River & Trail Talk

When most people think of wool, they imagine thick, itchy sweaters reserved for the coldest winter days. Merino wool doesn’t match that description. Soft, breathable, and incredibly versatile, merino wool is one of our favourite fibers—and we’d love to tell you why.

What Is Merino Wool?

Merino wool comes from Merino sheep, a breed originally from Spain and now commonly raised in places like Australia and New Zealand. What makes merino wool special is the fineness of its fibers. They are much thinner than traditional wool, which is why merino feels soft against the skin rather than scratchy.

You’ll Want to Wear It Every Day

At River & Trail, we love (like, really love) Merino wool for socks year-round and as base layers throughout the colder months.

Merino wool is famous for its ability to regulate body temperature. It keeps you warm when it’s cold and cool when it’s hot. This happens because merino fibers naturally trap air for insulation while also allowing excess heat to escape.

Even more impressive is its ability to manage moisture. It can absorb a significant amount of water vapor from sweat without feeling wet, helping to keep your body dry and comfortable in changing conditions. This lends itself well to cold-weather activities, such as cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.

Another bonus is that merino wool resists odor naturally. The fibers contain properties that prevent odor-causing bacteria from building up. This means merino clothing can be worn multiple times before needing to be washed. Seriously, you can wear the socks over multiple days before washing them. Trust us. This also helps extend their life! The fibers can bend thousands of times without breaking, which helps merino garments maintain their shape and resist wear. With proper care, merino clothing can last for years. For travelers, hikers, and anyone with an active lifestyle, this is a huge advantage.

When it is time to wash, most merino wool garments are machine washable making them easy to care for. Air-drying is usually recommended, which further extends the life of the fabric and saves energy.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly

Merino wool is a renewable, biodegradable fiber. Sheep grow new wool every year, and when merino garments eventually wear out, the fibers can break down naturally in soil rather than lingering as microplastics. Importantly, the brands we choose to carry source merino wool responsibly.

Smartwool works with the New Zealand Merino Company (ZQ-certified wool) to ensure the wool they source for their products meet “environmental, social, and economic sustainability while safeguarding animal welfare.” Learn more about Smartwool’s Merino Wool here.

Icebreaker also works with the New Zealand Merino Company (ZQ-certified wool) to source their merino wool. Learn about Icebreaker’s Merino Wool here.

Darn Tough works with “select partners to obtain premium wool from North America, Europe and Oceania.” Darn Tough’s partners meet the Responsible Wool Standard. Learn more about Darn Tough’s Merino Wool here.

And That is Why We Love Merino Wool

Merino wool combines comfort, performance, and sustainability in a way few materials can. It adapts to your body, works across seasons, and fits seamlessly into both casual and active lifestyles.

Whether you’re hiking a mountain, traveling light, or simply looking for clothing that feels good and lasts longer, merino wool offers a natural solution that has stood the test of time.

At River & Trail, we carry socks from Darn Tough, Smartwool and Icebreaker, for a variety of outdoor activities. Shop Merino Wool Socks here.