What are the best travel clothes? Unbound Merino Review
I’ve never been a traveler who is obsessed with gear. I pack light, and like to keep things simple. This means I don’t bring any fancy drones or heavy DSLR cameras. Also, no bulky headphones, GoPros or chunky hiking shoes. It’s the reason you rarely see me writing posts about gear or suitcases. I am a simple person. I have one backpack and throw a few clothes in it. Then I go. I am very rough on my clothes. I only carry a few outfits and they are sweated, washed, dried and worn. In most cases, when I return from a long-term trip, I have fewer clothes than what I originally brought.
Is there a brand that can withstand my abuse? Unbound Merino. Since years, I have worn their clothing while traveling (and even at home). I met the founder of this company at an event about eight years back in Toronto. He said, “Check these clothes!” I agreed because I wanted him to think I was nice. But I loved them. They were durable, lightweight, breathable and fitted really well.
So in this blog, I will talk about why they are unique and what I think you should do.
What Is Unbound Merino?
Unbound is a small, independent clothing company that started in Canada. The founders were avid travelers and quickly realized that clothing for travel needed to be durable as well as versatile and comfortable.
At that time, merino (made from merino lambs, which produce ultrafine wool), was used primarily for activewear. While those kinds of clothes are fine if you’re out on a hike, it’s not exactly the kind of clothing you might want to wear on a walking tour in Southeast Asia or visiting museums in Europe.
But Unbound took the versatile fabric that is merino wool and used it to create a line of travel wear suitable for all kinds of trips, from backpacking excursions to weekend getaways.
Their goal was to design shirts that would last. They are more expensive but they’re worth it for the quality and durability. I’ve worn Unbound clothing for eight years and never been disappointed. It’s comfortable, stylish, and durable — all things I look for when I travel! Unbound Merino clothing is made from merino and can be worn every day for several weeks without smelling. Seriously! Merino wool has antibacterial properties, so it’s hard to smell your clothes — even in hotter climates. One of the cofounders wore a shirt for 46 consecutive days before washing it, and it didn’t stink. It’s amazing! Unbound solves this problem. With Unbound, that problem is nipped in the bud.
Additionally, the clothes are super lightweight (again, great for carry-on-only travelers). Every pound counts when you’re traveling for weeks or months at a stretch. You won’t need to carry a heavy suitcase or bag around. The clothes are stylish, too. Here are some of my favorite Unbound clothing. Here are some of the clothes that I always bring with me on trips:
Merino crew neck T-Shirt
These are my favorite travel shirts. These shirts are comfortable, breathable and suitable for any destination. If I’m traveling, chances are that I have a couple in my backpack. They are comfortable and breathable. If I’m traveling, chances are I have a couple in my backpack.
Long Sleeve Merino Crew
– This is the long-sleeve version of the above shirt, which are perfect for cooler temps. I wear these when I’m strolling around Europe in the evenings or going somewhere where I need something a bit nicer than a t-shirt (while still being casual).
Travel Pants
– I’ve worn these on hikes, all around Europe, traveling around Asia — you name it. These pants are the perfect combination of comfortable and durable. They are the perfect balance of comfortable and durable. I can’t recommend them enough.
Pros of Unbound 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 trekking in a rainforest or just get caught in a downpour)
Cons of Unbound Merino Clothing
Higher up-front cost
Takes some care to keep your clothing lasting longer
Unbound Merino FAQIs Unbound Merino mulesing free?
Yes. Mulesing, also known as “live lamb cutting”, is the practice of removing strips of skin with wool from the rear end of sheep in order to prevent parasitic infection. Unbound Merino works only with farms that do not mulese. It is a controversial and inhumane practice. Nope! It’s softer and finer, so it doesn’t itch. How do I wash Unbound Merino clothing? Hand-washing your clothes is an option if you are traveling and only need to wash a single item. You should lay your clothes flat on a rack or towel to dry. There are no disadvantages of merino and Unbound Merino clothing. Unbound Merino clothing is more expensive because of its high quality and ethical manufacturing practices. They last longer and perform better than cheaper alternatives. It’s a win-win situation for me because you end up saving money over time, and not having to replace your clothing as frequently.
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I love my Unbound clothing. They are stylish, comfortable, and versatile. A must-have for any trip. Unbound offers something for everyone, no matter what they’re doing or where they’re going. Book Your Trip: Tips and Tricks for Logistical Planning
Book your Flight
Find cheap flights by using Skyscanner. This is my favorite search engine, because it searches all websites and airlines in the world.
- Book Your Accommodation
- You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. Booking.com is the best option if you don’t want to stay in a hostel. It consistently offers the lowest rates for hotels and guesthouses.
- Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
- Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. This is comprehensive coverage in the event of an accident. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
- Want to Travel for Free?
Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Want to travel for free?
- Travel cards let you earn points which can be redeemed for flights and accommodations for no extra cost. Visit my guide on choosing the best card to see my favorite deals and to learn how to get started. Ready to book your trip?
- Check out the resource page to find the best travel companies. Here are all the companies I use to travel. You can’t go far wrong with them. They are top-of-the-line and the best you can get.
