Best Moisture Wicking Hiking Clothes (Why I Only Wear Merino Wool)

Moisture wicking hiking clothes made from merino wool are the ultimate option for staying warm, dry, and odor-free during your next outdoor adventure.

If you’ve ever finished a hike damp, chilled, or embarrassed by how your shirt smells, your fabric choice is probably the problem. Moisture wicking hiking clothes made from merino wool regulate temperature, resist odor, and keep you dry. Even on multi-day backpacking trips. After years of hiking in cotton and synthetic layers, I switched to merino and haven’t looked back.

➡️ Don’t forget to check out my day hike packing list to be prepared for any hike!

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Why Merino Wool Is the Best for Moisture Wicking Hiking Clothes

Moisture Wicking Properties

If you’ve ever been out trekking with a backpack on your back all day, you probably know the feeling of a sweat-soaked shirt sticking to your skin — certainly not the best feeling in the world.

Not to mention the moisture a bra can trap against your back and chest. The overall feeling of dampness can be downright distressing.

Merino wool wicks moisture away from your skin, evaporating quickly, leaving you feeling dry. Cotton fabrics absorb sweat that lingers in the fibers for longer before it has the chance to evaporate.

Temperature Regulation (Warm & Cool)

Merino wool’s natural fiber structure traps heat in cold conditions while still allowing moisture to evaporate in warm weather.

There’s a saying, “cotton kills”, and it’s because when damp, cotton soaks up your body heat while losing insulating properties. A soaked shirt can turn chilly with a breeze or in the rain. Merino maintains its insulation when wet, ensuring your teeth won’t be chattering in the event of a little drizzle.

Odor Resistance for Multi-Day Trips

Let’s face it, hygiene on the trail isn’t always perfect. Especially when you are on day four of your multiday hike, things can start to smell, well… interesting.

Unlike synthetic fabrics that have been treated with antimicrobial chemicals, wool naturally repels body oils. The oils don’t get the chance to break down and cause that funky smell. Your tentmate will thank you for wearing merino wool!

Why It’s Ideal for Backpacking

Even on multi-day hikes, I only bring one shirt to hike in and one for sleeping. (Yes, they are both merino.)

➡️ Get my complete list of gear to bring backpacking to be a prepared backpacker.

On my first multi-day backpacking trip, I wore a synthetic shirt, and by day three, I wanted to burn the shirt — the smell was that bad.

I decided I never wanted to backpack wearing a synthetic shirt again, and that a wool shirt would be the ticket to a better experience.

Since then, I’ve gone on many backpacking trips and only brought a merino shirt. Let me tell you, by day four, the shirt smells as fresh as day one.

➡️ Learn about what NOT to bring backpacking and lighten your load.

I still have a couple of synthetic shirts in my hiking rotation, but you won’t catch me reaching for them for a backpacking trip.

How to Choose the Right Merino Weight for Your Adventure

Fabric is measured in grams per square meter. The higher the grams, the heavier the fabric is going to be. So when you see numbers attached to merino weights, here’s what they are best used for.

150 gsm (summer)
185 gsm (3-season)
250 gsm (winter)

Merino vs Synthetic for Hiking

Both fabrics work well for moisture wicking hiking clothes, but they perform differently on the trail.

Merino Wool

Naturally resists odor (ideal for multi-day backpacking)
Regulates temperature in both hot and cold weather
Stays warm even when damp
Softer and more comfortable against skin
Slightly less durable, especially ultralight versions

Synthetic

Dries very quickly
Often more durable and abrasion-resistant
Usually more affordable
Can trap odor after extended wear
Doesn’t regulate temperature as well in changing conditions

Bottom line: For day hikes, either works. For multi-day backpacking trips, merino wool is usually the better choice.

Best Merino Moisture Wicking Hiking Tops

I prefer to wear hiking shirts with long sleeves and a hood. Because, especially at high elevations, you can get sunburnt fairly quickly.

I’d rather save the weight of a bottle of sunscreen in my hiking bag and choose to cover up my skin instead.

Ultralight Hoodies

Smartwool Women’s Active Ultralite Hoodie — I find Smartwool’s shirt is not as durable as my Melanzana Hoodie, but this one is extremely thin. When I’m going on a desert hike, I prefer this shirt.

The ultralite hoodie I own has a hole on the underside of one of the arms from regular wear. It doesn’t bother me, and I continue to use it. Due to the overall performance, I will be a repeat customer for this shirt.

Smartwool Men’s Active Mesh Hoodie — This is a comparable hoodie to the women’s version I mentioned above. I haven’t personally tried this particular shirt, but it looks to have similar qualities.

Mid-Weight Hoodies

Melanzana Merino Base Hoodie — Melanzana is a small business based in Leadville, Colorado. To purchase most of their garments, you must make an appointment to shop in-store, but they do offer their merino base hoodie online in women’s and men’s sizes.

This mid-weight hoodie is perfect for hiking in the mountains and for layering up on chilly excursions. I often grab this hoodie for backpacking and climbing 14’ers.

If you find yourself in Leadville, I highly recommend checking out the Melanzana store. Sometimes you can get same-day appointments if there is a cancellation, but otherwise expect appointments to book out 9 months in advance!

When I’m wearing merino wool for cold weather, I’m usually layering up and don’t want the bulk of a hood. Warmer merino tops are perfect for winter hiking and camping. Merino base layers are also on my ski trip packing list.

I always pack a thicker top for sleeping in when I’m backpacking at high elevations or camping.

Warm Base Layers

Women’s Smartwool Merino Base Layer Crew — Thick enough to keep me warm on chillier ski days and sleeping outside in cooler temperatures.

This shirt is thick, but still layers nicely under a fleece because it is more form-fitting. If you want a looser fit, I would size up.

REI Co-op Women’s Merino 185 Long-Sleeve Base Layer Top — I like to wear this long-sleeve top when I hike in the winter or on warmer ski days. It is thinner than the above-mentioned Smartwool layer and also has a tighter fit.

The men’s versions offer the same warmth and moisture control, designed with a broader shoulder and longer torso fit.

Men’s Smartwool Merino Base Layer

REI Co-op Men’s Merino 185 Long-Sleeve Base Layer Top

Merino Moisture Wicking Base Layer Bottoms

While wearing merino wool around your core is probably the most critical, you don’t want to forget about your legs! Keep your whole body comfortable for cold-weather activities.

Smartwool Women’s Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Bottoms — My favorite bottoms I use as pajamas for high-alpine or cold-weather camping.
Smartwool Women’s Intraknit Thermal Merino Base Layer Bottoms — These are stretchier and a bit thinner than the classic fit bottoms. I prefer to wear these while skiing because I can roll them up to accommodate my ski socks and boots.
Smartwool Men’s Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Bottoms — Same bottoms, but men’s fit.
Smartwool Men’s Intraknit Thermal Merino Base Layer Bottoms — Same bottoms, but men’s fit.

Essential Warm Merino Accessories

For winter hikes, I pair the REI Co-op merino layer with the Smartwool Thermal Merino Reversible Headband. It keeps my ears toasty, and I don’t feel hot like I do hiking in a beanie.

Wearing a Merino Buff around your neck for skiing, winter camping, or just when you’re feeling chilly is a game-changer. It keeps the wind off your face and neck while being breathable.

branwyn wool bra and merino wool underwear

Best Merino Wool Underwear and Bras for Hiking

Not all underwear is created equal! Merino underwear wicks moisture and reduces odors, unlike cotton or synthetic blends.

Branwyn Is The Best

After trying and returning several bras, I landed upon Branwyn. I absolutely love my bralette, and I have a collection of their underwear that I wear weekly.

I am between sizes, and with this brand, I recommend sizing up for a better fit (for both bras and underwear).

Branwyn Essential Bralette — I barely feel like I’m wearing a bra, and the nude colors look great under clothing. This is the only bra I pack for a backpacking trip.
Branwyn Essential Bikini — No more sweaty feeling “down there” during long treks. Plus, they keep my bum warm while sitting on the ski lift.

Brawnwyn offers a few unique styles of merino wool bras and underwear, so you can discover which fit you prefer.

➡️ A merino bra and underwear is on my list of what to pack for 3 weeks in New Zealand.

Best Merino Wool Hiking Socks

Sometimes getting your foot a little bit wet during a water crossing on a hike is unavoidable.

I don’t worry about taking my socks and shoes off to cross because merino wool socks will keep your toes toasty even when they’re damp, and they’ll dry faster than cotton socks.

I don’t remember the last time I hiked in anything other than merino wool socks. Once you try them, you can’t go back to thin cotton socks.

Wool socks are more durable than cotton due to the flexibility of the merino fibers. I’ve had the same pairs for YEARS and put on some hard miles with limited wear and tear.

Darn Tough has an “unconditional lifetime warranty” on their merino socks, making the choice a no-brainer to switch.

Before You Buy Merino Moisture Wicking Hiking Socks

Several options for merino wool socks should be noted before you purchase your first pair. Know what activity you are going to wear them for and get the best fit.

Cushion or no cushion?

I personally prefer a cushioned merino sock because when I’m on my feet all day, I want all the support I can get. Some people may prefer to feel more of the ground, but it’s up to your preference.

What weight of sock do I need?

There are a few different weights of socks for different activities:

- Boot sock (thickest) — Think cold conditions where you need the most warmth, so your toes don’t fall off. Most appropriate for winter hiking.
- Mid-weight — Great for most conditions, best all-around use.
- Light-weight — For warmer days or people who run warm and prefer thinner socks.
- Ultra-lightweight — Perfect for trail running and hot day hikes.

Crew or ankle sock?

I wear crew or micro-crew socks with hiking boots that have ankle support (the boot comes up higher), and I like to wear the shorter ankle socks with trail runners.

Women’s Hiking Socks

Hiker Boot Sock Cushion Socks (Women’s) — For cold weather
Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks (Women’s) — Wear with boots, everyday sock
Light Hiker Micro Crew Socks (Women’s) — Wear with boots, thinner
Light Hiker Quarter Lightweight Hiking Socks (Women’s) — Wear with trail runners
Run Quarter Ultra-lightweight Cushion Socks (Women’s) — Wear with trail runners, thinnest

Men’s Hiking Socks

Hiker Boot Sock Cushion Socks (Men’s) — For cold weather
Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks (Men’s) — Wear with boots, everyday sock
Light Hiker Micro Crew Socks (Men’s) — Wear with boots, thinner
Light Hiker Quarter Lightweight Hiking Socks (Men’s) — Wear with trail runners
Run Quarter Ultra-lightweight Cushion Socks (Men’s) — Wear with trail runners, thinnest

Is Merino Wool Worth the Price?

Part of being safe in the outdoors is wearing the proper gear. After all, you wouldn’t wear a swimsuit to summit a mountain. Wearing merino wool garments is an investment in your safety and comfort.

➡️ See more of my favorite outdoor gear items to complete your kit.

If you want hiking clothes that regulate temperature, resist odor, and last for years, merino wool is worth the investment. Whether you’re heading out for a day hike or a multi-day backpacking trip, the right merino layers can dramatically improve your comfort on the trail.

Moisture Wicking Hiking Clothes FAQ

Is merino wool better than synthetic for hiking?

For multi-day hiking and backpacking, yes. Merino wool naturally resists odor and regulates temperature better than most synthetic fabrics. Synthetic materials dry quickly but tend to retain smells after extended wear.

Is merino wool good for hot weather hiking?

Yes. Lightweight merino (around 150 gsm) breathes well and wicks moisture away from your skin, keeping you cool and dry even in warm conditions.

Does merino wool really not smell?

Merino wool fibers resist odor-causing bacteria naturally. While no fabric is completely smell-proof, merino stays fresher significantly longer than synthetic fabrics.