Exceptionally soft, naturally breathable and warm even when wet, merino regulates body temperature, has a great warmth-to-weight ratio, naturally controls odor and stretches as you move. Patagonia merino wool comes from nonmulesed, Australian merino sheep. We slow wash it for softness and shrink-resistance without the use of environmentally harmful chlorine, then blend it with all-recycled polyester for durability, wicking and faster dry times, unmatched by 100% merino clothing.

Over the years, we’ve experimented with a variety of merino fabrications, most recently using 100% merino wool in our Baselayer line. Despite a high level of comfort in the finished garments, their durability did not meet our quality standards. This forced us to ask if we were living up to our mission to build the highest quality products and do no unnecessary harm (building products that can’t take a beating requires continued production of new products, instead of fewer products better made). By blending recycled polyester into our finished merino garments, we were able to dramatically increase durability.

There are other benefits. Our wool/poly blend boosts the natural wicking ability of merino wool (meaning less clammy feeling, since your garments stay dry next to skin) and reduces overall dry times. The resulting garment provides higher performance in the field, is less fussy to care for and remains exceptionally soft against the skin, naturally odor resistant and machine washable. bluesign® certification ensures the use of the best available technology in reducing water and energy use and minimizing pollution from dyes and finishes.