Merino Wool

When you are shopping for clothing garments to add to your camping and outdoor equipment you will come across Merino wool as something that is used in the making of clothing. You read reviews of certain garment items and these reviews tell you that the particular garment is of the very good Merino wool. But what actually is Merino wool and it’s attributes ?

What Is Marino Wool?

These days one of the most talked about fibres for outdoor clothing is that of Merino wool. It has become extremely popular in manufacturing and has also become a very popular choice amongst consumers. Merino wool is a simple natural fibre that comes form a sheep. The Merino sheep comes from New Zealand.

When you look at a Merino sheep, it has the appearance of being very fluffy and it’s quite hard to imagine the fibres from their wool are suitable to be used in the making of specialised outdoor clothing. However appearances are, more often than not, deceptive.

Camping and Outdoor Equipment

Merino Wool

The wool product from the Merino sheep is actually lighter than any other sheep’s wool. When you envisage a wool jumper you immediately see a heavy jumper that is bulkier and often itchy to wear. But Merino wool reduces the scratchy effect of wool and because it is so light, it is employed in the making of clothing worn next to the skin. This makes Merino wool ideal for making socks, base layers and underwear.

Because Merino wool is a natural fibre it can diffuse and retain heat when and if required. Merino works to a similar base as that of fleece.

Uses

1- Worn by people who suffer from sensitive skin

2- Worn by many when participating in active pursuits

3- Worn as just general, comfortable clothing

4- Worn to provide an insulation layer in cold weather conditions

5- Worn where comfort is required, such as with socks

Benefits Of Merino

Because Merino wool is a natural fibre it is very soft on the skin, so that people who have very sensitive skin can wear it comfortably. Merino contains keratin elements which makes the wool glossy and silky. We humans in fact also have keratin in our bodies as well which gives us healthy hair and nails.

It is this silky feeling that makes the Merino wool so popular and usable as a base layer. And being a natural antimicrobial, the wool also deters bacteria and any odours that may occur. When you sweat in clothes, it is the bacteria that causes any bad smells. So with Merino wool the sweat will sit on that particular garment and not release any odour for a time. It can be for up to a few days of wear as well.

As well as being antimicrobial, Merino wool is a warm fibre that retains heat, yet being breathable at the same time. This means that it works in a very similar manner to down. It is the small fibres that traps air in pockets and then the wool retains any body heat that you create.

It does not really matter which activity you use Merino wool clothing for. Inbuilt in the wool is a large amount of stretch. This is great and all wool is designed to be highly pliable which means that it moves with you, rather than against you, and retains it’s original shape after any activity. Even if Merino gets wet it will always spring back to it’s original shape. This makes it ideal for the camping world.

Finally Merino wool has the capability to absorb moisture to keep you dry. Unlike Gore-Tex or e- vent layers, Merino will act like a sponge when it comes to moisture. It holds the moisture and can actually absorb a third of it’s weight before you start to feel any dampness. The garments of course will become heavier but at least you have a significant time delay before the dampness affects you.

With many attributes it is not surprising to see the emergence of Merino wool in to the camping and outdoor world. Any clothing featuring this wool will be comfortable and a highly efficient and beneficial piece of clothing to add to your camping and outdoor equipment items.