OK. I am starting to get it. So, even though the shak appears to be thin, its really warm because its a tightly woven wool knit, right? Does that also mean that a base layer like the "Kate" http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/Product...=Kate-17.5-L/S
would be warmer than say silk long underwear? If I paired a Kate with a shak, how warm would I be?

Why all the questions. Well, after work I went to that local outdoor store that I just found out carries Ibex and Smartwool. It was nice to see and try on this stuff. My first observation was that in general, I thought the quality of the Ibex was better than the quality of the smartwool. I was able to try on the smartwool Routt and didn't like either the color (it is more oatmeal than heather) or fit (arms were very baggy more like a jacket than a sweater), AND the zipper was broken on it. I also realized that the shak is a lot softer than the carrie hoodie, so a lot of variation within the line. It just made me all the more pleased with my shak. But then they had on sale some base layers, these 'Kates' so I bought 2 at 50% off. But they still have tags on so they can be returned. I want a sense of how warm they are gonna be from you guys. The clerk at the store said they would be no warmer than the silk long underwear I have already, but I thought tightly woven wool would be more insulating? She thought for going up north I needed something called capilene 4 but I didn't like it. I also thought the Kates would be good as a base if I wanna cycle in my shak, and I can always put my terry thermal vest over that (on or off bike) to add another layer. What do the wool weenies think? Is the Kate a keeper or return? It also really changed my opinion of wool. As I said, I thought I couldn't wear it next to my skin but this stuff felt soft as silk. It looks so pretty it can be worn alone (unlike my 20 year old silk LLbean underwear) too, prettier than at the website pic.

I tried to stop the order on the organic wool sweater based on Lisa's remarks, but it had already shipped. The women on the phone indicated that it runs small, and if the full zip shak fit me in small but without a lot of room for layers that the M in the organic really should do what I want it to. She also said while its not merino wool, its a very soft wool that can be worn next to the skin, and a really lovely piece. She assured me I can return it if I don't like it, but sounds like maybe it will be a keeper.

But this is it. No more buying anymore wool for me!