Why is merino wool an unbeatable material?

Kickbiking, Походы, Геокэшинг, Грибоводство, Зимние виды спорта, Фрирайд, Охота, Треккинг, Сноу кайт, Беговые лыжи, Снегоступы, Бэккантри, Гребля by Varuste.net / Toimisto-Jorma, 12.1.2023

This article has been written in cooperation with Devold.

What is merino wool?

Wool is a 100% natural fibre with about 8000 different wool types.

Thanks to the long fibres of merino wool, clothes made of it are extremely soft and pleasant to wear. Merino has some protective properties: the natural keratin makes it fire-proof, it won’t burn or melt. It is also an extremely good thermal insulation material, creating the ideal protection against coldness and heat. It is very breathable, it dries fast and does not feel unpleasant or cold on skin even if it was a little bit moist.

So, merino wool is one of nature’s wonders
Merino wool is 100% natural material whose properties cannot be produced synthetically. Merino wool is obtained from merino sheep which have acclimatized to difficult weather conditions, warm summers and cold winters. Sheep living in conditions like this have developed an outstanding wool quality, breathable in summer and insulating in winter.

Devold underwear is made of the finest, long-fibre merino wool.

This natural and soft wonder fibre is used to manufacture protective garments which keep the body temperature pleasant in any climate and weather condition.

Characteristics

1. Moisture-wicking and antibacterial properties
Wool absorbs moisture and keeps the body dry, which also prevents the formation of bacteria and thus odors. The unpleasant smell that appears in clothes is specifically due to bacteria clinging to the fibers, not just sweat alone. Bacteria also form more easily on smooth surfaces such as synthetic fibers. Wool fibers, on the other hand, are “squamous” or coarse, and bacteria that cause bad odors do not thrive on these surfaces.

2. Thermal insulation
The amount of the coolness that gets through the fibre depends on its insulating capacity. Wool fibres are curly, so wool contains more air than synthetic materials. This is why wool is a better insulator.

3. Heat production
Wool produces heat when it gets wet, and wool fibres can absorb moisture an amount equal to 35% of its own weight, the fibre still feeling dry against the skin. Merino wool can absorb a huge amount of moisture compared to synthetic fibres.

Animal welfare

When you are choosing high-quality and responsible merino wool products, make sure that the wool is traceable and that the brand makes sure that the wool they purchase and the wool producers they work with have strict working principles.

Devold's farms follow strictly the following principles for their sheep:
1. Freedom of hunger or thirst by access to fresh water, and diet to maintain full health and vigour.
2. Freedom from discomfort by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area.
3. Freedom from pain, injury or disease by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment.
4. Freedom to express normal behaviour by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animal’s own kind.
5. Freedom from fear and distress by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering. Mulesing free treatment.

All Devold wool traceable to the farm from which it came from and more than half of Devold product includes a tag that tells you which farm the wool used in the garment in question comes from.

Properties, care, and cleaning

Merino wool has natural thermoregulating properties which absorb and evaporate moisture. Thanks to them, the user stays dry even in humid conditions. Unlike synthetic fibres, merino wool won’t smell bad even after several days of use. If you sweat in merino garments, the first thing to do to freshen them is airing. But naturally, you will need to wash them at some point.

All Devold garments can be washed in a washing machine with a wool programme. Total Easy Care garments can also be tumble dried at low temperature.

Turn garments inside out before washing. Normal detergents contain enzymes which can harm wool fibres. That is why it is recommended to use liquid detergents meant for wool and silk. They don’t contain enzymes and they have a pH neutral composition designed for wool.

Wool garments can support a few washing times with normal detergents but in a long run, the enzymes will end up harming wool fibres.

Devold's extensive range offers an option for every use

Devold Expedition
Devold Expedition is a collection designed for extreme weather conditions. The fabric of the Expedition garments is double-layered. The soft inner layer, which is in contact with the skin, is made of 100% merino wool, while the outer layer is composed of 90% Aquaduct-treated merino wool, reinforced with 10% polyamide fiber to ensure maximum durability. The fabric is comfortably thick and warm, weighing 235 g/m².

Expedition provides excellent insulation and has a unique ability to wick away moisture. Aquaduct merino wool is specifically designed to transfer moisture from the inner layer next to the skin to the outer layer, where it can evaporate.

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