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thanks for sharing. i had been considering my first merino t-shirt, but i'd rather smell human.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'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.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.
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.I had no idea these things could smell so badly. It is 100% Merino wool, not a blend. The brand is Alpz.
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.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.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.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.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!
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 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!
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.@ Damien Reynolds Expensive? Never heard of sales
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 ownIn 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!
This is true. You have to be so careful with them. Hand washing is best.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, 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.This is true. You have to be so careful with them. Hand washing is best.
It is true.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.
Agree , they are expensive but worth every penny / cent.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.
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.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!
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.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 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.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.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.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 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).Merino shirts get holes.
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