Todd NesnickSince time immemorial, merino wool has been an essential and luxurious clothing material. It is yielded from the fleece of a Merino sheep.
The Merino sheep are famous for their delicate, smooth wool and resilience to harsh environments. Although the sheep are habitat in nations like New Zealand, Australia, Argentina, Chile, and others, they originally come from Spain. Australia and New Zealand make the vast majority of items made of merino wool. People shear the Merino sheep to gather its wool once a year.
Merino wool is a complete game changer. It has a wide range of advantages, and this wool can transform how you dress and even think about clothes, whether you’re just going to the workplace or hiking in an adventurous location.
So, let’s start with a comprehensive guide to getting the best Merino wool clothing for travel.
Benefits of Wearing Merino Wool Clothes for Travel
The primary characteristics of Merino wool will make it evident why it is excellent for travel.
1. Breathable
All day, your body produces heat and vapor, a biological process. The heat and vapor that can’t leave condensed, leaving you with sweaty clothes. Synthetic and mixed garments retain moisture; however, Merino clothes allow your body heat to dissipate through the gaps between the threads and strands.
2. Odor Resistant
Merino wool’s capacity to maintain airflow, control moisture and fend off microorganisms that produce odors. Hence, it always smells clean, no matter what you subject it to. As a result, you can wear a garment made of Merino wool without washing for weeks or even months, provided you care for it correctly.
3. Temperature Regulation
Merino has a built-in capacity to control temperature due to its moisture-management capabilities. It will keep you warm without overheating, even if you wear it on an early-morning bike. Also, wear it for your mid-afternoon trek; it will keep you cool and dry even when the sun is intense. If you throw it beneath a layer, it can work as a fantastic insulator.
4. Hypoallergenic and UV resistant
Unlike other woolen goods, merino fibers are gentle on your skin and won’t itch as they do. Since it won’t bother your skin while you wear it, this is especially beneficial if you have sensitive skin or eczema.
Spending hours outside in nature is a benefit of bike excursions. However, this may also imply prolonged exposure to the sun’s dangerous UV radiation. Wearing merino garments can protect your skin from sun damage.
5. Comfort
Merino refutes the idea that wool itches and is unpleasant. Compared to regular wool, merino fibers are significantly finer, softer, and more comfortable to wear all day.
Therefore, Merino shirts are our go-to items for long-distance sports like marathon running and trekking for everyday use. A premium merino shirt performs better than cotton while feeling softer and lighter in terms of warmth, moisture wicking, and temperature control. In addition, Merino wool is an excellent material that can suit your skin.
6. Wrinkle Resistance and Subtle Styling
Are you looking for wrinkle-resistant clothing? Then the Merino wool-based clothes are your best bet. Of course, they won’t be wrinkle-free, but they wrinkle less than ordinary clothing.
Who Should Buy Merino?
Lightweight merino shirts are perfect for biking, running, and hiking in the summer, and long-sleeve merinos are perfect for winter skiing and other cold-weather sports. Merino wool socks are popular among travelers, so when temperatures decrease, all you need to do is switch to thicker styles. The fabric’s ability to avoid stench is a significant benefit in addition to how soft they are, making them ideal for multi-day outdoor excursions, strenuous activities, and travel.
And although Merino is an expensive performance fabric, it is nevertheless a lot of fun to wear every day of the week. The warm, soft next-to-skin sensation is just as pleasant for everyday use as your base layer during a summit push.
However, in reality, the outdoor community is the primary market for Merino, and these people will profit the most from it. So, remember that despite the high cost, holes will eventually appear, and you could find yourself replacing your expensive equipment more frequently than you would want.
What to Look for In Merino Apparel?
Depending on the Merino garment you’re looking for, there are several elements to consider. First, pay close attention to the wool grades and the appropriate attire for each activity.
The Grade/Weight of the Wool
Grade relates to the weight and density of the wool of items made of merino wool. The tighter the weave, the warmer the item is with a higher number. Below are the details of various grades.
- GRADE 100: Merino wool clothing weighing 100 grams is best for hotter days.
- GRADE 150: You can use 150-grade clothing as a hiking t-shirt in the summer or in cooler climates as a base layer.
- GRADE 200: A 200g garment is medium weight and perfect for everyday usage, skiing, or other outdoor activities in colder weather.
- GRADE 250: The warmest items are ideal foundation layers for activities like downhill skiing, mountain climbing, hiking, snowshoeing, or simply going outside for a long winter walk. These jumpers are warm without being very substantial since the wool is quite fine, and Merino wool is an excellent material for winter activities.
How to Clean Merino Wool Clothing?
Additionally, cleaning your Merino Wool doesn’t need a lot of extra work. With comparable products, wash it in warm or cold water. If you have the time, turn the items inside out, wash them with ordinary detergent, and exclude fabric softener, bleach, and any other chemicals. Additionally, always hang it up to dry for optimum longevity.
Final Words
Since Merino wool-based clothing allows you to wear it several times without washing, you may travel with less clothing. Additionally, you’ll spend less time doing laundry or dishes and more time traveling and experiencing new things. That’s pretty much everything to know about this travel-friendly cloth. If you haven’t already, the next step is to give it a go yourself!