Whatever the adventure, picking your baselayer is crucial. Your next-to-skin layer not only regulates your temperature, but also manages sweat and provides the foundation for an effective layering system.
Merino wool has become one of the most trusted performance fabrics amongst hikers, runners and adventurers. But what makes this natural material so special?
We take a deeper dive into the wonders of Merino, and why it might just be your next essential…
Ethically-Produced
Made from ethically-produced mulesing-free Merino wool, the materials used in our Merino layers have been certified by the Responsible Wool Standard. To achieve this certification, the wool farmer and INOV8 must meet rigorous animal welfare, land management and social requirements.
Merino sheep produce a very fine, soft wool, so you get all of the benefits of wool without the scratchy feeling of standard wool fabric.
Temperature Regulation
The natural properties of the wool make Merino insulating in cold weather by trapping air in its fibres, helping you regulate your own temperature and keep yourself cosy.
When conditions are warmer, the material keeps you comfortable by wicking sweat away from your skin and drying quickly.
We all know conditions can change in an instant, whether you’ve reached a mountain peak and are swept up in frosty winds, or you’ve pushed particularly hard on a run and have started to overheat. Adaptable baselayers keep you comfortable and reduce the need for changing clothes or reaching into your bag for a midlayer when you’d rather keep pushing on.
INOV8 Athlete Andy Berry, wearing the merino hoodie and RACEPAC 10.
Moisture Management
Sweat is inevitable when hiking, running and generally just existing. Unlike synthetic materials, that wick sweat away but can feel damp to the touch, merino wool absorbs water quickly and efficiently. This leaves you with a dry feeling material that maintains your correct temperature without you feeling clammy.
Odour Resistance
Because wool is naturally odour resistant, it keeps you smelling fresh and requires less frequent washing. Perfect for multi-day adventures where you need to pack light by reusing kit, or for long travel days where you want to feel fresh. It’s also handy for the ‘not-clean-not-dirty’ pile of running kit we know you all have!
Versatility
Thanks to its temperature regulating abilities, Merino wool is an amazing essential layer that performs well anywhere. You can wear it under an insulating mid-layer and outer shell in the winter, on its own in the summer, or under a waterproof in the spring and autumn. Though It's best to wear a long sleeve under a waterproof jacket to maximise its effectiveness.
But Why 100% Merino?
You get all the above benefits without compromise. When you dilute Merino with synthetic materials you sacrifice the temperature regulating and anti-odour properties.
It’s also more environmentally conscious. Synthetic fabrics can take years and years to biodegrade, so when you choose 100% Merino wool, you’re helping limit this pollution with a fabric that will naturally decompose in soil.
If you spend a lot of time outdoors, investing in a quality merino wool baselayer can extend and improve every adventure – from fast morning runs to multi-day hiking expeditions.
NATURALFIT™
Featuring a comfortable, natural fit, our 100% Merino wool layers allow full range of movement and feel neither too tight nor too loose. This makes them supremely comfortable to wear for hiking, running or any other outdoor activity.
Our merino layers are also designed with unobtrusive seams, meaning the layer works perfectly both for fast-paced running with a lot of movement, and for longer days out on the hills when hiking.
Learn more about NATURALFIT™ here.
