Are These The Best Travel Clothes? My Review of Unbound Merino

I’ve by no means been a kind of vacationers who goes loopy for gear. I wish to pack gentle and hold issues easy. Meaning 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 individual: I acquired one backpack, I throw some garments in it, and I’m off.

However the garments…properly, the garments are vital. I abuse my garments quite a bit. I carry only some 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 a couple of much less garments than I introduced.

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

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

So, on this publish, I’m going to speak about what makes them distinctive and why I feel you need 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 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 high-quality for those who’re out on a hike, it’s not precisely the type 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 purpose was to design shirts that might final. Certain, meaning they’re dearer, however you’re paying for high quality and sturdiness. In the long term, that’s truly going to avoid wasting you cash (and it’s higher for the planet too).

I’ve been sporting Unbound garments for about eight years now and have by no means been disillusioned. It’s sturdy, comfy, and classy — every little thing I need once I’m touring!
 

What I Like About Unbound

These journey garments are among the most versatile available on the market. Made out of merino wool, Unbound Merino clothes might be worn day by day for weeks with out getting smelly. Significantly! Since merino wool is antibacterial, it’s actually onerous to stink up your clothes — even for those who’re in hotter climates. In actual fact, 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 for those who’re touring carry-on solely, like me. Cramming your garments right into a backpack normally results in every little thing 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). Whenever you’re on the street for weeks (or months) at a time, each pound issues. Lighter garments imply you received’t need to lug round an excellent 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 straightforward to wear down to dinner, to museums, on strolling excursions, and every little thing in between.
 

My Favourite Unbound Garments

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

Merino Crew Neck T-Shirt – These are my go-to journey shirts. They’re comfortable, 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 excellent for cooler temps. I put on these once I’m strolling round Europe within the evenings or going someplace the place I would like 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 comfortable and sturdy. I carry 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 cozy
• Breathable and moisture wicking
• Stays heat even when moist (useful for those who’re trekking in a rainforest or simply get caught in a downpour)

Cons of Unbound Merino Clothes

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

Unbound Merino FAQ

Is Unbound Merino mulesing free?
Sure. Mulesing (also referred to as reside 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 apply 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 totally different from the standard variety. It’s quite a bit softer and finer, so it doesn’t itch.

How do I wash and look after Unbound Merino garments?
Whenever you really feel like your garments are prepared for a wash, you’ll need to flip them inside out to forestall pilling and observe the precise directions on the tag for that piece. You may as well hand-wash your clothes, which might be simpler for those who’re touring and simply want to scrub one factor. It’s beneficial 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 top quality and a spotlight to moral manufacturing practices, Unbound Merino garments are dearer than you is perhaps used to paying for a T-shirt or pair of pants. Nevertheless, due to that, they final means 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 e-book!

I really like my Unbound garments. Snug, versatile, and classy, 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!