If you're looking to be fully outfitted for an adventure, you can't skip your base layers! Base layers are the first layer in your adventure wardrobe. They can increase the insulation effectiveness (R value) of any outerwear you have on. Contrary to popular belief, base layers will not always have you sweating through your clothes if temperatures start to rise.
Welcome to the world of Merino Wool!
When people think of wool they think of sweating profusely through a thick Christmas sweater, but technology has come a long way and wool is an ideal fabric for most adventures.
Merino wool has several characteristics that make it an ideal base layer for almost any adventure.
Merino wool has temperature regulating properties. Not only will it keep you warm but it can also keep you cool! Think quite literally of a sheep on the side of a mountain. Merino wool is produced from Merino sheep, and these sheep not only need to stay warm during the winter, but they also need to stay COOL during the summer. Their wool is their primary adaptation for temperature regulation no matter what season it is. We get to reap the benefits of these adaptations when we turn their wool into clothing.
Merino wool is moisture wicking and fast drying. So even if you do work up a sweat, it's not likely to linger for very long. Wool is often faster drying than most athleisure or other materials that claim to be fast drying.
Merino wool is naturally antimicrobial. This can help keep your suitcase or backpack lighter because one item of merino wool can be worn multiple days without developing a rancid stench like some athletic materials do. Ever heard of perma-stench? Your adventure buddies won't thank you for it.
Wool is one of the oldest textiles in human history, and it's definitely becoming more prominent among all types of adventurers.
Ethics:
Since wool is harvested from sheep, buying merino wool can call into question the sustainability of the industry. It's important to do your own research to make sure that the harvesting practices of the brand that you're buying from are sustainable and ethical. Brands like Smartwool and Patagonia have begun only using ethically harvested merino wool.
What not to wear:
There's a popular saying in the outdoor industry that "cotton kills". You should not wear cotton as much as possible in most outdoor adventures because it is not fast drying. If you get your cotton clothing wet while on a long hike, it won't dry quickly which can put you at risk of hypothermia, and also rashes or blisters. So opt out of fabric that can make your adventure dangerous or uncomfortable, and opt into fabrics that are breathable, temperature regulating, and antimicrobial.
Are there any down sides to wearing wool?
This fabric may seem too good to be true. For the most part, it is! However, some people have wool allergies that can make wearing wool as a base layer close to your skin VERY uncomfortable. A wool allergy can manifest as simply feeling like your wool base layer or socks are just a bit "itchy", to full on rashes and hives. There are plenty of wool alternatives that can be used if you do have a wool allergy. For example, hemp or bamboo is a warm base layer alternative to wool.
Choosing a quality fabric base layer can make all the difference in the world. Be sure to select high quality products, to improve the insulation of all of your outerwear.
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