I live in the Upper Midwest, and it gets pretty darn cold here in the winter. Keeping warm outside during the winter months can be a challenge. One of the weapons in the cold weather arsenal is merino wool.
What is Merino Wool?
Right off the bat, let’s clear up a likely misconception. While this is wool, this isn’t the same kind of wool in the sweater that made you itch like crazy at Grandma’s on Christmas Eve.
Merino wool comes from merino sheep, believe it or not. Since about the 12th century, merino sheep have been prized for their wool, which is much softer than other types of wool. It’s much finer than even human hair. It isn’t itchy or uncomfortable in the least.
Advantages of Merino Wool
There are several reasons why it is a great choice for garments intended for outdoor use. Keeping you warm is just the beginning.
Temperature Regulation – merino wool is kind of odd in this regard. In cold weather, it’ll keep you warmer. In hot weather, it’ll keep you cooler. Weird, right?
Absorbent – it will absorb somewhere near 30% of its weight in moisture while maintaining its warmth. Plus, it won’t feel wet against your skin. It wicks moisture incredibly well. This is particularly great if you have sweaty feet.
Odor-Resistant – it doesn’t retain odors. In fact, it seems to actively battle against them. Likewise, it is very resistant to bacteria. This guy wore a Merino wool T-shirt for 100 days in a row without washing it once and was amazed at the results. If you routinely take extended jaunts out into the field, having clothing that isn’t going to reek is definitely a bonus.
Anti-Wrinkle – merino wool garments don’t wrinkle. While this probably doesn’t matter much when you’re three days into a weeklong trek out beyond where the sidewalk ends, it’s nice to know that if you run across a nice diner, you won’t stand out as a slob.
UV-Resistant – unlike many other fabrics, merino wool is naturally UV-resistant. This means it will help to protect your skin from the sun.
Sustainable – if you’re someone who pays attention to their impact on the planet, you’ll be pleased to know that merino wool is a sustainable resource. Sheep provide a new fleece harvest twice a year.
Disadvantages of Merino Wool
The biggest disadvantage I’ve found is the price. Merino wool clothing tends to have a higher price tag than cotton or most synthetic fabrics. That said, it’s worth the expense, especially if you spend a fair amount of time outdoors.
Meindl Socks
Not too long ago, Meindl sent me a few different merino wool socks. I got them around the same time I got the Toskana Trail Walkers. I’ve since worn the socks on several occasions. They’re soft and comfortable, which is always a plus when it comes to socks. They’re also very warm without being obnoxious about it.
When you’re hiking in single-digit temperatures, you want to make sure to protect your feet, and these socks do the job quite well.
