LOOW Stories
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Hiking for men
Merino wool for hiking
On a long hike the same shirt has to handle sweat on the climb, wind on the ridge and a cold evening at camp. Merino wool moves moisture away from the skin, insulates when damp and can be aired instead of washed, so you carry less. Here are the layers we pack for several days on the trail.
- If you hike several days with everything on your back
- If you want fewer changes of clothes in the pack
- If you get hot uphill and cold in the breaks
Why merino on the trail
- Comfortable in changing temperaturesMerino wool insulates against the cold and absorbs moisture from your skin, so you stay comfortable when your activity level and the weather change.
- Wicks moisture and dries quicklyThin merino layers can often dry overnight after washing. Drying time depends on the fabric, ventilation and humidity.
- Light and packs smallThin merino layers weigh little and take up little space, so you can pack fewer and lighter pieces.
- Less odour and fewer washesMerino wool does not develop odour as quickly as many other fabrics. Often, airing it is enough between wears.
- Soft against your skinFine merino fibres bend easily against the skin. The fabric feels soft and can be worn directly on the body.
What we pack for a multi-day hike
Fewer pieces that each do more. One set on the body, one in the pack, and layers for the evening.
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Base layer
See all productsA 135 T-shirt for the warm hours and a 135 long-sleeved T-shirt for mornings, sun and evenings. Both dry quickly and can be rinsed in a stream or a sink.
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Mid layer
See all productsThe ZN-240 zip neck for breaks and camp, and the FV-280 fleece vest when the wind picks up. Both pack small and weigh little.
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Socks and underwear
See all productsMerino socks keep feet drier in the boots, and merino underwear can be worn several days between washes.
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Accessories
See all productsA neckwarmer for wind and cold mornings, and a beanie for the evening. Both take up no space in a pocket.
Tested on the trail
Field tests and stories from people who hike in LOOW.
LOOW STORIES
20 days through the Pyrenees
Twenty days through the Spanish Pyrenees during the summer heatwaves, with two tops in the backpack and no washing along the way. Peter tells the story himself in...
Read the story
LOOW STORIES
From Beginner to Outdoor Adventurer: The Fjällräven Classic 2/2
After our trip to Sweden, I finally understand people who have just returned from great adventures and struggle to find an elegant way to summarize everything they’ve just...
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LOOW STORIES
Hiking from Skagen to Agger
Charlotte and Ole are planning to hike from Skagen to Agger in Denmark during their summer vacation. Read about their thoughts and experiences before their trip.When it comes...
Read the story
Before the hike
Need personal advice? Email wool@loow.com.
How many T-shirts do I need for a week?
Fewer than you think. In our field test through the Pyrenees, 20 days were covered with two tops: one on the body and one airing or drying. Merino wool develops odour slowly and dries quickly after a rinse.
How do I wash merino on the trail?
Rinse in cool water, squeeze gently in a towel and hang to dry. Merino dries quickly, so a rinse in the evening is usually dry by morning. Avoid wringing.
Which weight for summer hikes?
135 is our lightweight fabric and the choice for warm days and high activity. Bring the zip neck or fleece vest for evenings and breaks.
Does merino wool itch?
Merino wool has finer fibres than coarse wool. They bend easily against your skin, so the fabric feels soft and supple. We select fine merino wool for our clothes so you can wear them directly on the skin.
Which size should I choose?
Open the product and use the size guide with garment measurements. Compare with a T-shirt that fits you well. Fit varies between styles, so use the guide for the item you choose. See the men's size guide.
Can I try the clothes and return them?
WOOL Club members can try clothing for 30 days, including wearing and washing. Unused items have a 365-day return policy. Returns and exchanges are free from Denmark and the EU. See our return terms.
