Merino wool layer or Alpaca wool layer: What is your choice?

Are you looking for the perfect base layer for cold weather or active outdoor activities? Merino wool base layer is a familiar and trusted option for many, but have you ever considered alpaca wool base layer?

In this article, we compare the properties of merino wool base layers and alpaca wool base layers.

Merino wool base layer – classic 

Alpaca wool base layer – lesser-known, timeless

Merino wool base layers have long been a popular choice, especially among outdoor enthusiasts and winter sports lovers. In contrast, the significantly rarer alpaca wool base layer is a new acquaintance for many – despite the fact that it has been a valued material for clothing for thousands of years.

Temperature control: Merino wool helps keep the body warm in cold weather and cool in warm weather due to the air trapped between the wool fibers acting as insulation. The unparalleled thermoregulating property of alpaca wool is due to the interaction of air pockets within the fiber and the air between the fibers. Alpaca knitwear keeps the wearer dry and at a consistent temperature in all climate conditions.

Breathability / Moisture transferMerino wool absorbs moisture up to 30% of its weight and evaporates it slowly, while alpaca fiber only retains 8% moisture and effectively wicks moisture away from the skin., better than any other natural or synthetic fiber. This makes alpaca clothing significantly more breathable even in demanding conditions.

Comfort and eco-friendliness: Chemically superwash-treated merino wool feels soft against the skin and does not itch like traditional wool. High-quality, undyed alpaca wool (Alpaca Royal) is softer than merino wool and feels luxuriously silky against the skin without any chemical treatment. Merino wool is dyed because it is predominantly white, while the natural color palette of alpaca is wide and does not require industrial dyeing. Alpaca farming and wool production have a lower environmental impact compared to the production processes of intensively farmed sheep wool, making alpaca wool a more environmentally friendly choice. 

Easy maintenance: Superwash treated merino garment is machine washable, making it an easy choice for everyday use. Alpaca wool knitwear only needs airing and requires washing very rarely. When it does need washing, the hand wash program on the washing machine is a suitable choice for it.

When you put on the Ruukin Kehräämön Alpaca Royal base layer for the first time, you will notice what high quality and luxury mean. The undyed fine-quality alpaca wool (Alpaca Royal) has many unique and even superior properties that make it an excellent choice. Alpaca wool also has antibacterial properties. Additionally, it does not contain lanolin, making it hypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive skin.

Merino wool or alpaca wool: Which one is right for you?

The final choice depends on your needs and values. If you are looking for a traditional and easily accessible alternative, merino wool base layer is a great choice. On the other hand, if you want to take comfort, durability, and eco-friendliness to a new level, Alpaca Royal -alpaca wool base layer is an outstanding choice.

If you're looking for something even more high-quality in base layers, Alpaca Royal underwear is definitely worth trying.