Outdoor Blog

Polyester vs Merino Wool: Which is Better For You?

Published

4 years ago

November 2, 2020

Most people don’t realize how important the type of material in their clothing can be. For casual wear, you can get away with not thinking too much about whether your socks are a spandex or elastane blend. But when it comes to clothing for outdoor trekking, skimping on the details can be a huge mistake.

If you are new to outdoor recreation and are feeling overwhelmed by all the types of clothing, check out this guide on what to wear when hiking.

Two of the most popular fabrics on the market right now are merino wool and polyester. On paper, they seem like they couldn’t be any different, but they have a surprising amount of similarities. For example, they are both remarkably versatile. Base layers, mid-layers, outerwear, innerwear, and everything in between — if you can name it, odds are you can find it in wool or polyester.

But the versatility is part of the issue. Since these fabrics can do so much, they sometimes do too much. It can be hard to decipher whether something is made from polyester because it is a better material than wool, or simply because it is easy to make — the reverse is equally as good a question.

Luckily, you won’t have to find out the hard way or do any extensive research. This review condenses the polyester vs wool debate down into a few of the key points so you can better know which fabric is right for you. To start here is some basic info about both of the fabrics.

Both polyester and wool are easy to dye and retain color well, making them popular yarn bases.

Polyester

Polyester is the biggest synthetic fabric out on the market. The fibers are derived from man-made polymers, which may sound scary. It means polyester fabric is made up of plastic, similar to polypropylene. This gives it a few unique characteristics. It holds its shape well, is resistant to wrinkles and abrasion, is lightweight, and it is harder to stain than other fibers. In part due to the 1970s and the infamous polyester suit, polyester became widely regarded as cheap and uncomfortable, but the fabric has come a long way since.

Merino Wool

When people hear “wool” when discussing clothes, one of the first things they think of are heavy, itchy sweaters and socks. But those days are long behind the world of clothing. Merino wool comes from the Merino breed of sheep, and it has surged in popularity as a versatile and comfortable fabric.

Since it comes from sheep, wool fabric is composed of natural fibers. This means on top of being biodegradable and a renewable fabric, Merino wool is also naturally odor-resistant. Natural fabrics are also much better at handling heat, so you are much less likely to burn or melt them while ironing than synthetic fabric.

Durability

Nothing is quite as frustrating as spending a bunch of money on a nice piece of new clothing, only to have it get destroyed after only wearing it a few times. That’s why you need to make sure that the clothes you are buying are made from durable fabrics.

Remember how polyester is made from plastic? Plastic’s most impressive quality is its versatility, but its durability is a close second. A well-kept polyester jacket will last ages without every stretching, shrinking, or wearing thin. The construction of the tightly woven synthetic fibers also means you aren’t likely to tear or rip the fabric on an exposed nail or branch. In general, polyester is much tougher than Merino wool.

Though, that isn’t to say that Merino wool is flimsy. It’s still a fairly durable fabric, just not AS durable as polyester. It does require a bit more care to last as long, but it can be done. One specific disclaimer in the category is abrasion. Merino wool can wear out quickly when exposed to high rates of friction, so runners will see the thighs and armpits of Merino wool clothing run thin pretty quickly.

Polyester also has its own Achilles Heel for durability. It is way less tolerant of heat than Merino wool. This won’t come up too often since the temperatures required for it are somewhat high, but polyester will melt, burn, warp, etc. In temperatures that won’t hurt Merino wool nearly as much. So, ironing, high-temp drying, or if you leave it next to something like a stove eye or a campfire, can all ruin a piece of polyester clothing in mere moments. Merino wool would eventually get destroyed in these conditions too, but they can handle them for way longer, giving you more time to save them.

One of the biggest concerns is that polyester is made from plastic, meaning that any clothes you get made from it will not be biodegradable.

Breathability

This quality is often overlooked when considering clothes and fabrics. You want your coat to be sturdy and robust enough to provide you with ample protection, but you don’t want it so thick that you end up just feeling stuffy and uncomfortable. You should always make note of what fabric an article of clothing is made of because it can heavily affect how breathable it is.

Unless it is a high-quality polyester woven tightly together, typically polyester fabric is more porous. Despite this fact, it is not as breathable as Merino wool. This has to do with the way the individual wool fibers and polyester fibers are shaped. As long as the fabrics you are comparing are of similar thickness and weave type, a Merino wool garment will have better breathability over a polyester one.

One corner case where polyester overtakes Merino wool is specifically when dealing with layers. A high-quality polyester mid-layer will usually be a more breathable option than a woolen mid-layer. Merino wool is a spectacular fabric with high breathability on its own, but it can be finicky when mixing with other fabrics. If you can get a full set of layers all made of Merino wool, then you’ll be fine, but if you start mix-and-matching, you can cause the magic of Merino wool to be disrupted and create a stuffy mess.

Related to the topic of breathability is the specific comparison between the drying process for these. Whether pulling them from the washing machine or getting caught in a rainstorm, polyester garments are quick-drying when compared to Merino wool garments of similar type and quality. Polyester is less absorbent overall, meaning it has less water to evaporate before it becomes dry. That being said, when wet, Merino wool will feel much less clammy and uncomfortable against the skin than polyester due to its natural moisture-wicking properties. More on this in the section about temperature control.

Comfort matters

Form and function are only part of the equation. The best looking and most effective clothes in the world won’t make you happy if they are uncomfortable. There are plenty of people who judge clothing first by how comfortable it is. You don’t have to go that far, but definitely don’t ignore it as a factor.

Synthetic materials like polyester have a bit of a reputation for being uncomfortable. Plastic is not exactly people’s first choice when it comes to comfort, and your clothes will definitely feel plastic-like if you chose some low-grade polyester. This is why most clothes you see are polyester blends. Fabrics like cotton are mixed in to help the discomfort, but percentages are kept low to avoid changing the composition of the clothing item too much.

The higher the quality of the polyester you buy, the better it will feel. But there is definitely a curve to the pricing, as it is hard to get polyester fine enough to feel as good as other fabrics. Even at the top of the quality spectrum, polyester clothing can still feel unpleasant to people with sensitive skin or athletes whose frequent movement causes increased friction against the skin.

Merino wool, on the other hand, is well known as an incredibly comfortable fabric. Unlike with polyester, there isn’t too much of a curve when it comes to comfort to pricing ration. Merino is already a quality wool, so it is hard to make something bad out of it. This is the reason why Merino wool is the primary choice when it comes to base-layers. Plenty of people would choose to wear a Merino wool t-shirt casually, and almost no one would do so with even a polyester blend shirt.

Cold weather

Wool and polyester are perhaps best known for their use in mid-layers, the one most important for insulating you from frigid temperatures. You’ll also see them used for things like gloves, hats, and scarves. This isn’t by mistake either, they are both phenomenal options for staying insulated in the cold weather.

Wool in general is known for being a warm fabric, so you might be inclined to think merino wool has an edge in this category. In reality, polyester stacks up to it pretty well. The quality of the specific fabric as well as its thickness and density have a way bigger effect on your ability to remain warm than what kind of fabric you chose.

That being the case, polyester does technically have a small advantage here. Since it is lighter than merino wool, you can create an equally thick and warm garment that is lighter than its merino wool counterpart. In a measure of pure cold weather combating, these two fabrics are neck-and-neck.

Warm weather

The type of fabric your clothes are made of is just as, if not more, important when considering warm weather. You might suspect that since merino wool and polyester are both great at keeping in body heat, that they’d be terrible choices for high-temperature garments. However, since they are so breathable, they are both great choices that won’t cause you to overheat.

Merino wool has a considerable advantage in this category because of a few unique factors. As mentioned earlier, it is the more breathable of the two fabrics, so naturally, it allows air to flow well and help keep you cool. Another minor point in its favor goes back to the comfort discussion — you are more inclined to wear less clothing in warm temperatures, meaning you will rarely want to go above base-layer clothing. Since merino wool is more comfortable as base layers, it gets an edge over polyester when it comes to warm weather garments.

A much more tangible advantage merino wool has over polyester is how much better it is at moisture wicking. Due to the way the merino wool fibers are constructed, the fabric is naturally one of the best at wicking away moisture. What this means is that it pulls sweat away from the body while it is a vapor, after your body heat has caused it to evaporate. The sweat then passes through to the surface of the merino wool garments and dissipates right away, preventing you from getting damp and overheated.

This natural wicking property part of the reason merino wool socks ranked so highly in our review of the best socks for sweaty feet.

Polyester fibers are much less effective at this, and usually absorb and transport the sweat once it has condensed against the skin. This can lead to the unpleasant clammy sensation mentioned in the breathability comparison. Outside of discomfort, it causes you to sweat more and feel warmer because the sweat is pulled away before it can complete its job. Plus, your body wastes energy from having to heat the surface of the garment to evaporate the moisture away.

Odor control

This might not be as big a concern for people that don’t regularly participate in intense physical activity or extended trips away from a washing machine. But anyone who has ever gone on a backpacking trip will be able to confirm that clothes start to smell bad after a while — even worse than yourself sometimes.

Luckily, merino wool is naturally antimicrobial. That doesn’t mean clothes made from merino wool fabric will never smell bad, but you have to subject them to much worse than your average shirt. The wool fibers are also capable of absorbing the smells that do accumulate on them, meaning they can’t escape and offend your senses. But when you wear the garments, the odor-causing bacteria is pulled right out. It sounds a bit gross, but it isn’t a whole lot different than hitting a shirt with air freshener — which many people are guilty of and don’t care to admit.

Polyester doesn’t even begin to do the same thing. Unless you get a polyester fabric that has been specifically treated with an antimicrobial finish, clothes made from this fabric begin to smell almost immediately. Even if you get the treatment, it wears off eventually, especially if you wash the garments often. Some of the treatments leave their own odd smell too, which can defeat the purpose if you are bothered by the odor.

This category isn’t even remotely close. If you need to make sure your clothing can stand up to some use before it starts to reek, you need to be looking for merino wool clothing.

Pricing

Let’s be honest, quality and functionality are important, but sometimes you can’t afford to go all out on a pair of gloves and a jacket. If you are shopping on a budget or don’t mind sacrificing some advantages to get a smaller price tag, here is the reality of the numbers:

Polyester clothing is almost always cheaper than merino clothing. This is true across all the different types of clothing and throughout the various levels of quality. There are some corner cases where they are about the same price, but rarely will merino wool be cheaper than its polyester equivalent.

This is just the nature of the fabrics. Since polyester is a synthetic material derived from plastic, it is much easier to source and manage than wool that has to be grown, gathered, and processed from a specific breed of sheep.

Wool and polyester have been popular choices for outdoor clothes for a while, and they have recently made a comeback as a stylish suit material.

Final Verdict:

The comparison between these two popular fabrics is much closer than expected. Partly because they both have roughly the same number of advantages over the other, but also because some of the advantages are by such narrow margins that it’s questionable if they even count. Fundamentally, the answer to which of these fabrics is better for you comes down to what you value most.

If you are looking for an inexpensive but durable fabric that doesn’t require too much fuss, then polyester is for you. If you prefer a comfortable fabric that fights odors and is great for regulating body temperature, then merino wool is the best choice. If you still feel uncertain in this comparison, then try to keep in mind how you most anticipate using the item of clothing. Running, rock climbing, and similar pursuits are better complemented by polyester. Casual wear, hiking, and comparatively less physically demanding activities are better left to merino wool.

Bonus tip: If you’ve been bothered by all this talk of just the outdoorsy forms of merino wool and polyester then check out this video discussing the pros and cons of wool suits vs polyester clothing:

Outdoor Blog

BougeRV Showcases Sustainable Innovations at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2024

Published

1 month ago

June 26, 2024

Jonas Muthoni

BougeRV is thrilled to participate in the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2024, scheduled from June 17-19 at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. As North America’s premier outdoor industry trade show, the event is a convergence of top brands, retailers, and industry professionals showcasing the latest in outdoor gear and innovations. BougeRV’s participation is a perfect example of their commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly outdoor living solutions.

At the head of BougeRV’s exhibit is the Rocky Portable Fridge, a robust and versatile cooling solution designed to meet the demands of outdoor enthusiasts. This innovative fridge features dual-zone capability, allowing it to function simultaneously as a refrigerator and a freezer. Built with heavy-duty materials, the Rocky Portable Fridge is designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor use, including shockproof capabilities up to 40°. The fridge’s efficient energy consumption, coupled with a battery protection system, makes it perfect for off-grid adventures, aligning perfectly with the sustainable ethos of the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market.

The Rocky Portable Fridge also shows off an impressive temperature range from -4°F to 68°F, allowing for precise temperature control. Its smart storage solutions, including a removable divider and basket, ensure that items remain organized and easily accessible. The fridge can be powered by a 12V/24V DC car port, a 100-240V AC wall outlet, or an optional portable power station, providing unparalleled versatility. This adaptability is crucial for modern adventurers who require reliable and efficient cooling solutions on the go.

In addition to the Rocky Portable Fridge, BougeRV is showing several other cutting-edge products designed to enhance outdoor experiences. The CRPRO 30, a compact and high-performance fridge, is perfect for campers and RV enthusiasts. Its advanced cooling technology and robust build make it a reliable companion for any journey. Similarly, the 4000BTU Portable Air Conditioner is tailored for overlanding and camping, offering powerful cooling with user-friendly features such as dual adjustable air outlets and an IPX4 water-resistant design. These products are expected to attract overlanding enthusiasts eager to explore the latest innovations in outdoor living.

BougeRV’s participation in the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market is really and truly about connecting with other industry leaders, exploring emerging trends, and demonstrating their commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly practices. By attending this prestigious and engaging event, BougeRV aims to highlight their dedication to providing high-quality products that cater to the needs of modern outdoor enthusiasts.

For more details about BougeRV and their innovative products, visit the BougeRV website. BougeRV’s involvement in the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2024 highlights their dedication to sustainability, innovation, and customer satisfaction, positioning them as a leading brand in the outdoor industry ready to make a significant impact at this breakout event.

Outdoor Blog

The Evolution of Outdoor Apparel: How Fashion Meets Functionality in the Wilderness

Published

2 months ago

June 2, 2024

Sam Brooks

The wilderness beckons with the promise of adventure, but any seasoned hunter knows that what you wear can make or break your experience. Gone are the days when outdoor apparel was purely utilitarian. Today, fashion and functionality blend seamlessly to create gear that’s not only practical but also stylish. From the latest camouflage patterns to weather-resistant fabrics, let’s explore the evolution of outdoor apparel and how it’s revolutionizing the way we approach the great outdoors.

Camouflage: The Stylish Science of Stealth

Camouflage has come a long way from the simple green and brown patterns of yesteryear. Modern camouflage designs are now a blend of advanced science and cutting-edge style. These patterns aren’t just about blending into the background; they’re about creating an optical illusion that makes the wearer nearly invisible to wildlife.

Contemporary camo gear incorporates a variety of colors and textures to match different environments, from dense forests to arid deserts. This evolution in design is as much about aesthetics as it is about effectiveness, allowing hunters to move through their chosen terrain with confidence and stealth.

The shift towards more sophisticated camouflage patterns also reflects a broader trend in outdoor apparel: the desire for gear that looks good and performs even better. Hunters today want apparel that makes a statement while still providing the ultimate in concealment. Whether it’s a jacket with a sleek, modern design or pants that offer the perfect balance of comfort and camouflage, today’s outdoor apparel combines fashion and function like never before.

Layering: The Key to Comfort and Style

Layering is a critical concept in outdoor apparel, offering both practical and aesthetic benefits. Modern layering systems are designed to regulate body temperature and provide protection from the elements. However, they also offer a chance to showcase personal style. Successful layering starts with choosing pieces that work well together both functionally and visually.

Base layers, for instance, have evolved from simple thermal wear to stylish garments that can be worn on their own or as part of a layered ensemble. These pieces are often made from advanced fabrics that provide warmth without bulk, ensuring that hunters can stay comfortable and mobile. Mid-layers add another dimension of style and functionality, offering insulation while allowing for breathability. Softshell jackets and vests come in many different colors and designs, making it easy to find pieces that suit individual tastes.

Layering can also help you catch different kinds of animals. For instance, when you’re looking for turkey hunting tips, it’s important to look at the best kinds of layering to stay incognito and catch the best birds. Choosing the right layers can make a significant difference in staying comfortable and concealed during long hours in the field.

Footwear: From Trail to Trendsetter

Footwear is another area where outdoor apparel has seen significant evolution. In the past, hunting boots were purely functional, but, today, they still offer these essential qualities but have also become a fashion statement. Modern hunting boots come in a variety of styles, from traditional leather to contemporary synthetic materials, and are available in a range of colors and designs.

The advancements in footwear technology have been remarkable. Today’s hunting boots are designed to be lightweight yet durable, with features like waterproof membranes, breathable linings, and advanced traction systems. These innovations ensure that hunters can move comfortably and safely through any environment. But it’s not just about functionality; the aesthetic appeal of modern hunting boots is undeniable. Many boots are designed with sleek, stylish lines that make them suitable for wearing both in the field and in more casual settings.

High-Performance Gear: Pushing the Boundaries of Innovation

When it comes to hunting, high-performance gear is a game-changer. This is the section where outdoor apparel truly shines, combining cutting-edge technology with sleek design to create products that offer unmatched performance. Performance hunting gear includes everything from moisture-wicking base layers to high-tech outerwear designed to withstand the harshest conditions.

Today’s high-performance apparel utilizes advanced materials that are both lightweight and durable. Fabrics like Gore-Tex and other proprietary blends offer superior protection against wind and water while maintaining breathability. These materials help regulate body temperature, keeping hunters comfortable in a wide range of environments. In addition to these practical benefits, high-performance gear often features ergonomic designs that allow for a full range of motion, ensuring that hunters can move freely and easily.

Sustainable Fashion: Eco-Friendly Choices for the Modern Hunter

Sustainability has become an increasingly important consideration in the world of outdoor apparel. Hunters who are passionate about preserving the wilderness they love to explore are now seeking out eco-friendly clothing options that minimize environmental impact. Eco-friendly outdoor apparel is made from sustainable materials such as recycled polyester, organic cotton, and biodegradable fibers. These materials offer the same performance benefits as traditional fabrics but with a lower environmental footprint.

Outdoor Blog

The Role of Camouflage in Wildlife Photography and Hunting

Published

2 months ago

June 2, 2024

Caleb Cole

Camouflage plays a vital role in the worlds of wildlife photography and hunting, serving as an indispensable tool for enthusiasts and professionals alike. It’s not just about blending into the environment; it’s about becoming a part of it. Camouflage allows for closer interactions with wildlife, ensuring more successful hunts and breathtaking photographs. Here, we explore the key roles camouflage plays in these outdoor activities.

Blending In: The Art of Disappearing

One of the primary roles of camouflage is to help the wearer blend seamlessly into their surroundings. This art of disappearing is crucial whether you’re capturing a stunning image of a deer at dawn or patiently waiting for your prey during hunting season. In wildlife photography, the goal is to get as close as possible without disturbing the natural behavior of the animals. Camouflage clothing, face paint, and even equipment coverings can make the difference between a once-in-a-lifetime shot and a missed opportunity.

For hunters, blending into the environment increases the chances of a successful hunt. Animals have keen senses, and the slightest hint of an unnatural shape or color can send them running. Camouflage gear allows hunters to become virtually invisible. This skill of blending in isn’t just about wearing the right colors; it’s about understanding the terrain, the light, and how to move with stealth.

Reducing the Human Scent and Sound

Another critical aspect of camouflage in both photography and hunting is the reduction of human scent and sound. Animals naturally use their sense of smell and hearing to detect potential threats. Successful hunting trips often hinge on the ability to minimize human presence in these sensory fields. Specially designed camouflage clothing can help mask human odors, making it harder for animals to pick up on your scent.

Similarly, wildlife photographers need to consider their scent and sound output. Even the most visually inconspicuous photographer can ruin a perfect shot if their scent or a stray noise alerts the animals. Using scent-masking sprays and moving with extreme caution are part of the camouflage strategy, ensuring that photographers can get closer to their subjects without causing alarm.

Enhancing Patience and Stealth

Patience and stealth are virtues that every hunter and wildlife photographer must possess, and camouflage gear enhances these qualities. When you’re properly camouflaged, you can afford to be more patient, knowing that you are less likely to be detected. This confidence allows for longer waiting periods in prime locations, increasing the chances of capturing that perfect shot or making a successful kill.

For wildlife photographers, the need for patience is paramount. Animals won’t always show up when you want them to, and sudden movements can ruin hours of careful preparation. Camouflage helps in remaining undetected, allowing photographers to wait silently and still for the right moment. Hunters also benefit from this patience, as it enables them to wait for the ideal shot without rushing and potentially missing their target.

Specialized Camouflage for Different Hunts: Moose Hunting

Different types of hunting require specialized camouflage, and moose hunting is a prime example. Moose are large, elusive animals often found in dense forests and swampy areas. Successful moose hunters understand the need for specific camouflage patterns that mimic the unique environments where moose thrive. Moose hunting clothes are designed to blend into the dark, shadowy forests and marshes, making hunters virtually invisible to these keen-eyed creatures.

During moose hunting season, the right camouflage can make or break your experience. Moose have excellent vision and can easily detect unnatural movements or colors. By wearing appropriate camouflage, hunters can move quietly and position themselves for a clear shot without spooking their quarry.

The specialized gear often includes clothing that covers the entire body, including gloves and face masks, ensuring that no part of the hunter stands out against the natural backdrop. This thorough approach is essential in moose hunting, where patience and precision are key.

Capturing Authentic Wildlife Behavior

Wildlife photography isn’t just about taking beautiful pictures; it’s about capturing authentic wildlife behavior. Camouflage allows photographers to become invisible observers, documenting animals in their natural state without any human interference. This is particularly important for conservation efforts, as understanding genuine animal behavior can inform better strategies for protecting various species and their habitats.

Photographers who use camouflage can get closer to their subjects, often capturing moments that would be impossible to see from a distance. This proximity results in more intimate and detailed shots, showcasing the animals’ daily activities, interactions, and environments.

The authenticity of these images can inspire greater appreciation and respect for wildlife, encouraging more people to support conservation initiatives. By blending into the environment, photographers can witness and document behaviors that might otherwise go unnoticed, providing invaluable insights into the natural world.

outdoorcommand.com (Post 2)

The Evolution of Outdoor Apparel: How Fashion Meets Functionality in the Wilderness

Camouflage: The Stylish Science of Stealth

Layering: The Key to Comfort and Style

Footwear: From Trail to Trendsetter

High-Performance Gear: Pushing the Boundaries of Innovation

Sustainable Fashion: Eco-Friendly Choices for the Modern Hunter