
Over the last few decades, merino wool has become a staple of outdoor gear. It keeps you warm when the weather is cold but helps you stay cool when it’s warm out. It never gets stinky even with high-intensity, sweaty activities and it’s soft against your skin – unlike old-school wool. Best of all, it’s a natural fabric and therefore biodegradable.
Today, there are two standout companies creating outdoor apparel using merino wool: Smartwool and Icebreaker. These brands have many similarities, and a few key differences so we decided to take a deep dive into both companies, looking at where they came from, what they stand for and the quality and value of their products.