What is Merino Wool? Is it worth buying?

I recently talked about the best clothing material for trekking and hiking. We surveyed the members of our trekking club and our trek leaders and almost all of them voted for dri-fit as their prime choice. 

During that survey, we also heard people discussing and sharing information on merino wool. While talking to the trek leaders further, I discovered that awareness about merino wool in the outdoor world is slowly growing. 

This led me to research more about merino wool.

This post continues the article I linked above. Below, I will analyse this material in detail. By the end of this article, I will zero in on whether merino wool is worth buying.

What is merino wool? Where is it derived from? 

Merino wool is a material derived from the fleece of Merino sheep, which is known for its softness and fineness. It is a breed that is believed to have its origin in Spain, but is now spread across the world, to New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, USA and elsewhere. 

The wool from the sheep is further processed and spun into a fabric, which is what we call merino wool. 

Over the past few years, merino wool has gained popularity in the sporting and travel world because of its adaptability to all kinds of weather and its quick-dry feature. The biggest plus point of them all is that it doesn’t smell even after a long, sweaty trek. 

Watch this video to get a quick summary of what is written in the article:

What makes it a special choice among trekkers?

In a gist, our most seasoned trek leaders say, “We like merino wool for its ability to regulate temperature. It works across seasons, keeping you warm in the cold winters and keeping you cool in the hottest summers.”  

But there are several other benefits to merino wool. Read through them:

Benefits of trekking in merino wool

• Odour Resistance: This is one of the highlight points of using merino wool on treks. It resists odour exceptionally well, and even after wearing it for 10 to 12 days straight during a trek, you won’t find your merino wool sweater having unpleasant smells (which is the opposite of dri-fit clothing.)
• Lightweight and Wrinkle-Free: A Merino wool sweater alone will keep you lightweight on treks. It is warm and replaces layers on winter treks. An additional benefit, it is completely wrinkle-free so you look fresh. 
• Breathability and Temperature Control: Merino wool is extremely breathable. It comes with temperature control. Our in-house trainer, Diptarka Gupta, has used it at -10°C as well as 35°C. It has felt comfortable in both extremes. 
• Moisture and Heat Retention: Merino wool retains warmth even when damp. It can hold up to 20-30% of its weight until it feels uncomfortable. So despite profusely sweating or exposure to wet conditions, it does not get uncomfortable. 
• Sustainability: Pure merino wool is 100% biodegradable. (However, there’s a catch here. Most products in the market are a blend of merino + other materials. So this benefit is divided).

While I was observing my primary research, I asked experts about the challenges too.

What are the cons of merino wool? 

Indeed, merino wool is a material with a lot of benefits. But I would also want you to consider the challenges and make an informed choice.

The major concern our experts share is the delicacy of merino wool. It tends to wear out faster in the areas which are exposed to rubbing, like, elbows and knees. Soon you’ll begin to see holes in these areas if you’re not careful enough. 

Another challenge with merino wool is the cost. It is expensive. Mixed merino wool only (merino wool + synthetic material) comes on the premium side. The price of 100% pure Merino wool clothes goes even higher. 

Care is a major deciding factor in concluding if it is worth the investment.

How to care for merino wool?

Like any other wool garment, merino wool also asks for extra care. 

When it comes to washing, use very mild detergent and cold water. Since the material is odour-resistant, you can go longer between the wash. Don’t overwash it. Air dry it and avoid machine dryers. Do not machine-wash your merino wool garment.

A merino wool clothing would last for 2-3 years with proper care. But occasional trekkers will find it lasts much longer. It would also ask for a little extra care when it comes to storage. Protect it from moths and keep it packed when not in use.

How to layer up with merino wool?

We are asked this question very frequently. Below, I will explain the best layering formula for a merino wool t-shirt

For your trek in winter, you need at least 5 layers of clothing. Merino wool base layer + dri-fit + sweater + fleece + padded jacket (for outermost layering). This is the minimum requirement on a winter trek. 

Coming to trekking in summer, a single layer of merino wool + two layers above suffices.

So, is merino wool worth the investment?

Though expensive, merino wool’s unmatched features make it an investment for regular and seasoned trekkers. 

But for occasional trekkers, I would still recommend going with something like dri-fit. 

Of late, I have also observed people using merino wool as activewear in urban city life setups, which is great. So, If you decide to invest in merino wool, make sure you juice the benefits completely.

Tips before you purchase: Make sure the wool is ethically sourced. Look for the relevant ZQ Merino certifications. It ensures humane practices.

In conclusion:

This was all about merino wool. Write to me in the comments if you have observed any more qualities about this material. Drop in your queries in the comment box. I will write to you as soon as possible.

Sharing below the frequently asked questions. Read through if you have similar queries.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why merino wool is so expensive?

Merino wool comes from Merino sheep, requiring careful farming and labour-intensive production to preserve its fine, soft fibres. 

Moreover, It has a limited supply and is super versatile, making it a premium choice. It outperforms most fabrics, adding to its value. 

2. Why does merino wool not smell?

Merino wool is odour-resistant because of its natural chemical properties. Some of these substances like lanolin don’t allow the multiplication of odour-producing bacteria. 

Plus, merino wool is breathable and wicks off sweat quickly. This reduces the conditions that lead to odours.

3. What is the difference between cashmere and merino wool? 

People often compare merino wool with cashmere because of their premium quality. To strike out the confusion, below I will draw a comparison between the two. 

Cashmere is believed to be sourced from a certain breed of goat which is historically found in Kashmir. The wool is considered to be the most luxurious, premium and softest of all. 

While both merino wool and cashmere are premium fabrics, they serve different purposes. Merino wool regulates body temperature, keeping you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Cashmere, on the other hand, is heavier, warmer, and more suited for high-altitude living rather than outdoor activities like trekking. 

Unlike merino wool, cashmere is neither odour-resistant, nor lightweight, and even does not absorb sweat.

Therefore, in the context of trekking, merino wool outperforms cashmere.