Wool hiking gear has long been used by weekend hikers and adventurous explorers. However, cheaper synthetics often overshadowed this miracle fiber. Wool has recently started making a resurgence in the market as brands aim to offer durable, sustainable, and eco-friendly options thanks to increasing consumer demands. While wool can be a more expensive material, the benefits it offers to consumers outweigh the cost. Wool holds up extremely well in nearly all conditions and is an incredibly comfortable garment. Let's take a look at the hype and discover why wool may be your best option for your next hiking layer purchase.
Wool has natural anti-microbial properties
The antimicrobial properties of wool have been known for centuries. In fact, the ancient Incas used to disinfect their surgical tools with a blend of sheep's blood and wool and Siberians in the frozen tundra relied on wool to ward off frostbite. Today, scientists are still studying the natural antibacterial properties of wool.
One of the reasons wool has such strong antibacterial properties is its high levels of lanolin. Lanolin is a natural wax that is found in the sheep's skin and wool. It has potent antimicrobial properties that kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses that would irritate the sheep's skin. This natural wax continues working after the wool has been sheared from the sheep, adding the same protection to your skin.
Wool also contains other natural compounds that have antibacterial properties. These compounds include phenols and terpenes. Phenols are a type of organic compound that have antimicrobial activity. Terpenes are a type of hydrocarbon that are also effective against bacteria. Working together, these properties not only help protect you from bacteria, but they can reduce the stink that is quite persistent in many synthetic materials. This means that a single layer can be worn more times between washings than synthetic materials can - less layers in your bag lead to less weight and a more enjoyable trek.
Wool is a natural insulator
Wool is a good insulator because it is a poor conductor of both heat and electricity. The crimps between the fibers of wool trap act as an insulator, reducing the transmission of heat between the fabric. This works for both cold and warm climates. In the same way that wool prevents the cold from getting in during the winter, it prevents heat from penetrating in the summer. Therefore, wool truly can keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer due to this layer of temperature regulating material.
Wool also has a high specific heat, which means it can absorb a lot of heat without changing temperature. This makes wool a good material for winter clothing and bedding which could get wet from snow and ice. The old saying "cotton kills" in reference to cotton holding liquid and freezing in cold climates, does not apply to wool.
Wool is water resistant
When thinking of wool, you may think of the old fishermen sweaters with the iconic knot designs. Fishermen don't flock to wool because of the fashion, but because wool not only warms but also resists water from soaking the body. That's why so many outdoor enthusiasts choose wool as their go-to fabric for jackets, vests, hats and more.
Wool's water resistance is due to its structure, which is similar to fiberglass. The fibers of wool are made up of a tough outer layer around a soft core. This creates significant surface area which works to wick away moisture. Additionally, the lanolin of the wool discussed earlier repels surface water due it's waxy properties.
Now, it's important to note that wool is not waterproof, and garments can get soaked. So it's always a good idea to utilize a waterproof rain jacket over wool layers if the forecast is calling for precipitation.
Wool is durable
You might think that lab-made, synthetic materials, like polyester, would be a better choice than wool because they are more durable. However, according to the Wool Bureau, wool is actually more durable than synthetic materials. The fibers of wool can be bent over 10x the number of times that cotton or synthetic fibers can bend before breaking, which means that those wool garments can withstand greater usage and go further on the trail before needing replacements.
Additionally, as wool garments can go longer without being washed, their durable integrity lasts longer. Washing is one of the quickest ways to break down fibers, but it is of course necessary for proper sanitation. So, with more time between washing cycles, your wool materials will have a slower breakdown.
Wool is eco-friendly
Wool is not just good for hikes, but when made properly, it is a sustainable and eco-friendly material. Wool is a natural fiber that comes from sheep, so it doesn't require any harmful chemicals or synthetic materials to produce. Most synthetic materials are produced with petrol-based chemicals (plastics) that pollute during manufacturing, release micro-plastics when being washed, and take decades, if not centuries, to decompose after use.
Additionally, wool is biodegradable and can be reused or recycled - wool can even break down in just a few months depending on the dyes used for coloring. Finally, the production of wool is can be very ethical - when done properly. Sheep are well-treated and humanely sheered, a process which is actually beneficial to the sheep. Much like that haircut in the summer feels cool & refreshing for you, a proper sheering is refreshing for sheep. It also helps protect against bacteria, infection, and dirt build-up. It's important to research the wool providers to ensure that ethical methods are being implemented, and that the wool is certified mulesing-free. There are, unfortunately, bad actors in the wool industry that practice unethical methods. These providers should be avoided.
When you're looking for your next hiking layer, consider wool. Wool layers are the best choice for hikers because they are anti-bacterial, they perform well in all temperatures, and they can be sustainable and ethical. Whether hiking the AT, trekking Kilimanjaro, or exploring a national park day-hike, a quality wool layer may just be your favorite new gear addition.