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 impact the comfort of the experience. Which suits you better – the affordable price and easy accessibility 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 damp weather, even for sensitive skin.
Ruukin Kehräämö's alpaca wool socks are made from 80% Superfine alpaca fiber, with 15% polyamide added to improve 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 sock's ribbing does not constrict, and our socks are also suitable for easily swelling feet. Our socks do not cause mechanical irritation and are therefore a perfect choice for long hikes, for example.
Our long knee-high alpaca sock is specifically designed for riding, where the demands for a good sock are very diverse. It doesn't slouch and holds its shape well. It doesn't need to be washed after every use and doesn't make your feet sweaty. 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 merino wool, which is due to the structure of the alpaca fiber. Air pockets between the crimped fibers act as insulation, keeping feet warm/cool and dry.
4. Water and dirt repellency
Alpaca wool naturally repels moisture and dirt. Ruukin Kehräämö's alpaca socks feel warm even when damp.
5. Odor resistance and antibacterial properties
Alpaca wool naturally repels odors and bacteria. Due to its moisture and dirt repellency, as well as its antibacterial and odorless properties, our alpaca socks rarely need washing. As incredible as it sounds, alpaca socks feel clean even after several days of hiking.
6. Hypoallergenic
Unlike all sheep wool, alpaca wool does not contain wool grease, i.e., lanolin.
7. Weight
Alpaca wool is lighter than merino wool, making alpaca socks an excellent choice, especially for hikers and backpackers.
Although merino socks have the advantage of affordable price and easy availability due to their popularity, when choosing wool socks, it is especially important to consider 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 reflected in the glowing product reviews from our customers.
