For centuries, sheep's wool and merino wool have been highly valued for their exceptional properties. Even in modern times, their functionality remains unmatched in the textile industry. When it comes to mountaineers, who face extreme conditions throughout the year, they require clothing that can protect them and perform reliably in all situations. Thankfully, merino wool offers a host of benefits that meet these needs. It provides excellent insulation, wicks away moisture, and has anti-static properties. Moreover, it is lightweight and maintains its shape without itching, smelling or creasing much. What's more, all these advantages are achieved using completely natural and sustainable methods.



WOOL IS ODOR NEUTRALIZING

Unpleasant odors are something no one wants to deal with, especially during mountain hikes that can last for several days. Fortunately, wool possesses antibacterial properties that make it possible to get away with having only a few articles of clothing. The structure of wool fibers plays a key role in this. Unlike smooth synthetic fibers, the surface of wool fibers is similar to that of roof tiles, making it difficult for bacteria to take hold. These bacteria are often the cause of unpleasant odors.

In addition to this, merino wool is able to absorb moisture directly into its fibers, which helps reduce the buildup of sweat on the skin. Another advantage of wool fibers is their self-cleaning ability. The keratin found in merino wool fibers breaks down the bacteria that cause odors. As a result, merino wool clothing requires less frequent washing, and simply airing it out in humid or damp conditions can help maintain its freshness.



After a mountain tour, leaving your merino wool clothing to air dry will allow you to wear it again the next day without any unpleasant odors. This is not only convenient for you, but it is also beneficial for your companions and the environment.


MERINO WOOL IS MOISTURE REGULATING

Merino wool fibers are hydrophilic, which makes them incredibly functional. They provide excellent warmth and can absorb up to 35% of their weight in moisture without feeling wet to the touch. The surface of the fibers remains dry, while the moisture is transferred to the fiber core. Compared to down or polyester, wool feels warm and comfortable, even when it is wet. It also doesn't impede the body's natural cooling function of sweating. Merino wool is also breathable, which is scientifically referred to as moisture buffering. This means that the fibers can absorb moisture from the surrounding environment directly through the skin and release it again when the moisture level drops.



Merino wool dries out quickly, making it ideal for use in warm summer months. It releases moisture, which creates a feeling of freshness and a refreshing evaporative coolness when warm ambient air leads to a quick drying effect. This is why merino wool is used to create functional and quick-drying underwear that is popular among many people.


MERINO WOOL IS TEMPERATURE REGULATING

The versatility of wool fibers makes them ideal for any season, as they have both warming and cooling properties. Traditionally, wool has been known for its warming effects, which our grandmothers appreciated through their itchy woolen jumpers. However, wool can also cool you down in summer due to its thermo-regulating properties.




These properties are based on two principles. Firstly, the rippled structure of wool fibers creates air chambers that trap body heat and provide optimal insulation. This insulation serves as a layer against both heat and cold, making merino wool products perfect for layering according to the onion principle. Secondly, wool can absorb over 35% of its own weight in moisture without feeling wet. The ambient air dries the moisture quickly, creating an evaporative coolness that feels refreshing. This cooling effect is also how merino sheep survive the hot Tasmanian summer.

If our grandmothers had known about these properties, woolen T-shirts  might have been popular back then too.


MERINO WOOL IS SOFT

Merino wool does not cause itching despite being made from fine fibers. The diameter of Merino wool fibers is 16.5-19.5 microns, which is below the human itching threshold of 25 microns. The fibers are soft, which makes them bend when they come into contact with the skin, thereby preventing any uncomfortable feeling.


MERINO WOOL IS EASY TO CARE FOR

Wool naturally neutralizes odors, but sometimes your product may get stained with ketchup or other substances, forcing you to wash it. Luckily, washing merino wool is easy thanks to the "Total Easy Care" process. This special finish allows you to machine wash your merino wool clothing at 30 or 40°C without worrying about severe shrinkage. The process only washes the scaly surface structure of the wool fibers, protecting the wool and maintaining its quality.


MERINO WOOL IS SUSTAINABLE



Merino sheep are shorn once or twice a year to grow a new coat without any chemical additives, and all they require is fresh air, water, sun, and grass. The shearing process is manual and does not harm the animal. Wool is biodegradable, and the fibers contain technology that provides functional benefits for outdoor activities without requiring any chemical treatment. Wool fibers can be bent up to 20,000 times without breaking, which makes woolen products durable and reduces waste. Additionally, wool products do not require frequent washing due to their self-cleaning function, which is environmentally friendly.


MERINO WOOL PROVIDES UV PROTECTION

The sheep in Australia and Tasmania are not affected by harmful UV radiation, even though they live in an area with a hole in the ozone layer. This is because wool has the ability to absorb some of the UV radiation, thus keeping it away from the skin. To understand this, it is important to know about UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor), which is similar to SPF (Sun Protection Factor) in sun creams. UPF measures how much UV radiation is blocked, with higher numbers indicating better protection. For example, a white cotton T-shirt typically has UPF 10, which means it allows 10% of UV radiation to reach the skin. The Australian standard for basic protection is UPF 15, while UPF 40 provides excellent protection by blocking 97.5 to 97.6% of all UV radiation.



Polyester has the highest UPF, followed by wool, polyamide, and silk, while cotton, viscose, and linen have the lowest. However, other factors like the material's construction, color, and fit can also influence UPF, with dark colors and a close fit providing better protection. Additionally, the condition of the product and its moisture level can impact UPF. To ensure the best possible protection, consumers should choose products with the appropriate UPF level, density of fabric, and color. For example, ORTOVOX shirts offer UPF ratings between 20 and 50+ based on the fabric density and color.