merino travel wear

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How to Make the Most of

Merino Wool Travel Clothing

A guide to the special qualities and needs of the travel “super fabric.”

• 01. Introduction
• 02. Clothing
• 04. Conclusion

There are many fabrics you could choose for travel clothing, but this is one of the best.

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What is Merino Wool Fabric?

Packing for a trip can be such a chore and requires some tough decisions. You have eight of your best travel shirts, but only have room for four. You may not know when and where you’ll be able to do laundry on your journey—and that’s the fun & spontaneity of travel! Do you bring more clothes to last longer between washes or less and just say screw it? If you’re hitting up snowy mountains and balmy beaches in one trip, do you try to pack clothes for all seasons and end up with a huge, overweight bag?

Well, Merino wool can solve a lot of your packing problems. It is one of the best travel fabrics out there, straight up. Packing one Merino wool t shirt is like the equivalent of packing five cotton tees when it comes to freshness. It will keep you cool in the heat, warm in the cold, you don’t have to wash it every time you wear it and we almost guarantee it will become your best travel shirt—so you’ll only need a few. It’s going to cost you a pretty penny for the better brands, but the benefits of the material are worth it… if you take care of it correctly.

History of Merino Wool

Merino wool sheep were first bred in Spain and introduced to Australia in 1797. Fibers of the sheep became even finer when Australian farmers continued to perfect the quality with selective breeding. But wool’s big break in the fashion world didn’t come until the 1920’s when Coco Chanel produced a dress out of fine wool jersey. Today, designers and woolgrowers work together to connect consumers with the natural benefits of this awesome fabric.

Fun fact: The first wool sweaters date back to 230AD according to radiocarbon testing, making it one of the oldest materials still used today!

Video Guide Part 1: Intro – Why Merino Wool?

Feel free to watch this guide section in video format. We’ll keep the written content on this page up to date.

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Benefits of Merino Wool: Some of the Best Travel Clothing Available

Soft and Comfortable

You’re thinking “wool, ugh that’s itchy.” Wrong! Merino wool is the finest wool fiber there is, making it way better than that sweater your grandma knitted you for your birthday. It’s also hypoallergenic so you likely won’t have any skin reactions at all. AND it’s naturally static resistant.

Natural Antimicrobial Properties

Antimicrobial is a fancy way of saying Merino wool prevents odor-causing bacteria from growing due to its awesome moisture control. Meaning: *drum roll…* you don’t have to wash it as often! But how does this work? Well, keep reading…

Quick Drying and Sweat-Wicking

Merino wool can absorb and retain up to 30% of its weight in moisture and still feel dry to the touch. Since the fabric wicks away moisture, those smelly bacteria don’t have the moist environment they need to thrive. Wear your Merino wool t shirt in the desert, on the slopes, or in the gym and you’ll be sure to remain dry and stink-free. Well, your clothes will anyway…you should still shower.

Warm in Cool Weather and Cool in Hot Weather

Those sheep know what’s good. Scientifically, Merino wool is awesome at temperature regulation because of its fiber construction. There’s an outer layer and an inner layer to the fabric. The outer is hydrophobic (water-repelling), and the inner is hydrophilic (water-absorbing). The inner layer absorbs your sweat, leaving you cool and dry, while the outer layer repels moisture, leaving you warm and toasty in colder climates.

Natural Elasticity

If taken care of properly (which we’ll cover in another section of this guide), your products won’t stretch out or lose their shape! Due to the natural crimp in the fiber, it can be stretched 30,000 times without being damaged, apparently. We haven’t tested this out ourselves, but maybe we can get an intern on it or something.

Natural Sun Protection

Merino wool has a natural UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) of 40+ to protect your skin from those killer cancer-causing rays we all love so much. A UPF of 40 means the product will block ~97% of UV rays from reaching your skin AND you can use less of that chemical-laden sunblock. Believe it or not, polyester has roughly the same UV protection, but a lightweight cotton T-shirt has a UPF 5, blocking around 20% of the rays.

Biodegradable

Nothing lasts forever, but when your clothing is ready to retire, sleep easy knowing that your merino wool products won’t be sitting in a landfill for too long. Because the fiber is made of keratin—which is the same protein our hair and skin is composed of—it will disintegrate back into the earth within 1-5 years. Synthetic fibers, like nylon, take 30-40 years to degrade. Yikes.

Merino Wool vs Regular Wool

The major difference here is that Merino wool is much softer than regular wool. Regular wool is what your mind recalls as itchy, and we’re here to change that stigma. Merino is totally different in the “touchy feely” category because its fibers are much finer than those of regular wool producing sheep. Both varieties share the epically awesome benefits of wicking, quick drying, elasticity and moisture control though.

Fun fact: most Merino sheep live in Australia and New Zealand.

Merino Wool vs Cotton

Besides the obvious that wool comes from an animal and cotton from a plant, there are several differences between these two popular fabric choices. Merino wool has great heat retention, where cotton is more breathable. Cotton might be a great option for the summer, but it will absorb all your sweat leaving you wet and smelly. Merino, on the other hand, will wick away your sweat creating your own wearable A/C system. Due to the antimicrobial properties of the fabric, you can wash it less often than cotton. Unless you’d like to spend your travels at the laundromat waiting for clothing to dry, we’ll call this a benefit.

Merino Wool vs Synthetic Fabric

There are a lot of great arguments over whether Merino wool or synthetic materials are better suited for base layers. One could argue that synthetic fabrics dry faster, which would definitely help if you’re an overly sweaty person. It’s also cheaper than wool and easier to care for, but we don’t think those minor benefits outweigh the massive pros of Merino wool. It is a natural fiber—AKA, when you’re done with it, it will decompose in a landfill pretty quickly. After you toss your synthetics, they’ll sit in that dump for 30-40 years before decomposing. Merino will also keep you warmer than synthetics, it’s usually softer to the touch, and it retains less odor allowing you to wear each piece of clothing more between washes. In the end, it really comes down to your personal preference though (we won’t judge).

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This magic fabric covers all your basics, from t-shirts to socks and everything in between.

Merino Wool Clothing For Travel

You’d be surprised at all of the common products made of Merino wool—we certainly were. Also, the brands you choose to go with do make a difference, as many companies use different grades & weaves of the fabric. The best Merino wool clothing can last for years while the lowest quality will only last a matter of months.

Video Guide Part 2: Merino Products

Merino Wool T-Shirts

Packing Merino wool t shirts can save space in your bag and save you a lot of laundry time. Plus, they’re so soft you’ll want to wear them all the time. Seriously, these are the best travel shirts. We recommend having at least two, but probably no more than four for longer-term travel. If you have two of these shirts, it will give you the option to leave one hanging out to dry at your hotel, hostel, or AirBnB while you’re out exploring and wearing the other one. It is also worth considering getting darker colored tees. We’ve found dark colors make for the best travel shirts because you can wash them less—they won’t pick up dirt or sweat stains as easily. When purchasing, take a look at the fabric thickness, usually indicated by “gsm” or “g/m²” (Grams Per Square Meter). Most companies will have a lighter weight version that’s optimal for warmer climates but if you want more durability or you’re in a colder climate, thicker is better. Most Merino wool t shirts are rated between 150gsm and 190gsm. Remember, Merino wool will regulate your body temperature in both hot and cold situations.

We’ve tested this tee with over 200 wears during a year and a half of use and still love it. The fit is very modern and it always looks sharp. Its magical properties keep you warm in the cold and cool in the heat, though the price tag is a bit hefty.

The durability isn’t quite as high with Woolly products, but the price tag is easier to digest if you’re new to this fabric.

The material feels a tad thicker than our other two picks, however, it’s a solid shirt with some good durability.

Merino Wool Buff

What’s a buff? It’s headwear that you need to have! You can wear a buff many different ways, from a hat, a scarf, a headband, a face mask—basically, it can be whatever you need it to be. It’s lightweight and the Merino fibers provide a good warmth to weight ratio. Carrying one Merino wool buff is way more practical than packing a bulky knit scarf that will eventually smell and falls on the floor every time you hang it on the back of your dinner chair. The quick-drying properties come in especially handy with a buff, ensuring that your face and head stay dry and warm.

Using a Merino Wool Buff

With one tube-shaped piece of Merino wool the possibilities are endless! This buff is great for travel packing because of its versatility, it’s quick drying properties, and it doesn’t retain odors. It also blocks 95% of UV rays. Bonus points for this brand because the buff is seamless which eliminates those irritating hems and seams that typically rub against your skin.

Merino Wool Underwear

When you see wool underwear, you probably automatically think, “No way in hell would I intentionally put something itchy down there.” We’re here to tell you that Merino wool underwear is not the least bit itchy. It’s actually super comfortable & soft. The wool is naturally antimicrobial and anti-stink, which means you can wear them multiple times before washing—that is if you can mentally handle the idea of re-wearing your underwear, and not just because you turned it inside out. The quick drying nature will keep you from feeling everyone’s least favorite word, moist. *Shudder* We recommend bringing 2-4 pairs with you: two if you’re feeling adventurous. Four is more the norm if you don’t want to do laundry often, plus since underwear is small it’s easy to pack more.

The Dailys Boxer Brief are super soft. Like really, really soft. They are form fitting and don’t bunch up, which is obviously awesome. The only problem is they get shredded up after 9 months. We got a solid 75 wears out of them, but we’re still searching for the perfect pair!

Merino Wool Socks

Everyone has been in a situation where your feet are super sweaty throughout the day and when you finally take your shoes off your socks are soaked and smelly. Not the case with Merino wool socks because they will regulate your foot temperature with Merino’s natural moisture control. But wait, there’s more! Like all other products in this category, they are antimicrobial and anti-stink so you can wear them a couple times between washes if needed. Merino wool socks can be durable AF, depending on the brand. It’s important to look for a blend of wool and lycra, spandex, or nylon. If there is too much wool, they won’t be durable or form fitting to your feet.

A little thicker than other socks, they’re still a good fit on the foot and inside your shoe. Darn Tough offers an amazing warranty as well—yes, a warranty on socks! If these socks aren’t the most comfortable, durable and best fitting socks you’ve owned you can return them with no questions. Though, we assure you they are extremely durable and definitely worth the purchase.

Merino Wool Button-Down Shirts

It’s good to look presentable every now and then while traveling, right? Whether you’re trying to look decent for the customs agent, headed to a nice dinner, or wanting to look sharp on the road while interviewing for a remote gig—a button down can give you a bit more of a polished look than a simple t-shirt. Whoever you’re trying to impress doesn’t need to know you’ve hardly ever washed it either.

Wool & Prince offers a pretty great selection of Merino wool button-downs. They’re slightly itchy and take a bit to break in at first, but once everything is locked in, their button-downs are a great companion to have on the road.

Merino Wool Workout-Focused Clothing and Gear

Whether its a tank top, t-shirt or runners, this magical fabric is actually perfect for working out because it’s quick drying, sweat-wicking, anti-odor and it regulates your temperature. Plus, you can usually get away with wearing your Merino “gym clothes” as “regular clothes,” unlike a lot of the sporty-looking synthetic garments out there. If you’re in a pinch, you can air dry your gear before putting them back in your bag, which will help prevent the onset of smells even longer. While you can go a few wears between washes with this workout gear, like any other material, the more you sweat the faster the clothes will smell regardless of the antimicrobial properties.

The thin fabric of the Icebreaker Merino Anatomica Tank is ideal for compression in your bag. Be sure to air dry it if you’re in a hurry after a workout to help get any smells out. It’s easy to wash in the sink and it’s quick drying. To add some durability, the tank is a blend of 83% Merino wool, 12% nylon and 5% lycra. The price tag is decently high, but worth it if you’re cramming everything into a small bag. One of the only cons of this tank is that the tag washes out after some time, making it hard to tell which way to put it on.

Merino Wool For Women

There are a decent amount of Merino wool products out there, but it seems the market is mostly geared towards menswear at the moment. Don’t get us wrong, there are definitely garments for women, but the pickings are a little slim. In our research, we’ve found that most Merino womenswear is designed as tight fitting workout clothing or frumpy cardigans. Just because you’re traveling doesn’t mean you should forgo your personal style, and we just haven’t found anything we love in that department yet. However, there are certainly no rules stopping women from buying the men’s products and reaping those benefits too. We’ll be sure to update this guide as we learn about new products.

UPDATE: Around the time of the initial publishing of this guide, Woolly has launched an entire women-focused line ! We haven’t had a chance to test or review any of their women’s merino wool clothing yet though.

Caring for wool may seem daunting, but we promise it's not.

How To Care For Merino Wool

Disclaimer: This guide will work for most Merino wool garments, but be sure to check with your individual brand’s care instructions first and foremost.

So now you know why this magical fabric is worth the extra bucks. But do you know how to make it last?

The first thing you should know is that because of its antimicrobial properties, you can actually wash Merino wool LESS than all your other clothes. Think about it, what’s the number one reason you do laundry? So your sh*t don’t stink right?

But how often is “not often?” You have to use your personal judgement and what you feel comfortable with based on how much you sweat and how much you enjoy doing laundry when you’re traveling the world. Generally, we suggest washing Merino wool t-shirts every 10-20 wears and, no judgement, underwear every 5-10 wears. Other people say we could go even longer! If that grosses you out, we won’t be offended, so feel free to wash more frequently, but know that the lifecycle of the product just might be cut short the more you submerge it in soap.

Video Guide Part 3: Caring for Merino Wool

How To Wash

Every brand and individual product will have its own care instructions, but we’ve done the research on some of the best practices to use based on your label. But who knows how to actually read those labels? Sometimes it looks like a picture book of how to cook ramen noodles without a stove.

In all seriousness, those symbols are important. Mess up the instructions and your shirt might be fit for your niece’s doll or your dog. There goes that $100 investment. Take our advice and try to learn the true meaning of some of the laundry symbols , which will help your wool products—and all your garments—live their best life.

On to the Washing

When you’re traveling, battling a language barrier at the laundromat while trying to explain how you want your washing done can be unnecessarily stressful and potentially costly if you’re not familiar with the native language.

Following these simple steps will usually do the trick for your handwashables and even those labeled machine wash.

Hand-washing Darn Tough Merino Wool Socks

• Turn your garments inside out—this will help retain that “new look” for as long as possible.
• Soak and swish in the sink for a minute with tepid water and a neutral soap. A neutral soap is anything with a pH balance of 7, which is the same pH as water. Fabric softeners and bleach are always a no no! The softeners coat the fibers and reduce its ability to naturally regulate temperature and moisture. See our soap suggestions below.
• Let the garments soak for 15 minutes. Afterwords, you can run the item under some water for a quick rinse, but it’s not entirely necessary due to the crimping of the fabric fibers (the soap doesn’t penetrate all the way through).
• Lay pieces flat to dry. Hanging will cause your clothes to stretch in weird areas from the weight of the water. You should also store the garments folded up to help maintain the shape.

All About the Suds

Carrying soap with you can take up valuable real estate in your travel backpack or luggage. There are a variety of products from shampoo bars to wool specific cleaners that you can use at home or on the go.

Multipurpose Soaps

These products are awesome because you can bring only one thing and use it for your hair, body, clothes and even the dishes if you’re in a pinch. When traveling, liquids and space are a premium, so we prefer this option when on the road.

A tiny bar of soap & shampoo that lasts much longer than typical liquid soaps, the LUSH Shampoo Bar proves to be a great TSA-approved option for travel and it’s natural ingredients make it safe to use on wool.

This soap is also plant-based, so it’s 100% laundry friendly and doubles as shampoo & soap on the road.

Specialized Soaps for Merino Wool

Dedicated products to prolonging the life of your wool, these might be better left at home if you’re sticking with one bag travel or trying to conserve weight. If you really love keeping your clothing at their freshest, there’s no reason you couldn’t take some in a 3oz GoToob or small liquid container.

Granger’s Merino Wash is specifically made for Merino wool and has a nice, natural cedar-like scent.

Kookaburra Original Wash is specifically made for Merino Wool and works for hand washing and machine washing clothes.

Eucalan fine fabrics wash comes in eucalyptus, grapefruit, jasmine, lavender and natural scents.

Don’t have any soap with you? No problem. Any soap with a more neutral pH level will be great on the fabric. Dish soap, for instance, has a pH level around 7 (which is around the same as drinking water). Bleach is somewhere between 11–13 in pH level, so avoid at all costs!

Prefer a powdered detergent? These are fine to use, but it’s best to pre-dissolve the detergent prior to adding your clothes. This will help prevent concentrated specks of detergent from coming into contact with the wool, potentially causing holes and harm.

Removing Pilling from Merino Wool

If you’ve ever owned an item-of-clothing for more than five minutes (okay—a couple of months), then you probably know that pilling is basically inevitable. And, as magical as merino wool is, it can’t escape this fate either. Luckily, the process of removing pilling from merino is fairly straightforward. Probably the easiest way to do it is with an electric sweater shaver like the House of Wonderful Wonder Lint Sweater Shaver , which removes pilling with superhero-esque speed.

But, if you’re traveling, you’re not going to want to lug around an electric shaver with you (unless you’re way into fabric shaving?), so we suggest picking up a sweater comb designed specifically to keep wool looking sharp. Ours is from the brand Comfy Clothiers, but any will do. All you have to do is lay your garment flat and then “comb” it, using small, precise movements. The metal teeth of the comb, which feel more sandpapery than anything, will pick up the pilling. After a few, focused minutes, your garment will look as good as new.

Protecting Merino Wool from Bugs and Pests

Place cedar chips or lavender oil in your bags. This will keep the critters away plus keep your entire pack or luggage smelling fresh.

• When storing your clothes for long periods of time, seal them in a plastic bag or container to keep the bugs out
• Think you’ve already been invaded? Place your garments in a plastic bag and in the freezer for 24-48 hours. This will kill any moths or larvae living in the fabric.

Merino Wool and Deodorant

In our testing, we’ve found that ordinary deodorants seem to perform just fine with Merino Wool. The main issue comes when you start using a deodorant with antiperspirant in it. Antiperspirant can really make a mess of Merino, and sort of goes against the main benefit of it—wearing many times between washes! Just avoid the antiperspirant and you should be good to go.

That's about all you need to know about this magical fabric. The next step is trying it yourself if you haven't yet!

Merino Wool: Making Your Travels So Much More Enjoyable

If we haven’t convinced you by now that Merino wool is one of the best travel fabrics out there, then there isn’t much left to say other than to go test it for yourself. While the price point is on the high side for these products, the benefits that the material has to offer seriously make the purchase a worthwhile investment.

From t-shirts and sweaters to underwear and socks, Merino wool is soft, naturally breathable and super comfortable. No itching or scratching with this wool! It’s one of the only fabrics that is naturally antimicrobial, resists odors, wicks moisture AND keeps you warm in the cold and cool in the heat.

With careful care of your Merino wool—and selecting the right brands—your products should survive hundreds of wears, retain their shape, and save you time on laundry no matter where you’re adventuring. New products are constantly being introduced to the market and we’ve only shared a few of our favorites with you that have stood the test of time in our bags. We will continue to explore and update you as products change and improve.

The bottom line of whether or not it’s worth the extra dough is completely up to you. But if you’re a serious minimalist traveler that dislikes frequent trips to the laundromat—Merino will help you travel lighter & faster.

Author: Pack Hacker Team

We find and test the best gear for travel based on form, function and aesthetic. We believe the best trips start with quality gear, regardless if you’re traveling for business or pleasure.

• Travel Clothes

The Best Merino Wool Clothing for Travel: Buyer’s Guide

Published December 19, 2023

Written by:

Jessie Beck

Jessie is a writer, editor, and content marketer who covers travel gear and adventure travel. She’s called many places home...

Fred Perrotta

Co-founder, tortuga.

Fred Perrotta is the co-founder and CEO of Tortuga. His first backpacking trip to Europe inspired him to start the...

Jeremy Michael Cohen

Jeremy Michael Cohen is a co-founder of Tortuga. He also works as a screenwriter and director. Aside from travel and...

The Tortuga Promise

At Tortuga, our mission is to make travel easier. Our advice and recommendations are based on years of travel experience. We only recommend products that we use on our own travels.

Table of Contents

Merino wool has been called “nature’s performance fabric.” A high-quality piece of merino wool clothing has the same—or even superior—benefits of technical apparel but is made from a natural fiber.

We consider merino wool one of the best fabrics for travel clothes because it works well across a range of temperatures, dries quickly, absorbs odors, and feels comfortable against the skin.

If you prefer natural fibers to synthetics, merino wool is a great choice for your travel wardrobe. Here at Tortuga, we’ve been merino wool fans for years. You’ll often find it on our backs and in our bags . When we polled our Instagram followers, 74% said that they wear merino wool when they travel.

You might be wondering what the merino hype is about and whether it’s worth its (often high) price point. We’ll start this article with more background on wool and why it’s great for travel. Then we’ll highlight the best merino wool brands and clothing items so that you can avoid the downsides of merino and make sure you’re getting good value for your money.

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What is Merino Wool?

Where does merino wool come from.

Merino wool comes from Merino sheep. This breed of sheep originated in Spain in the twelfth century before being brought to Australia in 1797 . Today most merino wool comes from sheep in Australia and New Zealand.

Wool is a broad term for any fabric made from the natural fibers that form the fleece of animals. Common types of wool come from a variety of animals, not just sheep. For example, all of the following fabrics are considered wool:

• Alpaca (from alpacas)
• Angora (from rabbits)
• Camel hair (from camels)
• Cashmere (from goats)
• Mohair (from goats)
• Qiviut (from musk oxen)
• Vicuña (from vicuñas)

Other types of wool—lambswool, melton, and shetland wool—are all made from sheep’s wool.

How is Merino Different from Other Wool?

Since merino wool comes from a specific breed of sheep, it’s different from other wool.

Like other types of wool, merino is moisture-wicking, breathable, and adaptable to different temperatures. Across all varieties, wool tends to be warm and water-resistant .

But not all wool is the same. Melton wool is perfect for a thick, heavy peacoat but would make for a terrible t-shirt.

Merino wool fibers make for great shirts because they are much finer than “regular” wool varieties. The finer fibers are made into yarn which is made into a roll of fabric. That final, merino wool fabric is both lighter and softer than other wool.

The diameter of a merino wool fiber is generally less than 22 microns in diameter. One micron is equal to one millionth of a meter . Merino fibers are 22 millionths of a meter across. Luxury, “ultra fine” merino can be as small as 17.5 microns. A human hair, for comparison, is 50-100 microns, up to 6x the diameter of finer merinos .

Merino Wool for Travel

Merino wool is a great travel fabric because it’s incredibly versatile. Every attribute that you need on the road happens to be a strength of merino wool.

• Resists odors
• Wicks moisture
• Dries (relatively) quickly
• Stays comfortable in any temperature
• Feels (relatively) soft to the touch
• Doesn’t wrinkle (much)
• Is lightweight and easy to pack

Merino clothing is an investment, but you can easily get your money’s worth on a trip. Your merino wool clothes will work across a range of temperatures and will manage moisture well.

You can wear merino multiple times between washes without it stinking. People never believe merino’s anti-odor properties. They seem too good to be true.

Mac Bishop, the founder of Wool & Prince, wore the same merino wool button down for 100 days straight , without washing it, to prove how great merino’s anti-odor properties are. Now 200+ men and 13 women have completed the same 100 day challenge.

When you do need to wash your wool, just do a quick hand wash in the sink, and let it dry overnight.

When I’m packing for a trip , even trips of a week or more, I never bring more than three pairs of merino wool socks. I know that I’ll re-wear each pair at least two to three times and expect to wash them during the trip. You could travel indefinitely with one or two pairs of merino socks if you’re willing to go really minimal.

Finally, merino is lightweight and easy to pack. Despite its packability, I never pack my merino shirts because I’m always wearing one as my travel day outfit .

Merino wool is called “nature’s performance fabric” because it performs as well as most synthetic fabrics but is natural and sustainable.

Is Merino Wool Quick Dry?

Merino wool is naturally moisture-wicking and dries faster than cotton and other natural fabrics. However, merino won’t dry as quickly as synthetics fabrics like polyester.

When traveling, you’ll be able to wash your merino clothes at night and have a dry t-shirt or pair of socks by morning.

Merino wool’s water-resistance comes from its “scale” structure which gives it a performance advantage over the smoother fibers of cotton, silk, linen, and polyester. The difference in scale between the broad wool and fine wool in the image is the difference between a rough wool sweater and a soft merino wool t-shirt.

Is Merino Wool Warm?

Yes. Like other wools, merino is naturally temperature regulating.

Merino sheep can withstand temperatures ranging from -20 to +35 °C ( -4 to +95° F). 

Clothes made from merino wear well across a wide range of temperatures. Merino can be used as a base layer or outer layer in the winter or a t-shirt in the summer. The fabric comes in a range of weights, expressed in grams, so you can choose a heavier version if you need it for cold weather.

Are Merino Wool Clothes a Good Base Layer?

Yes. You can make almost any piece of clothing out of merino, but the fabric’s strengths are most apparent in base layers like t-shirts, leggings, and socks.

One of wool’s superpowers—merino or otherwise—is that it acts as a cooling, sweat-wicking fabric in hot weather and a warm, heat-retaining fabric in cold weather. Merino is a versatile layer for most climates. Merino, of course, is thinner and less bulky than other wools, making it an excellent option as a base layer for  cold weather adventures .

You’ll commonly find merino in outdoor clothing, but these qualities also make it ideal for travel. Whether you want clothes that can go days without washing or simply the perfect tee to take with you on a  multi-climate trip,  merino wool is up for the challenge.

To maximize versatility, look for a “lightweight” top around 170-200 grams. This weight of fabric will be the most versatile for a variety of climates and will be more durable than a featherweight merino layer.

Merino Wool vs Cotton

Merino can’t compete with cotton on price. So why would you ever choose merino over cotton? Because merino dries faster, smells better (after wear), and is less wrinkly. Merino is an obvious winner over cotton for travel because it looks and smells great even after wearing it multiple times. Plus, it dries faster when you do wash it.

Merino Wool vs Polyester

Polyester, and other synthetics, were engineered to perform like the best natural fibers, including merino. Polyester dries faster, never wrinkles, and wicks moisture even better than merino. But merino is far superior in odor management. Synthetic fabrics hold on to odors even after a single wear. You can even buy special detergents and treatments for synthetics for this reason. You won’t smell bad in merino, but you might stink in synthetics.

Additionally, merino wool is a natural, sustainable material. Merino sheep grow a new coat of wool every year. Polyester and other synthetics are made from petroleum.

Disadvantages of Merino Wool

Now that we’ve covered what’s so great about merino, let’s quickly touch on the downsides of the fabric before discussing our favorite clothing items.

Merino wool isn’t cheap. One of our favorite brands, Outlier, sells a merino t-shirt for $120. Yes, one hundred and twenty dollars . Outlier is at the high end of prices, but even cheaper merino tees are $50 or more.

Making a garment with merino wool can use twice as much material compared to conventional wool. The fine fibers of merino require additional layering. We believe that the cost is justified for a natural, sustainable fabric like merino.

Merino wool is an investment. Don’t try to replace your entire closet all at once. Add one high-value piece at a time. We’ll cover the best quality and value brands below.

Two attributes justify the cost of “good” merino over cheap merino. The first is hand feel. Finer merino is more expensive but feels softer to the touch. The second is durability. We’ve tried cheap merino in the past. If you aren’t extremely delicate with it, your expensive clothes will be full of holes. Depending on the item, I usually prioritize durability over softness because the former is such a risk with the wrong merino.

Like most fabrics, merino comes in  different weights . Clothing made from a lighter weight merino will feel soft and more similar to a slightly coarse cotton jersey t-shirt than a sweater.

Pay for good quality wool or choose a cheaper synthetic. Cheap wool is the worst “value” you can find. You’ll pay more and get less than a cheaper poly blend shirt.

Merino wool blends—discussed below—can offset some of the durability issues.

To prolong the lifespan of your wool, take good care of it. We’ll cover how to wash merino wool clothing at the end of this article.

Is Merino Wool Itchy?

You might associate “wool” with “itchy” especially if you’ve ever owned a big, coarse wool sweater.

Merino wool is surprisingly soft for wool . Depending on the brand, your merino clothes will feel more like a cotton t-shirt than the wool sweater that you might be imagining. However, merino isn’t as smooth as a slick polyester fabric and can still feel a bit scratchier than cotton.

Natural fibers are a better option for most people. If you’re particularly sensitive to merino consider an outer layer for warmth rather than a “next to skin” base layer.

The finer the wool, the softer it will feel. However, finer wool is also less durable. The solution is a midweight wool or a blend.

Merino Wool Blends

Blending fibers can bring out the strengths of each while offsetting the respective weaknesses.

In socks, merino wool is often blended with lycra for elasticity and a snug fit. Clothing companies also blend merino with nylon or polyester for increased durability. A nylon blend is generally more durable but also more expensive than a polyester blend.

Blending in another material can improve merino’s performance. For example, by spinning merino around a core of nylon fibers, you’ll retain the benefits of having merino next to your skin but with improved durability from the nylon. Don’t assume the blended material is just “filler” to cut corners and reduce costs.

Some of the best brands use merino blends to maximize performance. We’ll cover those in the next section.

The Best Merino Wool Clothing

Not all merino is created equal. You’ll find a mix of 100% merino and merino-wool blends on the market at a wide range of prices and quality. I know because I’ve tried a lot of brands. I’ve bought merino socks that lasted me for years. But I’ve also bought shirts that looked like Swiss cheese after just a few wears.

Sometime in the last few years, the number of merino brands and clothing items has exploded. Many aren’t bringing anything new to the market. They’ve just figured out that you can change a lot of money for basics if they have “merino” in the name. Instead, we prefer to rely on the brands that have been around for years and proven themselves as well as the newer generation of brands bringing original ideas and high tech products to the market.

Merino Wool Socks

If you’re new to merino wool, start with socks. That’s how I got started.

Wool socks aren’t cheap, but you will get good value for your money. The best merino wool socks can last for years.

Socks are a good starting point because you’ll quickly see the benefits of merino: warmth and odor resistance. Seriously, smell your socks at the end of the day and see how long you can go before they smell and need washed. Give your socks a quick hand wash in the sink, let them dry overnight, and start the process over again the next day. I always pack socks with the assumption that I’ll rewear them two to three times and wash them (on longer trips).

Darn Tough Socks

Darn Tough’s Made in the USA, merino blend socks are the best I’ve found in years of testing. You’ll find socks for men and women in a range of heights, underfoot cushioning, and fabric blends.

My preferred socks for fall and winter are the Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Socks for Men or Women ($24) made of a blend of wool, nylon, and spandex.

People Socks

People Socks don’t have all the features or design options of fancier brands. But they perform about as well, last just as long, and are also made in the USA.

A pair of unisex People Socks will run you about $10, less than half what you’ll pay competitors.

Read the full buyer’s guide to travel socks .

Merino Wool Base Layers

You can make just about any clothing item out of merino wool. In addition to socks, wearing wool as a base layer is a great way to see the benefits especially when it comes to temperature regulation. You don’t need to buy something labeled specifically as a base layer. That’s often just a way to get you to spend more money on an ugly shirt.

Instead, buy basics that you can wear alone, in combination, or just as one of multiple layers in cold weather. You should feel just as happy wearing a merino tee on its own as under three layers.

We recommend packing to dress in layers . Wearing merino is a great way to pack less because it can be a warm fabric relative to its weight or thickness.

Merino Wool T-Shirts

After socks, tees should be your next base layer. While I’ve tested a lot of merino wool socks, I’ve tried even more t-shirts. Most have quickly snagged and become riddled with holes. The following are the brands that our team has found to stand up to repeat wears.

Men’s Merino Wool T-Shirts

Unbound Merino T-Shirts

Unbound Merino has become my go-to for basics including short ($75) and long sleeve tees ($95). They’ve held up so far without any holes. As a bonus, they offer a nice stretch despite not including any spandex, which can wear out over time.

Western Rise StrongCore Merino Tee

Western Rise has some of the best technical fabrics on the market including its StrongCore Merino Jersey which is a “core-spun nylon Merino fiber for increased strength.” The blend is made of 89% merino and 11% nylon for durability.

The StrongCore Merino Tee ($96) is the best showcase for this material.

Outlier Ultrafine Merino T-Shirt

Here’s the $120 t-shirt that we promised. While their prices are steep, Outlier delivers as a brand. Their Ultrafine Merino T-Shirt is made of 17.5 micron fibers for softness but weighs in at 195 gsm for greater durability and a better drape. Outlier’s merino tee is the softest that we’ve found.

Wool & Prince 78/22 Crew Neck Tee

Wool & Prince sells a handful of tees in different weights and blends. We recommend their most popular: the 78/22 Crew Neck Tee , a 78% merino, 22% nylon blend that uses 17.5 micron fibers to strike the right balance of durability and softness.

Women’s Merino Wool T-Shirts

Wool& Stella Scoop Neck Tee

Wool& is the new-ish women ‘s brand from the same people behind the menswear brand Wool & Prince. While Wool& started with a dress, which we’ll get to below, they’ve also launched a basic t-shirt called the Stella Scoop Neck Tee ($78).

Woolly Ultralight Tank Top

Seattle-based Woolly makes high-quality merino clothes more accessible to those on a budget with their affordable basics. Everything is under $100 and some are even under $60.

The Women’s Ultralight Tank Top  ($40) is an affordable, easy-to-layer basic and a great addition to any warm weather travel wardrobe.

Read the full buyer’s guide to travel t-shirts .

Merino Wool Leggings

Like a good t-shirt, leggings can be worn alone or as a base layer depending on the weather.

Minus33 Fanconia Women ‘s Bottom

All of Minus33’s outdoor-ready lines are sturdy, well-made, and fit well. The  Midweight Franconia Women’s Bottom  ($75) are 100% merino wool with a fabric weight of 235 grams, which means they’ll keep you warm on your cold weather travels.

Smartwool Women ‘s 250 Bottom

For a heavier weight option, try the Smartwool Women’s Merino 250 Base Layer Bottom ($100).

Smartwool is one of the classic merino wool brands, so you can trust them. Their Merino 250 fabric “offers breathable warmth, moves sweat away from the body, and provides next-to-skin comfort in colder conditions.”

Read the full buyer’s guide to travel leggings .

Merino Wool Underwear

Yes, people wear wool underwear. If you’re willing to try it, here are two boxer briefs for men to consider.

Wool & Prince Boxer Briefs

Developed with our friend and gear expert Eytan of Snark Nomad , Wool & Prince’s Boxer Briefs ($42) feature nylon for durability and spandex for stretch.

Most notably, they’re designed to stretch with your legs so that they never bunch up.

Western Rise StrongCore Merino Boxer Briefs

Western Rise also uses their StrongCore fabric in Boxer Briefs ($58). These underwear are a blend of merino wool, nylon, and elastane.

Read the full buyer’s guide to travel underwear .

Merino Wool Hoodies

Hoodies are a perfect in-flight layer. They’ll keep you warm and have useful pockets. A stylish hoodie will also double as your outer layer when you’re at your destination. Upgrading to a merino wool hoodie will give a you good reason to finally stop wearing your ratty old college hoodie.

Unbound Merino Compact Travel Hoodie

The  Unbound Compact Travel Hoodie  ($165) packs down to the size of a t-shirt and can last for weeks without needing a wash.

A great travel hoodie isn’t about tons of pockets and a bunch of gimmicky features (like some crowdfunded hoodies). The ideal travel hoodie packs down small, keeps you warm, and can last for weeks on the road. Superfine merino is even wrinkle-resistant, so you’ll look great even when stepping off an eight-hour flight.

Performance is key for long-haul travelers who go on extended trips across multiple climates.

Read the full buyer’s guide to travel hoodies .

Merino Wool Shirts

Most merino wool brands focus on basics like socks and tees. But high-quality wool has been used for years in dress clothes too. The best men’s suits are made of wool, of course.

Now there’s a new generation of technical apparel companies making wool button down shirts and dresses for work or casual wear.

Wool & Prince Button-Down Shirts

Wool & Prince’s Button-Down Shirts ($128-148) are my favorite merino dress shirts. They come in different weights, colors, and patterns depending on your style. The W&P button downs are perfect for work trips or weddings because they look good, smell great, and won’t wrinkle, even if you’re pulling one out of your backpack.

For summer, try their wool, linen blend shirts ($118-128).

Western Rise Limitless Merino Button-Down

For something a bit more technical, Western Rise’s Limitless Merino Button-Down ($129) blends 53% merino wool with 47% polyester for easy care and a four-way stretch.

I’ve found a bit of stretch to be handy in a dress shirt. When your shirt is tucked in, you’ll have the full range of motion without having to worry about your shirt pulling up and either blousing out or becoming untucked.

Merino Wool Dresses

Wool& Rowena Swing Dress

Wool& is the sister brand to Wool & Prince which we already highlighted in the t-shirt section above. But Wool& started with a single product: the wear-it-anywhere Rowena Swing Dress ($138). You can dress it up or down and yes, it has pockets.

For button down shirts, visit the  women’s section of Wool & Prince .

Read the full buyer’s guide to travel dresses .

Merino Wool Brands

Now that we’ve covered our product picks, let’s talk brands.

Our Instagram followers’ favorite merino wool brands, in order of votes, were:

• Wool & Prince
• Unbound Merino

The following brands also received at least one vote:

• Ridge Merino
• People’s Socks

We also recommend:

• Western Rise

How to Wash Merino Wool

Check the care instructions on your garment first. The brands and products above are a mix of 100% merino wool and merino wool blends that are up to half polyester or nylon.

Treat merino gently. Even high-quality merino can be more delicate than synthetics or cotton. When merino is blended with polyester or nylon, the result is more durable and, therefore, easier to care for. But, in either case, you spent a lot of money on the clothes. Don’t overwash them and, when you do wash them, do so gently.

Wash your merino wool in cold water or use the delicates setting on your machine.

Lay your clothes flat to dry. A short tumble dry, especially on low or no heat, can help work out some wrinkles. But don’t leave your clothes in for long. Better to have to iron them than to have to replace them. On the road, hanging a merino piece near a steaming shower quickly gets out any wrinkles.

Fortunately, this level of care lends itself well to traveling. Hand washing merino will help to preserve it.

Do not send your expensive merino wool clothes to the wash and fold. Be careful laundering it in an industrial washing machine if you can’t control the temperature and time on the machine.

When caring for merino, less is more.

5 Tips for Maintaining Merino Wool Clothing While Traveling

To help you make the most of your merino wool clothing while traveling, we’ve gathered five top tips from founders and owners in the travel industry. From protecting your wool items with sealed bags to opting for lightweight pieces and avoiding wringing, these experts share their best advice on how to buy, clean, and maintain merino wool clothing on the go.

Protect Wool Items with Sealed Bags

Invest in quality and air out garments, spot-clean and use wool-specific detergent, choose ethically sourced wool and follow care instructions.

• Opt for Lightweight Pieces and Avoid Wringing

When I travel with Merino wool, I keep the items in a sealed plastic bag. This way, it protects them against humidity and potential bugs. Also, if my items get wet, I dry them completely before storing them away. This keeps the Merino wool from smelling and will make it last longer. 

Finally, in many countries, you wash your clothes by going to the laundries. Here, I separate woolen items in a bag and explicitly tell the workers to wash the items separately and with delicate soap.

Josephine Remo Finderup , Founder, Josephine Remo’s Travel Site

Yes, I do travel with Merino wool clothing, and my top tip for buying, cleaning, and maintaining it while on the road is to invest in high-quality Merino wool pieces. I look for reputable brands known for their durability and versatility. 

With cleaning, Merino wool has a natural resistance to odors, so I try to air out my garments rather than washing them after every wear. When I do need to wash them, I use a gentle detergent and hand-wash in cold water to maintain their softness and shape. I also roll my Merino wool items in a towel to remove excess water and then lay them flat to dry, avoiding stretching or misshaping.

For maintenance, I ensure I have a small repair kit on hand for any minor snags or loose threads. Merino wool clothing can be a fantastic asset for travelers, as it’s comfortable, stylish, and easy to care for, making it a smart choice for a variety of professional settings.

Luis Manzano , Founder, OKLanzarote

Yes, I frequently travel with merino-wool clothing. My top tip for buying, cleaning, and maintaining merino-wool clothing while traveling is to invest in high-quality pieces. Look for reputable brands known for their merino-wool products to ensure durability and performance. 

For cleaning, merino wool naturally resists odors and stains, so you don’t need to wash it frequently. Instead, air it out and spot-clean as needed to maintain freshness. When washing is necessary, use a gentle detergent specifically designed for wool, and opt for hand-washing or a delicate cycle in cold water. Always follow care instructions on the garment’s label to prolong its lifespan and performance.

Tim White , Founder, milepro

Traveling with merino wool clothing is a smart choice because of its versatility, odor resistance, and moisture-wicking properties. 

One top tip for buying, cleaning, and maintaining merino wool clothing while traveling is to invest in high-quality, ethically sourced merino wool products. Look for reputable brands that prioritize sustainability and ethical production practices. When cleaning, follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer, which often include hand washing with a gentle wool detergent or using a washing machine on a delicate cycle with cold water. Avoid using fabric softeners or harsh detergents that can damage the fibers. 

To dry, gently squeeze out excess water and lay the garment flat on a towel to air dry. Merino wool clothing can last a long time with proper care, making it a valuable addition to your travel wardrobe.

Jim Campbell , Owner, Honeymoons

Is Merino Wool Worth It?

Yes. I consider myself a minimalist and am always on the hunt for the best performing clothes, especially for my travel wardrobe.

I want to pack as little as possible in my backpack while still looking and feeling good. I want to re-wear clothes without looking like I’m re-wearing clothes. I want to carry less than everyone else while still dressing better than everyone else.

Merino wool clothing is one way to do that. Treat your merino as an investment. Save up. Buy the good stuff.

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Jessie is a writer, editor, and content marketer who covers travel gear and adventure travel. She’s called many places home and traveled to 45+ countries.

She now lives in San Francisco with her husband where she splits her time between traveling, adventuring outdoors, and cooking (okay, eating).

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Fred Perrotta is the co-founder and CEO of Tortuga. His first backpacking trip to Europe inspired him to start the company. For over a decade, he’s traveled the world from his home base in the Bay Area while working remotely. When he’s on the road, Fred enjoys both walking and eating as much as possible.

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Merino Travel Clothes

If packing is on the horizon, then Merino Wool clothing is a must, solving many of your limited-suitcase / backpack woes. Merino's super fine fibers make it wrinkle resistant and, due to its antimicrobial properties, the material is also odor resistant.

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At Ridge Merino we create simple, everyday apparel with the mettle to weather expeditions, insulate adventures and soften the daily grind. From our lightweight and mid layer hoodies and pants to Merino wool base layers and underwear - we build layers that are made to move.

Merino wool offers buttery softness unmatched by all other active-wear fabrics. That's because Merino wool fibers are extra fine and have none of the scratchy feel and irritating texture commonly associated with apparel made from standard wool.

The Pros Love Merino

If there's anyone who knows all the travel hacks, including what to wear and how to pack, it's Ridge Ambassador Khai Johannes, who also happens to be a flight attendant. So lean back, relax and read about five packing tips from an expert who really knows how to fly. Read more about how to pack like a pro here.

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"This has become my staple, wearing it 1-2 times per week. Perfect length with pockets!"

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"I love these shirts and purchased more shortly after my first. They’ve performed exactly as I hoped for traveling in warm/humid weather. They’re actually the most comfortable shirts I own, incredibly soft, comfortable and well fitting"

Journey Crew Shirt

Merino Wool Clothing for Travel: A Guide to Choosing the Best Brands

Last Updated: March 29, 2024

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You need a travel wardrobe that can keep up with your adventures. And believe it or not, merino wool is your ticket. In this article, we’ll delve into the advantages of merino wool clothing for travel and emphasize the importance of selecting the right brand. 

I am writing this during a three-month carry-on only trip through Europe in summer. I have a travel capsule wardrobe made of only merino wool . Why on earth would I bring nothing but merino wool clothes to Europe in summer? Read on. 

Stay tuned for the secrets to staying comfortable, stylish, and prepared for any travel adventure that comes your way.

Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means if you click through and make a purchase I’ll get a commission. This in no way affects your price, and it helps me to keep this site running and new content coming your way. Thank you in advance for your support! 

At a glance: My Top Picks for Merino Wool Travel Clothing

UNISEX: Unbound Merino – Super-fine (aka super soft) wool, sustainable brand, nice balance between fashion & function.

WOMEN: Wool& – Huge selection of fashionable clothes, creative fabric compositions such that you wouldn’t even know it’s merino!

MEN: Wool & Prince – Men’s counterpart to Wool& (above). Great selection for an entire merino wool travel wardrobe that behaves like canvas, denim, linen, and more.

The Basics of Merino Wool

Merino wool is a natural fiber that comes from the Merino sheep, a breed known for its exceptionally soft and fine wool. This is one of the key characteristics that sets it apart from other types of wool and makes it incredibly soft to the touch, resulting in a comfortable and itch-free fabric that is gentle on the skin.

In addition to its softness, merino wool is highly breathable, which helps regulate body temperature and prevent overheating. Merino wool benefits also include natural moisture-wicking capabilities, drawing sweat away from the skin to keep you feeling dry and fresh in hot weather. It also has impressive odor-resistant and anti-bacterial properties due to the presence of lanolin, which gives merino wool garments the ability to stay fresh for longer periods without needing frequent washing.

Merino wool can also be considerably more lightweight and less bulky than other types of wool, making it easier to pack and suitable for both hot and cold weather (depending on the weight of the piece of clothing, which we’ll get into later). Its natural elasticity also makes it more durable and resistant to wrinkling.

Why Merino Wool Clothing is Perfect for Travel

As you can probably tell from the merino wool basics listed above, it’s great for home use and outdoor adventures, and also for travel. Here’s why merino wool for travel is the way to go: 

• When cotton gets wet (from sweat or rain or whatever), it can’t keep you warm – in fact, it lowers your core temperature. Merino wool still keeps you warm, even when wet.  
• Merino wool is anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, and thus odor-resistant. Antimicrobial shirts are like magic. You can wear your merino tee for an entire week (or longer) without smelling. This means you don’t need to wash it as much, which makes it easier to care for on the road.  
• It’s soft and delightful to the touch . 
• It’s moisture-wicking and breathable . 
• It regulates your body temperature . A relatively light weight merino wool shirt can still keep you warm, and also cool. (Magic). 
• It’s easy to care for . Hand wash or machine wash on cold, hang to dry overnight. Done. 
• It lasts forever . 
• It’s better for the environment . Some synthetic materials that have similar warmth and moisture-wicking properties also contribute to micro-plastic pollution. 

Merino Wool Terminology Explained

When you start shopping for merino wool clothing, you’ll see a lot of lingo. It’s important to understand this lingo so you can ensure you’re getting the right clothing for your needs. 

Two key terms are GSM and microns , which provide insights into the fabric’s characteristics and performance.

GSM, or grams per square meter, is a measurement of fabric weight and thickness.  

It tells you how warm and breathable a merino wool garment will be. A higher GSM value indicates a denser, warmer fabric, while a lower GSM corresponds to a lighter, more breathable material. When choosing merino wool clothing, consider the climate and activities you’ll be engaged in to select the appropriate GSM for your needs.

Microns refer to the diameter of individual wool fibers , with a lower micron count indicating finer and softer wool. Lower micron counts often come with a higher price tag due to the superior quality of the wool used.

Other terms

In addition to GSM and microns, other relevant merino wool terminology includes anti-pilling treatments and UPF ratings . 

Anti-pilling treatments help prevent fabric balls from forming on the fabric’s surface, which can be an annoying byproduct of many wool garments that makes them look older and more worn than they actually are. 

UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) ratings indicate the level of sun protection provided by the fabric, which can be important for outdoor activities. 

It’s also worth noting the concept of “mulesing-free,” which indicates that the wool used comes from sheep that have not undergone the controversial practice of mulesing; a treatment of the sheep that involves a painful procedure to remove problematic skin around the buttocks. 

How to Choose the Best Merino Wool Clothing for Your Needs

Here are some key factors to consider when selecting merino wool clothing for travel:

Purpose 

Determine the purpose of your merino wool clothing. Are you looking for base layers to provide insulation and moisture-wicking properties? Or do you need versatile garments that can be worn in different weather conditions and for various activities? Identifying your specific needs will help you narrow down your options.

Climate and Weather

Consider the climate and weather conditions of your travel destinations. Merino wool offers excellent temperature regulation, keeping you warm in cold environments and cool in warmer climates. Choose the appropriate weight and thickness (measured in GSM and microns) based on the anticipated weather conditions.

Style and Design

Once upon a time, merino wool clothes were utilitarian and mostly used as base layers and activewear. Now it comes in a wide range of styles and designs. Determine the type of clothing you require, such as shirts, pants, socks, or accessories, based on your travel activities and personal preferences. Additionally, consider the fit, cut, and features that enhance comfort and functionality. 

You will see a huge variety of merino wool clothing companies profiled below. Each has their own style. Not into athletic clothing? Then don’t buy a bunch of it just because you think it’s practical for travel! Find a brand that suits your style – and perhaps also the style requirements of your trip and also your destination; for example, Europe generally demands an elevated sense of style. Check out my video about Europe packing tips and mistakes for more on this.

Durability and Quality

Not all merino clothing brands are equal. Look for reputable brands known for their craftsmanship and use of high-quality materials. Consider factors like the fabric’s density, stitching, and overall construction to ensure that your clothing will withstand the rigors of travel.

Fabric Composition

Not all merino clothing is 100% merino wool, and that’s okay. Incorporating other materials can change how the fabric behaves, which might be important. For example, a pair of leggings may need some nylon and spandex to help them retain their form and resist stretching out and pilling. By strategically including other natural fibers, merino wool clothing can behave like jersey, linen, terry, and even tweed and denim. 

Beware, however, of “merino” clothing that has very little actual merino wool in it. I once saw a shirt marketed as being merino, but when I looked at the composition, it only had 10% merino wool. Wool& is a company that has one of the best selections of fabric composition that I’ve ever seen; you can even shop their clothes by fabric .

Sourcing and Sustainability

If sustainability is important to you, research the brand’s sourcing practices. Some brands prioritize responsibly-sourced merino wool, ensuring the welfare of the sheep and minimizing environmental impact. Look for certifications or indications of sustainable and ethical production.

See also: My roundup of Eco-Friendly Travel Products (including clothes, cosmetics, and more).

Now that you have a clear understanding of the factors to consider when choosing the best merino wool clothing for your needs, let’s dive into a comparison of the top merino brands. 

Are you as much of a nerd for Travel Gear as I am? Then check out my collection of articles about a variety of items to make your next trip a breeze! 

Travel Gear articles

Do you like to see these things in action? Then check out my YouTube series featuring Travel Gear & Remote Work Tools to level up your travel game.

Top Merino Wool Clothing Brands for Travel

Here are the best merino wool clothing brands for travel – each has their own style, clothing properties, etc. Use this list to find the perfect fit for you! 

MERINO WOOL BRANDS FOR MEN & WOMEN  

Unbound Merino

Unbound Merino offers a range of clothing made from merino wool, including T-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, pants, shorts, socks, underwear, and accessories such as beanies and scarves. Their clothing is designed with a minimalist and classic style that is versatile and suitable for a variety of occasions.

While they do offer clothes for both men and women, they are still developing their women’s line; men have a much wider variety of options.  

They source their merino wool from independent, mulesing-free farms that are Woolmark certified, ensuring high-quality wool that is ethically and sustainably produced. Their clothing is also made in factories that meet high ethical and environmental standards.

Their commitment to environmentally friendly practices extends beyond the sourcing of their wool. They use only natural, biodegradable materials in their clothing, making their products not only stylish and functional but also eco-friendly.

I own their leggings – which surprisingly hold their form really well, and they’re super soft and comfy. They also have a hidden zipper pocket at the waistband, which is handy for travel. I also have their travel dress , which is super versatile, comfortable, and packable. Both of these are staples in my travel wardrobe. 

Key Features/Pros of Unbound Merino:

• High-quality merino wool clothing
• They use super-fine micron wool only, resulting in very soft comfy clothes
• Sustainable and ethical sourcing
• Minimalist and classic style
• Versatile and functional
• Eco-friendly materials
• Travel-friendly
• Higher price point compared to other clothing brands
• Limited selection for women (for now)

Click here to shop at Unbound Merino .

WoolX has a wide repertoire of merino wool clothing and accessories for women and men, with a focus on outdoor apparel but including styles that can take you everywhere from mountain hikes to riverside cafes.

It’s a small family-run business in New York, with a few value-propositions that include specially-designed merino wool clothes that can be machine washed and dried for easy care (though I still air-dry my merino wool clothes; clothes driers contribute to unnecessary wear & tear and an accidentally high heat setting could ruin your merino).

They source their wool from Woolmark-certified merino sheep in Australia, additionally ensuring that all their wool is certified non-mulesed. They also have a no strings attached 100% satisfaction guarantee and 100% No-Itch Guarantee! Free shipping (in the US) on returns and exchanges seal the deal for a hassle-free customer-centric experience.

I was particularly drawn to WoolX for some of their unique styles like the Charlotte Puff Sleeve Top (which I adore), cold weather pants (which are on my list), and an entire line of ridiculously soft can’t-believe-it’s-merino pyjamas (merino wool’s temperature-regulating properties make for an extra comfy night of sleep, which can be especially problematic for menopausal women and others who get night sweats). I also really like some of the colours on offer, including the heather-coloured Piper Pocket leggings , which are unique, warm, and very flattering (and have pockets!!).

Key Features/Pros of WoolX:

• Wide range of clothing and styles for men and women, including larger sizes
• Shop by season, as well as style or sex
• Machine washable & drier-friendly (low heat)
• Ethically sourced from non-mulesed farms
• Family-run business
• 100% satisfaction guarantee (and no-itch guarantee!)
• Free exchanges/returns, postage-paid
• Only available in USA
• Higher price points

Click here to shop at WoolX!

Aviator offers comfortable and lightweight merino wool tops, including hoodies, polos, and tee-shirts. Aside from merino wool, they also make award-winning travel-friendly jeans. Customers have given Aviator’s products high ratings for comfort and suitability for travel.

The wool is sourced from New Zealand, where the sheep are raised in humane and sustainable conditions. Their products are designed with travel in mind, as they are lightweight, packable, and versatile (yep, even the jeans!) 

Aviator, proudly made in the USA, is committed to sustainability and ethical production practices, using eco-friendly materials and ensuring fair treatment and living wages for their workers.

I have everything in Aviator’s merino collection (at least, everything they offer for women). 

The T-shirt is pretty thick, which means it resists wrinkling and holds its form nicely (some merino shirts are a bit flimsy and can show bra straps). 

The First Class Merino Hoodie is a great zip-up hoodie that has a few nifty travel-friendly features like a hood that doubles as an eye mask and some mitten cuffs. 

The Red-Eye Hoodie is the lightest weight of the three shirts, and is super comfy. It also has the same travel-friendly features of the First Class hoodie. 

Click here to see my video review of these and other Aviator duds I have. 

Key Features/Pros of Aviator:

• Comfortable merino wool tops
• A variety of different weights available
• High-quality merino wool sourced from New Zealand
• Hoodies have special travel-friendly features, like a hood that doubles as an eye mask
• Commitment to sustainability and ethical production practices
• Fair treatment and living wage for workers
• Limited selection, and only shirts

Click here to shop Aviator’s merino tops and travel-friendly jeans!

Icebreaker 

Icebreaker offers a variety of clothing for men, women, and kids. The style and purpose of their clothing is geared towards outdoor activities and adventures, with features like body-mapping ventilation to keep cool and a blend of merino wool and plant-based TENCEL™ Lyocell for unbeatable freshness in warm weather. Icebreaker also offers 100% pure merino tees that are breathable, odor-resistant, and made for wearing everywhere.

Icebreaker is an OG in the merino clothing space. These days they also use other materials in some of their products, such as TENCEL™ Lyocell. They source their wool from a variety of places, including New Zealand, Australia, and South America. They have a program called “Baacode” that allows customers to trace the origins of their garment and learn about the ethical and environmental practices involved in its production. They are committed to responsible and sustainable practices, including using natural and biodegradable materials, reducing waste, and supporting ethical and fair labor practices.

I have had a few Icebreaker tops over the years, but honestly, none of them have made the cut in the long run for my personal sense of style and multi-purpose needs on the road. When I lived in the Rocky mountains they were great for mountain treks, but not so great if I wanted an elevated look. 

However a guy friend of mine who travels full-time with carry-on luggage only, wears almost exclusively Icebreaker t-shirts and boxers and socks. He likes that there is a good selection of different GSM weight options for your needs. He has the lightest GSM t-shirt for running, and heavier weights for other times of day and ambient temperatures. He says the “base layer” shirts are perfectly fine to wear as “normal” tee-shirts. 

Key Features/Pros of Icebreaker:

•  Super high-quality materials
• An OG in the merino wool clothing industry
• Special attention to responsible sustainable production on all levels
• One of the few merino brands that have clothes for kids as well 
• Products are a bit on the expensive side
• Style is mainly limited to activewear and base layers 

Click here to shop Icebreaker’s products on Amazon!  

Smartwool 

Smartwool offers a huge variety of clothing, including socks, base layers, mid layers, and accessories such as hats and gloves. Most of their clothing is designed to be used for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and running, as well as for everyday wear.

They use ZQ-certified Merino wool, which ensures the wool is ethically sourced and sustainable. They also use other sustainable materials such as recycled polyester and TENCEL™ Lyocell. Their clothing is not 100% merino wool, as they also use other materials such as nylon and elastane for stretch and durability. So, while merino wool is a significant part of their overall offering and branding, it’s important to check the fabric composites closely.

Smartwool has several environmentally friendly and responsible practices, including using sustainable materials, reducing waste, and supporting conservation efforts. They partner with organizations such as The Nature Conservancy and The Conservation Alliance to give back to the environment.

I bought their Sport Fleece Wind Tights , and was all excited to have a warm pair of merino leggings that I planned to travel with and use for cool/cold-weather hikes. They are indeed lightweight and very warm and comfy and super sturdy, but despite the Amazon listing saying they’re 100% wool, they are in fact, less than 50% merino. 

A male friend of mine has their everyday socks that he wears as dress socks and he LOVES them. Similarly, the listing says “100% wool”, but further down you learn it’s only 55% merino wool; granted for socks, that’s still pretty good. 

Key Features/Pros of Smartwool:

• Wide range of clothing including socks, base layers, mid layers, and accessories
• Focus on athletic performance and comfort
• Even if the Amazon listing says 100% merino wool, check carefully; some items are less than 50% merino
• Limited style options

Shop the Smartwool store on Amazon here!  

Merino.tech 

Merino.tech offers a variety of clothing made from 100% organic New Zealand Merino wool. Their collection includes shirts, socks, underwear, base layers, and accessories like neck gaiters.

Founded in 2018 in Canada, Merino.tech is a collaboration between the company and some of the finest mills and factories worldwide. They use only environmentally friendly paints in their manufacturing process. 

I have their V-Neck Short Sleeve T-Shirt , which is super soft and incredibly comfortable. It’s also very lightweight and thin, which makes it great for travel packing, but if you order a light colour it will likely be a bit see-through. I have the purple (nice shade) and I use it for sleeping. 

I also own a pair of their merino socks , and I really like them; they’re comfy, hold their form, resist pilling, and are 85% merino wool. 

Key Features/Pros of Merino.tech:

• Offers Lifetime Warranty
• Lots of colours to choose from
• Very reasonable prices; great if you’re dipping your toes into the world of merino clothes
• Canadian company (great for Canadians who want to support local businesses)
• Limited options for women (for example, the men’s lineup of shirts has a variety of nice polos; women only have t-shirts)

Shop the Merino.tech store on Amazon here!

Woolly 

Woolly offers a wide range of clothing items, including shirts, pants, leggings, socks, and underwear for both men and women. Their clothing is designed to be comfortable, durable, and stylish while providing the natural benefits of merino wool.

Woolly sources their wool from Australia, ensuring it is ethically and sustainably produced. They use merino wool as a foundation fabric and develop innovative products like NatureDry.

As a small independent business in Seattle, they support local causes and ensure responsible production as members of the Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI). They donate to organizations like Recovery Café and reinvest profits into organizations that inspire them, including Black Lives Matter Seattle, the NAACP, and the Northwest Avalanche Center.

Key Features/Pros of Woolly:

• Socially and environmentally conscious business 
• Some pretty low prices for some items, making it an easy intro to merino wool 
• Fewer options for women (though still pretty good overall) 

Shop the Woolly clothing store on Amazon here!

Ridge Merino 

Ridge Merino is a small, family-owned business based in Mammoth Lakes, California. They offer an extensive collection of clothing for men, women, and children, featuring items such as base layers, hoodies, shirts, pants, underwear, socks, and an array of accessories like neck gaiters, beanies, and hats.

Key Features/Pros of Ridge Merino: 

• Proud member of 1% for the Planet and the first company in Mammoth Lakes, California to achieve Green Business Certification
• You can shop by collection, including SPF clothing, merino wool + TENCEL, and 100% merino wool 
• Very reasonable prices 
• Not much in the “elevated style” department. Mostly activewear and underwear 

Shop Ridge Merino Clothes here! 

MERINO WOOL BRANDS FOR WOMEN ONLY

Wool& specializes in women’s clothing, with an incredibly diverse and stylish collection that includes dresses, tops, bottoms, and accessories. They prioritize environmental responsibility, aiming to minimize their carbon footprint throughout their operations.

When it comes to crafting their garments, Wool& takes a thoughtful and innovative approach. They not only have pieces that are made from 100% merino wool, but they have created a series smart blends that are still mainly merino wool, but have a combination of other materials to give each fabric their own unique properties. They have merino wool blends that are like jersey, tweed, linen, and even denim. 

I have a huge number of Wool& clothing items; in fact, they primarily made my merino wool travel capsule wardrobe for my 3-month carry-on trip through Europe possible. You can check out this video (including the links in the description ) to see the full packing list in action. Here are some of my fav pieces: 

• Sofia midi dress
• Poppy tank top
• Florence tunic (perfect for layering over anything for a bit of warmth and looking stylish)
• Frame ponte culotte (which I worried I might not like as much and isn’t quite as soft, but has ended up being very useful as it’s a heavier weight of fabric and a bit more durable; excellent for travel days)

Key Features/Pros of Wool&:

• Allows customers to shop based on fabric or model 
• Refreshingly elevated styles available, with a ton of dresses and nice tops and even pants 
• Packaging made from 99% post-consumer waste paper
• It’s not cheap, but it is high-quality 

Get your Wool& women’s wardrobe here! 

MERINO WOOL BRANDS FOR MEN ONLY

Wool & Prince

Wool & Prince is the men’s counterpart to Wool& (above). They have a diverse selection of clothing items for men, including shirts, pants, socks, jackets, vests, underwear, and accessories. 

Similar to Wool&, they have created unique mainly-merino blends that result in super practical clothes that you wouldn’t even know are merino, including stretch canvas pants/shorts and denim jeans. 

Wool & Prince offer a satisfaction guarantee, ensuring that if an item does not meet expectations, they will make it right. They also support thoughtful consumption and simple living through their sponsorship of the Only What Matters online community. They value customer feedback and actively seeks input to improve their products and services.

Key Features/Pros of Wool & Prince:

• Creative fabric blends that result in more multi-purpose clothing 
• Refreshingly elevated styles available, not typical of what you’d expect from merino clothes
• Not super cheap 

Shop for Wool & Prince duds here! 

Western Rise 

Western Rise offers versatile clothing designed specifically for men – some of which is made from merino wool. The company is known for its use of technical fabrics, premium construction techniques, and sustainable manufacturing practices. Fashion-wise it’s intended to seamlessly take fellas from mountain trails to office meetings. 

I featured Western Rise in another article on my site, profiling not only some of their merino duds, but also their award-winning pants (which are not merino). You can read all about it at The Best Travel Clothes for Men . 

Their range of merino products includes shirts, polos, pants, socks, and accessories. I have seen their uber-popular Strong Core Merino Tee in action, along with the Limitless Merino Button-Down and Limitless Merino Polo . In all cases I’ve been impressed with the quality and comfort, as has been the fella wearing it. 

Key Features/Pros of Western Rise:

• Diverse selection of clothes that bridge the gap between active casual and dressy casual
• Multiple styles of award-winning pants and shorts (not merino though)
• Climate Neutral Certified 
• Funnily enough, three of my male friends balked at the style of the limitless merino button-down – specifically the buttons on the collar! 

Shop at Western Rise here! And use PROHOBO10 for 10% off your first order. 

Libertad 

Libertad does one thing and one thing only: 100% merino wool travel shirts. Nice ones. 

The founder was inspired to create Libertad while on his own travels, noticing that most leisure travel clothes are utilitarian and comfortable but not stylish. Wanting the best of both worlds, Libertad was born. 

They offer a variety of shirt styles, including single pocket, no pocket, double chest pockets, and short sleeve options.

Key Features/Pros of Libertad:

• Their shirts are crafted from 100% merino wool
• Spun tighter so the material has more dress-shirt-like structure, unlike many merino shirts which droop off the shoulders 
• Convertible adjustable cuffs
• If you’re not interested in upscale collared shirts, you’ll be outta luck

Get your 100% merino dress shirt at Libertad here!  

Proper Cloth

Proper Cloth offers a wide range of custom-fit, made-to-order clothing for men. Their clothing collection includes shirts, pants, jackets, suits, and accessories.

They have developed fit prediction algorithms and 3D visualization tools that allow customers to create custom sizes and modify designs.

While Proper Cloth offers a diverse range of fabrics, merino wool is one of the materials they use. They source their merino wool from New Zealand and ensure that it meets ZQ certification standards, guaranteeing high animal welfare and a sustainable supply chain. 

I have a guy friend who is tall and quite slim, and he has a very long torso in particular. Getting properly fit clothing within the standard “small / medium / large” clothing structure is difficult for him; he is the one who told me about Proper Cloth, and while he doesn’t have any clothes from Proper Cloth yet, but he plans to order some. 

Key Features/Pros of Proper Cloth:

• Follows a made-to-order production model, which helps avoid overproduction and reduces waste. Approximately 95% of their clothing is made-to-order, eliminating the need to guess how many items to produce in advance
• Recycle returned garments through partnerships with organizations like Green Tree and Fabscrap
• By far the most expensive clothing in this article. But….that’s to be expected for made-to-order custom clothing 

Get your custom merino clothes at Proper Cloth here! 

Tips for Caring for Your Merino Wool Clothing

Merino wool care is important to maintain its performance and extend its lifespan. Merino clothes aren’t typically cheap, so you want to make sure they’ll last. By following these tips, you can ensure they’ll stay in excellent condition:

Washing: Hand-wash or machine-wash using a gentle cycle with cold water. Use a mild, wool-specific detergent. Avoid using bleach or fabric softeners, as they can damage the natural fibers of the wool.

Drying: After washing, gently squeeze out excess water from your merino wool garments. Avoid wringing or twisting the fabric, as this can lead to stretching or distortion. Lay the clothing flat on a clean towel or a drying rack to air dry. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources, as they can cause shrinkage or damage.

Stain Removal: Treat stains as soon as possible. Blot the stained area with a clean cloth using cold water and a mild detergent. Avoid rubbing vigorously, as it can push the stain deeper into the fibers. 

Here are common mistakes to avoid:

Avoid using hot water: Hot water can cause merino wool to shrink or lose its shape. Stick to cold water for washing and rinsing.

Don’t over-wash: Merino wool has natural antibacterial properties that help resist odor. Avoid washing your garments frequently, instead air them out between uses to refresh them. Yes – it actually works! There are people who have done 100-day merino wool challenges; wearing the same shirt for 100 days without washing! While I wouldn’t go that far, I’ve worn my merino clothes for way longer than other clothes and they almost never smell. 

Skip the dryer: High heat from a dryer can shrink or damage merino wool. Always air dry your clothing to maintain its shape and integrity. Don’t worry – it dries very quickly. 

Avoid abrasive materials : When washing or drying your merino wool clothing, avoid using rough surfaces or materials that can cause friction or pilling. 

Choose the Best Merino Wool Clothing for Your Next Adventure

Merino clothes are adaptable, comfortable, low maintenance, long lasting, multi-purpose, durable, breathable, and even biodegradable. 

In order to choose the best clothing items for your next trip, remember to factor in the purpose, climate, and weather conditions of your destination, as well as your personal style preferences.

With the right merino wool pieces in your wardrobe, you can confidently face any adventure, knowing that you’re well-equipped with the exceptional benefits of this remarkable natural fiber.

See also: 

My Travel Capsule Wardrobe: Best Travel Clothes for Women

Best Travel Clothes for Men (+ 5 Items you NEED From Western Rise)

Eco-Friendly Travel Products and Clothes  

9 thoughts on “Merino Wool Clothing for Travel: A Guide to Choosing the Best Brands”

I recently got a Merino wool beret for myself, and I so loved the softness and texture that I am now planning to get some more pieces made out of Merino wool.

But, yes, I did not know that it is good for the environment as well.

That’s awesome! Merino wool is the best. 🙂 Hope you get some more pieces! THey’ll serve you well.

This blog post is really very helpful for me. Your brand recommendations have simplified the quest for both comfort and style on my future adventures.

I have been a fan of merino wool for a long time, and I agree with all the benefits you listed. It’s such a versatile and comfortable fabric that works well in any climate and situation. I especially liked your tips on how to choose the best brands and what to look for in terms of quality, weight, and style. Thanks for sharing this valuable guide!

Thank YOU, Supraja! Do you have a fav merino wool company/designer?

Two comments in one: 1. I switched to wool blend socks, including Smart Wool, several years ago. Most of my older supply of cotton socks languish in a drawer, used only when I think I need a specific color design. Wool socks cured my chronic foot fungus problem.

2. I come from a midwestern U.S. farm family. According to my father, his grandfather wore a wool union suit every day-winter and summer. I can only guess that he wore a variety of weights according to the seasons. It is a practice lost on more recent generations.

Wool is where it’s at! I’m starting to convert my socks to merino wool as well.

I have a Merino bottom layer for whenever I do hiking when it’s cold. An absolute life saver – absorbs the sweat so I pretty much never feel cold due to being sweaty while moving 😀

I agree – merino as a bottom layer is amazing in cold weather! I’ve taken up skiing, and I regularly end up sweating under all my layers. That would be a disaster with cotton which would make me cold! Merino still keeps me warm.

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Merino Wool Travel Clothing

Men's merino wool travel clothing from Western Rise combines the inherent performance features of merino wool with contemporary design. This collection features breathable, odor-resistant garments with temperature regulation, making them ideal for the adaptable, one-bag traveler.

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Designed for the guys who need more room in the seat and quads, with a slightly tapered leg from

Designed for guys who prefer a more fitted pant in the seat and quads, with a tapered leg.

Five Pocket Pant

A standard patch pocket style with elevated travel features and a tapered leg.

A slightly dressier style with khaki-style front pockets and welt back pockets.

A casual sporty look, with a pull-on waistband, a drawstring, and a tapered leg opening with no cuff so you can dress them up or down.

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Why Western Rise

• Travel Light: Performance fabrics enable a one-bag travel lifestyle.
• Versatile Style: Outfits easily transition from business to adventure.
• Functional Comfort: Smart features for enhanced mobility and convenience.
• Worry-Free Returns: Hassle-free return policy for peace of mind.
• Sustainable Choice: Quality apparel that's environmentally responsible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Merino wool's unique properties make it an exceptional choice for travel clothing, ensuring comfort and convenience when traveling. 

• Its natural odor resistance is a standout feature, allowing merino wool travel clothes to remain fresh over extended periods, reducing the need for frequent laundering compared with other fabric clothes - a significant advantage during travel. 
• Additionally, merino wool's moisture-wicking capabilities keep the wearer dry by effectively moving sweat away from the skin, a crucial aspect in varying climates and during active adventures. 
• The fabric's ability to regulate temperature also plays a vital role; it provides warmth in cooler environments while offering breathability in warmer conditions. This adaptability ensures comfort in diverse weather scenarios, making merino wool-based clothing a versatile companion for any travel itinerary.

Our merino wool clothing is expertly crafted to meet the diverse needs of travelers. By combining the natural benefits of merino wool with specialized travel-friendly features, we offer garments that are not only quick-drying but also exceptionally durable, perfectly suited to the demands of travel. 

The versatility in the design of our merino wool clothing enables it to adapt to various settings, seamlessly transitioning from casual explorations to formal events. These qualities, along with merino wool's inherent breathability, odor resistance, and temperature regulation, make our merino wool clothing an ideal choice for travelers who value functionality, comfort, and style in their wardrobe.

When traveling, it’s better to wash merino wool clothing by hand using a mild detergent and cold water. Gently squeeze out excess water and air dry to maintain its quality and prevent shrinkage.

The number of days you can wear merino wool clothing without washing it varies depending on factors like activity level, personal hygiene, and environmental conditions. However, thanks to merino wool's natural odor-resistant properties, it's possible to wear it for several days without it developing a bad smell. In low-exertion scenarios and cooler climates, it's not uncommon for merino wool garments to be worn comfortably for three to five days, or even longer, without needing a wash.

This makes merino wool particularly popular for travel and outdoor activities clothing where laundry facilities are scarce.

For Western Rise's merino clothing, machine wash on a gentle cycle with cold water using a mild detergent. Turn the garments inside out to preserve the fabric's integrity. Avoid using fabric softeners or bleach. After washing, reshape the clothing if necessary and lay it flat to dry. Refrain from tumble drying to prevent shrinkage or misshaping. Always refer to the specific care instructions on your Western Rise merino garment to ensure proper maintenance.

To store merino wool travel clothing properly, follow these guidelines:

• Clean Before Storing: Ensure the clothing is clean before storage to avoid attracting moths or other pests.
• Dry Completely: Make sure the garments are completely dry to prevent mildew.
• Fold, Don't Hang: Fold merino wool garments instead of hanging them to avoid stretching or misshaping.
• Use Breathable Storage: Store in breathable containers like cotton bags or boxes with ventilation holes. Avoid plastic bags which can trap moisture.
• Cool, Dry Place: Keep the storage area cool and dry, away from direct sunlight or dampness.
• Moth Repellents: Consider using natural moth repellents like cedar blocks or lavender sachets in the storage area, avoiding chemical mothballs which can impart a strong odor.

Following these steps will help maintain the quality and longevity of your merino wool clothing.

Merino wool clothing should generally be folded, not hung. Hanging can cause merino garments to stretch or lose their shape over time due to the natural elasticity and weight of the wool.

Folding ensures the garments maintain their shape and integrity, especially for heavier items like sweaters. For lighter merino items like t-shirts, if you prefer hanging, use broad-shouldered hangers to minimize stretching.

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I wore this tee on the Camino and loved it. I hand washed it every second night and by morning it was always dry. I love the dazzling blue colour, the higher neckline was great for preventing sunburn and the sleeve length was perfect. I only had two tees with me for 42 days and I never tired of wearing this tee. It has kept its shape and has plenty more wear left in it.

Fantastic for hiking and everyday use. I bought two pairs of the bikini briefs for the Camino (40 days of walking) and they were fantastic. They dry really quickly. I would hand wash out a pair at night, roll them in a towel to get the excess moisture out, hang them up and by morning they were always dry. The hot pink colour made them easy to find in my pack too. Love them!

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Perfect for when riding my bike. Long sleeves are great for keeping the sun at bay. I find it breathes well and wicks very nicely. Highly recommended.

This is my 2nd pair. I don't see myself as a leggings bloke so wear shorts over them. Perfect for recovery, camping, bush walking and around the house. Woll on the skin works for me.

Excellent, comfotable, dry, long lasting merino socks. I love them for trail running and casual no show in shoes or 3/4 boots.

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With Io Merino and cold weather it is a pleasure looking forward wearing their gaiters. So soft and has this silk like texture to their high quality Merino and lighness having around neck. Sits great and comfy and make one look forward to just enjoy wearing it. Colours!! Such a great selection and really fab to add colour to whatever wearing with and stylish too. The logo is comfortable too as can wear showing or not and still looks good on show too. I have them in two more colours and gifting one. The colours on this Merino superb with fabric and shades are different to anything I have seen before. Makes for great feel to adventuring outdoors or being extra snug indoors.

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I write this tshirt for the first time on Saturday. I ran 5km at Parkrun and hiked 30km. I stayed "fresh" for the entire day, had I worn any other tshirt covering the exercise I did, I would have felt totally gross and sweaty by the end of the day. Best purchase ever!

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These are my new goto pants, they are very comfortable and I like the look. Nice enough to wear around the office. Seriously considering buying more.

Got this tank top especially to wear on holidays to Bali. Managed to wear for a few days b4 needing a wash even though it was soaked in sweat. These tops r the best for keeping u cool while in the tropics

We hope you had a great trip Coralie :) Thank you for such a nice review!

I bought my first yoga pants 4 years ago at 60+ years for day wear, and I have a pear shaped body and suffer fibromyalgia in my lumber region down to my pelvis. I searched for merino wool pants that offered me warmth and comfort. I found my solution in the purchase of the yoga pant as they are not restricting around the waist area and hang beautifully when on. They look still look fresh and new and no pilling, that’s a plus, I have now bought my second pant leaving them for night wear, eg dinners and special outings. As with any wool and to retain their shape, I hand wash them with applicable wool wash and hang them on a airer so as to retain their shape and as with any pant, the length may need to be shortened.

Thank you Luciana :) So glad that you love them as much as we do!

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The Best Hiking Clothes – What To Wear Hiking

T he best hiking clothes have come a long way from animal skins to advanced synthetic materials that are quick-drying, lightweight, and even some that are biodegradable.

But don’t count out those animal fibers just yet. Materials like Alpaca and Merino Wool are still a staple in most high-end hiking apparel lines. Both are often used in organic and sustainable kids’ clothing of all types.

If you’re planning a fun day hike, or you’re looking for the best camping clothes for a weekend outdoors hitting the trails, then you’ve come to the right place.

When creating your day hike packing list , be sure to include quality hiking clothes. They can make all the difference.

THIS ARTICLE MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED LINKS. PLEASE READ OUR DISCLAIMER FOR MORE INFO. THIS POST WAS WRITTEN BY JILL GREISING-MURSCHEL , A FAMILY TRAVEL AND RV LIVING EXPERT .

With so many options for finding the best hiking clothes, where do you start? Well, let’s start with where you will be hiking.

Will you be visiting some of Utah’s National Parks and finding amazing hikes at Zion or Bryce Canyon, or will you be hiking the rainforests in Costa Rica?

Are you looking for cold weather hiking pants for some winter hiking or typical hiking clothes for the warmer months? Your choice of hiking clothes has a lot to do with the location of your trip. For example, if you’re hiking in the winter months then you’re going to want to have a pair of great hiking gloves , whereas in the summer months, you may not need them.

So, let’s first dive into the topic of finding hiking pants versus hiking shorts and how to choose between the two pieces of hiking wear.

Finding the best hiking pants may actually lead you to find the best hiking shorts as well. Many top brands these days create convertible pants with zip-off legs so you can always be prepared. 

Owning both dedicated hiking pants and convertible pants I can say both are a great choice but it again depends on where you will be hiking.

Best Hiking Shorts

Dedicated hiking shorts are a great choice if you know the temperature will stay consistently temperate and there would be little chance of severe temperature swings. Shorts are also a possibility when you know your hike will provide very little exposure to the sun and wind.

The best men’s hiking shorts I’ve found are actually the Kühl Radikl shorts . Rugged yet soft is how I would describe them.

Where shorts…fall short…are when you are in a climate or zone where you can have extreme amounts of sun or wind exposure.

You would think staying cool on a desert hike would be the priority and wearing hiking shorts is a no-brainer. However, especially on a desert hike, you are going to want your skin to be covered completely with lightweight, breathable fabrics.

This is where you are going to want to find the best hiking pants. Again, it seems counterintuitive but having full coverage in the desert will not only keep you cool, but it will keep you safe as well.

Best Hiking Pants

Okay, so we agreed. Based on your hiking location you want to find pants, but what pants to wear hiking for men or women? Let’s find out!

Best Hiking Pants For Men

I personally own a variety of hiking pants including Kuhl, Marmot , and Columbia . Some are dedicated pants and some are convertible.

What I’ve found is that variety is key, especially in our lifestyle of full-time travel. Traversing Angels Landing in Zion NP I chose dedicated pants, namely the Marmot Arch Rock Pants. These worked out great because they offered enough maneuverability, coverage, and breathability for this hike which has some extreme exposure.

The Kühl Radikl pants were sent to us as part of working with them and I was shocked!

I happened to drop a glob of a melted energy bar on my leg while wearing these and thought for sure they were ruined. Not only didn’t I need to wash the pants, but simply wiping them off with a damp paper towel already made the chocolate disappear without even a trace

They also met the comfort and maneuverability I was looking for in all-around hiking attire.

Kuhl offers the best pants for hiking, hanging out, and more.   Click here to shop now.

Best Hiking Pants For Women

Moving on to the best hiking pants for women we’ll find a lot of similarities.

Materials and composition are similar but style is where the divergence comes in or does it? With yoga pants like these being such a staple of the female wardrobe, it’s surprisingly low on the list when it comes to the best hiking pants for women.

Looking through REI’s online shop at hiking pants for women, the top-10 are all pants and not tights.

Something else interesting to see is that most of the top-10 best-selling pants for both men and women are convertible hiking pants.

This will tell you that most people appreciate the flexibility of having zip-off or roll-up legs since with most hikes, it’s always better to be prepared.

Even though the best hiking shorts out there are fantastically comfortable, rugged, and protective, most hikers generally lean towards pants. That’s not to say shorts aren’t a possibility, they’re just less chosen due to the variability of hikes.

Jill honestly loves her new women’s  Trekr pants that she was given by Kuhl. Since we’ve been in the mountains this Spring, she wears them almost every day and they honestly don’t get dirty!

Best Hiking Shirts

Moving upwards we’re onto how to find the best hiking shirts. Just like with pants vs shorts we’re going to go head-long into short sleeves versus long sleeves and which one is better.

Back to REI. 

We find the top shirts sold in both categories are long sleeve shirts , and why do you suppose that is?

You guessed it: preparedness. Exposure, wind, rain, bugs, all these things a long sleeve hiking shirt will help protect you against.

Below, I’m wearing my favorite long-sleeved hoody from REI which has now lasted me over 2 years and it’s in excellent shape!

The quality of hiking clothes can make such a huge difference. I’ve worn my hoody at least once per week, if not more, for over 2 years and it still looks new. 

The best combination from many hiking gear stores seems to be convertible hiking pants and lightweight, long sleeve, button-up shirts for men.

Women’s hiking shirts and pants were the same too. But that’s not to say short sleeves aren’t useful.

What do you think you’d wear under that long sleeve to be prepared for the elements? A short sleeve hiking shirt, paired with a long-sleeve shirt is going to be seen as more of a base layer.

If you want to look stylish while you’re hiking, then there are plenty of options for you. There’s a range of the best hiking dresses available that are both fashionable and functional. They have a flattering fit that is still comfortable, while the fabric is breathable to help you stay cool throughout your hike.

Your base layer is almost, as if not more important, than your outerwear. Depending on your planned excursions, you are going to want to have a good base layer.

This is where some hikers may falter. They get the nice, lightweight, breathable outerwear, then throw it on top of a cotton t-shirt and cotton underwear.

Soon they’ll find themselves with a ton of sun exposure, no breeze, and their outerwear isn’t performing as expected due to the cotton attached to their skin.

Have no fear though, the best hiking t-shirts out there include short-sleeve base layers . Made of wicking materials or my favorite, merino wool, these will help not only your gear, but your body, perform at its peak during your hikes.

Now, what about outfitting your kids for hiking?

Kids Hiking Gear and Clothes

Kids can be a bit picky, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find some great gear to make them enjoy the great outdoors. So how do you find the best kids hiking clothes?

Simple. Find the most durable and long-lasting hiking shoes clothes and that you can!

For instance, the best hiking shoes for kids include those that are comfortable and give excellent support to make sure they don’t twist an ankle. Don’t forget to buy them hiking socks along with their trail running shoes!

REI has some high-quality and durable selection of kids clothes and shoes , that are great for your kid’s outdoor gear.

We have a range of kids from 8 to 14 years old who play outside daily. They normally wear whatever fits at that moment. So when we can find high-end kids hiking clothing, I know it’s worth the investment.

Our youngest will wear anything I buy her. While our oldest wants to have a good style and comfort. Honestly, REI is our go-to place as we can shop online and stop in a store for kids hiking outfit to try on to make sure it’s the right size.

Other Gear For Kids

The best hiking gear for adults.

We don’t have the breadth to cover what the best hiking boots or hiking packs are in this article. But we do LOVE our REI jackets that pack up small into their own pockets and we highly recommend getting your own hydration packs. A rain jacket is also a must-have especially if you’re going on cold weather hikes.

Comment below and let us know what your favorite piece of hiking gear is. We’d love to know!

A special thanks to Kuhl for giving our family clothes in exchange for an honest review. Never owning clothes by Kuhl before, we were honestly surprised by how much we love their clothes.

The post The Best Hiking Clothes – What To Wear Hiking appeared first on Let's Travel Family .

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15 Fantastic and Easy Day Trips From Moscow

Is the hustle and bustle of Moscow starting to wear you down? No worries. There are multiple great day trips from Moscow that will let you see a different side of Russia that you won’t find in the metropolitan area. Each day trip I’ve listed below can easily be done by train from Moscow, and there are trains every day of the week.

The area surrounding Moscow is rich in cultural attractions and natural beauty. By traveling only a short distance, one feels far away from the crowds, and lines of the sprawling Russian capital. Since Russia is undoubtedly an expansive country it may take from half an hour to two hours to reach some of the landmarks on this list (by train or car) from the Moscow city center.

You can escape to the picturesque Russian countryside, visit war memorials, battlefields, admire onion-domed churches, and get insight into the local way of life. Easy day trips from Moscow include the incomparable white-stone Trinity Cathedral in Sergiyev Posad, the spectacular Cathedral of the Assumption in Dmitrov, and the Russian military aircraft in Monino. For those who love rural tranquility, Suzdal and Vladimir are a must-see. History buffs will appreciate the Patriotic War of 1812 reenactment that took place in Borodino on the first weekend of September.

Without further ado, here are 15 best day trips from Moscow that are well worth your attention.

The Best Day Trips from Moscow

There’s a reason Moscow is one of Europe’s most enigmatic destinations. It’s got culture, class, food, history, and more, but even better, is that it is the country’s main transport hub with so many attractions within a day trip from Moscow. While you can definitely spend days or even weeks in Moscow, it can, of course, be done in just one week. What can you do in Moscow in seven days ? Well, you can do a lot if you know how to plan a trip to a place you know so little about.

If you’re ready to get out of the city a bit and soak up the culture, fresh air, and enchanting architecture, I’ve rounded up my favorite day trips outside of Moscow. I often get asked: What are the best cities to visit in Russia? And these are places that I’ve been and loved.

My Favorite Easy Day Trips from Moscow:

Dmitrov Kolomna Zvenigorod Sergiyev Posad Yaroslavl Arkhangelskoye Estate Vladimir Suzdal Korolev Borodino Patriot Park in Kubinka Melikhovo Gorki Leninskie Kaluga Monino

1. Day Trip to Dmitrov from Moscow

Dmitrov may not be as popular as other cities in Russia, but the fact that the city was founded only 7 years earlier than Moscow makes for a great day trip. This small city some 90 kilometers from Moscow is particularly beautiful in the summer. As you walk the streets you can see sparkling fountains, charming centuries-old buildings, yachts and boats transiting through the canal and, of course, the Museum-Reserve Dmitrov Kremlin.

The Kremlin (castle) is the city’s main draw. The 10m high and about 1km long earthen rampart remained behind the wooden wall and gives an idea of how the castle looked like 400 years ago. The oldest surviving building on the Kremlin grounds is the 16th-century Assumption Cathedral with a unique five-tier iconostasis.

Not far from the Kremlin there is a compact 15th-century Borisoglebsky convent. Its main building – the 16th-century Cathedral of Sts. Boris and Gleb is open to the visitors only for services of worship. In the 1930s in the convent housed a labor camp, which contained the builders of the Canal named after Moscow.

Getting There: Dmitrov sits an easy hour and sixteen minutes by train from Savyelovskiy Rail Terminal. This cheap day trip from Moscow is a great chance to soak up the historic charm to be found in Moscow Oblast.

2. Day Trip to Kolomna from Moscow

Situated to the south-east of Moscow, Kolomna is a beautiful port city on the Oka River. This is one of the oldest Russian cities in the region. So you can discover the old history in museums and monasteries. Interestingly, the city was a site for important weapon factories under the Soviet Union. Although it was opened up in 1994 Kolomna is not as popular as other day-trip destinations in the region.

Nevertheless, it is a great place to visit with friends and family where you can explore the 15th-century Kremlin made of red brick, try incredibly sweet traditional pastila (marshmallow), and visit some of the cute little churches and 19th-century mansions.

Getting There: Take the express train (commuter line train) from the Kazansky rail terminal to Golutvin station. The trip lasts one hour and forty minutes.

3. Day Trip to Zvenigorod from Moscow

This one is usually a given due to its proximity to and ease of transport from Moscow. It’s one of the easiest day trips from Moscow by train. You can easily hop on the train from the city and land right in the town of Zvenigorod where you can visit the 14th-century Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery and sample the sparkly and refreshing kvass, a Russian specialty beverage that’s enjoyed in the summer months.

Zvenigorod is an adorable little town just under an hour away from the Moscow city and is an amazing place to visit as it will give a relaxing break from the hectic life of Moscow. Check this day trip if you don’t feel like planning.

If you have a sweet tooth, spend some time in the quirky Museum of Russian Desserts, where you can indulge in uniquely delicious treats and explore the intersection of food and culture.

Then you may want to pay the Zvenigorod Museum of History, Architecture, and Art a visit. The museum’s exposition is located on the territory of the Savvino-Storozhevsky monastery, or rather, in the 17th-century Tsaritsyny chambers, built for the wife of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich. Stroll through the museum halls to view the permanent exhibitions, which offer insights into various aspects of Russian history. The intricate museum’s building is adorned with a decorative porch, complex patterned elements, and looks very impressive in general.

4. Day Trip to Sergiyev Posad from Moscow

If you’re looking for cheap day trips from Moscow, Sergiyev Posad is a good choice at just a few dollar train ride away. Known as a major center of pilgrimage and home to one of the largest Russian Orthodox Monastery which has been here for hundreds of years, Sergiyev Posad is a fun day trip from Moscow and can be combined with Abramtsevo Museum Estate. As the only town in Moscow Region which is included in the Golden Ring of Russian cities, Sergiyev Posad is an incredible destination for a day trip from Moscow that packs UNESCO-protected Trinity Sergius Lavra, great museums, and gorgeous architecture into one day.

Make sure you see the six-pillared Assumption Cathedral that was commissioned by Ivan the Terrible in mid-16th-century and go inside to marvel at the impressive iconostasis that features Simon Ushakov’s masterpiece, the icon of Last Supper. Enjoy a delicious lamb steak with wheat kasha, Ukha fish soup, or hand-made dumplings as you learn a lot about religious and cultural history.

Getting There: Known for its small-town charm and welcoming feel, you can get to Sergiyev Posad by train, by bus, or by car. Trains depart from Yaroslavsky Rail Terminal every thirty minutes, and the trip lasts about an hour and a half. Alternatively, you can hop on a bus at the ‘VDNKh’ metro station. A bus trip to Sergiyev Posad takes two hours on average but can be reached in 90 minutes depending on traffic. If you go by car expect to spend about an hour and a half attempting to traverse the congested Yaroslavskoye highway.

5. Day Trip to Yaroslavl from Moscow

Going from Moscow to Yaroslavl may seem like a really long day trip, but honestly, if you take the comfortable train, it only takes about four hours to reach the city, so making a Yaroslavl day trip is totally doable. Although I do recommend much more than one day in Yaroslavl, especially if it’s your first time.

Cultural tourists visiting Yaroslavl should start their exploration by strolling the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A spacious 100-hectare area enclosed by Sobinova and Republican streets is home to most popular attractions – the 17th-century Church of Elijah the Prophet that survived almost exactly in its original form, and in contrast to it, the white stone Assumption Cathedral, restored in the 2000s.

If you walk a bit further passing the Holy Trinity sculpture and city’s foundation stone, you will find yourself at Strelka, a park on the cape, which offers panoramic views of the spot at the confluence of Volga and Kotorosl rivers. On the way back, there is a pleasant walk along the picturesque Volga embankment to the Governor’s Garden with shadowy alleys and an open-air Sculpture museum.

Getting There: Yaroslavl is about 280 km (173 miles) northeast of Moscow, so the best way to get there is to take a morning train from Yaroslavskiy Rail Terminal. A tour is also a great way to see the Yaroslavl without having to worry about driving or searching for trains. You can book a tour here.

6. Day Trip to Arkhangelskoye Estate from Moscow

Situated on the outskirts of Moscow and dates back to the late 18th-century, Arkhangelskoye Estate was the domain of the nobility for over a century until the Russian Revolution swept people who owned the estate out of the country. The estate was turned into a museum, which it remains today.

The Arkhangelskoye Estate Museum holds the largest rare-book collection. The exhibition also includes old manuscripts, historical documents, photos from the past, a vast collection of sculpture, paintings, engravings, and exceptional examples of decorative art. These art objects once belonged to Prince Nikolai Yusupov, the former owner of the estate.

Arkhangelskoye Estate is often referred to as the Russian version of Versailles because of the intricately manicured garden and beautiful 18th-century park. Famous Russian writers and poets such as Pushkin, Herzen, Mayakovsky loved to spend their free time here making long excursions in the surrounding area. Arkhangelskoye is a perfect place to appreciate the terraces decorated by delightful statues, exquisite vases, and busts.

Visitors can take tours, which introduce them to vibrant examples of Russian art and culture.

Getting There: To reach the estate it’s best to take a bus or a privately-owned minibus that departs from Tushinskaya metro station.

7. Day Trip to Vladimir from Moscow

Situated only two hours east of Moscow, Vladimir is absolutely one of the best places to visit near Moscow for a day trip. This splendid city dates back to the 12th century and has a very rich history. If magnificent Orthodox cathedrals and traditional white-stone architecture entice you, then this place is perfect for a day trip with your significant other.

First things first, you need to see the Golden Gate, which indicates the entrance into the old town. This 12th-century medieval masterpiece of military architecture is associated not only with Vladimir but with the Golden Ring tourist route itself. At the top of the gate, where once was the Church of the Deposition of the Robe, there is the Museum of Weapons. Great looking arrowheads and spear points date back to the Grand Principality of Vladimir, while the exhibition in an impressively majestic setting features a number of Batu-Khan related artifacts.

There’s a variety of attractions to put on your must-see list: the Old Believers Trinity Church right behind it, the Cathedral of St Demetrius, and Dormition (Uspensky) Cathedral. If you plan on shopping for souvenirs like birch-bark masterpieces of Kunov’s masters, drawings, carving, embossing, figures of people and animals, stop by the Lacquer Miniature, the Museum of Crystal, and the Gingerbread Museum. Many of the local attractions were added to UNESCO’s list of World Heritage sites.

Getting There: The best way to visit this area is to catch an early train from Moscow and book a full-day tour of Vladimir in advance. This one includes the town of Suzdal as well.

8. Day Trip to Suzdal from Moscow

This gem of a little medieval town perched on a hill just a 30-minute ride from Vladimir is one of those places I’ve visited and could move there permanently and be happy! It’s a charming little piece of history that also has a Kremlin and visiting it feels like stepping back in time. if you’re a culture enthusiast you’ll be glad to know there are numerous churches, five monasteries, including Spaso-Yevfimiev Monastery in Suzdal. Check them out if you want to get a real taste of the country!

pend some time shopping at the Torgovaya ploshchad (Market Square), where you can buy baskets made of birch bark, ceramic handmade plates, honey or souvenirs and, of course, grab some afternoon tea!

Getting There: Trains leave regularly from Moscow’s Kurskiy Rail Terminal to Vladimir where you can hop on a bus to Suzdal. You can also take a bus from Moscow. In this case, it might take longer and you’ll probably encounter infamous traffic jams. If you go by express train the trip takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes. There are slower trains of course, but I’d recommend going with the fast one and save a lot of time!

9. Day Trip to Korolev from Moscow

Located some 30 kilometers northeast of Moscow, Korolev has become arguably the most important space research center with skilled workers from across the Soviet Union who came here to expand the space program.

It became a leading institute dedicated to aerospace research in the country. Today, that tendency can still be clearly seen on the streets and in the buildings. When the Soviet Union collapsed, the city retained its status as the headquarters of Russia’s space surveillance network and now it hosts the Russian Mission Control Center, an analogue of the American Mission Control Center at NASA’s Space Center in Houston.

If you want to learn more about Mission Control Center and the former Russian Mir space station, book a tour with a knowledgeable guide who can clearly tell the history of this place.

If you’re not into space exploration there is also a Memorial Apartment Museum of Marina Tsvetaeva in Bolshevo. With a picturesque park next to the museum, it’s a great place for walking in the fresh air. The highlight of the park is memorial stones with quotes from Tsvetaeva’s poems.

Getting There: I’d recommend going by train. Catch one at Yaroslavskiy Rail Terminal that departs every 30 minutes to reach Bolshevo station.

10. Day Trip to Borodino from Moscow

The historic Battle of Borodino on September 7, 1812, took place just outside the small village of Borodino, about 140 km west of Moscow, and about 15 km from the nearest town of Mozhaysk. Although the French won the Battle of Borodino and went to capture Moscow, it was one of the bloodiest battles of the pre-twentieth-century that is also predetermined Napoleon’s defeat.

While it was a battlefield back then, not much remains today. It’s mostly a green and grassy field now with a few monuments of military honor, architectural objects dated back to 19th and 20th century, and fortification facilities scattered throughout the area. The largest of these is the 27-meter high obelisk located right at the heart of the former battlefield.

Every year the military and patriotic festival and theatrical performance take place in Borodino. Early September is considered to be the best for visiting. But if you just want to feel the spirit of the battle, it’s better to go at any other time of the year.

Getting there: Hop on a train from the Belorussky rail terminal, disembark in Mozhaysk, and then take a bus to the museum. The whole travel time is about 2 hours.

11. Day Trip to Patriot Park in Kubinka from Moscow

Once a Red Army tank training ground, now it’s a military Disneyland with history, structure, guns, and armored vehicles! The tank museum originally housed one of the world’s largest and rarest collections of tanks. In 2016 they combined the training grounds with the newly-created Patriot Park. Since then, some of the notable and rare items have been moved to the Patriot Park site, so you may want to combine both sites into one tour (only about 20 minutes apart).

The exhibition grounds include some very rare specimens that are must-see for any military enthusiasts out there. The staff is friendly, helpful and kind, while the museum has a small shop. As this site is part of an operating military base, they may ask you to show your passport, or provide them with a photocopy of the front pages. There are vending machines for snacks and drinks, and there are bathroom facilities. There’s plenty to see, so I recommend setting aside an entire day!

Getting there: Situated halfway between Borodino and Moscow, the best way to reach Patriot Park in Kubinka is by car. Alternatively, if you don’t want to rent one, consider car-sharing apps like Gett or UBER. The price of ride-sharing services is cheap enough to make them a viable proposition for choosing them.

12. Day Trip to Melikhovo from Moscow

Located some 80 km from Moscow, Melikhovo is one of the most important museums dedicated to Anton Pavlovich Chekhov. This renowned Russian writer and playwright acquired Melikhovo in 1892. He lived there with his parents and close relatives for 7 years before moving to the Crimea in 1899. Melikhovo is where he wrote his plays “The Man in the Case” and “The Seagull”.

The estate faded into oblivion right after the Revolution but in 1939 Anton Chekhov’s sister Maria and his nephew established a museum based on Chekhov’s place of living. The museum opened its doors to the public in 1941.

Today museum’s exhibition reveals the legacy of a celebrated writer and shows his path not only as a writer but as a doctor and public figure as well. The collection also features some of the best-known paintings by famous artists like Isaac Levitan and Vasily Polenov, who were Chekhov’s friends. When it comes to fun and educational day trips from Moscow, Melikhovo is a nice place for learning more about Chekov’s life and work.

Getting There: You can reach Melikhovo by train from Kurskiy rail Terminal. Disembark in the town of Chekhov and hop on a minibus that will get to the estate. Alternatively, hop on a bus that departs from the Yuzhnaya metro station.

13. Day Trip to Gorki Leninskie from Moscow

Once the realm of Russian nobles, Gorki Leninskie was turned into Lenin’s museum some 25 years after his death. The estate sits some 30-minute bus ride from the Domodedovskaya metro station and houses Soviet-era memorabilia and Lenin’s memorial flat recently transferred from the Kremlin, as well as his vintage Rolls-Royce.

Most people only associate this place with the name of the first communist leader. In fact, the name of the estate was first mentioned in documents dating back to the 16th-century. Throughout its history, the estate was owned by a number of prominent figures. It’s in fact one of the best museums that holds the country’s finest collection 19th-century furnishings and a unique collection of domestic items owned by nobles. Plus, ancient Vyatichi native tribe or East Slavs who inhabited a part of the Oka basin’s burial mounds and a few notable sculptures are hidden behind the avenues of lime trees in the park.

Getting There: You could, of course, hop on a bus from Domodedovskaya metro station. But it would be much easier just to use UBER or Gett. The estate isn’t that far from the Moscow Circle Road but going there by bus may involve some navigating.

14. Day Trip to Kaluga from Moscow

If you’re looking for an educational day trip from Moscow, look no farther than Kaluga! This beautiful city could really entertain you for more than just a day, but to get a taste of science, be sure to visit the Tsiolkovsky State Museum of the History of Cosmonautics. Or in other words, the Space Museum.

Visitors to the museum will learn more about the history of space exploration. In fact, this is one of the largest Space Museums in Russia, which opened its doors in Kaluga in 1967. Here you can see a prototype of the iconic MIR space station and a duplicate of the Voskhod rocket. The very same rocket that took the first man to space. There’s also a planetarium, which from the outside resembles a spaceship.

Kaluga is a totally walkable city. Make sure to spend some time strolling Teatralnaya street with the authentic 19th-century pavement that now marks the Kilometer Zero. Then walk across the 18th-century Kamenniy Most (the Stone Bridge) that somewhat resembles a Roman aqueduct. If you’re an architecture buff marvel at the Church of St. Cosmas and Damian.

It is assumed that the church was erected by one of the followers of Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli in 1794. The church resembles the Smolny Convent in St. Petersburg. With five church towers directed upward and six tiers of oblong windows give the exterior a sense of lightness and airiness.

Getting There: Trains from Kiyevsky Rail Terminal to Kaluga leave every 90 minutes. The trip takes about 2 hours and 35 minutes.

15. Day Trip to Monino from Moscow

Are you looking for great family & kid-friendly day trips from Moscow? If so, consider visiting the Central Museum of the Air Forces at Monino. This unique military open-air museum is home to over 180 Russian aircraft and 100 aircraft engines and the perfect place to go when your crowd is looking for a break from hectic city life. Check this tour if you don’t feel like planning.

This site was formerly an operational airbase from 1932 till 1956 and many of the Russian aviation Design bureaus have made a contribution to the operation and maintenance of the museum. Along with aircraft from the Second World War, there are the TU-95 Bear four-engine turboprop-powered strategic bomber and the TU-144 Charger a Soviet supersonic passenger airliner (which resembled the Concorde). The museum also has exhibits related to military aviation history such as the uniform of captured U2 pilot Gary Powers.

Getting There: This museum is located at Monino Town, about 30 km from Moscow. It is open on all days from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except Mondays and Tuesdays. To get there take a train departing from Yaroslavskiy Rail Terminal and disembark at Monino station. Alternatively, hop on a bus from Schelkovskaya or Partizanskaya metro station.

Final Thoughts on the Best Day Trips from Moscow

I hope this post has helped you discover some amazing day trips from Moscow. From imposing cathedrals, mighty fortresses and monasteries, there are a lot of incredible places to visit the Russian capital, and the best part is that getting there is always ways to get around on the cheap.

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Great article for visitors in Moscow , thanks for sharing

Marie Hernandez

I hadn’t considered traveling to Moscow until NOW! Fantastic post and ideas for visitors! Thanks!

Graham Marsden

Nice to see so many options outside of Moscow, but I have to say I wish this list had a recommendation for a hike or a beautiful natural areas or national parks. Maybe the next list!

I have to admit that I knew nothing about the area surrounding Moscow. This is definitely an inspiring list of places to go.

When I read this article about Moscow. I wanted to pack my bags and get there sooner. thank you for the great write up.

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Wondering what to pack for Russia in the summer? Our Russian-born author shares her tips and tricks on dressing for both day and night!

What to Pack for Russia: Summer

Written By: Julia K.

If you made it to Moscow, Russia during summer, you’re in luck. Moscow offers a plethora of beautifully landscaped parks and festivals all over the city. If you want to know how to visit all those locations in style, continue reading!

Traveling to Russia in the winter? Read this post instead.

Packing List for Russia in the Summer

White Top  | Blouse |  Tank | Top |  Shirt |  Pant |  Pants | Skirt | Dress |  Dress  | Jacket | Cardigan | Flats | Wedge | Bag  | Hat

Summers in Moscow can get hot. It can range between 77-86°F (25-30°C) and sometimes be humid. Dressing appropriately, comfortably, and accordingly will save you a headache and make your stay more enjoyable.

Always check the weather forecast before your trip. Once you’ve researched the weather, you can focus on creating a travel capsule wardrobe , which should easily fit in a carryon suitcase with the help of packing cubes to compress your clothing.

Must-see attractions during summer include many parks, such as VDNH, Chistyye Prudy, Izmaylovo and Izmailovsky Park, and of course the famous antique and flea market called Vernisaj.

Start by reading these general tips on packing for summer travel:

• Capsule Wardrobe for Summer
• Top Summer Dresses Perfect for Europe
• Lightweight Jackets for Easy Layers
• Best Walking Shoes for Europe’s Cobblestone Streets

One can see a range of different styles in Moscow. After all, it’s a hub for many travelers, businesspeople, and locals. However, if you’d like to be perceived and treated in a particular way, then pay attention to the way you dress.

You may attract unwanted attention if you wear clothing that’s inappropriate to the local culture. Observe what people are wearing around you and these tips should help point you in the right direction before you arrive.

The following suggestions are based on the perspective of a local born in Moscow.

What to pack for Russia if you’re going to any of the parks:

Blouse | Shorts |  Hat | Scarf | Watch | Sunglasses | Purse  | Flats

• Flat sandals or flats
• Dressy shorts or a midi skirt (no shorter than one hand above the knee)
• A nice blouse
• A crossbody bag
• A hat and sunglasses
• Jewelry and a watch

If you’ll be staying out all day into the evening, wearing layers is key. Pack a shawl or a cardigan for romantic walks next to the Moscow River.

Pro tip: Take a mosquito repellent just in case and apply sun protection wherever you go.

Read this post to find out our stylish strategies on how to layer clothes !

What not to wear:

As a local, I wouldn’t recommend wearing flip flops, short shorts, mini skirts, bright makeup, or see-through clothes. It’s a good idea not to show cleavage, unless you have a layer underneath. Choose understated jewelry instead of flashier pieces.

What to pack for Russia if you’re going to a festival:

Dress |  Hat  | Umbrella |  Crossbody  | Earrings | Lipstick | Watch |  Flats

• A nice day dress
• A pair of comfortable wedges
• A light purse
• A scarf for the evening
• Light jewelry
• Light makeup (bronzer, mascara, lip gloss, blush)

Find out the top ten wedges readers recommend!

Travel shoes:

Flats  |  Wedge |  Oxfords

If you’d like to explore Moscow, then comfortable shoes are a must!

The summer weather is pretty predictable. Based on that, you’ll need three pairs of shoes. One to explore the city, a pair to wear in your hotel room, and something for going out. Think: wedges, dressy flats with a thick sole, and flip-flops.

What are the most comfy shoes? These experts are giving you the inside scoop on their twenty-one top picks. Take a look !

What to pack for Russia if you’re going to enjoy dinner and a ferry ride along the Moscow River:

Top  | Skirt | Jacket |  Sunglasses  |  Wedge  |  Lipstick  | Clutch | Earrings

• A midi skirt or cropped dressy pants
• A dressy blouse
• Comfortable but dressy shoes
• An evening clutch
• A jacket for any unexpected chill

Make sure your clothes are clean and neat, and that there are no flashy colors or over-the-top prints.

Summer is also a perfect opportunity to take a short trip to St. Petersburg, one of the most iconic cities in the world. It’s full of heritage, architecture, galleries, and art, even for the most discerning travelers and art lovers. You can get there by train or plane. Whichever is in your budget, pack with comfort and style in mind!

Whether you’re spending a summer abroad or finally taking that vacation you’ve been dreaming about for years, TFG has the ultimate long term packing list for your European adventures !

What to pack for Russia for a 3-day getaway to St. Petersburg:

Dress  |  Earrings | Clutch | Wedge |  Cardigan  | Tank  | Pants |  Flats | Purse  |  Blouse  | Pants | Jacket |  Scarf | Hat | Flats

• Day/night dress that’s easy to dress up or down with some jewelry
• Comfortable flats to explore the city in
• A change of clothes that covers your knees and shoulders
• A scarf and sweater for when the city becomes cooler during the evening
• A windbreaker
• Everyday jewelry
• A hat to protect yourself from the sun
• A small umbrella

These are the most cute and comfortable ballet flats for travel!

Some museums and churches might refuse service or admission if shoulders and knees are uncovered. I also recommend avoiding jean cutoffs and tank tops, as they may get unwanted attention.

When entering any religious building modesty should be considered, these tips will help you learn how to pack!

Shopping tips:

Moscow has every single store you could think of! From global luxury brands to everyday wear, it caters to many budgets.

If you want to arrive during sale season, then arrive one to two months before the end of the season. You can pick up European-made goods cheaper than in North America. Good shopping malls include Afimall located in Moscow City (another must see) and Evropeiskii located at Kievsky train station.

What are your tips on what to pack for Russia in the summer? Share in the comments below!

For more ideas on what to pack for Russia and Europe, please read:

• Ten-Step Packing Guide for Europe
• What to Wear in Russia in Winter
• Best Shoes for Europe
• What to Wear in Moscow in the Winter

Suggested Travel Resources:

• Lonely Planet Russia (Travel Guide)
• Lonely Planet Russian Phrasebook & Dictionary

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We hope you liked this post on what to pack for Russia in summer. Please share with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!

Author Bio: Julia K is a travel blogger who believes in utilizing every item in her luggage 101%. When at home, she likes to explore what’s new in the world of travel fashion, food, and travel gadgets. Follow her on Instagram ,  Facebook , Twitter , and her blog .

I’m traveling to Moscow in five days and was wondering if I should really not wear shorts. I’ve been to Nizhny Novgorod in the summer and Moscow in the winter so I have a few ideas about what to wear, but I thought that shorts wouldn’t be so bad.

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