Yeah while the idea of a wool cloak is still cool, whenever I start breaking down the possible use-cases, I realize it tends to just be a functionally inferior and much less convenient version of modern options by nearly every metric.

For example, for staying dry, even a basic plastic poncho is superior but a wool cloak will never beat the standard outershell gear lined with stuff like goretex. Likewise, its thermal utility is mostly determined by its ability to trap layers of air, and a wool cloak can’t match the functionality and versatility of modern insulation methods. Even in the area of durability, while heavy weaves can be incredibly rugged, it tends to be at the expense of weight, and after owning a few featherlight jackets and tents made with self-healing textiles, I can’t imagine a wool cloak would ultimately be able to compete in the long term.

I’d still embrace the fashion if it made a comeback, but with full acceptance of the fact that it represents form over function.