Trekking is an outdoor activity that requires appropriate clothing capable of providing comfort, protection, and breathability. Among the most suitable materials for trekking is merino wool, a natural fiber that offers numerous advantages over synthetic fabrics. Let's see the characteristics and benefits of merino wool for trekking.
The merino wool comes from the fleece of merino sheep, a breed originally from Spain and later spread to Australia and New Zealand.
What is merino wool used for?
\"It is a very fine and soft wool that does not itch or irritate the skin. Merino wool has a particular structure, formed by overlapping scales that create air chambers between the fibers. These air chambers give the wool several properties:\"
- Thermoregulation: wearing merino wool trekking garments allows you to adapt to temperature changes, keeping the body warm when it's cold and cool when it's hot. This is possible because this yarn absorbs or releases excess heat depending on environmental conditions. Furthermore, merino wool is fire resistant and does not melt or ignite when in contact with flames.
- Breathability: Merino wool can absorb moisture up to 30% of its weight without becoming wet or heavy. This means that merino wool keeps the skin dry and prevents the formation of bacteria and bad odors. Additionally, merino wool dries quickly, which is useful in case of rain or sweating. It therefore has a higher absorption capacity than other types of wool.
- Comfort: Merino wool is a very soft and delicate fiber that does not cause itching or allergies. Merino wool is also elastic and durable, making it suitable for garments that need to follow body movements without deforming or tearing. Merino wool is also eco-friendly and biodegradable, as it comes from a renewable source and does not require harmful chemical treatments or dyes.
For these reasons, merino wool is an ideal material for trekking, especially for the layer in contact with the skin, such as t-shirts, underwear, and socks. This allows it to be worn for several days, which is not uncommon when out for a sporting activity like trekking. Merino wool indeed offers superior comfort to synthetic fabrics, such as polyester or nylon, which tend to create a humid and warm environment on the skin, promoting the proliferation of bacteria and fungi.
Merino wool, on the other hand, keeps the skin dry and healthy, preventing irritations, blisters, and infections.
Merino wool can also be used for the mid-layer, such as sweaters, sweatshirts, or jackets, to increase thermal insulation and breathability. For this reason, it is also excellent for other sports like ski mountaineering or is also used for more demanding sports, for example, like the merino wool garments from Decathlon. Merino wool can be combined with other natural fibers, such as cashmere and silk, to create garments that exploit the qualities of both materials.
Merino wool also has some disadvantages, including the high cost, the need for special care in washing, and attraction to moths. To overcome these problems, some precautions can be followed, such as:
- Choose quality merino wool garments, with certification that attests to their origin and processing. Quality merino wool garments are more resistant and durable, and have a lower environmental impact.
- Wash merino wool garments by hand or in the washing machine, using a delicate program at low temperature, with a detergent specific for wool or a neutral soap. Do not use bleach, fabric softener, or dryer, as they can damage the fibers. Gently squeeze the garments without twisting them, and lay them flat, avoiding exposure to direct sunlight or heat sources.
- Store merino wool garments in a dry and ventilated place, placing them in cotton or paper bags, or in plastic containers with airtight seals. Add natural remedies against moths, such as lavender, cedar, or naphthalene.
In conclusion, merino wool is an excellent material for trekking, as it offers comfort, protection, and breathability, adapting to different climatic conditions. For these uses, the quality of the wool must be superior: the high quality of merino wool is undisputed for activities of this kind compared to any other synthetic fiber.
Wool fiber garments, however, require some care in selection, washing, and storage to preserve their qualities and durability.
