Merino wool guide

Merino wool is a type of wool that is valued for its unique properties and versatility. Unlike other types of wool, merino wool is ultra-fine, soft and non-itchy – making it ideal for clothing that is comfortable and useful for long days in the outdoors. The fibers in merino wool are much finer than those in other wools, which allows the wool to breathe, transport moisture and regulate temperature more effectively.

Merino wool is also naturally elastic and has an excellent ability to retain its shape, making it a good choice for outdoor clothing. When you wear merino wool, you can be sure that it will keep you warm and dry, whatever the weather. It is also naturally odor resistant, which is good news for those who want to feel fresh even after an all-day adventure.

Merino wool is an excellent choice for a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping and skiing. It's soft and comfortable – yet tough enough to withstand the rigors of outdoor life.

How do I wash merino wool?

Because merino wool is odor resistant, airing merino wool garments is often sufficient. Hang your merino wool clothes out on a washing line or on a hanger on the balcony or in the window to freshen them up – you will damade you clothes less and save electricity and water.

To wash merino wool clothes, it is best to hand wash or machine wash them in cold water. It is recommended to use a mild detergent specially intended for wool, preferably with lanolin in it to preserve the wool's natural properties. Avoid using fabric softener, as it can damage the fibers and destroy the wool's natural stretch. Merino wool should be laid flat to dry in a well-ventilated room, away from direct heat and sunlight.

What is the difference between wool and merino wool?

Wool and merino wool are both types of natural materials, but they have some differences in terms of thermal insulation and comfort. Wool is a very warm material and has the ability to regulate the temperature – so it is neither too hot nor too cold. However, it is not as soft as merino wool and can feel rough against the skin.

Merino wool is a finer and softer variant of wool, which makes it more comfortable to wear on the skin. In addition, merino wool has the ability to keep you warm when it's cold and cool when it's hot. Merino wool also has better moisture absorbent properties and is less prone to odor. So, merino wool is softer and more comfortable than wool – wool is warm but can feel rough against the skin. Both are good options for keeping warm in cold weather, but the choice depends on your personal preference and the activity you will be doing.

Is merino wool warm?

Yes, merino wool is an excellent insulator and keeps you warm in cold weather. Merino wool has a unique ability to regulate temperature, so it keeps you warm when it's cold without being too warm when it's hot. Merino wool can have up to 40 ripples per centimeter, which provides a high degree of insulation. The air between the fibers reduces heat transfer in the material and thus has an insulating effect, both against heat and against cold. The ripples in the fibers also mean that there are fewer contact points between the material and the skin, which is also advantageous when it comes to trapping air.

In addition, merino wool has a good ability to keep moisture away from the body. Wool can absorb moisture up to 30% of its own weight without feeling damp, losing its shape or insulating properties – which will keep you dry and warm.

Does merino wool itch?

No, merino wool does not itch. On the contrary, merino wool is very soft and comfortable to wear directly against the skin, making it a popular choice for baselayers and underwear. Merino wool has a finer texture than regular wool, so it is less likely to itch. But it is important to choose high-quality merino wool to avoid itching and discomfort. The micron count, id est the coarseness of the fibers in thousandths of a millimetre, is used as a quality criterion. When wool is perceived as prickly, it is because there are coarse fibers in the wool that do not bend away from the skin but stick straight out. The finer the wool, the softer we perceive it. Coarse fibers over 28 microns can feel prickly, while fine wool between 17 and 23 microns feels soft.

Can I use merino wool in the summer?

Yes, it is absolutely possible to use merino wool in the summer. Merino wool has a unique ability to regulate temperature, so it keeps you cool when it's hot and warm when it's cold. In addition, merino wool is very soft and comfortable to wear, making it a good choice for the summer season. But it is important to remember that merino wool is not the most breathable material, so it may be good to avoid it in very hot weather or to choose lighter and more breathable merino clothing.

How does merino wool regulate temperature?

Merino wool has a unique ability to regulate temperature by keeping the body warm when it's cold and cool when it's hot. This is possible due to the natural properties of merino wool. Merino wool consists of small, soft fibers that have a high ability to retain heat. When it's cold, the merino wool can collect heat and keep it close to the body, keeping you warm. When it's hot, merino wool has the ability to release moisture and heat from the body, keeping you cool. In addition, merino wool has a good ability to keep moisture away from the body, which helps to keep you dry and comfortable regardless of the weather conditions. So, by using merino wool as a base layer and underwear, you can stay comfortable and regulate your temperature whether it's hot or cold outside.

What does mulesing-free wool mean?

Mulesing-free wool means that the wool used has not come from sheep that have undergone a method called mulesing. Mulesing is a method used to prevent disease in sheep, but is controversial because it is a painful process for the sheep. Mulesing-free wool is wool that has the same quality as regular wool, but from sheep that have not undergone mulesing and is an alternative for those who wish to use products from sustainable and ethically responsible sources. At Outnorth, we have decided to only sell mulesing-free wool – so when you buy your merino wool garments from us, you can be sure that the sheep have not undergone mulesing.

Why should I choose merino wool?

Merino wool is an excellent choice for outdoor clothing due to its natural properties. Here are some of the most important reasons why merino wool is good for outdoor clothing:

1. Temperature regulating: As mentioned earlier, merino wool has a unique ability to regulate temperature and keep you warm or cool depending on the weather conditions.
2. Moisture wicking: Merino wool has a good ability to keep moisture away from the body, which helps keep you dry and comfortable during outdoor activities.
3. Lightweight: Merino wool is light and flexible, making it easy to wear under other layers of clothing.
4. Weather resistant: Merino wool is robust and durable, so it can withstand the weather and wear and tear that comes with outdoor living.
5. Soft and comfortable: Merino wool is very soft and comfortable to wear – making it a good choice for close-to-the-skin outdoor clothing.

So, if you're looking for outdoor clothing that regulates temperature, keeps you dry and comfortable, and is lightweight and durable, merino wool is an excellent choice. With proper care, merino wool clothing can last for many years and provide you with comfort and protection during most outdoor activities.