Patagonia Performance Baselayers use New Zealand merino wool of the highest quality.

Only a few ranches in the world are capable of growing wool that meets our standards for Performance Baselayers. While all wool retains its insulative qualities while wet, only exceptionally fine wool can wick moisture away from the skin. We buy only 100% merino wool from three superbly run ranches in the southern alps of New Zealand capable of producing wool fiber to an 18.5-micron fineness, or about one-fifth as thick as a human hair. We’re confident that our wool is the best in the world for use as a moisture-managing baselayer. And it is exceptionally soft against the skin, naturally odor resistant and machine washable.

There are other benefits. Environmental standards for stock raising are stringent. The ratio of head to hectare is low. The sheep graze on natural grass and drink spring water. They are not subject to painful mulesing. Their wool, because it is so fine, can be slow-washed without environmentally harmful chlorine.

Wool performance characteristics:

• 100% merino wool is the ideal natural fiber for Performance Baselayers
• Regulates body temperature by controlling the rate of evaporative cooling
• Soft next to skin
• Naturally moves moisture away from skin
• Naturally odor resistant
• Chlorine-free (see sidebar)
• Machine washable (lay flat to dry)

We offer three merino wool fabrics:

• Merino 1 is our lightest weight and best suited to active use in warm to cool conditions
• Merino 2 is our most versatile natural-fiber baselayer designed for a wide range of exertion levels and temperatures
• Merino 3 is warmer, best suited to active use in cold conditions
• Merino 4 is for the coldest conditions and styled as outerwear for a seamless transition from active use to “after use”