We’ve all heard the outdoor truism, “Cotton kills,” and if you haven’t, well, let me tell you, there are better fabrics to wear outdoors than your Katy Perry fan tee and your old blue jeans. Have you ever had the misfortune of stepping in a puddle and getting your jeans wet? Did they dry, ever?
Seriously, there are better fabrics out there to wear in the wilderness where wet clothes and a stiff breeze can make you food for worms. Synthetics like polyester, polypro, and nylon are all excellent choices for technical clothing. They help block the wind and dry quickly, wicking moisture away from your skin to keep you comfortable when you’re playing Blackjack with mother nature.
Each synthetic has it’s drawbacks. Firstly, they’re all synthetics, made from petroleum by-products, and that’s ultimately bad for the environment. Polyester absorbs odors—it’s why your gym shorts smell like gym shorts (not to mention your contribution). Nylon doesn’t readily absorb odors but can harbor fungal growths. And all three melt when burned, causing severe burns on the skin they get shrunk-wrapped on your buttocks.
What if there was a natural material that didn’t absorb odors, breathes, provides good insulation, and is naturally fire-retardant? There is, and it’s wool. But this isn’t your grandpa’s itchy service sweater, I’m talking about superfine, very comfortable merino wool. The very fine, smooth finish of merino wools like those used by Smartwool keeps you dry and comfortable through a variety of environments because it breathes while creating a layer of tiny pockets to trap heat in when it’s cold and release it when it’s warm. The natural lanolin in wool keeps the fibers from absorbing your ferocious B.O. Wool insulates well when wet, and dries more quickly than cotton.
These properties make Smartwool perfect for socks, pants, underwear, and shirts, hats, and gloves that can perform all year long from hot to cool. Using Smartwool as a baselayer is one of the wisest investments you can make due to it’s versatility and performance. Is wool a part of your wilderness wardrobe?
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