Are These The Best Travel Clothes? My Review of Unbound Merino

I’ve by no means been a type of vacationers who goes loopy for gear. I prefer to pack gentle and maintain issues easy. Meaning no fancy drones, hefty DSLR cameras, cumbersome headphones, GoPros, or chunky mountain climbing boots. If it doesn’t slot in my 40L backpack, it stays dwelling.

It’s why you hardly see me write posts on gear or suitcases. I’m a easy individual: I received one backpack, I throw some garments in it, and I’m off.

However the garments…effectively, the garments are vital. I abuse my garments lots. I carry just a few outfits with me they usually get sweated on, washed and dried lots, and worn out. On most long-term journeys, I come dwelling with a couple of much less garments than I introduced.

One model that stands as much as my abuse? Unbound Merino. I’ve been sporting their clothes on the street (and at dwelling) for years now.

I met the founder at an occasion in Toronto about eight years in the past and he stated, “Take a look at these garments!” and I used to be like, “Positive,” as a result of I wished to be good.

However I ended up loving them. They held up within the wash, had been light-weight and breathable, and match rather well,

So, on this submit, I’m going to speak about what makes them distinctive and why I feel it’s best to get them.

What Is Unbound Merino?

Unbound is a small, unbiased clothes firm that began in Canada. As avid vacationers, the founders realized shortly that on-the-road clothes wanted to be sturdy, versatile, and cozy.

On the time, merino wool (from merino sheep, who produce an ultrafine wool) was solely actually utilized in activewear. Whereas these sorts of garments are positive if you happen to’re out on a hike, it’s not precisely the form of clothes you may wish to put on on a strolling tour in Southeast Asia or visiting museums in Europe.

However Unbound took the versatile cloth that’s merino wool and used it to create a line of journey put on appropriate for every kind of journeys, from backpacking excursions to weekend getaways.

Their aim was to design shirts that might final. Positive, meaning they’re costlier, however you’re paying for high quality and sturdiness. In the long term, that’s really going to save lots of you cash (and it’s higher for the planet too).

I’ve been sporting Unbound garments for about eight years now and have by no means been disenchanted. It’s sturdy, snug, and classy — all the things I need once I’m touring!
 

What I Like About Unbound

These journey garments are among the most versatile in the marketplace. Constituted of merino wool, Unbound Merino clothes may be worn every day for weeks with out getting smelly. Critically! Since merino wool is antibacterial, it’s actually onerous to stink up your clothes — even if you happen to’re in hotter climates. In reality, one of many cofounders wore the identical shirt for 46 days earlier than he washed it — and it nonetheless didn’t scent. That’s loopy!

The clothes is wrinkle resistant too, which is a big plus if you happen to’re touring carry-on solely, like me. Cramming your garments right into a backpack normally results in all the things getting wrinkled and bunched up. With Unbound, that downside is nipped within the bud.

Moreover, the garments are tremendous light-weight (once more, nice for carry-on-only vacationers). Whenever you’re on the street for weeks (or months) at a time, each pound issues. Lighter garments imply you received’t must lug round an excellent heavy suitcase or backpack. To me, that’s a win.

And at last, the garments look fashionable. The monochrome colours of most of Unbound’s gear makes it simple to wear down to dinner, to museums, on strolling excursions, and all the things in between.
 

My Favourite Unbound Garments

Listed below are a couple of of my favourite Unbound garments. These are garments I carry on just about each journey I take:

Merino Crew Neck T-Shirt – These are my go-to journey shirts. They’re comfortable, breathable, and ideal for just about any vacation spot. They’re informal sufficient for days on the seashore and good sufficient to put on to museums or out to dinner. If I’m touring, likelihood is I’ve a pair in my backpack.

Lengthy Sleeve Merino Crew – That is the long-sleeve model of the above shirt, that are good for cooler temps. I put on these once I’m strolling round Europe within the evenings or going someplace the place I want one thing a bit nicer than a t-shirt (whereas nonetheless being informal).

Journey Pants – I’ve worn these on hikes, throughout Europe, touring round Asia — you identify it. They’re the right steadiness of comfortable and sturdy. I carry them on all my journeys. I can’t advocate them sufficient.
 

Professionals of Unbound Merino Clothes

• Excessive-quality, fashionable, and versatile
• Odor and wrinkle resistant
• Light-weight and cozy
• Breathable and moisture wicking
• Stays heat even when moist (useful if you happen to’re trekking in a rainforest or simply get caught in a downpour)

Cons of Unbound Merino Clothes

• Larger up-front value
• Takes some care to maintain your clothes lasting longer

Unbound Merino FAQ

Is Unbound Merino mulesing free?
Sure. Mulesing (also called reside lamb chopping) is the elimination of strips of wool-bearing pores and skin from the again finish of a sheep to forestall parasitic infections. It’s a controversial observe that’s seen as inhumane by many, which is why Unbound Merino solely works with unbiased, mulesing-free farms.

Isn’t wool clothes itchy?
Nope! Merino wool is completely different from the normal variety. It’s lots softer and finer, so it doesn’t itch.

How do I wash and take care of Unbound Merino garments?
Whenever you really feel like your garments are prepared for a wash, you’ll wish to flip them inside out to forestall pilling and comply with the precise directions on the tag for that piece. You too can hand-wash your clothes, which may be simpler if you happen to’re touring and simply want to scrub one factor. It’s really helpful to put your clothes flat on a towel or rack to air-dry. By no means put merino wool garments within the dryer — it can shrink!

Are there any disadvantages to merino wool and Unbound Merino clothes?
Due to their top quality and a focus to moral manufacturing practices, Unbound Merino garments are costlier than you could be used to paying for a T-shirt or pair of pants. Nonetheless, due to that, they final approach longer (and carry out higher) than the cheaper options. You find yourself spending much less over time and don’t have to purchase new clothes as usually — which is a win in my e-book!

I really like my Unbound garments. Comfy, versatile, and classy, they’re a should for any journey. Regardless of the place you’re going or what you’re doing, likelihood is Unbound has one thing for you. Best of all, new customers receive 10% off their first order using this link!