Off The Wall Vans

There is this really weird conundrum that faces many people who love the outdoors. As much as they honour and love nature and feel a natural affinity for the planet, their clothing is often made from the most unnatural synthetic fibres you can imagine. If you think that is nonsense then think again for a second. Most outdoors types wear fleece as main insulating layer. But synthetic fleece, whether it is made by Polartec or any of the other major brands, is produced from plastic. Now some companies do go out of their way to recycle (old plastic bottles if you must know) but it still means that you are heading out into the wild wearing completely synthetic and unnatural fabrics.

One great option is to consider using Smartwool or Icebreaker wool clothing made from merino wool. This is about as natural a product as you could possibly hope to find anywhere. Merino is the soft wool that comes from sheep in New Zealand and has the most amazing characteristics. 

The first amazing thing about merino wool is that it insulates. Now that is a bit obvious is what you want is a nice insulating layer in your outdoor clothing. But it is also a very wearable and user-friendly fabric that works with your body, not against it. 

The first thing you will notice when wearing merino is that it doesn’t stink in the same way that synthetics fabrics do after a few days out in the mountains. Do you know what I mean? If you don’t it just means you haven’t hiked a trail for three or four days wearing the same top. 

The reason for this is that synthetic fabrics provide a home for bacteria that lead to stinky clothing. Merino, on the other hand, has totally natural antibacterial properties that help keep bad smells down.