Hashtag59

View Original

Merino Wool Products Gear Review

A cool fall day meant that the air was crips enough to put on my T Minus 33 but still be comfy in shorts!

We are giving gear thoughts about Smart Wool and T Minus 33 in this gear review article! If using Merino Wool products in the outdoors is on your mind you have come to the right place! We share the “woolio” below in our Merino Wool Products Gear Review.

I use Smart Wool Winter Hats and Gloves and T Minus 33 Pullovers to continue to adventure outdoors in cold temperatures but be comfortable and take care of my body!

Wearing my Smart Wool and T Minus 33 gear at a cold winter trail run.

What is Merino Wool?

Primarily shipped out of Australia and New Zealand this is a type of wool that is the exact opposite of “Cotton is Rotten.”
Merino wool does all the things for your body that cotton can’t do. Such as insulation, transporting moisture, lightweight, and keeps its shape even during tough conditions.

Why would you wear Merino Wool?

It’s become a cold weather gear favorite for outdoor adventurers. From socks and hat for trail runners to hiking in the Minus33 I have found it prevent blisters while keeping me warm.

Ethical Fashion Note:
Like all clothing you should do your research and become a conscious consumer of the choices you are making. PETA has some thoughts on it and I agree with this article that you should do your homework and using a brand like Patagonia is smart (assuming you care about sheep and the planet.)

I use SmartWool, Patagonia, and Minus33 which seem to be doing a fair amount of due diligence.

Three Reasons why Merino Wool Gear Products might be for you:

  1. Your cotton is causing “chafe”, blisters, and irritation in your workouts.

  2. You are looking for layers without the heaviness. I wear two Minus33’s sometimes on very cold runs and they are as thin as t-shirts but keep my warm on long runs/hikes in sub freezing temperatures.

  3. You are looking for a way to keep clothing that lasts longer and stays in good shape even being harsh on it. I am tough on my body and tougher on my clothes. My merino wool gear bicycles, runs, hikes, and ski’s daily when I live in a wintry climate. My hat and socks and tops and pants stay in great shape even when pounding them into the pavement, trails, mountains, and slopes.

Winter Hiking in my Smart Wool Hat is a MUST. I will even do short day hikes in jeans but not cotton haha!

I am super anti-animal cruelty and anti-fast fashion. I am pro planet and pro ethical and sustainable measures. Merino Wool definitely requires some homework on your end, but honestly so does EVERY SINGLE thing you would ever purchase.

Being a conscious consumer takes a lot of work, give yourself the time to do it.

The brands I have listed in this article I do currently trust and use for my Merino Wool products.

I recommend the Smart Wool Hat and Minus33 pullovers the most for trail running and hiking.

When it coms to gear upgrades and feeling good while you adventure there’s not a better option!

Thanks for reading, comments always welcomed below.

Because Adventure Feeds the Soul,
Mike R