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 wish to pack gentle and preserve issues easy. Meaning no fancy drones, hefty DSLR cameras, cumbersome headphones, GoPros, or chunky mountaineering boots. If it doesn’t slot in my 40L backpack, it stays house.

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

However the garments…properly, the garments are vital. I abuse my garments rather a lot. I carry only some outfits with me and so they get sweated on, washed and dried rather a lot, and worn out. On most long-term journeys, I come house with a couple of much less garments than I introduced.

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

I met the founder at an occasion in Toronto about eight years in the past and he mentioned, “Try 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, have been light-weight and breathable, and match rather well,

So, on this publish, I’m going to speak about what makes them distinctive and why I feel you must 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 varieties of garments are tremendous in the event you’re out on a hike, it’s not precisely the type of clothes you would possibly wish to put on on a strolling tour in Southeast Asia or visiting museums in Europe.

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

Their purpose was to design shirts that may final. Positive, which means 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 carrying Unbound garments for about eight years now and have by no means been disenchanted. It’s sturdy, comfy, and trendy — the whole lot I need once I’m touring!
 

What I Like About Unbound

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

The clothes is wrinkle resistant too, which is a large plus in the event you’re touring carry-on solely, like me. Cramming your garments right into a backpack normally results in the whole lot getting wrinkled and bunched up. With Unbound, that drawback is nipped within the bud.

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

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

My Favourite Unbound Garments

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

Merino Crew Neck T-Shirt – These are my go-to journey shirts. They’re cozy, breathable, and ideal for just about any vacation spot. They’re informal sufficient for days on the seaside 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 title it. They’re the proper steadiness of cozy and sturdy. I convey them on all my journeys. I can’t advocate them sufficient.
 

Execs of Unbound Merino Clothes

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

Cons of Unbound Merino Clothes

• Increased up-front price
• Takes some care to maintain your clothes lasting longer

Unbound Merino FAQ

Is Unbound Merino mulesing free?
Sure. Mulesing (often known as dwell lamb slicing) 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 follow 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 totally different from the normal type. It’s rather a lot softer and finer, so it doesn’t itch.

How do I wash and look after Unbound Merino garments?
If you really feel like your garments are prepared for a wash, you’ll wish to flip them inside out to forestall pilling and observe the precise directions on the tag for that piece. You can too hand-wash your clothes, which could be simpler in the event you’re touring and simply want to clean one factor. It’s advisable 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 spotlight to moral manufacturing practices, Unbound Merino garments are costlier than you could be used to paying for a T-shirt or pair of pants. Nevertheless, 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 typically — which is a win in my guide!

I really like my Unbound garments. Snug, versatile, and trendy, they’re a should for any journey. Irrespective 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!