…

I’ve never been one of those travelers who goes gear crazy. I like to pack light and keep things simple. That means no fancy drones, heavy DSLR cameras, bulky headphones, GoPros or chunky hiking boots. If it doesn’t fit in my 40L backpack, it stays at home.

That’s why you rarely see me writing posts on gear or suitcases. I’m a simple person: I have a backpack, I throw some clothes in it, and I’m off.

But clothes…well, clothes are important. I abuse my clothes a lot. I only carry a few outfits with me and they sweat, wash and dry and wear out. On most long-term trips, I come home with slightly less clothes than I brought.

A brand that stands up to my abuse? Unbound Merino. I’ve been wearing their clothes on the road (and at home) for years.

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

But I ended up loving them. They held up in the wash, were light and breathable, and fit really well,

So, in this post, I’m going to talk about what makes them unique and why I think you should get them.

What is Unbound Merino?

Unbound is a small, independent clothing company that started in Canada. As avid travelers, the founders quickly realized that clothing on the road needed to be durable, versatile and comfortable.

At the time, merino wool (from merino sheep, which produces ultrafine wool) was only really used in activewear. Those kinds of clothes are fine if you’re going on a hike, but not exactly the kind of clothes you’d want to wear on a walking tour in Southeast Asia or visiting a museum in Europe.

But Unbound took the versatile fabric that is merino wool and used it to create a line of travel apparel suitable for all types of trips, from backpacking excursions to weekend trips.

His goal was to design shirts that would last. Sure, that means they’re more expensive, but you’re paying for quality and durability. In the long run, it will actually save you money (and it’s better for the planet too).

I have been wearing Unbound clothing for about eight years and have never been disappointed. It’s durable, comfortable, and stylish — just what I want when I travel!

What I love about Unbound

These travel clothes are the most versatile on the market. Made from merino wool, Unbound Merino Clothes can be worn daily for weeks without smelling. Seriously! Since merino wool is antibacterial, it’s really hard to make your clothes stink — even if you’re in a hot climate. In fact, one of the cofounders wore the same shirt for 46 days before washing it—and it still didn’t smell. It’s crazy!

The clothes are also wrinkle resistant, a huge plus if you’re traveling carry-on like me. Packing your clothes into a backpack usually causes everything to get wrinkled and bunched up. With Unbound, that problem is nipped in the bud.

Additionally, the clothes are very lightweight (again, great for carry-on-only 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.

And finally, the clothes look stylish. The monochrome colors of most of Unbound’s gear make it easy to wear to dinner, to a museum, on a walking tour, and everything in between.

My favorite unbound clothes

Here are a few of my favorite Unbound dresses. These are the clothes I bring on every trip I take:

Merino Crew Neck T-Shirt – These are my travel shirts. They are comfortable, breathable and perfect for any destination. They’re casual enough for days at the beach and nice enough to wear to museums or out to dinner. If I’m traveling, chances are I have a couple in my backpack.

Long sleeve merino crew – This is a long-sleeve version of the above shirt, perfect for cooler temperatures. I wear this when I’m strolling around Europe in the evening or going somewhere where I need something a little nicer than a t-shirt (while still being casual).

Travel pants – I’ve worn this on hikes, traveled across Europe, around Asia – you name it. They are the perfect balance of comfortable and durable. I bring them on all my trips. I cannot recommend them enough.

Merits of unbound merino clothing

• High-quality, stylish and versatile
• Odor and wrinkle resistant
• Lightweight and comfortable
• Blowing and moisture wicking
• Stays warm even when wet (helpful if you’re trekking through the rainforest or just caught in a downpour)

Cons of unbound merino clothing

• High up-front costs
• It takes a little care to make your clothes last longer

Unbound Merino FAQ

Is Unbound Merino mulling free?
Yes. Mulching (also known as live lamb cutting) is the removal of strips of wool-bearing skin from the rear end of a lamb to prevent parasite infection. It’s a controversial practice seen by many as inhumane, which is why Unbound Merino only works with independent, mulling-free farms.

Aren’t woolen clothes itchy?
No! Merino wool is different from the traditional type. It is very soft and fine, so it does not itch.

How do I wash and care for unbound merino clothing?
When you think your clothes are ready to wash, turn them inside out to prevent pilling and follow the specific instructions on the tag for that item. You can also hand wash your clothes, which can be handy if you’re traveling and only need to wash one item. Laying your clothes flat to air dry on a towel or rack is recommended. 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 what you might be used to paying for a t-shirt or pair of pants. However, because of that, they last longer (and perform better) than cheaper alternatives. You spend less over time and don’t have to buy new clothes as often – which is a win in my book!

***

I love my unbound clothes. Comfortable, versatile and stylish, they are a must for any trip. No matter where you’re going or what you’re doing, Unbound has something for you. Best of all, new customers get 10% off their first order using this link!