
The Best Hiking Socks of 2023: Staff Picks
Learn what our experts recommend for keeping your tootsies warm through any outdoor activity.
The Best Hiking Socks of 2023: Staff Picks
Learn what our experts recommend for keeping your tootsies warm through any outdoor activity.
What to Wear Hiking
Learn about clothes that can help you hike more comfortably, and get strategies for cutting the weight and bulk of clothing in your pack.
How to Choose Base Layers
Choosing the right underwear (base layer) is essential—learn how moisture-wicking materials, fabric weight and fit affect comfort in the outdoors.
What to Wear Backpacking
Learn which clothes to bring backpacking in order to keep your pack light while making sure you'll have everything you need.
How to Choose Hiking Socks
Choosing the right hiking socks will keep your feet happy during the long haul. This article covers sock height, cushioning, fabric and fit.
Layering Basics
Learn the basics of layering clothing so you can stay comfortable outdoors. Includes info on base layers, middle layers and shell layers.
Merino wool is high-quality wool that comes from merino sheep, which are primarily found in New Zealand. Soft, breathable, moisture-wicking and naturally odor-resistant, it’s an ideal fabric for active base layers.
This is not your grandparents’ itchy woolies. Merino wool has almost completely replaced traditional wool thanks to its soft, ultrafine fibers. Wool can also be blended with other fabrics, like spandex to enhance fit and flexibility. Merino wool has the following characteristics:
In general, you should wash your merino base layers as infrequently as possible. (Most people can get three to four wears out of a merino wool garment before needing to wash it because of the odor, but this will vary depending on the person and the specific layer.) When you do wash your merino gear, consider handwashing it with a wool-specific soap. Avoid products containing bleach or fabric softeners, as these can damage and weaken the wool fibers, causing them to warp when they dry.