Wool has long been the preferred fabric for the outdoors. It is renowned for its breathability, warmth, and resistance to dirt and odor. But with all of the new technical fabrics on the market, is wool still a good choice for backpacking?
The answer is a resounding yes! Wool is an excellent fabric for backpacking due to its natural properties.
It is lightweight yet incredibly warm, wicks away moisture quickly, and can be layered easily. It also resists odors and dirt, making it ideal for those long hikes where you don’t have time or energy to keep your clothes clean.
Wool’s breathability is also unmatched. This allows air to circulate around your body so that you stay cool in hot weather and warm in cold weather. In addition, wool absorbs up to 30% of its weight in water without feeling wet or clammy — perfect for those rainy days out on the trail.
If you are looking for something more durable than wool, synthetic fabrics are probably a better choice. They are typically more abrasion-resistant than wool and can handle more wear-and-tear without breaking down. However, synthetics do not offer the same level of breathability as wool.
Conclusion:
All in all, wool is an excellent material choice for backpacking thanks to its many natural properties such as warmth, breathability, moisture wicking capabilities, resistance to dirt and odor and durability. It may not be as durable as synthetic fabrics but it certainly offers more comfort in hot or cold climates. Ultimately it comes down to personal preference but if you’re looking for a lightweight and comfortable material that will keep you warm in any environment then wool should definitely be considered.