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 option to many, but have you ever considered alpaca wool base layer?

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

Merino wool base layer – classic 

Alpaca wool base layer – less known, timeless

Merino wool base layers have long been a popular choice, especially among outdoor enthusiasts and winter sports athletes. In contrast, alpaca wool base layers are much rarer and a new discovery for many – despite the fact that it has been a valued material for thousands of years.

Temperature control: Merino wool helps keep the body warm in the cold and cool in warm weather thanks to the insulating air trapped between the wool fibers. The unparalleled thermoregulatory property of alpaca wool is due to the combined effect of the air pockets inside the fiber and the air between the fibers. Alpaca knitwear keeps its wearer dry and at an even temperature in all conditions.

Breathability: Merino wool absorbs moisture up to 30% of its weight and evaporates it slowly, whereas alpaca fiber absorbs only 8% moisture and effectively transfers moisture away from the skin, better than any other natural or technical 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, but at the same time loses the typical properties of wool due to its microplastic content. High-quality alpaca wool (Alpaca Royal) is softer than merino wool and feels luxuriously silky against the skin without chemical treatment. Merino wool is dyed because it is mainly white, whereas alpaca's natural color range is wide and usually does not require industrial dyeing. Alpaca farming and wool production cause very little environmental impact compared to the production processes of intensively farmed sheep wool. 

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. In that case, the hand wash program on the washing machine is a suitable choice for it.

When you put on Ruukki's Kehräämö Alpaca Royal base layer for the first time, you will understand what high quality and luxury mean. High-quality alpaca wool (Alpaca Royal) has many unique and even superior properties that make it an excellent choice. Alpaca wool is antibacterial and does not contain lanolin, making it hypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive skin.

Merino Wool or Alpaca Wool: Which One Suits You?

If you are looking for traditional and easily available alternative, a merino wool base layer is a good choice. On the other hand, if you want to take comfort, durability, and eco-friendliness to the next level, Alpaca Royal -the alpaca wool base layer is a superior choice.

If you are looking for high-quality base layers, Alpaca Royal base layer is definitely worth trying.