Wool shirts, wool pants, wool socks and even wool underwear. There are a lot of woolen clothes designed for traveling. Wool is especially popular for outdoor clothing designed for activities like hiking, trekking and camping. 

So why is wool, and specifically merino wool, so popular in travel wear? Well, it has lots of good qualities that ensure you are comfortable whatever you are doing and whatever the weather. Here are five reasons why merino wool is one of the best clothes fabric for travel. 

1. Wool Regulates Body Temperature

One of the most remarkable qualities of wool is how it’s able to maintain a comfortable body temperature in any kind of weather. That’s why wool clothing is just as popular for summer travel as it is for mountaineering. 

When it is hot, merino wool keeps you cool by allowing efficient heat transfer from your body and into the air. It also absorbs sweat, which aids your body’s own natural cooling process. 

When it gets cold, merino wool turns into an insulator. The fibers adjust to trap body warmth, keeping you toasty in the chill. 

2. Wool Absorbs Sweat and Dries Quickly 

Another awesome property of merino wool is its excellent moisture-control. If you are traveling in warm weather or doing anything that will make you sweat like hiking or cycling, wool clothing is a great choice. 

It readily absorbs sweat from your skin, which does two things. One, as we have mentioned, it helps you stay cool. Two, it keeps your skin dry and comfortable. No clammy skin, sweat acne, or sweaty odor. 

Wool doesn't just absorb sweat, it also lets go of it quickly. That’s really important. Cotton is great at absorbing sweat, but it stays damp and can even be risky in cold weather (because of hypothermia). 

Wool dries super fast, even when you get rained on. By the way, another advantage of the quick-drying nature of wool is that you can do laundry while traveling and your clothes will be dry in no time. 

3. Wool is Soft and Hypoallergenic 

Some people think of wool and imagine that itchy sweater they got for christmas. But wool is nothing like that. Merino wool clothing is incredibly soft on the skin, making it a good choice even for those with delicate or sensitive skin. 

Wool is also hypoallergenic, meaning it is unlikely to cause an allergenic reaction. 

That said, some people have a wool allergy. They react to lanolin, a wax layer that covers sheep wool. If you experience itchiness, runny nose and other symptoms whenever you wear wool clothing, you might be allergic. 

Alpaca wool is a good alternative with many of the same benefits as merino wool. Alpaca wool doesn't have lanolin, so it is safe if you are allergic to it. 

4. Wool is Versatile 

Because of its many and varied benefits, merino wool is one of the most versatile fabrics. It is suitable for just about any situation and weather. 

It’s great for cold weather whether you are mountaineering or doing some winter traveling. It’s ideal for warmer weather in the spring and summer. It’s soft and comfy to wear while lounging at home or a hotel. You can also wear it during sweaty activities like running.

You can also see wool’s versatility in all the different kinds of clothing that’s made from it: sweaters, pants, socks, underwear, button-down shirts, t-shirts, tank tops and more. You can also get accessories like hats, beanies, and headbands made from wool. 

5. Wool is Durable  

Well made wool clothing can last for years and years with minimal wear and tear. So even though it is pricey, it’s usually worth it. Traveling is especially tough on clothes. So if you travel a lot, wool clothing is a great investment. 

Additional Benefits of Wool

• Wool is naturally odor-resistant, so it helps you stay fresh when traveling. Wool is also one of the best materials, other than the Hercleon self-cleaning clothes, that we recommend if you want to re-wear clothes multiple times without washing.  
• Because it stays dry, wool clothing is resistant to mold and mildew. 
• Wool clothes are fire retardant, meaning they are difficult to ignite and they burn slowly. This is unlike synthetic clothes that burn fast and can melt and drip when on fire.  
• Natural fabrics like cotton and linen are notorious for wrinkling. Not so with wool. Wool clothing doesn't wrinkle easily and the few wrinkles it might get come off easily. This adds a lot of convenience when traveling. You can take out your wool shirt from the suitcase and immediately put it on.