There’s snow on the ground, lights on the eaves and the same 10 Christmas songs on repeat at the local grocery store. That can only mean one thing: the holidays are here.
Holiday gift-giving is never easy, especially when you have people on your list who like to travel. How do you pick the perfect gift for someone who’s constantly on the move? How do you zero in on that one special item that will make their lives easier?
Well, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, let’s make the case for Merino wool. A long-time favorite in the travel community, this versatile material is practically purpose-built by nature to be the best travel wear out there. It blows every single lab-made synthetic material out of the water. Adapted and evolved over centuries, this highly sought-after sheep’s wool handles pretty much whatever you throw at it.
Here are a few reasons Merino wool is the perfect gift for travelers.
Table of Contents
Merino Wool Is Incredibly Versatile
Merino wool handles big temperature swings with ease, an invaluable trait in travel clothing. When the weather’s warm, Merino wool is breathable and sweat-wicking, keeping the wearer cool and breezy. When the weather’s cold (as it is right now), Merino is insulating, trapping body heat and keeping the wearer warm. In rainy weather, it’s a fast-dry material. And when you stuff it at the bottom of a backpack, its tightly packed coils keep it wrinkle-resistant.
Essentially, it’s the “Goldilocks” option for every climate and environment.
It’s Antibacterial and Odor-Resistant for Light, Fresh Luggage
If you read the Reddit threads on packing light (r/onebag, if you’re curious), you’ll notice several people touting Merino’s odor-resistance. It’s not just a marketing ploy from Merino brands; the stuff really does repel smells.
Because Merino wool is naturally antibacterial, it actively resists odor-causing bacteria from your sweat. The result is a garment that you don’t need to wash often (some travelers go weeks between washing their Merino clothes). Therefore, you only need a few items: a couple of pairs of underwear/socks, a shirt and merino hoodies and sweaters if you’re traveling in cold weather.
Unlike Other Wools, Merino Is Comfortable
When most people think “wool,” they think of those scratchy, rough knit sweaters they were forced to wear by their parents. Merino wool isn’t like that.
Spun from superfine fibers, Merino has an unmistakeably soft, luxurious feel. On long-haul flights and lengthy train trips, it’s a godsend.
Merino Clothing Can Look Amazing
Admittedly, Merino wool used to have an image problem. Most brands working with the material opted for a “sporty and technical” look – with unnecessary reflective patches, designs and logos. Because it’s a high-performance material, it was primarily marketed towards runners and fitness enthusiasts.
Now, you can find minimalist Merino wool options specifically designed for travelers. If you’re aiming to satisfy the world adventurer on your holiday gift list, search for simple and sophisticated Merino wool travel clothing (you can find a top pick at the link above). Because it’s durable, versatile and long-lasting, you only need to gift them one or two items.