If you’re heading outdoors this season, the right base layer makes all the difference to your comfort. At the Tasmanian Wool Centre, our bushwalking and hiking display features Australian brands like Toorallie, Woolerina and Bluey Merino – all of which use Merino wool in their base layers.
And now there’s new scientific proof to back up what bushwalkers have always known: wool outperforms synthetic fibres when it comes to keeping you comfortable in all conditions.
A major AWI-funded study conducted at North Carolina State University has shown that Merino wool base-layers provide superior thermal comfort compared to cotton, viscose, and polyester – especially during the “stop-go” phases of outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and rock climbing.
Why does this matter? Stop-go sports mean your body alternates between exertion and rest. You might sweat on a steep climb, only to cool down quickly when you stop or descend. Synthetic fibres often feel cold and clammy in these moments. Wool, on the other hand, naturally regulates heat and moisture:
Keeps warmth during rest: Wool wearers reported feeling significantly more comfortable and warm than those in polyester or cotton during rest phases.
Dynamic breathability: Merino adapts to your body’s changing needs – releasing heat and moisture when you’re active, holding warmth when you pause.
Energy saving: The study even showed that athletes wearing wool use less energy to stay comfortable, leaving more energy for the activity itself.
In fact, testing found that wool’s thermal buffering efficiency was 96% better than polyester, 45% better than cotton, and 26% better than viscose.
As Angus Ireland, AWI Program Manager for Fibre Advocacy & Eco Credentials, explained: “This study proves and reflects what outdoor sportspeople have said anecdotally for years: that wool maximises comfort during all stages of their sport.”
So whether you’re heading out for a bushwalk, a cycling trip, or just want reliable comfort on Tasmania’s cooler days, Merino base layers are the natural choice.
You’ll find a curated selection of Toorallie, Woolerina, and Bluey Merino base-layers in-store now at the Tasmanian Wool Centre.
Source: Woolmark / Australian Wool Innovation (AWI), “Study proves wool’s superiority in stop-go sports.”
Bluey Merino Layers
Bluey Merino Beanie