Sometimes the most advanced outdoor gear isn’t high tech at all, it’s the stuff nature made. Fiona Bretherton explores a changing shift in outdoor apparel that is not only fit for purpose, but looks good too. 

There’s a quiet shift happening in the world of outdoor apparel, a turn away from shiny synthetics and technical jargon, back towards nature’s original performance fibre: merino wool. 

Thanks to innovations in spinning and weaving, like the development of ultra-fine, machine-washable fabrics, merino is stepping confidently into the spotlight. And for active, outdoor pursuits, it’s proving itself again and again not just as a viable option, but one of the best. One standout example of this evolution is Mountainsilk, a beautifully refined machine-washable merino fabric that combines the natural benefits of wool with a modern, polished finish. It feels as good on a ridge walk as it looks in a café. But what makes fabrics like this so well suited to life on the move? 

First off, temperature regulation. Unlike many synthetic fibres that trap heat or sweat, merino wool’s crimped fibres make it naturally breathable and thermoregulating. It keeps you warm when it’s cold and cool when it’s hot, which is especially useful in the kind of unpredictable weather you
find across Aotearoa. It acts like a second skin, responding to your body’s needs without any bulk. 

This same unique fibre structure also manages moisture exceptionally well. Merino smartly wicks sweat and moisture away from the skin, evaporating it quickly. This not only helps keep you dry, but also helps reduce that clammy feeling that usually comes with high-output activity. And unlike many man-made fabrics, it remains comfortable to wear, even when damp.  

Then there’s the incredible odour resistance. Merino wool contains lanolin and keratin, components that naturally inhibit bacterial growth, meaning you can wear the same piece day after day without offending anyone. Whether you’re sharing a DOC hut or camping overnight, that ability to stay fresh is an absolute game changer. 

Comfort, too, has entered a new realm. Gone are the itchy woollen jumpers of the past. Today’s merino is impossibly soft and skin-friendly. Mountainsilk, for example, is made from 18.5 micron merino that feels light and silky against the skin. Perfect for layering under a jacket or pulling on post-swim when the air cools off. 

Despite its softness, it’s surprisingly hardy. Modern merino fabrics are durable yet lightweight, resisting pilling and maintaining their shape wash after wash, even with machine washing.  

And when it comes to the bigger picture? Merino ticks all the sustainability boxes. It’s renewable, biodegradable, and produced with a lower environmental impact than synthetic alternatives. And while not all merino is created equal, the focus Untouched World puts on ethical sourcing and traceability makes it easier to feel good about what you’re wearing – inside and out.