Merino Wool Shirt Sheep Smell

[HBS60]

In preparing for my upcoming Camino, I’ve been wearing 100% polyester t-shirts, which dry reasonably quickly, but I didn’t like how they felt on my skin, and I felt that they retained too much heat when out in the sun. So, I ordered a couple of Merino thin wool t-shirts as they’ve been touted for wearing even in the summer. I tried one this morning while out in the sun, and while they felt different, as the morning progressed and I started to sweat, I started to really smell what i believe is sheep smell. Eventually, the shirt was soaked (it’s 88% humidity around here), and I couldn’t stand the smell any more. I headed indoors and hand washed them just with plain cold water and hung it up to dry. I could smell whatever it is several meters away.

I had no idea these things could smell so badly. It is 100% Merino wool, not a blend. The brand is Alpz.

Is this something that gets better with time? Are there different types of Merino’s that I should be aware of?
I’m also hopeful that maybe since the humidity in Spain is much lower, maybe this won’t be as much of a problem.

BTW, my training is going well, I managed to walk 10.8 miles yesterday with a fully loaded backpack, in temperatures starting at 77F with humidity initially at 91% slowly improving to 56% but heat up to 93F. In contrast, I’ve seen morning temps in Spain in the 60s F and humidity around 30%s- 40%s, I’m not sure what I can expect from the Merinos in these conditions.

Thanks!

 

[jefferyonthecamino]

In preparing for my upcoming Camino, I’ve been wearing 100% polyester t-shirts, which dry reasonably quickly, but I didn’t like how they felt on my skin, and I felt that they retained too much heat when out in the sun. So, I ordered a couple of Merino thin wool t-shirts as they’ve been touted for wearing even in the summer. I tried one this morning while out in the sun, and while they felt different, as the morning progressed and I started to sweat, I started to really smell what i believe is sheep smell. Eventually, the shirt was soaked (it’s 88% humidity around here), and I couldn’t stand the smell any more. I headed indoors and hand washed them just with plain cold water and hung it up to dry. I could smell whatever it is several meters away.

I had no idea these things could smell so badly. It is 100% Merino wool, not a blend. The brand is Alpz.

Is this something that gets better with time? Are there different types of Merino’s that I should be aware of?
I’m also hopeful that maybe since the humidity in Spain is much lower, maybe this won’t be as much of a problem.

BTW, my training is going well, I managed to walk 10.8 miles yesterday with a fully loaded backpack, in temperatures starting at 77F with humidity initially at 91% slowly improving to 56% but heat up to 93F. In contrast, I’ve seen morning temps in Spain in the 60s F and humidity around 30%s- 40%s, I’m not sure what I can expect from the Merinos in these conditions.

Thanks!

thanks for sharing. i had been considering my first merino t-shirt, but i'd rather smell human.

 

[C clearly]

Wet wool always has a distinctive odour, but it disappears when dry. If you have ever washed a wool sweater by hand, you would notice it. If you have never washed wool before, perhaps you were surprised and alarmed by it - it is the smell of wet wool, not of animals! (If I want to confirm what a particular fabric is, I sometimes wet and sniff to identify if it is wool.)

I suppose that if you sweat enough, and you are especially sensitive or averse to that smell, it might become apparent on your body, although I have never heard this comment before. I have certainly never noticed it on a garment that I am wearing. However, I don't sweat profusely. I seriously doubt that the wool smell of a damp lightweight merino shirt would compete with the smell of stale human sweat.

You might try a merino-blend (i.e. with polyester or nylon). I prefer the blends for light weight shirts anyway.

 

[auburnfive]

I recently ordered a merino Tshirt from Amazon, and it has the same problem, noticed while it is drying or if I am sweating, despite several washings. It will not come on the Camino this fall. I have several Icebreaker merino shirts, they do not have any odour, in this case the more expensive items were worth it.

 

[Wanieta]

I purchased several merino items due to the claim that they combat body odor but after yesterday's hike in a woolx bra and tee shirt I have to agree with auburn five. I did stink a bit, a problem I have not had with smartwool and branwyn.

 

[J Willhaus]

Have never noticed this in my wool garments, but I don't have that particular brand.

 

[OTH86]

I've been wearing Smartwool and Icebreaker tops since 2014, and have never had an issue with unpleasant odor. During the earlier years, I also wore wool blended with synthetics but replaced them due to the odor. Fortunately, it was a simple fix for me... ymmv...

 

[JillGat]

I find even merino wool itchy. And I hate the feel of tech fabrics. My compromise is tee shirts made of 65% polyester and 35% cotton. Feels like cotton, but dries pretty fast. These tee shirts are extraordinarily inexpensive, too.

 

[woody66]

Never noticed any smell with Merino tops either cheap or high end!
Before i walked i wore the same t shirt for five or maybe six consecutive days (i did shower ) to see how bad they stink; they didn't!
Although I did wonder on the last day ;why the people in the cafe i was in were wearing gas masks coincidence i suppose ha!ha!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I find even merino wool itchy. And I hate the feel of tech fabrics. My compromise is tee shirts made of 65% polyester and 35% cotton. Feels like cotton, but dries pretty fast. These tee shirts are extraordinarily inexpensive, too.

I'm like you, Jill, regarding all wool. In addition, I will mention that not all tech fabrics are "created equal" in their "feel". Some I can't stand, but others are soft and almost cozy feeling, so I have learned to be careful before purchasing. Some tech fabrics have additional seams that may look attractive, but I feel the scratchy underside so those are also a "no go" for me.

 

[K_Lynn]

Weird. I have a lot of merino clothing and have never noticed a sheep smell on any of them.

I would wash the articles with laundry soap to try and cut the lanolin in the wool.

 

[MichaelB10398]

I had no idea these things could smell so badly. It is 100% Merino wool, not a blend. The brand is Alpz.

In my personal experience, I have never encountered a problem with Merino wool clothing. I have worn all kinds of wool clothing throughout my life, so I may be biased. The idea is to be comfortable and confident in what you are wearing. If would like to try another brand of Merino wool T-shirt, then do so, but don't make this overly complicated. You know what you want, spend some time in a reputable sports store with knowledgeable staff and ask questions. You will find what works for you.

 

[PiesIrlandeses]

Having spent many of my school days in Ireland sat beside racks of rain-saturated duffel coats, I know what wet wool smells like.

I've never had this smell from any of my merino clothing.

 

[Roland49]

Wash it with proper detargent certified for wool!
I have several blends (most 85% Merino / 15% techfiber for stability) and never smelled like sheep!
When really wet, it should smell only a bit after you.

Do you really bought Merino, not just wool (that would have the given effect)?

 

[HBS60]

Update: I wore it today for a morning walk. After walking 3 1/2 miles in 90% humidity, it started to get wet with perspiration. I could smell it but because I was outdoors, the smell seemed to dissipate so it was tolerable. I took this selfie of myself after walking, it shows wet areas but also dry areas. Yesterday i totally soaked it and hung it on the shower curtain rod, so I imagine that by being indoors it would concentrate the smell. I’m currently still wearing it to see how quickly it dries and how much it smells of sheep and/or human…

Edit: it’s now been about an hour since I got home and it’s almost dry now, still with some smell but not overpoweringly so. The smell reminds me of something I’ve smelled in hair salons, it has a chemical quality to it. I’ll try the suggestion to wash it with a wool-specific detergent. I think I can always bring along both kinds of shirts, the merino ones and the polyester ones, and change them as needed, probably two of one kind and one of another. Just a thought…

 

[Connie Canada]

Pure merino wool won't smell like sheep. Either the fabric has been blended with cheaper wool fibers - which give off that funky sheep smell when wet - or the fabric has been treated with a chemical that interacts with human sweat - or both. Hot sticky camino walking can stink up even pure icebreaker merino eventually - but not like that. I think someone is selling a knock-off.

 

[Getwood]

In preparing for my upcoming Camino, I’ve been wearing 100% polyester t-shirts, which dry reasonably quickly, but I didn’t like how they felt on my skin, and I felt that they retained too much heat when out in the sun. So, I ordered a couple of Merino thin wool t-shirts as they’ve been touted for wearing even in the summer. I tried one this morning while out in the sun, and while they felt different, as the morning progressed and I started to sweat, I started to really smell what i believe is sheep smell. Eventually, the shirt was soaked (it’s 88% humidity around here), and I couldn’t stand the smell any more. I headed indoors and hand washed them just with plain cold water and hung it up to dry. I could smell whatever it is several meters away.

I had no idea these things could smell so badly. It is 100% Merino wool, not a blend. The brand is Alpz.

Is this something that gets better with time? Are there different types of Merino’s that I should be aware of?
I’m also hopeful that maybe since the humidity in Spain is much lower, maybe this won’t be as much of a problem.

BTW, my training is going well, I managed to walk 10.8 miles yesterday with a fully loaded backpack, in temperatures starting at 77F with humidity initially at 91% slowly improving to 56% but heat up to 93F. In contrast, I’ve seen morning temps in Spain in the 60s F and humidity around 30%s- 40%s, I’m not sure what I can expect from the Merinos in these conditions.

Thanks!

I can only give you my experience with Merino T-shirts: I purchased mine from Unbound Merino, and have worn them during several (very sweaty) hilly practise sessions. So far, they don't smell as you've described, and as far as my nose can tell, they really are odour-resistant. I purchased two of the lightest available colour (sort of a soft cream). I may not have sweat as much as you, though — I'm also testing out various sunbrellas, and they're really helping me with dealing with heat.

 

[Scott Fraser]

In preparing for my upcoming Camino, I’ve been wearing 100% polyester t-shirts, which dry reasonably quickly, but I didn’t like how they felt on my skin, and I felt that they retained too much heat when out in the sun. So, I ordered a couple of Merino thin wool t-shirts as they’ve been touted for wearing even in the summer. I tried one this morning while out in the sun, and while they felt different, as the morning progressed and I started to sweat, I started to really smell what i believe is sheep smell. Eventually, the shirt was soaked (it’s 88% humidity around here), and I couldn’t stand the smell any more. I headed indoors and hand washed them just with plain cold water and hung it up to dry. I could smell whatever it is several meters away.

I had no idea these things could smell so badly. It is 100% Merino wool, not a blend. The brand is Alpz.

Is this something that gets better with time? Are there different types of Merino’s that I should be aware of?
I’m also hopeful that maybe since the humidity in Spain is much lower, maybe this won’t be as much of a problem.

BTW, my training is going well, I managed to walk 10.8 miles yesterday with a fully loaded backpack, in temperatures starting at 77F with humidity initially at 91% slowly improving to 56% but heat up to 93F. In contrast, I’ve seen morning temps in Spain in the 60s F and humidity around 30%s- 40%s, I’m not sure what I can expect from the Merinos in these conditions.

Thanks!

My guess is it might be the brand. I’ve worn Icebreaker merino products for years with no smell issues.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

This summer I did an experiment with my black long sleeve 100% merino t-shirt. At the end of May I washed it with a mild soap made for wool garments. When it dried I sprayed it with permethrin. Then I started using it for brisk hour to two hour walks about every other day. I did get a smell but that was from me, not any sheep. I hung it up and the next day it smelled fine. I did this for 3 weeks until your very hot and humid Florida weather appeared here in New England too. The somewhat tight sweat soaked shirt got too uncomfortable for me to wear at that point. I haven't washed the shirt since the end of May and it smells okay to me. I asked Peg and her sensitive nose to give it a sniff; she thought it smelled but I thought she was smelling dust. Anyway, I wore it again on a mountain hike with her two days ago up north with lower temperatures and then next to her for 2.5 hours on the drive home and she didn't complain even a bit (except for the traffic).

BTW, the brand is Icebreaker and 200 gsm.

 

[Faire]

I wear ice breaker tshirts and they dont smell.
However, I recently purchased pure linen shirts for the heat to replace.my polyster Columbia long sleeve shirt. Synthetic is way roo hot for me.
Linen dries very quickly, doesnt smell and is super cool to wear. Also looks dressier. I am a convert. I bought my linen shirts in Santiago.

 

[rbmelton]

In preparing for my upcoming Camino, I’ve been wearing 100% polyester t-shirts, which dry reasonably quickly, but I didn’t like how they felt on my skin, and I felt that they retained too much heat when out in the sun. So, I ordered a couple of Merino thin wool t-shirts as they’ve been touted for wearing even in the summer. I tried one this morning while out in the sun, and while they felt different, as the morning progressed and I started to sweat, I started to really smell what i believe is sheep smell. Eventually, the shirt was soaked (it’s 88% humidity around here), and I couldn’t stand the smell any more. I headed indoors and hand washed them just with plain cold water and hung it up to dry. I could smell whatever it is several meters away.

I had no idea these things could smell so badly. It is 100% Merino wool, not a blend. The brand is Alpz.

Is this something that gets better with time? Are there different types of Merino’s that I should be aware of?
I’m also hopeful that maybe since the humidity in Spain is much lower, maybe this won’t be as much of a problem.

BTW, my training is going well, I managed to walk 10.8 miles yesterday with a fully loaded backpack, in temperatures starting at 77F with humidity initially at 91% slowly improving to 56% but heat up to 93F. In contrast, I’ve seen morning temps in Spain in the 60s F and humidity around 30%s- 40%s, I’m not sure what I can expect from the Merinos in these conditions.

Thanks!

I have Smartwool and Icebreaker shirts and don’t have this problem. One alternative is Alpaca blend shirts. I have one that I like from Paka.

 

[gml]

When my Icebreaker merino shirts were new, they exuded a very noticeable woolly lanolin smell while being washed (I wash by hand with liquid laundry detergent), but as soon as they were dry they smelled fine. Now that they've been washed many times, the wet-wool odor is gradually subsiding, possibly because the detergent is gradually removing the lanolin from the fabric.

 

[Wanderingfriend]

In preparing for my upcoming Camino, I’ve been wearing 100% polyester t-shirts, which dry reasonably quickly, but I didn’t like how they felt on my skin, and I felt that they retained too much heat when out in the sun. So, I ordered a couple of Merino thin wool t-shirts as they’ve been touted for wearing even in the summer. I tried one this morning while out in the sun, and while they felt different, as the morning progressed and I started to sweat, I started to really smell what i believe is sheep smell. Eventually, the shirt was soaked (it’s 88% humidity around here), and I couldn’t stand the smell any more. I headed indoors and hand washed them just with plain cold water and hung it up to dry. I could smell whatever it is several meters away.

I had no idea these things could smell so badly. It is 100% Merino wool, not a blend. The brand is Alpz.

Is this something that gets better with time? Are there different types of Merino’s that I should be aware of?
I’m also hopeful that maybe since the humidity in Spain is much lower, maybe this won’t be as much of a problem.

BTW, my training is going well, I managed to walk 10.8 miles yesterday with a fully loaded backpack, in temperatures starting at 77F with humidity initially at 91% slowly improving to 56% but heat up to 93F. In contrast, I’ve seen morning temps in Spain in the 60s F and humidity around 30%s- 40%s, I’m not sure what I can expect from the Merinos in these conditions.

Thanks!

I have many pieces of ice breaker and smart wool 100% merino and I have never noticed a smell and I have a sensitive nose.

 

[willydp]

I don't have any issues with the Icebreaker brand, but others can be itchy.
I have itchy problems with Jack wolfskin and some Decathlon t-shirts.
But none of them smell like

 

[Damien Reynolds]

I know people love their wool, but those expensive shirts always get holes. Avoiding smell by staying away from synthetics is admirable... but that is what the laundromat is for!

 

[willydp]

@ Damien Reynolds Expensive? Never heard of sales

 

[Getwood]

I know people love their wool, but those expensive shirts always get holes. Avoiding smell by staying away from synthetics is admirable... but that is what the laundromat is for!

Yep, holes eventually show up. It's one of the reasons that most modern fibre formulations of merino feature a central core of a tougher material (nylon, usually) completely wrapped by finer filaments of merino.

I don't have a problem with holes showing up sooner or later; I look at a lot of the ultra-lightweight stuff I've acquired specifically for the camino as close to disposable over longer timelines. This doesn't bother me. For me, they have to last for a grand total of 36 days (18 days each), and then anything that happens to 'em afterwards is just cake.

 

[Damien Reynolds]

@ Damien Reynolds Expensive? Never heard of sales

I don't bother with them anymore... just me, to each their own. (I don't use carbon fiber poles either, because they break. Happened twice.) I'm usually in Spain for 60-90 days at a time now... so durability is more important to me.

 

[patriciafross]

In preparing for my upcoming Camino, I’ve been wearing 100% polyester t-shirts, which dry reasonably quickly, but I didn’t like how they felt on my skin, and I felt that they retained too much heat when out in the sun. So, I ordered a couple of Merino thin wool t-shirts as they’ve been touted for wearing even in the summer. I tried one this morning while out in the sun, and while they felt different, as the morning progressed and I started to sweat, I started to really smell what i believe is sheep smell. Eventually, the shirt was soaked (it’s 88% humidity around here), and I couldn’t stand the smell any more. I headed indoors and hand washed them just with plain cold water and hung it up to dry. I could smell whatever it is several meters away.

I had no idea these things could smell so badly. It is 100% Merino wool, not a blend. The brand is Alpz.

Is this something that gets better with time? Are there different types of Merino’s that I should be aware of?
I’m also hopeful that maybe since the humidity in Spain is much lower, maybe this won’t be as much of a problem.

BTW, my training is going well, I managed to walk 10.8 miles yesterday with a fully loaded backpack, in temperatures starting at 77F with humidity initially at 91% slowly improving to 56% but heat up to 93F. In contrast, I’ve seen morning temps in Spain in the 60s F and humidity around 30%s- 40%s, I’m not sure what I can expect from the Merinos in these conditions.

Thanks!

Have you tried Smartwool products? They don’t smell! I wear their tank tops and even last year, walking in 90°+ heat and sweating, there was no smell that I noticed, besides my own

 

[JamesG]

I've been wearing 100% merino wool for a number of years and have become a true believer..... love the product. One of the attractions advertised was it wouldn't smell after extreme use, so before investing I bought a couple of items, socks and t-shirt and put them through a rigorous test. Performed unbelievably well and I haven't looked back. The brands I use are Smartwool and Icebreaker and I tend to use a lot of "base layer" product in the summer months. The socks are terrific keeping feet dry and blister free on long days and dry quickly.

 

[HBS60]

This is what I got, it says 100% Merino wool.
I actially wore it all day today, even after my morning hike, when it got wet with perspiration but dried fairly fast. I can still smell it a little bit but not as overpowering as yesterday, but today I didn’t soak it. It seems that this issue is not common but it does happen. As a newbie, it’s definitely a learning process. I’ll try washing it in Woolite (I assume it should be safe to do so) and see how it goes.

 

[JamesG]

To be honest I throw them in the washing machine on regular cycle and hang dry them. Socks go in the dryer. never any issues. Remember base layer in the summer.

Buen Camino!

 

[trecile]

My merino wool clothing definitely have a "wool smell" when wet, but it's not super strong, or offensive.

 

[Wanderingfriend]

I know people love their wool, but those expensive shirts always get holes. Avoiding smell by staying away from synthetics is admirable... but that is what the laundromat is for!

This is true. You have to be so careful with them. Hand washing is best.

 

[Getwood]

This is true. You have to be so careful with them. Hand washing is best.

Yep, but abusing the fabric is almost unavoidable -- your shoulders (for example) will constantly be compressed under your pack's shoulder straps, and the fabric trapped under your hip-belt will be abraded as well. Can't imagine your back's gonna be all that much better.

Like I said, disposable over any reasonable time-frame. They just have to make it to the end of the Camino Frances with me, and then I'll say "Well done, good and faithful servants." If necessary, I'll buy a cotton T-shirt in SdC for the trip home.

 

[Wanderingfriend]

Yep, but abusing the fabric is almost unavoidable -- your shoulders (for example) will constantly be compressed under your pack's shoulder straps, and the fabric trapped under your hip-belt will be abraded as well. Can't imagine your back's gonna be all that much better.

Like I said, disposable over any reasonable time-frame. They just have to make it to the end of the Camino Frances with me, and then I'll say "Well done, good and faithful servants." If necessary, I'll buy a cotton T-shirt in SdC for the trip home.

It is true.

 

[C clearly]

Just as for 100% cotton, there is variability in the weight and quality of 100% merino wool. For the very light weights, I prefer some blending with synthetic for durability. I have read a couple of complaints about odour with the blends but I am skeptical of this generalization.

Since quality does matter for merino, for several reasons, I prefer to spend the higher cost (watching for sales) to get a known brand name product. Even so, I don't expect it to last forever, and I save some items specifically for the Camino. On the Camino I wash and dry them - hand or machine - without special care. Here's a novel idea - if a hole develops, mend it so it doesn't get bigger. My shirts typically last for several Caminos.

 

[gerardcarey]

Being a kiwi I've spent a lot of time with luverly sheeps during my lifetime.
Had to. From memory they outnumbered us peoples.
Like 80 to 1.
All my friends they are.
Never struck one that smelt as bad as a sweaty pilgrim.
They're getting a bad rap here.
Cut it out you lot.
Relse.
Gerard

 

[chinacat]

I wear merino vests and/or t-shirts and leggings all the time.
I’ve never smelt anything other than a soft woollen smell when I wash them.
Similarly to @C clearly , I dampen items and sniff when I’m unsure of the wool content.

Most of mine are by Alpkit and are remarkably durable - no holes at all, in items that I’ve had and worn continually since before C19.
The rest are Icebreaker, which are far more prone to getting holes in them.

Living where I do, I’m not subject to stifling temperatures so my merino can be worn for extended periods of time.
Without becoming smelly….

As regards linen, I wore a linen and tech fabric shirt on camino, made by Rohan. It was very comfortable.

PS Alpkit & Rohan are in the UK.

 

[RussB]

I recently ordered a merino Tshirt from Amazon, and it has the same problem, noticed while it is drying or if I am sweating, despite several washings. It will not come on the Camino this fall. I have several Icebreaker merino shirts, they do not have any odour, in this case the more expensive items were worth it.

Agree , they are expensive but worth every penny / cent.

 

[Salash]

I know people love their wool, but those expensive shirts always get holes. Avoiding smell by staying away from synthetics is admirable... but that is what the laundromat is for!

It took over 15yrs for my first pure merino t-shirt to develop holes. I do lots of wilderness hiking with heavy packs, and wear my merino t-shirts constantly for normal day wear as well. My experience is that my merino t-shirts outlast my cotton ones.

This is what I got, it says 100% Merino wool.
I actially wore it all day today, even after my morning hike, when it got wet with perspiration but dried fairly fast. I can still smell it a little bit but not as overpowering as yesterday, but today I didn’t soak it. It seems that this issue is not common but it does happen. As a newbie, it’s definitely a learning process. I’ll try washing it in Woolite (I assume it should be safe to do so) and see how it goes.

I've never had that brand, all my merino t-shirts (6 of them) are either Kathmandu or Decathlon. I've never had the issues you're describing, & I wear them summer & winter. I sweat a lot in summer.
As for washing, they just get chucked in the washing machine with everything else, with a normal detergent.
Perhaps it's just manufacturing chemicals that you're smelling?

 

[Scotwalker]

I've been reading a whole of correspondence on how to treat merino but I don't understand...why you're not all choosing cotton? I did my caminos in cotton socks , cotton teeshirts, underwear, etc. Its easy to launder and extremely cheap to buy and even lose. Just curious...

 

[Salash]

I've been reading a whole of correspondence on how to treat merino but I don't understand...why you're not all choosing cotton? I did my caminos in cotton socks , cotton teeshirts, underwear, etc. Its easy to launder and extremely cheap to buy and even lose. Just curious...

I prefer wool as it's light, dries quickly, & I can wear it for a couple of days without it becoming smelly. But for socks, I prefer silk.
Both fibre types are easy to wash & get dry, especially when staying in albergues that may not have good laundry facilities or drying areas.
But I think it's just personal preference - my friend wears cotton, synthetics or blends.

 

[Kirkie]

Woollen socks are worth every penny, in my experience. Smartwool of whatever brand is the one on offer when it takes my fancy for a new pair.
I have no other smartwool clothes. I can wear the same socks for weeks without washing them. Perhaps because I live in a temperate climate, and never wear socks in the house. Maximum time inside socks, three, four hours. Eventually I throw them in the washing machine, and they dry naturally, on the clothes horse if it is raining. Never in the tumble dryer - we do not have one! Neither my feet nor my socks smell badly. . I had four brothers, I know about smelly feet...

 

[trecile]

I've been reading a whole of correspondence on how to treat merino but I don't understand...why you're not all choosing cotton? I did my caminos in cotton socks , cotton teeshirts, underwear, etc. Its easy to launder and extremely cheap to buy and even lose. Just curious...

Cotton doesn't really wick moisture away from the body. It holds on to it, and can be uncomfortable and take longer to dry. But if it works for you, great.

Merino wool is popular because it is a natural wicking fabric, and doesn't hold on to odors.

 

[Stivandrer]

I have left Icebreaker shirts SS/LS as camino gear bc of numerous holes.
Currently using tee shirts from Helly Hansen, 70/30 blend Merino to Synth with good results. 2 caminos with no holes or chafings from velcro, buckles or straps...

 

[Damien Reynolds]

I'll say this again. A lot of people on this site are walking the camino for the first time. They feel, after reading other first timers, that they NEED to get Altus Ponchos, even certain obscure trekking poles, Merino clothing, etc etc. I fell into the trap years ago too...

Merino shirts get holes. So does merino underwear.

Go for it. you'll see.

 

[Damien Reynolds]

I've been reading a whole of correspondence on how to treat merino but I don't understand...why you're not all choosing cotton? I did my caminos in cotton socks , cotton teeshirts, underwear, etc. Its easy to launder and extremely cheap to buy and even lose. Just curious...

Cotton is like the worst material for a walk/hike.. Heavy, doesn't wick. Good for you tho for standing by it.

 

[OzAnnie]

Merino shirts get holes.

I agree. I kept buying new merino t shirts because of the holes in the older ones. Now I don’t bother - just wear the old ones - with holes (ladders).
They definitely aren’t as strong as other fabric (IMO)… but I love the comfort and will always choose my merino shirts regardless of holes.

 

[RussB]

Haha, agree , mine are full of holes but still work ok

 

[LouiseW]

I love the walkingshirts of Decathlon. Great comfort and cheap: https://www.decathlon.nl/p/wandelshirt-voor-dames-nh500/_/R-p-308122?mc=8844171