Is This The Best Travel Clothing? My Unbound Merino Clothing Review

I’ve never been one of those crazy pack-a-bag travelers. I like to pack light and keep things simple. That means no fancy drones, heavy DSLRs, bulky headphones, GoPros, or hiking boots. And if my 40-liter backpack doesn’t fit, I keep it at home.

That’s why you rarely see me writing posts about gear or travel bags. I’m a simple person: I have one backpack, throw some clothes in, and then I’m off.

But clothes… well, clothes are important. I abuse my clothes a lot. I only bring a few sets of clothes with me, and they get sweaty, washed and dried a lot, and worn out. On most long trips, I come home with fewer clothes than I brought.

One brand that stands up to my abuse? Unbound MerinoI’ve been wearing them on the road (and at home) for years now.

I met the founder at an event in Toronto about eight years ago and he said, “Look at these clothes!” And I said, “Sure,” because I wanted to be nice.

But in the end I loved them. They held up in the wash, were lightweight and breathable, and fit really well.

So, in this post, I’ll talk about what makes it unique and why I think you should get it.

What is unbonded merino?

Unbound is a small independent clothing company that started in Canada. As avid travelers, the founders quickly realized that the clothes they wore while traveling needed to be durable, versatile, and comfortable.

At the time, merino wool (from Merino sheep, which produce an ultra-fine wool) was only used in sportswear. While this type of clothing is fine if you’re on a hike, it’s not exactly the kind of clothing you’d want to wear on a hiking tour in Southeast Asia or to museums in Europe.

But Unbound has taken the versatile fabric of merino wool and used it to create a range of travel clothing suitable for all types of trips, from hiking trips to weekend getaways.

Their goal was to design shirts that would last. While that means they cost more, you’re paying for quality and durability. And in the long run, it’ll save you money (and be better for the planet, too).

I’ve been wearing Unbound clothing for about eight years now and have never been disappointed. They’re durable, comfortable, and stylish – everything I want when I travel!

What I like about Unbound

These travel clothes are some of the most versatile on the market. Made from merino wool, Unbound Merino The garment can be worn every day for weeks without smelling bad. Seriously! Because merino wool is antibacterial, it’s really hard to let your clothes smell bad—even if you live in warmer climates. In fact, one of the founders wore the same shirt for 46 days before washing it—and it still didn’t stink. That’s crazy!

The clothes are also wrinkle-resistant, which is a big plus if you travel with just a carry-on, like me. Usually, cramming your clothes into a backpack results in everything getting wrinkled and bunched up. With Unbound, that problem is eliminated at its root.

Plus, the clothes are super lightweight (again, great for carry-on-luggage travelers). When you’re on the road for weeks (or months) at a time, every pound counts. Lighter clothes mean you won’t have to lug around a super heavy suitcase or backpack. For me, that’s a win.

Finally, the clothes look stylish. The monochromatic colors of most Unbound clothes make them easy to wear to dinner, to museums, on walks, and everything in between.

My favorite clothes from Unbound

Here are some of my favorite clothes from Unbound. These are the clothes I take with me on almost every trip I take:

Merino Crew Neck T-Shirt – These are my favorite travel shirts. They’re comfortable, breathable, and perfect for just about any destination. They’re cozy enough for days at the beach and cute enough to wear to museums or dinner. If I’m traveling, I probably have a couple of these in my bag.

Merino long sleeve crew – This is the long-sleeved version of the shirt above, and it’s perfect for cooler weather. I wear these shirts when I’m walking around Europe in the evening or going somewhere where I need something a little nicer than a shirt (while still looking casual).

Travel pants – I’ve worn these boots on hikes, all over Europe, traveling around Asia — everything in between. They’re the perfect balance of comfort and durability. I carry them with me on all my trips. I can’t recommend them enough.

Pros of On Bound Merino Clothing

• High quality, stylish and versatile.
• Odor and wrinkle resistant
• Lightweight and comfortable
• Breathable and moisture wicking
• Stays warm even when wet (helpful if you’re hiking in a rainforest or caught in a heavy downpour)

Cons of On Bound Merino Clothing

• higher initial cost
• It takes some care to keep your clothes lasting longer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Unbound Merino Yarn

Is the knitting process of unbound merino wool free?
Yes. Shearing (also known as live sheep shearing) is the process of removing strips of wool-covering skin from the hindquarters of a sheep to prevent parasites. It is a controversial practice and considered inhumane by many, which is why Unbound Merino only works with independent farms that do not shear the wool.

Do wool clothes cause itching?
No! Merino wool is different from the traditional type. It is much softer and finer, so it is not itchy.

How do I wash and care for Unbound Merino clothing?
When you feel your clothes are ready to wash, turn them inside out to prevent lint and follow the instructions on the garment tag. You can also hand wash your clothes, which may be easier if you are traveling and only need to wash one item. It is recommended that you lay your clothes flat on a towel or rack to air dry. Never put merino wool clothes in the dryer – they will shrink!

Are there any disadvantages to merino wool and unbound merino clothing?
Because of their high quality and attention to ethical manufacturing practices, Unbound Merino clothing is more expensive than you might be used to paying for a shirt or pair of pants. However, because of that, they last longer (and perform better) than cheaper alternatives. You end up spending less over time and not having to buy new clothing as often – a win-win in my book!

***

I love my Unbound clothes. They’re comfortable, versatile, stylish, and a must-have for any trip. No matter where you’re going or what you’re doing, Unbound is likely to have something that’s right for you. Best of all, new customers get 10% off their first order using this link!