The best wool clothing for outdoor athletes is designed to accommodate rugged environments, to protect the body, and to reduce your odor. Although it’s usually more expensive than competitive synthetic products, it’s substantially more eco-friendly and built to support athletic use. If you’re in the market for an environmentally-friendly backcountry getup, you may benefit from the purchase of wool products. The following wool items are some of the market’s top picks due to quality, design, and affordability.
| Best Value: | Wuru Wool Long Sleeve Nuyarn(R) |
| Most Durable: | Kari Traa Rose Wool High Waist Pant & Half Zip Base Layer Top |
| Best Fit: | Duckworth Vapor Tee |
| Best Style: | Smartwool Merino 250 Base Layer Pattern Top & Bottom |
Wuru Wool Long Sleeve Nuyarn(R)
MSRP: $69.95
Color: 5 options
Size: SM-XXL
The Wuru Wool Long Sleeve Nuyarn(R) is a great piece of clothing on its own. But it also makes a great layer for chilly mountain expeditions. Unlike some wool shirts, the fabric isn’t itchy or uncomfortable, which means that you can wear it as your base layer without worrying about skin irritation. The result is a soft, impressive layer of warmth.
The Wuru Wool Long Sleeve Nuyarn(R) shirt is made with 85% merino wool, and 15% nylon in order to create a hardworking, durable product. It has a below the waist fit, making it great for those who prefer a little extra length. And it was made in the USA.
After spending a winter in this shirt, I was impressed by its thermal retention, odor-proof capabilities, and soft touch. And at a $69.95 price point, there are few long sleeve wool shirts that provide as much value for the cost. Whether I was spending the weekend at home, or headed to a multi-pitch climb in the mountains, this shirt was effortlessly comfortable.
Smartwool Merino 250 Base Layer Pattern Top & Bottom
MSRP: $110-115
Color: 7-12 options
Size: XS-XL
Smartwool has been setting the industry’s standards for manufacturing high-quality wool products for many years. And the Merino 250 Base Layer Pattern Top & Bottom attest to the brand’s credibility. Both the top and the bottom are true to size, slim fitting, and complimentary to the female figure. Featuring 7 different print options for the bottoms, and 12 prints for the tops, this wool base layer is among the most colorful and eye-catching products on the market.
The Smartwool Merino 250 Base Layer Pattern Top & Bottom are made with 100% merino wool, making them completely organic. Yet, they’re still machine washable, and capable of standing the test of time. The pants weigh just 7.34 ounces and the top weighs 8.32 ounces, making them great companions to cold-weather athletes.
I was lucky enough to take these base layers to the top of the tallest mountain on the east coast under the season’s worst weather conditions. And despite my perspiration, consistent snow, and rain, I maintained my comfort levels for 12 hours of hiking. Not only are these base layers completely impressive in their functionality, but they’re also really good looking.
Woolly Baseball Tee
MSRP: $54.99
Color: 2 options
Size: SM-XXL
Woolly is a Seattle-based company with a passion for creating environmentally-friendly activewear for outdoor athletes. Recognizing the environmental consequences of manufacturing synthetic activewear, this brand began manufacturing 100% wool clothing like the Woolly Baseball Tee. This particular product is made with an everyday wool weight, making it a great companion for year-round use. It’s a multi-functional t-shirt that can swiftly switch between casual, work, and athletic environments.
The Woolly Baseball Tee is a terrific mid-layer with flatlock seams. And it’s made with 100% 18.5 micron merino wool. Compared to other wool shirts, the Baseball Tee is substantially less bulky, making it ideal for year-round use. Woolly also offers free shipping to clients, offering a financial incentive for eco-conscious buyers.
I found the Woolly Baseball Tee to be comfortable, durable, and extremely versatile. Initially, the shirt did have a faint scent that I couldn’t quite pinpoint. But a few washes seem to have taken care of the smell. As far as functionality goes, a tshirt like the Woolly Baseball Tee is ideal for athletes of all kinds.
Duckworth Vapor Tee
MSRP: $65
Color: 5 options
Size: XS-XL
Duckworth is a Montana company that focuses its efforts on sourcing wool locally from start to finish. While the majority of wool clothing companies outsource materials, Duckworth begins the manufacturing of wool the Duckworth sheep ranch. Duckworth makes a range of different products from underwear to hoodies. But one of my favorite items was the Duckworth Vapor Tee. For just $65, it’s possible to find a performance-tested t-shirt with a great fit, a durable design, and a rugged construction. This t-shirt allows your body to breathe in the heat of the summer, but it’s also a great layer when the temperatures dip low.
A second favorite Duckworth item of mine was the Women’s Vapor Brief, which costs $40 and is made with a blend of wool, polyester, and modal. Together, these materials work together to give you an antimicrobial undergarment that helps to control your body temperature.
After regular use in the humid South Carolina climate, I found that both the Vapor Tee, and the Vapor Brief performed astoundingly well. Not only did I have to wash them less frequently than my standard clothing items, but they were also more comfortable, versatile, and athletic-friendly. Duckworth products are itch-free, cooling, and even quick-drying.
Kari Traa Rose Wool High Waist Pant & Half Zip Base Layer Top
MSRP: $100-110
Color: 9-12 options
Size: XS-XL
Have you ever wanted to head to the backcountry with thermals that don’t look embarrassing? Do you break into a fit of tears every time you manage to tear the delicate fabric of your base layers? If so, you might benefit from the Kari Traa Rose Wool High Waist Pant & Half Zip Base Layer Top. These are some of the most durable base layers that I’ve had the pleasure of testing. And I’ve tested a few in my day.
Made out of 100% merino wool, one might expect a somewhat delicate layer of warmth when wearing Kari Traa. But these thermals blew me away. Not only was I able to wear them daily in rugged environments without any sign of wear, but they also minimized chafing, and maintained their integrity while I was on the move.
These garments are made to compliment curves. And the patterns are eye-catching. Plus, Kari Traa makes their products while keeping animal welfare at the forefront of their mind.
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