Fabric material is a critical consideration when shopping for outdoor gear.
For many outdoor enthusiasts, merino wool is the gold standard for outdoor fabrics. The material enjoys impressive ratings for comfort, durability, and thermoregulation, among other attractive features.
In this article, we look at why merino wool stands out among other common outdoor gear fabrics.
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Introducing Merino Wool
Merino wool is wool obtained from Merino sheep, an exotic sheep breed native to the highlands of Australia and New Zealand.
Merino sheep trace their origin to the 12th century. These sheep have been bred for centuries for their wool, which is incredibly softer and finer than regular wool.
Merino sheep thrive in extreme habitats. So, it’s unsurprising that high-quality merino wool may protect against diverse weather conditions.
If properly treated, merino wool can provide many other benefits over popular outdoor gear materials like cotton and nylon.
The Benefits of Merino Wool for Outdoor Gear
1. Delivers In Diverse Weather Conditions
Merino sheep can withstand temperature fluctuations between -4 degrees Fahrenheit and 95 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s that very characteristic that makes merino wool suitable for different climatic conditions.
During hot weather, the fibers in merino wool wick sweat from your body and expel that moisture from the fabric, cooling you down.
And when conditions get chilly, the moisture trapped inside merino wool condenses inside the fiber. This produces the heat required to keep you warm.
2. Soft and Comfortable
Regular wool has a reputation for being heavy, lumpy, and prickly. That’s precisely why many outdoor enthusiasts shun woolen fabrics.
Fortunately, merino wool is a welcome exception.
Merino is the finest and softest wool, which explains its extensive usage in undergarments. The fabric is also lightweight. You can wear it without the feeling of being weighed down by your outdoor gear.
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3. Strong and Durable
Softness and strength rarely go hand in hand. Unsurprisingly, merino wool is incredibly strong and durable.
Outdoor gear made from merino wool can last up to six times longer than cotton fabric.
Merino’s durability is because each fiber in the fabric can bend back onto itself more than 20,000 times without breaking. That’s in contrast to cotton, which breaks when bent or stretched 3,200 times.
4. Highly Breathable
Breathability is a key feature that differentiates merino wool from popular outdoor gear fabrics.
As already hinted, merino wool can absorb and release moisture as required, depending on the prevailing weather conditions.
Merino’s thermoregulatory abilities and lightweightness mean you can pack fewer clothes for outdoor adventures. The fabric eliminates the need for layered clothing even when camping, hunting, or fishing in frigid conditions.
5. Keeps You Drier For Longer
This is another admirable quality of merino wool with much to do with its breathability.
Merino wool can absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture while maintaining its thermoregulatory properties. It’s just the right outdoor fabric for venturing out during summer’s excruciating heat.
By keeping your skin dryer longer, merino wool may improve your concentration on the task or activity. This can be instrumental when engaging in competitive sports or high-risk outdoor adventures.
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6. Fights Body Odor
Many moisture-wicking fabrics are notorious for exuding a foul smell. While the odor is understandable due to the sweat excreted from the body, certain synthetic fabrics (especially nylon and polyester) may contain chemicals that aggravate body odor.
If you’re looking for an outdoor gear fabric that serves as a natural deodorant, your search ends with merino wool.
Merino soaks up all the odor molecules in body fluids, including sweat and pee. The fabric only releases these molecules upon washing.
Merino’s ability to neutralize body odor also means it can resist stains and bacteria. It’s the right fabric material for outdoor lovers with sensitive skin.
7. Incredibly Washable
The fact that merino wool is a natural deodorant reduces the frequency with which you have to wash outdoor gear made from this fabric. Simply air-dry your clothes and wear them again the following day.
It’s also great to know that merino wool is easy to wash and care for. Not only is the fabric machine-washable. It also dries remarkably fast.
Just remember to use the prescribed detergents and follow the recommended washing instructions.
8. Preserves Its Shape
Merino’s fine fibers don’t just feel comfortable on your skin. They also affect how the fabric looks after washing.
Merino fibers are elastic enough to retain their shape longer, even after repeated washing. No more worrying about annoying wrinkles.
Another benefit of Merino’s elasticity is its ability to fit snugly on your body. The fabric stretches with your body and quickly returns to its original shape when removed.
9. Suitable for Different Skin Types
Merino wool fibers are less irritating due to their smaller diameters.
Most merino wools are 17 microns thick. For comparison, human hair can be up to 180 microns thick. Note that the thicker the fabric, the more irritating it becomes.
Besides, the fabrics in merino wool provide your skin with a natural barrier against ultraviolet (UV) damage.
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Wrap Up
The fabrics your gear is made from can make or break your outdoor experience. While merino wool may be somewhat costly, the rewards of switching to outdoor gear made from this fabric are immense.