Travelling light in LOOW merino wool

Guide

How to pack light

Whether you travel with carry-on, hike for a week or live out of a backpack for months, the principle is the same: fewer pieces that each do more. Merino can often be aired between wears. Thin layers can dry overnight after a rinse, depending on the conditions. This is what we pack, and what the people who wear LOOW on the road say.

  • If you travel with carry-on only
  • If you hike several days with everything on your back
  • If you move through several climates on one trip
See the packing list

Why merino when you pack light

  • Light and packs smallThin merino layers weigh little and take up little space, so you can pack fewer and lighter pieces.
  • Comfortable in changing temperaturesMerino wool insulates against the cold and absorbs moisture from your skin, so you stay comfortable when the weather and your activity level change.
  • Less odour and fewer washesMerino wool does not develop odour as quickly as many other fabrics. Often, airing it is enough between wears.
  • Wicks moisture and dries quicklyThin merino layers can often dry overnight after washing. Drying time depends on the fabric, ventilation and humidity.
  • Soft against your skinFine merino fibres bend easily against the skin. The fabric feels soft and can be worn directly on the body.
  • Relatively wrinkle-freeMerino stays relatively wrinkle-free even when tightly packed, so it looks right straight out of the bag.

The packing list

Everything below covers a week. Wear one, air the other. Add a warm layer for evenings, flights and cold mornings.

  1. Two or three light tops

    135 T-shirts and one long-sleeved 135. Light, quick to dry and fine enough for dinner.

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  2. One warm layer

    The ZN-240 zip neck packs flat and works over a T-shirt on a cool evening, on a windy ridge or in a cold cabin. Add the fleece vest for colder trips.

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  3. Underwear and socks

    Merino underwear and socks can be worn several days between washes and rinse clean in a sink. HS-50 for hiking boots, S-50 for everyday shoes.

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  4. Small things that save space

    A neckwarmer for wind and cold mornings, and a beanie for the evening. Both take up little space in a pocket.

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Experiences from travellers

What travellers, hikers and backpackers told us after living in LOOW on the road.

Charlotte & Ole LOOW AMBASSADOR Charlotte & OleHikersThe fit is good, it's comfortable to wear, both when it's cold and warm, and even when it's soaked. It dries quickly and smells less. At the same time, it weighs and takes up little space. It's ideal for our outdoor life, but is also often used in everyday life.Meet Charlotte Nikolaj K. Bonde LOOW AMBASSADOR Nikolaj K. BondeBackpacker in Latin AmericaYou never had to worry about wearing a soaked and smelly T-shirt on a 12-hour bus or similar, even if we had just dragged 20-25 kg of luggage to the station in 30-degree heat.Meet Nikolaj Henrik Gedde Moos LOOW AMBASSADOR Henrik Gedde MoosLives in the BahamasI never wear anything else here in the tropics. The t-shirt in the picture is my favorite. Three years old, countless hours in the sun and it's gone from petrol to a cool steel grey.Meet Henrik Solo adventure towards Mont Blanc LOOW STORIES Solo adventure towards Mont Blanc When my last child left home, I felt a newfound sense of freedom. I can do whatever I want, whenever I want. With that freedom came the question:... Read the story A tribute to the unplanned journey LOOW STORIES A tribute to the unplanned journey Three reasons why an unplanned journey might turn out to be your best journey ever. Read the story How to wash your wool when traveling LOOW STORIES How to wash your wool when traveling Even though our products can be used longer before needing a wash due to the great properties of the wool, you might want to give them a quick... Read the story

Before you pack

Need personal advice? Email wool@loow.com.

How do I wash merino on the go?

Rinse in a sink with cool water and a little wool detergent if you have it, squeeze gently in a towel and hang to dry. Thin layers can often dry overnight, depending on ventilation and humidity. Avoid wringing. See the care guide.

How many T-shirts do I need for a week?

Two or three. Merino wool does not develop odour as quickly as many other fabrics. Wear one, air the other overnight, and rinse when you need to. In our field test through the Pyrenees, 20 days were covered with two tops.

Which weight for a hot climate?

135 is our lightweight fabric and the choice for warm destinations. Bring one warm layer for evenings, air travel and cooler stops.

Does it wrinkle in the bag?

Merino stays relatively wrinkle-free even when tightly packed. Hang it up when you arrive and any creases fall out.

Which size should I choose?

Use the size guide on the product page. Some models use unisex sizes 1-10. Where garment measurements are provided, compare with clothing that fits you well. All guides are collected on the size guides page.

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.

Trip by trip

Personal accounts and packing lists from specific trips.

  • The Camino

    The Camino

    Mads & Mikal walked from Saint Jean Pied de Port to Santiago in LOOW. Their tips and packing list.

  • Interrail

    Interrail

    Benjamin & Natalie's packing lists for a month on trains through Europe.

  • Travel

    Travel

    The travel landing pages with the layers and stories for a week away.

  • Hiking

    Hiking

    The layers we pack for several days on the trail.