Merino Wool is a natural, renewable fiber grown from sheep. It’s a tough, sturdy and remarkably versatile material that has been used for thousands of years to keep sheep comfortable in harsh conditions. It’s also easy on the environment, as it can be shorn and used as a new fleece every year, without any pain or discomfort to the animals.
This makes it a great choice for those who want to keep their clothing fresh and odor-free after a long hike, bike ride or climb. The fabric naturally absorbs and desorbs moisture vapor (hygroscopic), transporting it away from your skin to evaporate into the air outside.
The wicking properties of wool are especially helpful in hot, humid environments where fabrics like cotton or synthetics become wet and sticky instantly. The moisture is quickly transported away from your skin, where it can be quickly cooled and dried.
During activity, merino wool can also help regulate your body’s temperature. Its fibers naturally bend and crimp to trap air in, keeping you warm. It also transports sweat from your body to the outer surface of the fabric, preventing the garment from becoming saturated with moisture, which can create an unpleasant, chill-inducing condition on your skin.
As a result, it is ideal for wearing in hot climates where you will sweat, especially during exercise. It can absorb up to 35% of its dry weight in vapor before it feels wet, keeping you dry and comfortable even during intense physical exertion.
In cooler temperatures, the natural crimps and bends of merino wool naked trap air in, insulating you. It’s this same crimping and bending that allows it to absorb the water vapors that form your body’s sweat before they turn into a liquid, allowing it to be rapidly evaporated from your clothing.
The wool combines excellent insulating and cooling properties with a soft, next-to-skin feel that makes it ideal for wearing as a baselayer or under other layers of clothing during outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, running, climbing, biking or hunting.
Its small, fine, and lightweight fibers are soft on the skin, reducing irritations and creating more comfort. It also stretches easily and conforms to your body’s shape better, making it more flexible than other fabrics.
You’ll also find that merino wool is very durable, which makes it a good choice for a range of active lifestyles. It’s also machine washable and can be put through a delicate cycle to remove dirt and odors.
Aside from its durability, merino wool also dries fast and doesn’t wrinkle. In fact, it often doesn’t need to be ironed if you care for it properly.
However, you should be aware that merino wool is not the most fashionable option out there. It can be difficult to find stylish clothing made from merino wool, as it’s not typically dyed or designed in a way that appeals to fashion-forward types.
You can get merino leggings in different fabric weights to suit your needs, depending on what you’ll be doing. For example, midweight merino leggings are ideal for skiing, snowboarding, winter hiking or shoveling the snow. They’re usually 230-260 grams per square meter (gsm).
For more active winter activities, you can opt for a heavier pair of merino leggings. These will have a higher fabric weight, typically 270 gsm or more. This will keep you warm if you’re doing outdoor winter sports like climbing or backcountry skiing.
These leggings are also very comfortable and breathable, and they’re great for hiking and camping in cool temperatures. They’re also odor-resistant, and keep their shape after multiple wears.