How To Choose A Merino Wool Hoodie
To choose the right merino wool hoodie for your next hike, first you will need to reference the weather forecast, and asses fabric thicknesses – measured in gsm (grams per square meter). What follows are comfort range suggestions by fabric weight. Note, this guidance assumes you will be on the move, hiking and generating body heat – not static. It is based on the author’s preferences – 185 pound male with overall good circulation. You should try to purchase a hoodie that situates somewhere in the middle of your expected temp range.
- Lightweight Merino Wool Sun Hoodies
- gsm range: 100-140
- temperature range for hiking: 40-90F
- Midweight Merino Wool Base Layers
- gsm range: 145-165
- temperature range for hiking: 20-70F
- Heavyweight Merino Wool Base Layers
- gsm range: 170-250
- temperature range for hiking: -20-30F
Next, you should consider different fabric compositions, and the potential benefits or drawbacks that a blend may offer over 100% merino. You can reference this in detail below, but in short, we recommend merino polyester blends for humid climates and sweatier-than-average people, because it is the fastest drying. We recommend merino-nylon blends for those who prioritize durability and a garment’s longevity.
Some garments even include Spandex or elastane, which adds stretch, but further decreases dry-time and increases weight (without adding as much warmth). Those are best for climbing and other reach-based activities. Pure 100% merino is the warmest, softest, most eco-friendly, and most breathable, but also the slowest to dry. Therefore, it’s best in drier climates.
Lastly, you should consider bonus features, like a quarter-zip to help vent, or thumb lumps to provide gap-free coverage over the wrist when pairing with gloves. A hood cinching mechanism can also be nice for windy environments.
