As Double U launches its new line of Merino wool products, many of our customers are going to wonder; What's so special about this particular sheep?
History of Merino Wool
Merino wool is the Cadillac of fabrics when it comes to clothing designed for the outdoors, especially when contrasted with cotton. From a historical perspective, however, it can be closely compared to silk. Merino wool was established in Spain's Iberian Peninsula during the 12th century and for over 600 years, was strictly a Spanish material. Selling the breed outside of the country was against royal Spanish law, and much like silk in ancient China, anyone who shared secrets about the fiber or sold it without royal permission risked the death penalty. And again like silk, wear a garment made from Merino, and you can feel the luxury. Due to its soft feel, yet impeccable resistance to the elements, it's not hard to see why the Spanish were so protective of their sheep and didn't formally export Royal Merino wool elsewhere until the late 1700s. In fact, it wasn't until Charles IV of Spain formally gifted a flock to his cousin, the King of Saxony, that the Merino monopoly ended, and the wool finally found its way out of Spain. Selective breeding by shepherds in France, South Africa, the American colonies, and Australia created the many different types of sophisticated and distinct merino wool we know today.
While Merino sheep were traditionally domesticated and bred in Spain, they originally hail from the Atlas mountains of Morocco. Flocks of wild sheep would normally have to endure rapidly changing conditions, ranging from -5 ° to 95 ° Fahrenheit. Thus, they naturally developed a type of wool perfect for manufacturing outdoor fabrics. Cool in the summer, and warm in the winter, Merino wool fiber is a fraction of the width of human hair, giving the material a softer feel, and unlike traditional wool, won't begin to weigh you down or smell when wet. In fact, Merino mimics the consistency of Alpaca wool, so unlike traditional wool, itchiness is never an issue.
Merino Wool vs. Cotton
Unless you're on a day hike in an area where there's absolutely zero chance of poor conditions, standard cotton actually makes a less-than perfect choice of apparel. Being that cotton is an extremely absorbent fiber, and holding up to 27 times its own weight in water, your standard cotton T-shirt or sweatshirt is going to lock in any sort of perspiration in hot climates, and will remain uncomfortably damp and heavy in the cold or rain. Anyone who's had to peel off a sticky, damp cotton shirt after a summer run or being caught in a rainstorm can confirm. Merino wool contains a chemical known as lanolin, a natural wax found in sheep's wool that repels rain and other moisture, yet causes few issues in those with allergies or sensitive skin.
During field tests with our new Merino wool designs, the fabric breathed well in calm, cool, 55 degree weather, yet provided a solid barrier against the elements. External moisture was no problem; even in damp, foggy morning conditions, the fabric stayed dry and kept a comfortable degree of warmth, without the stiffness, stuffiness, and weight of standard wool. After 9 miles at a steady pace, our field tester stopped and sat down just to see if she would catch a chill (common during a break or after exercise outdoors). After half an hour, her body temperature didn't change. According to the internal thermometer on her Garmin watch, her core temperature was consistently regulated throughout her trip, arriving back to the truck at essentially the same level of comfort as when she had left her vehicle that morning. Merino wool can keep you comfortable while you're on the move, and will prevent a draft at the tree after a long run once your body begins to cool while stationary.
How Should I Wear It?
Double U is dropping three specific Merino designs for the 2022 Fall/Winter season: The Merino Wool Short-Sleeve T-Shirt, The Merino Long-Sleeve Quarter-Zip, and the Merino Wool Pant. When many people think of wool, they instinctively imagine a heavy flannel, or a thick sweater. Double U's Merino wool is 150 GSM (Grams per Square Meter), designed with activity in mind. So while our Merino collection is perfect for the houndsman booking it through the woods on a brisk morning, a deer hunter remaining stationary in a tree stand all day is going to catch a chill if this is all he brings. Ours is a lighter fabric designed to wick away perspiration, so if barbed-wire fences or briars are going to be an obstacle on your way to the tree, these garments will work better as a base layer, and a sturdier Pro Staff hoodie worn over may be in order.
Do yourself a favor this season, and outfit yourself with one or more of our new Merino garments. Control your body temperature, ignore your environment, and eliminate excess perspiration. Resisting moisture, this set of clothing is perfect for those long outings, and doesn't smell up the tent even after a couple of days being worn. Merino will have you going farther and faster without sacrificing comfort, and your body will thank you (as well as whoever does the laundry back at home).
