Outdoor Blog

The Benefits (& Drawbacks) of Wearing Merino Wool

Published

4 years ago

May 20, 2021

No one likes wearing wool. It’s uncomfortable, and it’s itchy. However, there’s a difference between traditional wool and merino wool.

Wearing merino wool clothing is odor resistant, moisture-wicking, washable, and temperature regulating. While there are many benefits of merino wool, there are also some drawbacks!

Superfine merino wool is dyed with natural dyes.

What Is Merino Wool?

Merino wool is made from merino sheep that live in the mountains of Australia and New Zealand. These sheep originally lived in Spain, and they were thought to be so precious that it was illegal to export them. Merino sheep are also bred in the United States and some parts of South America.

Merino wool is superfine, which makes its fibers longer, softer, and stronger. There are still many similarities to regular wool, though. However, its main difference is that while it can keep you warm in the winter like traditional wool, it can also keep you cool in the summer.

To give you a reference on how thin merino wool is, human hair is about 75 microns and regular wool is about 40 microns. Merino wool is between 15 and 24 microns. This might sound kind of confusing, but if you think of wearing a sweater made of human hair and it’s thicker than regular wool, you’ll get it.

Odor resistant

Most wools are antibacterial, which means that you don’t have to wear as many layers when hiking a mountain. Merino wool fibers work kind of like insulation in a house because the thickness of it prevents bad bacteria from passing through. Especially the kinds of bacteria that make bad smells.

Also, merino wool absorbs moisture. This means that sweat is absorbed into the fabric instead of hanging out on your body. The keratin in the wool products breaks down the bacteria that create odors, so the wool basically washes itself. Even though the wool is washable, you don’t have to wash it as often as you do your other clothes! Just hang it up to air out, and it’ll be as good as new the next day.

Moisture-Wicking

Wool has hydrophilic fibers, which is what makes them so functional. These fibers can absorb up to 35% of their own weight in moisture and not feel wet at the same time. The moisture moves into the middle of the fibers instead of remaining on the surface of them. They are also what makes wool so warm and insulating.

Breathability is scientifically called moisture buffing. It’s called that because of the way the fibers absorb moisture from the microclimate directly through the skin and release it when it gets dry again. Some people wear wool in the warmer summer months because of how quickly it dries out. When it releases the moisture that it has absorbed, it gives you a fresh feeling that makes the article of clothing feel very lightweight.

Washable

Just because wool doesn’t get smelly often doesn’t mean that you can leave it unwashed. And sometimes you’ll have to wash it because you spilled something on it. Merino wool has a very easy-care system but washing it gives the option that it will shrink or get damaged. Here are some tips on washing merino wool.

Don’t wash it if you don’t have to. Frequent washing ruins the fibers, so carefully scrub stains off or hang them up to air out.
Use the wool or gentle wash cycle, and the water temperature should be between 30 and 40 degrees.
Only use wool detergent. You might have bought an outdoor detergent, but you have to use a wool detergent for regular and merino wool garments.
No fabric softener.
No tumble drying of any temperature or cycle. Lie the garment flat on a towel.
Wash in a laundry bag. This will help prevent holes from getting in the products.
If it’s super dirty, soak it in wool detergent. Under no circumstances should you increase the temperature of the water.
Read the wash instructions for each individual item because each item could require different care.

Each item of clothing could have different care instructions, so don’t blindly follow these steps without checking the item’s tag first. However, these steps are the basics for all wool items. And there are a lot more wool clothes than just sweaters and socks.

Temperature Regulating

Wool has lots of versatility. It’ll keep you warm in the colder months and cool in the warmer months. Everyone knows that wool will keep you warm, but not a lot of people know that it’ll keep you cool. When the fibers absorb body heat, it’s also removing the heat from you and keeping it off you. This explains why merino sheep don’t die from the heat under the Australian sun.

UV radiation is harmful no matter what time of year. The sun doesn’t take breaks during the winter months. If you wear merino wool clothing, you don’t have to worry about getting too hot in long sleeve t-shirts or getting sunburnt in short sleeve t-shirts. Merino wool will keep you cool enough during the hot months so that you don’t need to get sunburnt arms a second thought.

Australia is the most popular place for breeding merino sheep.

Merino Wool vs. Synthetic Fabrics

T-shirts made of synthetic fibers build up odors and stains so easily, you barely have to look at them before it happens. They don’t have good insulation, but they have great durability and elasticity. More expensive synthetics don’t have these same downsides, but they’re about the same price as merino wool products.

Merino Wool vs. Regular Wool

Merino wool is very different from the regular wool that everyone thinks of when you hear the word “wool.” While both kinds of wool are very warm, regular wool is very itchy.

Merino Wool vs. Expensive Furs

Alpaca fur is one of the major furs that could give merino wool a run for its money. It’s very warm, which makes sense considering that alpacas live in the Andes mountains. It’s about as soft as cashmere. It does the same job as merino wool when it comes to smell and dirt.

Merino Wool vs. Cotton

Cotton is not very good for outdoor activities that could lead to sweating. This is because it gets very heavy, stinky, and dirty very quickly. It is by far the cheapest fabric, but is it worth it at the end of the day? It is softer and could be better for very sensitive skin, but it’s not the best if you do not have sensitive skin.

Merino Wool Socks

Wool socks are incredibly popular. They can keep your feet very warm without being super bulky like fleece socks. Smartwool has one of the largest selections of merino wool socks for any and all occasions. Men have 11 different kinds of socks, and women have 11 different kinds as well.

Merino Wool Shirts

When you first think about it, a shirt made of wool sounds awful. But, because merino wool is better than regular wool, it makes lots of sense to wear merino wool shirts when hiking. They have great breathability and provide a really good base layer. Smartwool makes several different kinds of merino wool shirts for men and women.

Merino Wool Sweaters

These aren’t going to be like the wool sweaters your grandma used to make for you. They’re super soft and super warm. Guys have several options over at Smartwool’s website, and girls have some good finds over there too.

Merino Wool Underwear

It sounds gross. If you’re weirded out by the thought of any kind of wool underwear, you don’t have to get any. However, it’s not as uncommon as you might think. Hikes can get cold, especially when you’re doing some extreme mountain climbing. On the other hand, you can sweat in all kinds of places if it’s hot outside. Men’s and women’s merino wool underwear is very resourceful in any climate.

Not The Softest Fabric

Merino wool may be softer than traditional wool, but it’s definitely not the softest fabric out there. It’s without a doubt not as soft as silk, and it’s sometimes not as soft as cotton. Think about it: have you ever seen merino wool be used as bed sheets or towels? You most likely haven’t, and even if you have, you’re probably one in a million when it comes to that. Merino wool towels and sheets aren’t going to catch on anytime soon.

Hiking in merino wool is very easy because you really only need a base layer and an outer layer for cooler climates.

Great Durability, No Invincibility

Merino wool is durable to a very certain extent. Sure, it’s more durable than traditional wool garments. However, you’ll notice that the elbows will develop holes after so many wears. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it’s not a great thing when you remember how expensive it is. There aren’t many kinds of merino wool pants because of this reason.

Related to durability, moths love merino wool. Moths are drawn to animal fibers to snack on. Because merino wool is made from merino sheep, you’re probably going to have to defend your clothes from the moths who want to turn them into dinner.

Plain Patterns

Let’s face it: merino wool garments aren’t that stylish. If you want to wow everyone you’re going hiking with or just hanging out with, it’s going to be hard to accomplish that in merino wool clothing. It doesn’t have great versatility, so it’s hard to get the fibers to do something other than plain colors.

You probably won’t see many merino wool products at the next fashion week. However, merino wool isn’t meant to be beautiful; it’s meant to keep your body temperature at a normal level.

Holds Moisture For Too Long

Merino wool has hydrophilic fibers in it. Hydrophilic is Latin for “water-loving.” It has a very hard time letting go of any moisture it has collected. It can hold up to 35% of its weight in moisture and not feel wet, but that doesn’t mean that it won’t feel heavy. Everything is heavier when it’s wet, and merino wool is no exception.

There are some people who have found that certain merino wool shirts can take under an hour to air dry. However, these shirts are the exception. It will most likely take much longer for merino wool clothes to dry. Synthetic fabrics dry a lot faster than merino wool fabrics.

Very Expensive

True merino wool clothes that are of good quality are going to cost you a very pretty penny. While you could get the same kind of shirt made of synthetic fibers for maybe $10, the shirt made with merino wool fibers will cost around $50. And that’s just for one t-shirt. It’s good quality items, but the price tends to drown out the quality aspects of it.

Animal Cruelty

There are so many articles and blog posts online that tell what actually happens to sheep who get sheared for their wool. There’s a particularly bad method of shearing a sheep’s rear end called mulesing. You might want to refrain from searching this word in any search engine if you have a weak stomach because the pictures are very graphic.

Mulesing is when a sheep farmer removes big patches of flesh and skin from the butt area of a sheep to prevent blowfly infestation. This infestation is called “flystrike,” and it is a condition where flies lay eggs on an animal and the maggots each the flesh of the animal they were laid on. It can be fatal in extreme cases and is painful in every case. So, to prevent this disease, some sheep farmers cut off the skin of a lamb.

There are several other methods to prevent flystrike. However, mulesing is still popular all over the world. This technique is used for all types of wool, and merino wool companies are cautious about working with non-ethical farmers.

It’s your decision to figure out if you think it’s wrong or not, so don’t let this pressure you into deciding to never wear wool again. You decide what you put on your body, so you decide if you think this is a downside to wearing merino wool or not.

Final Thoughts

Merino wool can have many benefits. However, it also has many drawbacks. It can definitely be worth the money. But, it can also prove itself not to be. There are lots of different ways to look at this, but you have to make the decision that is best for you and your lifestyle. If you like to hike in both hot and cold climates, investing in some merino wool clothing probably isn’t a bad idea.

If you only like hiking in hot climates, you might want to consider synthetic fabrics to see if you like those first. You don’t want to spend a lot of money on merino wool only to decide that you hate it. If you just like to hike in cold climates, think about your options. You could get merino wool clothes and be extra toasty, or you could get alpaca fur clothes and feel super soft and warm.

Bonus tip: check out this video for more information about merino wool!

Outdoor Blog

How to Take Your Own Internet to Outdoor Events

Published

2 weeks ago

October 18, 2025

Jonas Muthoni

You’ve got the permits, the lineup, the stage design, and the crowd — but when it comes to WiFi, outdoor events can turn from dream festivals to data dead zones in minutes. Reliable connectivity is now as essential as power or sound. Whether it’s a music festival streaming to TikTok, a food fair using mobile POS systems, or a corporate brand activation relying on live dashboards, the internet connection is what keeps the gears turning.

But the truth is this: counting on venue WiFi at a large outdoor event is a gamble. Hundreds of devices fighting for the same bandwidth can jam up the signal before the headliner gets on stage. Public networks only have one backhaul connection, so your production crew, security cameras, and vendors could all be fighting with concert-goers streaming YouTube in the crowd.

So, if your aspiration is to keep the event chugging along like clockwork, the genius move is to bring your own internet — designed specifically for the occasion, private, and controlled by your event staff.

Why Venue WiFi Fails When Crowds Arrive

Let’s start with the numbers. According to Cisco’s 2024 Annual Internet Report, the average person now connects four to six devices at live events — phones, wearables, tablets, scanners, and streaming gear. Multiply that by 5,000 or 50,000 people, and you’re looking at a digital traffic jam.

Outdoor locations have a very minimal amount of wired infrastructure. The majority utilize older systems or common fiber links, which were not designed for thousands of users at once. When the signal is over-stretched, latency increases, access points fail, and the network grinds to a halt.

For event organizers, this is not only inconvenient — it’s a safety and revenue gamble. POS terminals won’t work. QR ticket scanners crawl. Even backup communication programs freeze.

The Smarter Solution: Creating Your Own Network

Constructing a stand-alone network for an outside event may seem daunting, but technology has made it relatively achievable. Instead of relying on one provider or tower, professional crews now use several sources of the internet to deliver redundancy and stability.

Outdoor WiFi specialists use multi-carrier cellular bonding, satellite uplinks, and WAN smoothing to keep traffic consistent even when one source is down. It’s a lot like having several water pipes feed one tank — if one pipe gets stopped up, others keep the flow consistent.

The best configuration depends on three variables:

Location: Urban park, remote valley, rooftop, or open desert all have different signal profiles and line-of-sight challenges.
Bandwidth Demand: Are you providing power to a 50-person AV crew or streaming to a million online viewers?
Duration: A day-long music festival versus a week-long brand tour will change the way you plan power, cooling, and redundancy.

Professional crews will often pre-deploy with site surveys — gauging carrier strength, spectrum congestion, and potential sources of interference such as LED walls or nearby broadcast towers.

Lessons from the Field

Outdoor WiFi would be a niche specialty, but in today’s world it’s simply part and parcel of modern event production. In the last decade, TradeShowInternet’s teams have helped support hundreds of big outdoor festivals and corporate activations, and there have been a few hard-won lessons along the way.

There was the time crews climbed a half mile up the flank of a Santa Fe mountain with over 200 pounds of gear to put in a solar-powered relay antenna for Red Bull’s Guinness World Record truck jump. A second assignment involved digging cable trenches through snake country in Los Angeles for Christian Dior’s fashion show.

When Univision taped La Banda on the beach in Miami, technicians climbed a 20-foot truss into a lightning storm to raise antennas. These are probably war stories, but they represent reality: each outdoor location introduces its own wildcards. Wind, weather, terrain, and local RF noise all push the limits of planning.

The lesson? Experience is as important as gear. Knowing when to use additional directional antennas, when to flip to satellite failover, or how to protect a router from 100-degree heat isn’t something you can read in a manual.

The Technical Side: How Redundant Networks Keep Events Alive

This is how seasoned outdoor internet crews engineer reliability into temporary networks:

Multi-Carrier Bonding: Equipment stitches together data from multiple cellular carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.) to maximize bandwidth and fill signal gaps.

WAN Smoothing: Packets are duplicated and relayed on secondary paths to prevent noticeable drops or hiccups in live streams.
Satellite Integration: Especially when out at remote sites or in mountain events where cell phone reception is spotty.
5G + LTE Hybrid Units: Combining newer high-bandwidth 5G networks with more predictable LTE offers well-rounded throughput.
Portable Mesh Access Points: Create overlapping areas of WiFi that eliminate dead spots across vast grounds or over tented locations.
Power & Weather Protection: Ranging from Pelican case enclosures to solar power solutions, all of which ensure uptime regardless of adverse weather conditions.

It’s a multi-layer strategy — not one device straining the load, but several working in tandem to handle bandwidth, robustness, and coverage.

Why Your Vendors, AV Staff, and Guests All Need Their Own Network Layer

External events normally have three distinct user communities that require the internet:

Production and AV Personnel – operation of live feeds, mixing panels, lighting, and communications programs.
Vendors and POS Devices – card transaction processing, QR menus, and inventory software.
Guests and Media – posting, uploading, or taking part in brand interaction activity.

Mixing them all on one open WiFi is risky. It provides security vulnerabilities and causes too much congestion. The preferred method is network segmentation, creating separate virtual networks that prioritize mission-critical traffic (production, POS, security cameras) and restrict non-mission-critical use like social browsing.

This is exactly how professional outdoor WiFi & Internet solution companies like TradeShowInternet build event systems. They design bespoke topologies that match the unique demands of every event, whether a food festival, marathon, or big corporate activation.

Budgeting and Planning: What Organizers Should Know

According to EventMB’s 2024 Event Technology Report, 73% of event planners say maintaining a reliable connection is important to attendee happiness, yet less than half have a standalone internet budget in place upfront while planning. That’s a recipe for last-minute scrambling.

For all to run smoothly, the network plan needs to be created alongside stage design and power planning — not an afterthought.

Some planning advice:

Start early: Conduct site surveys at least 30 days ahead of the event.
Prioritize wired backbones: Use fiber or Ethernet in production areas whenever possible.
Segregate guest WiFi: Utilize bandwidth caps or sponsored captive portals to control usage.
Redundancy: Cellular + satellite bonding is well worth the investment for mission-critical space.
Post-event review: Collect performance data to inform next year’s plan.

Real-World Use Cases

Outdoor connectivity is not just for music festivals. It’s a necessity for:

Marathons and triathlons – for timing chips, live maps, and emergency co-ordination.
Outdoor conferences or summits – where executives require office-grade internet to make presentations.
Food truck festivals and markets – all vendors need POS access.
Film and TV productions – production villages rely on low-latency connections for uploads.
Races and motorsport events – telemetry, live scoring, and media streaming.

Each of these environments needs a different trade-off among coverage area, upload speed, and mobility.

Why Experience Matters for Outdoor Internet Installations

Each outdoor location is unique. Trees, humidity, metal buildings, even bodies of water can affect wireless performance. Having individuals who’ve done hundreds of installations means fewer surprises and faster repairs when something unexpected happens.

That’s where TradeShowInternet, a leading outdoor WiFi & Internet solution company, comes in. The company has built up networks on deserts, beaches, helipads, mountain ridges, and pop-up brand villages — keeping organizers, vendors, and AV teams connected wherever the event is hosted.

Outdoor Blog

Outdoor Event WiFi: The New Backbone of Open-Air Experiences

Published

2 weeks ago

October 17, 2025

Jonas Muthoni

A concert in the canyon. A film night under desert stars. A bustling waterfront food festival with 10,000 guests. Across the country, outdoor events are turning parks, coastlines, forests, and fields into memorable destinations. But there’s one service now as essential as power, permits, and porta-potties: outdoor event WiFi.

Whether for ticket scanning, mobile POS systems, sponsor activations, or live-streaming performances, WiFi for outdoor events has become the invisible support that keeps everything running. Without it, payments stall, communication falters, and digital engagement stops.

Why Outdoor Event WiFi Is Mission-Critical

The outdoor events sector, from farmers’ markets to endurance races, is growing quickly. Allied Market Research predicts global festival revenues will exceed $50B by 2030. These venues offer unique charm, but they also pose a challenge: a lack of built-in internet infrastructure.

“Outside doesn’t mean offline,” says Emma Castillo, a production manager for festivals, film nights, and open-air corporate launches. “We rely on temporary internet for outdoor events to manage our security communications, allow vendors to keep selling, and ensure our livestreams don’t drop.”

Cellular service can struggle with the demands of thousands of devices. Some remote locations may not have any service at all. That’s where outdoor event WiFi solutions come in—portable, scalable, and designed for unpredictable weather.

How Outdoor Internet Keeps Events Moving

Today’s outdoor events rely on connectivity in ways that go far beyond letting guests post on social media:

Mobile POS & Cashless Payments – No signal means lost revenue for vendors.
RFID & Access Control – Real-time validation at gates and VIP areas.
Streaming & Social Content – From TikTok reels to sponsor livestreams.
Sponsor Engagement – QR contests, AR activations, and digital signage updates.
Safety & Logistics – Staff communication, emergency alerts, GPS tracking.

A recent Event Manager Blog study found 63% of sponsors now require guaranteed internet access before committing. Attendees want it too; more than half say connectivity is a key factor in their event satisfaction.

Outdoor Event WiFi Solutions in Action: “Lights on the Lake”

In June, the lakeside town of Lakeshore hosted a three-day open-air film festival. The views were stunning, but no wired internet was available, and mobile service barely worked.

The technical crew set up:

Multi-carrier 5G bonding for vendor and guest networks
Long-range weatherproof access points covering the pier and food court
A private secure network for organizers and emergency staff
A satellite uplink for backup

The festival processed thousands of transactions, streamed Q&A sessions with international filmmakers, and even operated a live voting app without a single connectivity failure.

Industry Perspective: Connectivity as a Core Utility

According to WiFit founder Matt Cicek, changes in event technology priorities have been significant:

“Five years ago, internet at an outdoor event was seen as a nice-to-have. Now, it’s as essential as running water and electricity. From safety coordination to sponsor returns, there’s too much at stake to leave it to chance.”

The Future of Temporary Internet for Outdoor Events

As events become more complex, WiFi for outdoor events from service providers like WiFit will play an even larger role. Expect advancements like:

Solar-powered network kits for sustainable operations
AI-managed bandwidth that adjusts to real-time crowd size
Edge computing for instant AR and interactive attractions

For event planners, the message is clear: the quality of your internet connection is as important as your stage, lighting, or sound system. The next time you’re booking a venue, remember—the crowd may be watching the performers, but they’re also looking at their screens. They expect both to work perfectly.

Outdoor Blog

Gear You Should Snag for the Great Outdoors This Season

Published

1 year ago

September 25, 2024

Caleb Cole

Outdoor enthusiasts know that having the right gear can make all the difference. Whether you’re hiking, camping, hunting, or engaging in any other outdoor activity, quality equipment ensures not only safety but also a better overall experience. As we head into a new season, it’s time to refresh your gear collection with essential items that will enhance your adventures. In this article, we’ll explore five pieces of must-have outdoor gear, focusing on both practicality and comfort.

Shooting Glasses Are Essential for Outdoor Adventures

If you’re heading out for a shooting range session or a hunting trip, investing in a quality pair of shooting glasses is non-negotiable. Eye protection is critical when engaging in any activity involving firearms, and shooting glasses are designed to keep your eyes safe from potential hazards like debris, shell casings, and even harmful UV rays.

Shooting glasses are a key safety measure that helps shield your eyes from impact and glare. The lenses are typically made from high-impact resistant materials that can endure tough conditions, making them a must-have for hunters, target shooters, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Beyond safety, these glasses often come with polarized lenses to improve visibility in various lighting conditions. By incorporating shooting glasses into your outdoor gear, you’re ensuring not only better safety but also improved performance during your time in the wilderness.

What Should You Look For During Black Friday Hunting Gear Deals?

One of the best times to stock up on essential outdoor gear is during Black Friday. Black Friday hunting gear deals provide an opportunity for hunters to snag high-quality items at significantly reduced prices. Whether you’re after apparel, backpacks, or specialized equipment, Black Friday sales often feature steep discounts on top brands that every outdoor enthusiast should take advantage of.

This sale season is ideal for upgrading your hunting wardrobe and stocking up on essential gear that may normally be out of your price range. From weather-resistant jackets to durable boots and base layers, hunting gear can be pricey, and Black Friday is the perfect time to invest in the best equipment. By keeping an eye out for deals during this shopping period, you can save money while ensuring you’re well-prepared for your next big adventure.

Multi-Tools Are a Must-Have

Want to know the most versatile pieces of gear you can carry? It is a multi-tool. Whether you’re camping, hiking, or hunting, having a tool that can serve multiple functions is a game-changer. Multi-tools come equipped with a variety of features such as knives, screwdrivers, pliers, and scissors, all compactly housed in a single device that easily fits in your pocket or pack.

The practicality of a multi-tool is hard to beat. It allows you to tackle unexpected tasks, from cutting rope to repairing gear, all without needing to carry a full toolbox. When you’re out in the wild, you want to be prepared for anything, and a multi-tool ensures you’re ready to handle small emergencies or make quick fixes with ease.

Insulated Water Bottles Can Improve Your Outdoor Experience

Staying hydrated is one of the most important aspects of any outdoor activity. Whether you’re embarking on a long hike or spending hours in a hunting blind, having an insulated water bottle can make a difference. Insulated bottles have features that help to keep your drinks at the desired temperature for a long time, which is especially useful during extreme weather conditions.

These bottles maintain the temperature of your beverage—whether cold or hot—so you can enjoy refreshing water in the summer or a warm drink during chilly morning hunts. Insulated water bottles are also typically made from durable materials, meaning they can withstand the rigors of outdoor use without breaking or leaking. Investing in a high-quality insulated bottle ensures that you stay hydrated and comfortable throughout your outdoor excursions.

Durable Backpacks Can Enhance Your Outdoor Experience

A good backpack is the cornerstone of any successful outdoor trip. When you’re out in nature, you need a reliable, durable pack to carry all of your gear comfortably. Look for backpacks that are built to withstand harsh conditions, provide ample storage, and have ergonomic designs that distribute weight evenly to prevent strain on your back and shoulders.

Modern outdoor backpacks come equipped with multiple compartments to help you stay organized, as well as specialized features like hydration bladder compatibility, rain covers, and reinforced straps. By investing in a durable, well-designed backpack, you’ll have the capacity to carry everything you need—whether it’s extra clothing, food, or hunting gear—while maintaining comfort during long treks.