Although the name merino is considered by many to be a trademark, it is not. This is the designation of a special breed of sheep that comes from North Africa and gradually reached Europe via Spain. Merino wool is so fine that it was considered rare even in earlier times. For example, even in the 18th century, Spain had a monopoly on the production of this wool, and the export of the sheep itself was prohibited.
Let's now skip the etymological development of the word merino (after all, sources differ in their opinions here) and rather talk about the unique properties of this material. These include, above all, high warmth, i.e. excellent thermal insulation capabilities. However, that is not all.
Warm up naturally
Merino clothing will keep you warm even when it's wet—this is a property that is unmatched among synthetic materials. When you embark on a multi-day trek, you can expect to sweat quickly. Although some synthetic materials also wick moisture away from the body, merino wool is a bit more efficient in this regard.
If you buy merino wool underwear for your outdoor activities, you will appreciate its functional properties. And by underwear, we don't just mean merino boxers, but also merino undershirts or merino underpants, which from autumn to spring can do-—in terms of functionality—real miracles. Don't forget merino socks either, because your feet will sweat a lot during long walks even in the best trekking shoes.
Merino wool has the advantage that it is probably the only natural material that you can successfully use as the main material for all layers of functional clothing. In addition to underwear, you can also purchase a functional merino T-shirt or merino sweatshirt for the second, insulating layer.
Sometimes you can even find a merino windbreaker, which is also resistant to rain, as well as hats, balaclavas and neckerchiefs. In these cases, however, the upper layer is supplemented with a minor proportion of synthetic material, for example polyamide, for greater resistance to weather effects.
A Norwegian classic for demanding expeditions
Although merino wool comes from the south, as we have already said, its unique properties predetermine it for use in colder regions. Even the Norwegian company Devold, which has gradually developed into a traditional manufacturer of merino wool products, is aware of this and has more or less taken over the Spaniards' baton.
In some areas, Devold has even become synonymous with merino, although it is far from its only manufacturer and processor. The company, whose tradition dates back to the middle of the 19th century, originally started with cotton, but over time it replaced it with merino wool. To this day, it produces clothing for the most demanding expeditions, on which it is not worth making compromises. Don't do them either!