’s, and if very cold or windy, a very thin wind jacket over it- as my general out layer on top. Rarely with a long sleeve base layer while moving

 

[Jason Snyder]

@Nine Banger @fwafwow thoughts?

Also, sizing? 6’ 195 pounds. Reasonably athletic build. L or XL?

 

[Ajsomp]

I’d go XL. But I tend to size up for torso length and chest sizing. You might be able to live with a L

 

[Nine Banger]

@Nine Banger @fwafwow thoughts?

Also, sizing? 6’ 195 pounds. Reasonably athletic build. L or XL?

I had a regular and the rim on the neck is folded over and rubbed on my skin. I gave it to my buddy that doesn't have a fat neck like me and kept the 1/4 zip.

It's like a tobaggan for your torso. It's gonna be hot with base layer and shirt if it's over 40. It's a really heavy sweater.

A buddies wife's big azz diamond ring snagged me. I stuffed it back in with one of those raspy needles. Otherwise, it's been fine.

I'm washing my wool in my washing machine and laying it out on beach towels.

Get an XL it will be over base layer and shirt.

 

[fwafwow]

Sorry Jason. I saw the thread but you will see that most of my thoughts are worthless.

I’ve read a lot about these sweaters through various other threads, but it’s a little challenging to sift through multi page threads addressing multiple topics.

1. Do you prefer 1/4 zip or regular? I’m assuming 1/4 zip will slow much better temperature regulation?

I don't have the 1/4 zip, so I can't compare to the regular "Ranger Uniform" (which I have). But I do have the Cardigan, which I prefer. That thing is heavy though.

2. Are these suitable for hiking, or are they more of a glassing layer?
3. It seems like durability isn’t an issue.
4. I’m assuming dry clean only? Any issues with shrinkage over time?

I'd defer to pretty much anyone else on RS for these questions, as they see the outdoors more than me. I don't think I've cleaned any of my sweaters yet, but I'm personally pretty careful with wool (especially expensive wool - I've floundered with some in the past) and would be OK washing at home with gentle/hand-wash cycle, not drying and laying flat.

As for sizing, I'm 6'2" and vary between 195 and 215. I have XL.

 

[The Ri Guy]

As a PNW swamp rat native who has tried both, I prefer the Filson Guide Henley Sweater over the AR Ranger.

Too many thorny things out here.

If you're athletic with a good internal furnace, you will not be able to hike in either with a pack on unless it's exceptionally cold or you are moving exceptionally slow, i.e. still hunting Blacktail in the timber in late fall/winter conditions.

 

[Jason Snyder]

Good information, thank you gentlemen.

I’m wondering if the Duckworth hoodie would be a little better suited for what I’m looking for. Typically I’m hiking about 8 to 12 miles a day, with several thousand feet of vertical in the midst.

 

[Jason Snyder]

If you're athletic with a good internal furnace, you will not be able to hike in either with a pack on unless it's exceptionally cold or you are moving exceptionally slow,

Decently athletic, but I sure have found my internal furnace has gotten weaker over the last 10 years as I’ve aged.

 

[Ajsomp]

Good information, thank you gentlemen.

I’m wondering if the Duckworth hoodie would be a little better suited for what I’m looking for. Typically I’m hiking about 8 to 12 miles a day, with several thousand feet of vertical in the midst.

I have that as hoody well. It’s comfortable and I wear it a lot, but it doesn’t do much for me in terms of actual usefulness in the backcountry. I tend to wear it in the fall and early spring more than anything. But when I get working I don’t keep it on.

A grid fleece like the one OV released last year or the new one from argali might fit a little more what you’re looking for.