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 mild and maintain issues easy. Which means 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 house.

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

However the garments…properly, the garments are necessary. I abuse my garments quite a bit. I carry just a few outfits with me and so they get sweated on, washed and dried quite a bit, and worn out. On most long-term journeys, I come house with just a few 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, “Certain,” as a result of I needed 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 publish, 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, impartial clothes firm that began in Canada. As avid vacationers, the founders realized shortly that on-the-road clothes wanted to be sturdy, versatile, and comfy.

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 effective should you’re out on a hike, it’s not precisely the sort of clothes you may need 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 objective was to design shirts that may final. Certain, which means they’re costlier, however you’re paying for high quality and sturdiness. In the long term, that’s really going to avoid wasting 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 disillusioned. It’s sturdy, snug, and trendy — all the pieces I need after I’m touring!
 

What I Like About Unbound

These journey garments are a number of the most versatile available on the market. Made out of merino wool, Unbound Merino clothes might be worn every day for weeks with out getting smelly. Severely! Since merino wool is antibacterial, it’s actually onerous to stink up your clothes — even should 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 big plus should you’re touring carry-on solely, like me. Cramming your garments right into a backpack normally results in all the pieces 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). Once you’re on the highway for weeks (or months) at a time, each pound issues. Lighter garments imply you received’t should lug round a brilliant 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 pieces in between.
 

My Favourite Unbound Garments

Listed here are just a few 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 after 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 stability of cozy and sturdy. I convey them on all my journeys. I can’t advocate them sufficient.
 

Execs of Unbound Merino Clothes

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

Cons of Unbound Merino Clothes

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

Unbound Merino FAQ

Is Unbound Merino mulesing free?
Sure. Mulesing (also referred to as stay lamb reducing) is the removing 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 impartial, mulesing-free farms.

Isn’t wool clothes itchy?
Nope! Merino wool is completely different from the standard sort. It’s quite a bit softer and finer, so it doesn’t itch.

How do I wash and look after Unbound Merino garments?
Once you really feel like your garments are prepared for a wash, you’ll need to flip them inside out to forestall pilling and comply with the precise directions on the tag for that piece. You may as well hand-wash your clothes, which might be simpler should you’re touring and simply want to clean 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 would shrink!

Are there any disadvantages to merino wool and Unbound Merino clothes?
Due to their prime quality and a spotlight to moral manufacturing practices, Unbound Merino garments are costlier than you is likely to be used to paying for a T-shirt or pair of pants. Nevertheless, due to that, they final method 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 like my Unbound garments. Snug, versatile, and trendy, 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!