What Are The Benefits Of Merino Wool?

A trusty hat or headband is highly useful when it comes to warming up after a water-based adventure like paddleboarding as they help to take the chill off and warm you up faster. If you’ve ever been caught in the cold after a paddle or outdoor swim, then you’ll know how important this is. One fabric for these vital accessories that stands out more than any others: Merino wool. But what exactly are the benefits of Merino wool? Read on to find out.

What Is Merino Wool?

Merino wool is a natural fibre sourced from Merino sheep, which is finer and softer than that of other sheep or synthetic wool. While the average human hair comes in between 50 and 100 micrometres thick, Merino wool averages around 22. As a result, it is exceptionally soft, lightweight and packed with a variety of very helpful features that are useful in top-quality outdoor gear.

What Are The Benefits Of Merino Wool?

Temperature Regulation

One of the key benefits of Merino wool is the fantastic temperature regulation that it provides to its wearer. It’s a highly breathable material, allowing sufficient airflow to prevent overheating when it is warm, but it also responds to cold temperatures by trapping air in the natural crimps and folds in the fabric and providing much-needed insulation.

Moisture Wicking

Merino wool is naturally moisture-wicking, pulling moisture and perspiration away from your skin and keeping you dry and comfortable. It can also absorb up to 30% of its own weight in moisture before beginning to feel wet, making it ideal for putting on after getting out of the water. The fibres also dry quite quickly, so you won’t have to worry about being stuck in wet gear for long periods of time.

Odour-Resistant

One of the very helpful benefits of Merino wool is the way that it absorbs odour - trapping the smell and preventing it from building up. This feature is ideal for an active person, keeping your gear fresher for longer periods and allowing you to wear it without fear of smelling. It’s especially useful on a multi-day adventure.

Extremely Soft

The ultra-fine fibres of Merino wool make it significantly softer on the skin than most other fabrics, which makes it an ideal choice of material for anyone who wants to ensure that their gear is comfortable. While other types of wool can be very coarse and itchy, the fineness of Merino wool ensures that it bends to provide an incredibly soft and comfortable touch.

With a range of benefits for those who love the outdoors, we simply had to try out merino wool in our own range of outdoor accessories. Our Merino Wool Beanie and Merino Wool Headband are the ultimate companions for a range of outdoor adventures, and particularly useful for warming up after finishing water activities. If you have any questions about our Merino wool accessories or any of the other products available from Red, you can get in contact with our professional team for helpful advice today.