Wool is the Word

gear, outdoors | dlacord | Monday, December 14th, 2009 at 8:33 am

Only in recent years have I had a chance to test the insulating properties of wool. Until SmartWool and other companies began using soft, silky merino wool, I couldn’t go near it without itching.

Today, manufacturers are combining wool with other fabrics in outdoor socks, gloves, hats, sweaters and pants. And we can reap the benefits. According to SmartWool, wool is superior at managing moisture, regulating your body temperature and repelling body odor. It’s breathable and even if it gets wet, it retains its insulating qualities.

Check out these wool products

SmartWool: Apparel, hats, base layers, socks and even slippers; all are so comfortable you won’t want to wear anything else.

Woolistic: Merino wool cycling jerseys, sweaters and shorts. And check out the retro team clothing – vintage team jerseys that are exactly like the originals.

Arc’teryx: Cool combinations include hoodies with Polartec Power Dry fleece on the outside and wool on the inside, zip jerseys made of Merino wool, and sweaters with fleece on the inside and wool on the outside.

Ibex Outdoor Clothing has Merino interlock crews, sweaters, jerseys and hoodies.

North Face: Its Duboce insulated jacket features a blend of 80 percent wool, 20 percent nylon woven wool insulation and a synthetic. The Cabrilla sweater features a blend of cotton, wool and nylon.

And we can’t forget Woolrich, the venerable outdoor clothing manufacturer. Our favorites: the classic rugged field coat with leather collar, and the plaid wool shirt

– Deb Acord

Hi Tec Penrith Mid Jr. WP Hiking Boots