When packing for a trip, it’s important to be as efficient as possible, especially if you’re traveling for a long time, or only bringing a carry-on, but the ability to fit a week or more’s worth of clothes into a small bag can be a daunting task. Beyond ensuring that you pack enough underwear and socks, there’s often enough uncertainty when traveling that it can lead to over-packing. You never know if you’ll find an amazing, Michelin-starred restaurant just a block from your hotel, or if you’ll meet a local who will tell you the trails you just have to go hiking on.
Merino wool is your secret weapon here. Lightweight, breathable and insulating, it has the ability to act as a replacement for multiple pieces in your travel bag. And there are brands out there that make merino wool clothing specifically with travelers in mind (if you want to check out some travel-tested merino clothes, you can discover what Unbound Merino has to offer by checking out their website and videos). Here are three reasons why merino wool is the secret weapon you’ve never considered when traveling.
1. Merino wool stays fresh and clean for days on end due to its anti-bacterial properties. This is so important when you’re traveling for a long time with a small bag! You can wear a high-quality merino wool t-shirt for weeks on end and not acquire the rank scent of sweat that cotton can pick up in just one day, because the anti-bacterial properties in merino keep it fresh. When you do have a chance to wash it, merino wool dries incredibly fast so you’re not stuck in your hotel waiting for your shirt to dry before you can continue exploring … you can just go. With the ability to wear one t-shirt multiple times, you can save space in your bag for more important things.
2. Merino wool is both breathable and insulating, allowing it to function efficiently at multiple temperatures. It even insulates effectively when wet, making it a safe choice for hikers who are worried about cold feet in the winter. Cotton socks can be outright dangerous in freezing temperatures, but merino will continue to insulate your feet and wick water away from your skin. This wicking effect also works well in the summer. When you sweat, the fabric pulls the moisture away from your skin and through the fibres of the cloth until it can evaporate in the air. This process is extremely efficient and why merino is such a valued choice.
3. Merino is stylish. Merino wool produces a high-quality, soft fabric. By dressing simply when you travel, you can change up your outfits with accessories, which take up much less space in your luggage. Additionally, simpler clothes give off a much more casual vibe, causing locals to take you more seriously. And everyone knows that when it comes to restaurant recommendations, asking a local is the way to go.
If you’re a traveller – or even if you’re someone for whom traveling is just a trek across town to pick up groceries – there’s every reason to check out merino wool clothing. Clean, fresh, breathable, insulating and stylish, this super-wool will be your home away from home.