Icebreaker makes merino wool outdoor and natural performance clothing, so this company is a great bet if youre looking for wool hiking tees. The Smartwool Merino 150 Base Layer makes a great standalone t-shirt, especially for hiking and backpacking. Look for tags with Gore-Tex, eVent, or Pertex. Theyve now launched both a mens and womens line, so I can enjoy the same high-quality fabrics my son has come to love. TREAD LABS INSOLES: As good as custom orthotics at a fraction of the price. Unbound Merino now offers both mens and womens clothing. But its also good in the heat, as merino regulates your body temperature really well. Your hiking layers dont have to be expensive or fancy. Required fields are marked *. With your merino item inside out, begin a couple millimeters away from hole and stitch it closed. Ibex also makes several other lightweight merino wool tees that are perfect for hiking, including the 100% merino wool 24 hour tees and the merino tencel pocket tees, made from a merino/Tencel blend to keep you cooler on warm days. Weve moved a few times over the last few years, the real OBX They use sustainable materials (wool), work with their supply chain to reduce their carbon footprint wherever possible, and offset the rest as a climate neutral company. ), then you can snag it at a deep discount (like 50% or more). (The collar can be worn rolled up to protect my neck from getting any redder.) Merinos ability to absorb moisture without creating an environment to grow smelly bacteria is one of its miracles. To be clear, were not saying that you cannot make a merino shirt stinkwe surely havebut its a night-and-day difference from a synthetic (even one with an odor fighting treatment). Hopefully the womens version is coming soon. Breathable: This makes merino wool great for hiking and everyday use. Receive product news and updates in your inbox. When autocomplete results are available, use tab key or down arrow to enter the results. From our PhD performance-oriented hiking socks to our general hiking socks wool hiking socks all of our products are made with Merino woolwhich naturally resists odor and moves moisture away from your feet. The same goes for sockswe love merino and all we do is move to thicker designs as needed when temperatures drop. (something abut convenient when traveling, or on that multi-day backpacking trip. So many gear guides seem to just for men. If theyre not currently in stock, check again in a few months. Below we break down the pros and cons of merino wool, including next-to-skin comfort, warmth, moisture wicking, stink prevention, durability, and more. Choose a hiking mid-layer with a natural or synthetic technical fiber that wicks sweat, stays as stink-free as possible, and is on the lighter / more packable side. See tips at the end of this article for how to best take care of a wool t-shirt. Choose a technical, hiking-specific sock that advertises arch support, reinforced toe and heel, and light padding. Learn how your comment data is processed. These are 89% wool with 11% nylon for added durability. Regular coarse wool can be 40 micron or more, but merino is much finer, ranging from about 24 micron down to 15 micron and below. On the other hand, the Black Diamond Solution 150 addresses merinos tendency to break down quicker by wrapping merino wool fibers around more durable nylon. A lightweight, short-sleeve merino wool t-shirt is the most comfortable and sustainable option when youre looking for a hiking t-shirt. Shop our wide selection now! One way to refresh your wool without washing is to put a worn item in a ziploc bag and place it in the freezer overnight. The first is that merino wool is comfortable. There is the occasional deal to be hadREI and L.L. My phone will fit in there. These Merino Wool Tees are 190 grams per meter for mens and 150 gsm for womens, so they have a good weight for every day and hiking without being too thick. Every time synthetic clothes are washed, microplastics make their way into the water supply, and eventually down into rivers and oceans where they contaminate environments and are toxic to wildlife. Among the many benefits in using a natural fiber is one that both you and your adventure partners surely will appreciate: avoiding stink buildup. I also highly recommend Ibex -- their quality and concern for sustainability is unparalleled. Bombas makes some of my all-time favorite wool socks, and they also make merino wool tees! I'll check out Ibex! While I started wearing wool for base layers and winter clothes, Ive now tried to be more intentional with my closet, and opted for short sleeve merino wool t-shirts for hiking and every day wear. These StrongCore Merino Tees by Western Rise are well-designed with high quality merino wool, so they work amazing for hiking but look great for an everyday tee as well. Merino wool, the ultra soft fabric most commonly found in performance baselayers and socks, is one of the most sought-after materials in the outdoor gear world. Not all companies disclose whether they use wool from non-mulesed sheep, and its something Im looking more into. This New Zealand-based company ethically sources its wool, does not use harmful chemicals to process the fabric, and uses recyclable packaging. Best overall: Smartwool 250 1/4-Zip men's / 250 1/4-Zip women'sBest merino blend: Smartwool 150 Crew men's / 150 Crew women'sBest budget: REI Co-op 185 Half-Zip men's / 185 Half-Zip women'sBest heavyweight: Patagonia R1 Air men's / R1 Air women's, Best overall: Darn Tough Micro Crew Cushion men's / Micro Crew Cushion women'sBest lightweight/summer: Smartwool Run Zero Cushion men's / Run Zero Cushion women'sBest for durability: Darn Tough Quarter Cushion men's / Quarter Cushion women'sBest snug fit: Swiftwick Pursuit Four, Best overall: Smartwool Full Cushion men's / Full Cushion women'sBest for durability: Darn Tough OTC Lightweight men's / OTC Lightweight women'sBest lightweight: Smartwool Ski Zero Cushion men's / Ski Zero Cushion women's. Ive decided to keep it, though. Biodegradable: Wool biodegrades in a fraction of the time it takes for synthetics, which means its not taking up space in landfills for decades. The Diamond Peak Short-Sleeve T-Shirt by Mountain Hardwear is 100% merino wool and has ergonomic seams so you dont have to worry about chafing. The raglan sleeves were specifically designed with carrying backpacks in mind; there are no seams where your backpack straps rest. This is the clothing Id choose if I was to do another AT thru-hike. Moisture-wicking and quick-drying: Wool will help keep your body dry, and dry quickly when it does get wet. A lightweight set of baselayers works great. Thicker weaves are warm and cozy for winter sweaters, while thinner ones are perfect for hiking t-shirts. The lightweight weave is made for doing things. A quart ziplock bag filled with trail mix will fit in there. One of the reasons that merino wool is so popular is its warmth relative to weight. We put them to the test while hiking in hot and humid weather, and they performed great. I have several Outdoor Voices merino wool t-shirts and love them all. Theres a few reasons why Ive decided to wear more wool, for both hiking and every day. And despite being a performance fabric with a high-end price, merino still is very enjoyable to wear every day of the week. While a trip to the beach, Ive been to San Diego so many times, but last t, Id usually say beach sunsets are the best, hand, Fern Canyon Loop Trail in Redwood National and, Heading outside to play is always an immediate moo, Last weekend we went kayaking through this really, staying after the sun sets But this isnt true. Trademarks | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy Your body cools off after hiking all day, and its really nice to be able to change into a warm dry set of clothes in camp for relaxing and sleeping in. If your ski gear is even a few years old, theres new technology out there that will help make good days on the snow even better. The best way to wash wool is to do it in cold water with no agitation and a wool specific wash, like this one. Hello, and thanks for stopping by! The Aviator merino wool tees come in four neutral colors that make them easy to mix and match if youre trying to build a capsule travel wardrobe, or just trying to simplify everyday life! Merino wool hoodie and long sleeve t-shirt by Isobaa. Dont skimp on the socks. The core of the Unbound Merino line are its Merino Crew Neck and V-Neck Tees made from 100% merino wool. The Icebreaker Tech Lite II Short Sleeve Tee is 100% merino wool. Comment *document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "acf83610a7295aee2552d48ebfe04bbe" );document.getElementById("je705695a8").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); BACKCOUNTRY.COM: Get 15% Off Your First Order. Yeah we try to level the playing field. Free Shipping and Returns. Use the enter key to follow the link to the shopping cart page, or the space bar to open and enter the mini shopping cart, pressing escape will close the mini shopping cart, Hike Light Cushion Striped Mid Crew Socks, Women's Hike Light Cushion Stitch Stripe Mid Crew Socks, Women's Hike Light Cushion Low Ankle Socks, Men's Merino Sport Midnight Snooze Short Sleeve Graphic Tee. The amazing thing is the front zippered pockets down near the lower hem. All Rights Reserved. Again, this product is really pricey ($120 for the crew) but quite impressive from a performance standpoint. Experience More. mantra. I love this shirt so much Id pay retail for it thats just about the highest praise I can give. Often your old ski base layer or that lightweight fleece collecting dust in your closet will work fine. For example, you can get a high-quality synthetic baselayer like the Patagonia Capilene Midweight for $69, while a comparable Smartwool top is $100. Smartwool recently added Indestructawool technology for durability, which had become an issue in years past. OV makes these wool tees for both men and women. I agree with this. Washing less means using less water and energy. Another way to lengthen the life of merino products is to repair them when they get holes instead of discarding them. Save big on Exos/Eja, Atmos/Aura, and Stratos/Sirrus Backpacks. We consistently wear merino wool for running, hiking, and mountain biking for its comfort across a range of temperatures. It smells great too! Taking into consideration the limited durability, this is the most convincing argument to avoid the material altogether. Its not a perfect comparison because socks require nylon in the construction to create their structure, but the high-density knitting is proof that merino wool can be long lasting. Merino turns the notion that wool is itchy and uncomfortable completely on its head. And the same holds true for underwear and socks. Your clothing for an Appalachian Trail thru-hike doesnt have to be overly complicatedin fact, simpler is better because you dont want to carry anything youre not going to use. If this is your first purchase on Bombas.com, use this referral link to get 25% off your purchase. GOSSAMER-GEAR: Take 15% Off all Gossamer Gear Backpacks, Tents, Tarps, Trekking Poles and Accessories with Coupon Code "SECTIONHIKER22". The short-sleeve version only comes in mens, but there is a womens long-sleeve option. For those unfamiliar, moisture wicking fabrics pull moisture away from your skin by absorbing it into the fibers. For even more recommendations and details, see our articles on the best baselayers, hiking socks, and ski socks, as well as how to choose baselayers. But is it worth the hype? In particular, Darn Tough hiking and ski socks hold up well to a lot of wear and even come with a lifetime guarantee. The Merino Crew Neck is made of 50% merino wool, 50% Tencel. As a result, its a fantastic option for multi-day outdoor adventures, travel, or just about any time youll be working up a sweat and wont be able to change layers for an extended period of time. Originally from Spain, merino sheep are most commonly found in Australia, but also are being raised in the United States, New Zealand, South America, and elsewhere. 100% of my shirts and undergarments are merino wool, and I started my transition from cotton in 2012. Our line of Merino 150 apparel is full of ultra comfortable layers made for life on the move. The primary consideration with camp clothes is low weight, packability, and stink-resistance. Nui Organics most recent collection included tees made of merino tencel blend 56% Tencel, 38% Merino Wool, 6% Elastane. Recyclable: Wool is one of the most recyclable fibers. Ive recently learned that some farmers practice a controversial procedure on sheep called mulesing. Patagonias WornWear repair program doesnt accept merino baselayers or socks because theyre considered undergarments (their customer service representatives say they can be returned under warranty), but a few minutes with a needle and thread is often enough to keep a beloved merino item going for a bit longer. Look for wool from non-mulesed sheep: One of the main reasons I want to wear wool is because its better for the planet, but I dont want thatto come at the expense of animals. The Ibex Journey Short Sleeve Crew Merino Tees are ultra lightweight fabric made with 89% merino wool around a nylon core. What you do want is clothing that is durable, doesnt chafe or rub you the wrong way, and that is easy to care for because youre going to be hiking all day, every day in it. The reasons merino wool is such a popular fabric for winter wear are the same reasons merino wool is great for hiking t-shirts too: its breathable, odor-resistant, moisture-wicking, and most of all, comfortable! Hiking and skiing socks made with merino run from about $20 to $30 and merino shirts can easily exceed $100. We use affiliate links andmay receive a small commission on purchases. From a technical perspective, the diameter of wool is measured in microns, and the lower the micron the finer and more expensive it is. In what region As your next-to-skin article of clothing, a baselayer plays a fundamental role in pulling moisture away from the body and regulating core temperature. Its far easier to justify purchasing a nice down jacket or waterproof shell, but a baselayer can be Backcountry skiing can be an incredibly rewarding way to spend your time outdoorsno crowds, untouched snow, and a skin-track workout to compliment your knee-deep powder turns A quality ski sock gets the basics right: a close but not restricting fit, soft-touch materials that dont itch, and enough cushioning to keep you on the slopes all day. The 180 weight long sleeves are just a bit thicker and perfect for when its cooler. Unbound Merino is another company that emphasizes the superiority of merino wool clothing for travel with its Pack Less. The cut and fit of the womens tees are my favorite; the fitted sleeves and slim cut are flattering without being tight. If youre waffling between down or synthetic, synthetic fill has come a long way in warmth-to-weight ratio, but many people still swear by down. Do you prefer to hike in shorts or pants? I can wear it over my wool leggings and look put together instead of my usual hot-mess self. Use the right soap: One of the worst things you can do to your wool clothes is throw them in the wash with regular detergent. I found a Columbia fishing shirt in a thrift store years ago, and its my go-to thats been on every hike since (with the exception of a few day hikes and winter hikes). I bought the XL because Im so accustomed to sports-related gear being small, and this thing fits me like a tunic. For multi-day backpacking, climbing, and ski trips, merino simply is a no-brainer. Grab a lightweight beanie for those chilly nights around the campfire, or a pair of light gloves for brisk mornings. Another benefit is merino wools ability to insulate when wet. They carry merino wool tanks, t-shirts, and long-sleeve sun tees. Again, this is a natural property of the wool and another significant benefit to overall comfort. If I had to sum up my clothing lessons learned while thru-hiking the AT, it would be this: Surprised wool socks werent mentioned. Realistically, however, the core market for merino is the outdoors crowd and those are the folks who will most enjoy its benefits. Ive been wearing the Solstice Hoodie for protection from both the sun and bugs this summer. This lightweight merino wool shirt is 87% wool and 13% nylon. Merino wool has gained a lot of traction in recent years for the fact that its a sustainable, renewable resource. Merino wool is expensive and theres no way around it. The newer womens merino wool t-shirt I have from OV is more fitted, so if you want a more relaxed fit then size up. Likewise, most button front shirts have chest pockets, which I find handy. This shirt is lightweight enough that its great for hot days, and the natural wicking ability of merino wool is great when you work up a sweat. Merino Wool Base Layers: the Best Lightweight Merino Wool Long Sleeve Shirts, [] The Best Merino Wool T-Shirts For Hiking (And Everyday) [], 11 Best Camping Blankets: Cozy, Warm, and Rugged Enough for the Outdoors, [] properties of wool. This means if you click on one of them, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Rather than a t-shirt, a button front collared shirt, especially an SPF protection shirt, has some advantages. The Icebreaker challenge is to see how long you can go without washing your merino wool t shirt; they say you can wear their shirts at least seven times before it needs a wash. Icebreaker has a full range of merino wool t-shirt, from featherweight to heavy weight. The shirt is extremely expensive at $129 (and $149 for the hoody), but offers a fit and performance that 100-percent merino cant match. 15% Off New Customer Discount with Coupon Code SECTIONHIKER15. The warm, soft next-to-skin feel is just as nice for daily use as it is as your baselayer on a summit push. My only knock on this shirt is that its purple, and there have been days in the sun its been a bit warmer than Id like. Check out this round-up of the best merino wool t-shirts for hiking. The fabric is lightweight at145g/m, so its really airy and breathable for warm days. Goose and duck down fill are among the premier insulators on earth, trapping air and creating pockets of warmth around your body with very little weight Jason Hummel is a leading adventure photographer and ski mountaineer based in Tacoma,Washington. Its been a great go-to of mine for both hiking and everyday. Use code KELLY25 for 25% off your first purchase at Isobaa! Ive been wearing merino wool t-shirts for a while now, and Ive gathered my favorite ones here. We commonly wear merino shirts as daily pieces, but theyre also our articles of choice for long-distance activities like backpacking or marathon running. When youre ready to hit the trail for a three-day trip in the mountains, make sure your accessories are as comfortable as the rest of your gear. The ultralight shirt (weight is 150 grams per meter) is the most versatile thickness. Rethink Clean and Wash Less:I used to think it was gross if I didnt wash a piece of clothing after every wear. Turns out it was worth both the price and the wait. Good merino wool is soft and not itchy at all. The Air Dry Merino Wool Travel-T is 100% merino wool. Keep in mind that despite the high price, holes eventually will develop and you may have to move on from your pricey gear more often than you would like. 9 Barefoot and Minimalist Hiking Shoes Perfect for Travel, The Best Winter Clothes for Kids: From Merino Wool Base Layers to Winter Boots, 5 Essentials for Every Winter Packing List with First Alert. Its highly breathable, and it keeps the sun of my skin. You can unbutton the front for more ventilation or button it up for windy/cool conditions. This fabric blend is also great for travel since its machine washable, fast drying, and it doesnt wrinkle easily. Ibex is another company that has been perfecting outdoor performance merino wool clothing for over two decades. So far they only have this style for men. Keep in mind that Ive never found a rain jacket that keeps you totally dry in long, heavy rain. For shorts, most hikers like a longer inseamaround five inches for women and eight inches for men. One of the worst parts of my early backpacking days was dealing with constant sunscreen and bug spray application (Im in MN, so both are necessary in summer) that left me feeling very sticky after a full day. For pants, make sure they sit high enough that your packs hip belt wont push them down, and always look for a flatlock inseam. Most hikers start their northbound treks in early spring, which can be quite cold through the Smokies. Read more about the sustainability of wool here. Odor-resistant and naturally antimicrobial: If youre looking for a shirt that can withstand anything from a short hike to a multi-day backpacking trip, these properties make wool a great choice! I purchased a Appalachian Gear hoodie this year. Every sock that made our best of list for the 2022 season accomplishes this and You cant overvalue a great pair of hiking socks: they keep your feet comfortable and dry while helping to prevent blisters and hotspots. Isobaas 150 weight short sleeves tees are 100% merino wool, lightweight and breathable; theyre great for warm weather hikes. Merino is touted as having high levels of moisture wicking because of its ability to retain a lot of liquid relative to its weight (better than synthetic). Our Merino hiking clothes feature no-chafe flatlock seams that rest easy under backpacks and resist odors even after days on the trial. Aviator designs clothing specifically for travel, aiming to make them comfortable, versatile, and able to go at least a few wears between washings. The line extends to tank tops, long-sleeve shirts, hoodies and socks made from 100% merino wool, as well as shorts and pants made from a merino wool and cotton blend. Backpacking and Fishing in the Wild River Wilderness, How to Stop Your Superfeet Insoles from Squeaking, BearVault New Canister Sizes: BV425 & BV475, Gossamer Gear Silverback 65 Backpack Review, 10 Most Durable Lightweight Backpacks of 2022, Outdoor Research Ferrosi Thru-Gaiter Review, Hiking Mt Lincoln and Mt Lafayette in July, Nitecore 10000 mAh USB Power Bank (5.9 oz), Feathered Friends Flicker 40 Quilt Sleeping Bag. Weve found the most breathable articles to be lightweight and thin (like the Smartwool Merino 150), which makes sense because air can pass through easily, allowing the fabrics to dry out. Icebreaker also has tees that are merino wool with a nylon, as well as a t-shirt with a wool/Tencel blended specifically made for warm weather. According the animals rights organization PETA, mulesing is a cruel practice that is incredibly painful, and there are much more humane alternatives to reduce flystrike in sheep. Dont think Im going back to a t-shirt and shorts anytime soon! Plan to rinse out clothing on the trail every day, so with the exception of underwear and socks dont bring extras. In normal talk, this means the jacket is waterproof and breathable. Copyright 2007-2022, SectionHiker.com and Fells Press LLC. Weve put exactly one hole in our drawer full of Darn Toughs over many years of using the brand, and that was the result of a pretty nasty mountain bike crash. You can always correct your mistakes. Isobaa offers versatile colors like grey and navy, but they also have a few brighter options including red, bright blue, plus a couple of striped tees. Nui Organics has been one of my favorite companies for kids clothing over the last several years due to their full commitment to sustainability and their amazing merino wool clothing. A 2.5 or three-layer construction with an ePTFE membrane is your best bet here, as opposed to a PU laminate. No matter where the trail takes you, walk on in confidence in our Merino wool accessories. Overall, heres the clothing I think is essential for a three-season Appalachian Trail thru-hike. This is why wool is such a great option for activewear. They dont have to be too warm or bulky, since youll be in your sleeping bag, or you can always throw a jacket over them at camp. We hike, run, and bike in our lightweight merino shirts in the warm months and turn to long-sleeve merinos in the winter for skiing and other cold-weather activities. To navigate this using the keyboard, please follow these instructions. It can be a little frustrating for a sustainable product to arrive in plastic packaging, and I really appreciate the effort Isobaa has made to create a fully sustainable supply chain. Here in the Pacific Northwest, we know a thing or two about rain. They come in eight different colors, so you arent just limited to grey, blue or black if you want to add more color (but you can stick with those basics too!). New Customer Discount. Your email address will not be published. Besides the black featured in the photos below, they have fun color options like terracotta and sea green. The Capilene Air in particular is unique: it mixes Patagonias Capilene polyester and merino wool in a stretchy and incredibly warm design. Best Thru-Hiking Clothes for the Appalachian Trail. Here are a few tips on keeping your wool t-shirts in great condition. But since wool is also a biological molecule (its basically just proteins), laundry detergent will break down the molecules in your wool clothes too. Most laundry detergent is made of enzymes that are designed to break down biological molecules like food stains. Look for a jacket that weighs less than 12 ounces. To tip you off on our conclusions: Merino undoubtedly is expensive but worth it for those who value the comfort or need the performance. Instead, it will keep you at a comfortable temperature and retain its soft feel. Ive touted wools impressive qualities in posts about hiking socks, hiking t-shirts, kids thermalsIm of the opinion that wool is great for just about everything! Even though these shirts are great for wearing all year-round, they seem to be only offered seasonally on the Outdoor Voices website. Long sleeves can be rolled up or left down for the same reasons, and the collar helps protect your neck from sun damage. Lightweight merino tops are most prone to developing holes, and our mid and heavyweight shirts have held up far better. This doesnt mean that merino isnt worth it, but only for those who highly value its comfort or utilize its performance advantage. Shirts designed for fishing work well for me, rather than anything hiking specific. Water will eventually drip down your neck or youll get sweaty and clammy wearing it for 12 hours at a time. And if youre looking for a great pair of jeans for your travel capsule, I love the fit, stretch, and useable pockets on these ones! If youre looking for the best merino gear items, below are some of our top picks. Buy quality where it matters, save money where it doesnt. The low temperatures kill bacteria and will make your clothes feel fresh again. I really appreciate that theres a men/women option for every item. Free Shipping and Returns. I hand washed a few of these on a recent trip, and I was impressed at just how quickly they dried. A lot of clothing can go several wears (or more) without being washed, like jeans and wool! From months of daily drizzle to heavy downpour in the mountains, were acutely aware of the benefits of a quality waterproof and breathable shell. I know photos ar, There are over 1,500 black bears that call Great S, Ibex Journey Short Sleeve Crew Merino Tees, 11 Casual Barefoot Shoes (that are Stylish and Comfortable), 7 Most Comfortable Barefoot and Minimalist Hiking Sandals, Hiking the Path of the Gods: A Trail with the Best Views of Italys Amalfi Coast, 9 Best Barefoot Shoes for Kids (durable + comfortable).