Choosing wool socks: merino wool or alpaca wool?
Whether it's a cozy evening at home on the sofa or an adventure in rainy nature, the right kind of socks significantly affect the pleasantness of the experience. Which is better for you – the affordable price and easy availability of merino wool or the luxurious softness, exceptional insulation, and higher ecological standard of the production chain of alpaca wool?
Ruukin Kehräämö's alpaca wool socks are a quality-conscious choice thanks to their comfort, excellent thermal insulation, lightness, and breathability. Alpaca socks are ideal for cold and/or wet weather, and also for sensitive skin.
Ruukin Kehräämö's alpaca wool socks are made from 80% Superfine alpaca fiber, with 15% polyamide added for durability. There is also 5% elastane to optimize fit. This gives our alpaca wool socks excellent performance characteristics that our customers repeatedly praise. Here are the biggest differences between merino wool socks and Ruukin Kehräämö's alpaca socks:
1. Softness
Alpaca fiber is softer than merino wool fiber, making it one of the most luxurious wool qualities on the market. The finer (= thinner) the fiber, the softer the feel.
2. Non-constricting
Our alpaca wool socks are made from soft terry knit. The cuff of the sock does not constrict, and our socks are also suitable for feet that swell easily. Our socks do not cause mechanical irritation and are therefore a perfect choice for, for example, long hikes.
Our long knee-high alpaca sock is designed especially for horseback riding, where the demands for a good sock are very diverse. It doesn't sag and holds its shape well. It doesn't need to be washed after every use and it doesn't make you sweat. The knee-high sock is especially suitable for riding, but also excellent as a dress sock or for air travel.
3. Thermoregulation
The thermal insulation capacity of alpaca wool is better than that of merino wool, which is due to the structure of the alpaca fiber. The air pockets between the wavy fibers act as insulation and keep the feet warm/cool and dry.
4. Water and dirt repellent
Alpaca wool naturally repels moisture and dirt. Ruukin Kehräämö's alpaca socks feel warm even when damp.
5. Antibacterial
Alpaca wool naturally repels odors and bacteria. Due to its moisture and dirt repellency, as well as its antibacterial and odor-free properties, our alpaca socks rarely need washing. As incredible as it may seem, alpaca socks feel clean even after several days of hiking.
6. Hypoallergenic
Unlike all sheep's wool, alpaca wool does not contain wool grease, or lanolin.
7. Lightness
Alpaca wool is lighter than merino wool, so for hikers and backpackers, alpaca socks are an excellent choice.
Although the advantage of merino socks is their affordable price and easy availability due to their popularity, when choosing wool socks, it is worth considering the price-quality ratio. Ruukin Kehräämö's alpaca socks offer excellent quality and an exceptionally pleasant user experience at a reasonable price. This is also evident from the enthusiastic product reviews given by our customers.
