Layering with Wool

 

The so-called "onion principle" is frequently used in outdoor sports, as it allows for a more precise adaptation to given temperature conditions.
We show you that a breathable layering system is also possible with wool and what advantages this brings.

 

 

1st Layer - Merino Baselayer

The most important layer for comfort during sports is, of course, functional underwear, as it is in direct contact with your skin.
Merino wool is not only particularly soft and comfortable against the skin, but also acts as an air conditioner. No other material manages the balancing act between cold and warm weather as well as wool fiber. It cools in heat and warms in cold. Sounds incredible? You can find out exactly what this means in our lexicon article "Why Merino Underwear"

However, even in this 1st layer, there is a wide range of variations possible due to different material thicknesses that cover all 4 seasons. We have divided these into 3 categories:

a) Thin Merino Underwear = 120-170 g/m² fabric thickness
b) Medium Merino Underwear = 180-240 g/m² fabric thickness
c) Thick Merino Underwear = 250-400 g/m² fabric thickness

Category a) is suitable from midsummer to transition, but can also be used in winter at very high activity levels
Category b) is the all-rounder and covers transitional periods and normal winter temperatures for most sports activities
Category c) is ideal for winter sports in freezing temperatures as well as for outdoor stays without sporting activity

 

 

2nd Layer – Merino Fleece

Why stop at underwear? In the 2nd layer, too, you can rely on merino fleece for added thermal efficiency and environmental friendliness.

Fleece jackets made of synthetic fibers are among the biggest causes of microplastics in textiles.

 

 

Merino wool is not only the greener choice here, but also functionally superior. Merino fleece is also available with a structured inner surface, which further enhances the warmth-to-weight-to-volume ratio and also scores points for its quick sweat wicking. The odor-inhibiting properties already known from underwear are also an important aspect for the 2nd layer, especially on multi-day hiking tours.

 

3rd Layer – Wool Insulation

Jackets insulated with wool can be used as both a second layer and a third layer. They are the perfect compromise between down and synthetic fiber fillings, as they are more moisture-resistant than down, and warmer and more environmentally friendly than synthetic fiber waddings.

Normal virgin wool is used for wool insulation, as the added value of merino wool in terms of softness does not play a role in waddings and would only make the product unnecessarily expensive.

 

 

The best-known representative of wool insulation jackets is the Swisswool series from the Munich-based manufacturer Ortovox. These impress with outstanding comfort and uncompromising functionality. They are windproof, robust, and very light.

The natural climate of the wool and excellent heat retention in humid conditions leave nothing to be desired.

 

4. Wool in Harmony with Hardshell Jackets?

Wool not only works with hardshell, but even more so: it creates perfect harmony by solving a well-known problem.

Regardless of whether it's a microporous membrane, hydrophilic membrane, or coating - if too much sweat accumulates in too short a time, real-time wicking becomes difficult. The same applies if the temperature difference between under the jacket and outside is too small.

 

 

The breathability of even the most modern hardshell jackets has its limits, and that's where wool comes into play with a trump card up its sleeve.

The wool fiber can buffer more than 30% of its own weight in moisture and slowly release it evenly to the outside.

This means that especially short-term changes in exercise intensity (e.g., on steep ascents) can be compensated for over a longer period, and "sweat build-up" under the jacket occurs less quickly.