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The Unbound Merino Long Sleeve Crew Top is a 100% merino wool top with a very fine weave. Made from ethically sourced merino you get a top that’s highly resistant to creasing, rarely needs washing and keeps you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. You’ll probably buy this top to be a superb base layer top in winter, but you’ll find you use it on its own in the spring, rolling up the sleeves and even as a smart casual top with jeans when not on the trail.
In Depth Review
I’m a total sucker for black boxes with stuff in. When anything I test for this site arrives in a classy box with tissue paper I should be suspicious but instead its always a sign you are dealing with a high quality item.
You probably already know about the ‘synthetic v wool’ debate when outdoors and travelling. Synthetic clothing dries quickly and is very breathable, wicking moisture away quickly whereas traditional wool keeps you warm even when its soaked and resists getting smelly because of its natural lanolin coating.
The big surprise for me with the Unbound Merino top is not the excellent fit and tailoring, or the flat locked seams and lightweight fabric. I was most surprised that this long sleeve crew top manages to give you the benefits of both synthetic AND wool in one top. Unlike other merino wool clothing this manages to dry quickly and feels far more breathable than a traditional wool top.
You may also be interested in my Multi Day Adventure Kit List Guide.
Advantages of Merino Wool
There are advantages and disadvantages to wearing wool when outdoors. Wool has superb properties for keeping you cool in the summer and warm in the winter as a base layer in the cold. Wool is also much better at keeping you warm if it gets very wet too compared to synthetic technical tops.
Ethically Sourced
Unbound only work with independent, mulesing free wool farms in Australia. Every year Merino sheep will grow a fleece that is humanely sheared with care, helping to make their clothing natural, renewable and biodegradable.
Stink Proof
The natural properties of wool mean they are highly resistant to ‘that stink’ you get from synthetic clothes. This means you can use this top for plenty of days before needing to wash it. This can be super useful when you are travelling or when you are on trail for a few days.
Wool that doesnt look or feel like wool
It feels like a weird thing to talk about but the weave of this fabric is very fine which means even up close it doesn’t really look like wool at all. In fact if i was seeing this top without knowing I would guess its a synthetic fabric. As a result this ultra fine weave means the garment is breathable and avoids any of the clammy feel you can sometimes get when wearing wool.
Gripes
With a competitive price point and high end construction and fit its hard to fault this top. My only real critique would be the lack of choice for color options.
Verdict
The Unbound Merino Long Sleeve Crew Top is a 100% merino wool top with a very fine weave. Made from ethically sourced merino you get a top that’s highly resistant to creasing, rarely needs washing and keeps you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. You’ll probably buy this top to be a superb base layer top in winter, but you’ll find you use it on its own in the spring, rolling up the sleeves and even as a smart casual top with jeans when not on the trail.
PURCHASE $95Specs
- 100% Merino wool jersey
- Ultra-fine 17.5 micron
- 190g/m2
About Unbound
Unbound Merino was created by three lifelong friends. We spent our high school days taking road trips across America to see our favorite bands. Every time we came home, all we could think about was saving enough money for the next big adventure.
It didn’t take long until we turned our sights on the rest of the world. Like many seasoned travelers, we were drawn to the incredible natural benefits of Merino wool. The fabric was perfectly suited for travel, but it was typically designed as high performance outdoor activewear, with flashy logos and unnecessary embellishments. Sure, it performed great on a hike, but we wanted something that did that and also looked great at a restaurant, in a museum, at a rock concert and out on the town.
After years of researching, designing, and prototyping – we partnered with industry leaders to create the most stylish, versatile and highest performing Merino wool clothing that’s made specifically for travel and everyday life.
Our purpose is to create simple, high performance clothing that is versatile enough for any occasion.
Today, Unbound Merino is worn by countless fellow travelers all over the world. Our clothing is designed to help pack and own less so you can focus your energy on the experiences that matter most. Our promise is freedom through simplicity.
