Why is Merino Wool the best fabric for Travelling?
When it comes to serious travelling and backpacking, clothing always becomes about convenience and technical needs rather than fashion statements. If you’re an avid traveller or you aspire to be one, you must have come across experienced travellers praising the perfect qualities of Merino wool. It is a lifesaver for many backpackers who regret not discovering it earlier and credit it with making their life much easier. So what is this Merino wool and why do travellers swear by it?
What is Merino Wool?
The Merino sheep are an economically influential breed of sheep that are highly valued for the quality of their wool. It is speculated that the breed originated in North Africa from where it was introduced in Spain. Today, they are reared chiefly in New Zealand and Australia.
The fiber of the Merino wool is substantially thinner than regular wool fiber, which makes them both lighter and softer. The thickness of regular wool is generally around 40 microns. In contrast, the thickness of Merino wool fiber ranges between 11–24 microns. This results in a softness that makes Merino wool perfect as the base layer while travelling.
Why is it ideal for travellers?
There are multiple ways in which Merino wool makes life easier for someone living out of a suitcase or a backpack. Some of these crucial advantages are listed below:
- Lightweight: As we mentioned above, the Merino wool is much thinner which makes it very light. In fact, it has one of the highest warmth to weight ratios because of the natural crimping of the wool. Therefore, an item of clothing made out of Merino wool keeps you comfortable but adds minimal weight to your luggage.
- Keeps you warm and cool: The Merion wool is an active fiber which means that it adapts to changes in our body temperature. Therefore, it will keep you cool in hot weather and warm in cold weather. This means that whatever the temperature, a Merino wool t-shirt is the ideal item of clothing. For travellers visiting a number of places, this is especially beneficial.
- Resistance to Odour: This is probably the best advantage of Merino wool for travellers. Merino wool absorbs the sweat from your body but also lets it evaporate in the air. This removes the dampness that is required for bacteria to grow and release odours. Since hikers and explorers often have to wear the same few items of clothing for days at a time, this can really make a difference. It doesn’t have to be washed to be worn for multiple days at a time
- No Static, no Wrinkles, and No fire: Merino wool prevents build up of static electricity which makes means that the fabric does not stick to your body like cotton or polyester. This prevents itching and rashes, which can be very troublesome, especially while travelling. Moreover, clothes made out of Merino wool do not wrinkle as the fiber returns to the original shape when worn. On top of all this, it is also fire resistant.
- Biodegradable: The fibre of Merino wool is completely natural and is a renewable resource. When it is disposed of, it will decompose and return nutrients back to the soil.
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Is it the perfect fit for you?
One con of Merino wool is that they cost on the upper side of clothing items. However, their durability and multiple benefits make it the best fit for any passionate traveller. For colder regions, mountains, treks, hikes etc- the advantages that Merino wool clothing provides can make a radical difference. Even for normal uses during the winter, they make for excellent thermals. This makes it an investment that will be more than worth the money you spend.
Kosha is an Indian brand that specialises in travel winter wear for the passionate Indian explorer. All our clothing items are designed technically, keeping in mind the needs of a traveller. For over two decades, we have been helping Indians stay comfortable while they visit every corner of the world. To find the perfect travelling companion for you, visit Kosha!
