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Our Honest Unbound Merino Review: Why Merino wool Is Perfect For Travel

Odor-resistant, quick-drying, and oh-so-cozy, Unbound Merino is a solid addition to your travel wardrobe.

In our almost 20 years of travel together, we’ve tested all sorts of travel gear, from travel jackets , to the best travel backpacks , to packing cubes , and even the Scrubba portable wash bag .

One thing we’ve never tested, however, is merino wool clothing. Sure, we’ve heard from our backpacking and outdoorsy friends that merino wool is one of the best fabrics out there.

Merino wool is moisture wicking, odor-resistant, and versatile. It keeps your skin dry if you’re sweating in cooler temperatures, and it will keep you cool and dry as well on a hike in the warm sun.

So, we decided it was about time to give merino wool a try. In this article, we review the Unbound Merino hoodie, t-shirt, and polo shirt.

See prices now.

What is special about Merino wool?

Merino wool is a natural fiber made from the fleece of Merino sheep from Australia and New Zealand. Merino wool is known for being softer and thinner than regular wool, making it easier to wear next to the skin, and meaning that you don’t get that itchy, scratchy feeling from merino wool that you might get from less expensive wool.

Because merino wool can be re-worn multiple times due it’s inherent nature, it means that you don’t need to pack as much. If you couple that with smart clothing choices, and using packing cubes to save even more space, you’ll end up with plenty of extra room in your carry-on.

Unlike cotton or poly blends that quickly absorb sweat and odor, Merino wool can be worn multiple times without needing to be washed, making it a fantastic choice for travel. You’ll save on trips to the laundromat, and be able to keep your suitcase lighter at the same time. It’s actually possible to go a few weeks wearing the same merino wool clothing, without washing (though you might get tired of the outfit well before then).

Unbound Merino Review

Unbound Merino was founded by three lifelong friends who became huge fans of merino wool on long road trips across America.

What is Unbound Merino?

Unbound Merino has a wide range of men’s merino wool clothing. The men’s line has t-shirts, long sleeve shirts, hoodies and sweaters, polos, and button down shirts, as well as socks, shorts, pants and underwear. The women’s line is coming soon.

Unbound Merino has free shipping in the USA and Canada on most orders, plus free exchanges and free returns within 90 days.

First impressions

Our Unbound Merino clothes came in a luxurious black package, with simple white lettering on the outside. Inside, the hoodie, t-shirt, and golf shirt were individually wrapped in tissue paper, with a colorful leaflet inside.

When I buy a premium brand like this, I expect luxe packaging, and Unbound Merino delivers here. I’d give them 10/10 for presentation.

Unbound Merino Hoodie Review

We love hoodies in our household. Each of the four of us in the family owns multiple hoodies – some for outside, some for snuggling up on the couch, and some for travel.

The Unbound Merino hoodie is made with superfine (21.5 micron) merino wool, making the fabric softer and more comfortable than a cotton hoodie.

The merino wool hoodie has a matte YKK zipper, with a black oxidized finish.

The Unbound merino hoodie’s fabric is 97% merino wool, with 3% elastane added for stretch and durability. The fabric weight is 250 GSM (grams per square millimeter), for a light feel, without the weight of a typical cotton hoodie. There are seamless pockets that keep the hoodie looking sleek, and not bulky.

Unbound Merino T-Shirts and Polo shirts

Are merino wool shirts worth it? Merino is long-lasting, versatile, and durable, but that does come with a higher price tag than a standard t-shirt.

Merino wool shirts are a great option if you’re looking for a durable, long-lasting shirt that you can wear for multiple days without washing. Merino is great for travelers like us who want to keep their suitcases light, and it’s especially good for hikers and backpackers, as well as outdoor lovers.

Is Unbound Merino good?

We’re really happy with our Unbound Merino experience. The merino clothing is comfortable, cozy, and nice looking.

Getting wrinkles out was a breeze. All I did was mist lightly with a spray bottle, and any wrinkles were gone within 10 minutes.

See prices here.

Is merino only good for cold weather?

It’s true that merino keeps you warm and cozy in cold weather and it’s especially great in cold weather, because it wicks sweat away from your body when you exert yourself, thus keeping moisture away from your skin when it’s cold.

In warmer weather, merino fibers wick away moisture as well, leaving you feeling cool, instead of damp and uncomfortable.

How to care for your merino wool clothes

Taking care of your merino wool clothes doesn’t take a lot of extra effort. Turn your merino clothes inside out, and wash with warm or cold water with regular detergent. Be sure to hang to dry, as merino can shrink in the dryer.

If you do wash a thick merino wool jacket while you’re traveling be aware that it can take a while to dry.

Have you tried merino wool for travel? Let us know what you thought in the comments!

A great informative piece on Merino wool clothing. Must say clothing which are low maintenance i.e., can go without washing, suitable for all weather and looks so classy is definitely a wonderful pick for travelling. Unbound Merino appears exotic to say the least! Delightful post and loved the review.

I just bought their 5 shirt bundle and was excited to see some reviews and tips. Thank you.

Easy to read and understand!! Thanks

Bought the only v neck t shirt in black that was the women’s line in 2019! Greatest purchase ever! Just picked out 3 more v neck t shirts so I can say good bye to my cotton and poly cotton ones!

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Unbound Merino Review: Travel-Testing a Merino Wool Wardrobe [2023 UPDATE]

This is my detailed review of Unbound Merino’s new line of women’s merino wool travel clothing (plus one of their men’s merino t-shirts). Do they stand up to their claim of being practically all you need to pack for travel? And do they really look and smell good for weeks without washing? Here’s what I’ve found after months of wear.

If you’re planning to buy half a dozen t-shirts or wool sweaters this season, I’m pretty sure the founders of Unbound Merino would expect you to take your business elsewhere. But if you’re interested in just buying one high-quality merino t-shirt or sweater in the next several years , you’re probably the customer they’re looking for.

Of course, that’s just my opinion, but it’s based on meeting the brand’s co-founder, Dima, at a travel conference this spring. After a few conversations, I think his disdain for excessive consumerism might just be the most sustainable thing about Unbound Merino .

What was a merino clothing brand doing at a travel conference?

Well, Dima said they consider themselves a travel company at heart, because they want to encourage people to travel more minimally, pack less, wash less often – and then take those eco-friendly ideas back home with them.

[ Related: Here’s my entire guide to packing lighter , including the mindset tips to make it actually happen this time.]

And they really mean wash a lot less often. A blog post on their site describes one of the founders wearing the same merino t-shirt for 46 days on the road. Really?

At the conference, Dima was dressed from head to toe in the brand’s best-selling color: Black. Specifically, he was wearing a neat, cozy looking merino wool hoodie , and their new men’s merino travel pants .

That outfit, as it turned out, is about a quarter of his entire wardrobe .

He told me Unbound Merino’s goal is to encourage people to buy higher quality pieces of clothing and fewer of them – which is really the most sustainable possible approach to fashion.

I asked if that meant they had fewer seasons than most clothing brands, and he one-upped me. “We’re season-less.”

[ Related: This review of Unbound Merino’s wool travel clothing is now part of my series on sustainable clothing brands – find more brands here .]

Table of contents

Unbound merino’s philosophy: style without the push of fashion, that design makes unbound merino pieces a lot more multi-functional. and, after a lot of testing, it’s part of what’s made unbound my favorite merino wool travel clothing brand., travel styling ideas for the merino dress, how to keep your merino smelling & looking fresh, long-sleeve v-neck – important sizing notes, q: why does merino wool pill, active merino tank top review, merino leggings wear test, men’s sizing, synthetic vs. natural fibers, how to wash merino clothing (so it doesn’t shrink), remember, you can use the discount code tiltedmap for 10% off your first order from unbound merino .

You can use the discount code TILTEDMAP for 10% off your Unbound Merino order. (They make clothing in small lots that usually sell out within a few months, so they don’t often do additional sales beyond this discount.)

Note: 2023 Review Update

I published the first version of this review October 26, 2022. Unbound Merino has since made significant updates to their women’s line – so I fully updated this review in July, 2023 . I’ve now been wearing their original collection for about a year, and the new items for 4 months. That’s given me enough time for a realistic test, and what you’ll hopefully find to be a genuinely useful review of Unbound Merino’s travel clothing!

Traditional fashion companies have two annual seasons – spring/summer and fall/winter, so they market new designs twice a year. But now, many brands have four seasons. And fast-fashion companies come out with new designs every week . Yep, that’s 52 new seasons a year, to encourage us to drop by their stores continuously, buying as many cheap clothes as possible.

Unbound Merino does pretty much the opposite of that. They’re a very small , independent clothing company , founded and led by three friends in Toronto, Canada.

Don’t get me wrong – yes, they’re a clothing company that exists to sell things. But their ethos is based on discouraging over consumption.

And when you look at their clothes, it’s obvious that’s not just marketing fluff. They update their designs when something needs to be fixed – not based on a fashion calendar.

I asked Dima about this later by email. Here’s what he said:

“ The way we think about design is how our clothing solves problems in our customers lives, or what purpose the clothing would serve when traveling. We are seasonless, but we still think about releases in terms of practicality – warmer layers in colder months, etc.”

Unbound Merino is the first clothing brand I’ve reviewed on this blog. Here’s why:

Instead of focusing on sustainable clothing brands, I’ve always chosen to stick with products we use up and repurchase every couple of months – like shampoo (and shampoo bars ), refillable skincare , and toothpaste .

[ Related: Find all of my reviews of those and other sustainable essentials here .]

And I’m extremely picky with those products. But for clothing – something we certainly don’t need to buy more of every few months – I feel like my standards have to be even higher.

That’s because I don’t want to encourage buying extra stuff for no reason. Why? Because the fashion industry – especially fast fashion and excessive consumption of clothing – is a major contributor to climate change and other environmental problems.

Fashion causes more annual carbon emissions than all international flights and maritime shipping combined , according to Princeton University.

So moderation is key. We have to start buying less new stuff, including new clothing. Still, I’m not a saint who gets all her clothes second hand.

Yes, I went through a pandemic-induced Marie Kondo phase. I’ve moved to new cities five times in the past five years, so I do try to keep my possessions limited. And I’ve embraced the idea of quality over quantity, and become very picky about my clothing purchases.

But I still own far more shoes and clothing than anyone at Unbound Merino , would likely consider “minimal.” And that’s okay. It’s a process.

Less but Better

Since i still want to enjoy fashion, my compromise with the environment is seeking out good quality, long-lasting pieces from sustainable and socially responsible companies..

These are steps in the right direction:

• Buy fewer items.
• Shop second-hand before shopping new.
• Focus on finding items you will truly enjoy, and be excited to wear (which makes #4 easier).
• Repeat outfits more. Wear items for more days without a wash.
• Take good care of your clothes , so that they will look good for longer.
• Avoid buying synthetic materials, which cause microplastic pollution (and stink after minimal use), and go for natural fibers instead. (This also makes #4 easier.)
• Buy new items from more sustainable and ethical clothing brand s.

There’s a world of difference between the good brands and the bad ones out there. That’s why Unbound Merino caught my eye at that travel conference, with their stylish, practical merino wool basics.

What I Packed for a 3-week Trip

When Unbound Merino launched its original women’s line in June of 2022, I thought I’d check the hype by travel-testing four staples from the women’s collection: The Merino Travel Dress , the women’s V-Neck T-Shirt , the Merino Muscle Tank , and the Merino Leggings .

(I also ordered a men’s merino t-shirt for my husband. If he can wear a t-shirt for weeks without it stinking, it would be quite the accomplishment. More on that below.)

I packed those four items – and not much else – on a couple of trips. The first was a week in Miami in August, and the second was three weeks traveling up the West Coast of the US and Canada. These clothes have now also survived – and frankly done an amazing job – on a bike trip in Italy , too!

My wardrobe for three weeks on the West Coast in October: Black merino wool leggings , 1 pair of DL1961 jeans, black merino travel dress , green linen t-shirt, navy blue merino t-shirt , pink merino tank top , white pajama top, green hoodie made of recycled cashmere (from Everlane ), organic cotton short-sleeved sweater (from the Spanish sustainable clothing brand SKFK ), 10 pairs of underwear (in the packing cube), 2 belts.

Not pictured: Formal dress for a wedding, 3 pairs of shoes (black ankle boots, running shoes, and recycled, leopard-print sneakers ), 3 pairs of socks, lightweight down jacket.

These are my notes on how my merino travel clothes performed during those initial 4 weeks on the road, plus everything I’ve learned after another year of wearing more and more Unbound Merino.

Intro: Unbound Merino Women’s Clothing Line

While most merino clothing brands, like Icebreaker and Smartwool, are designed as outdoor wear (and heavy on logos), Unbound Merino goes for a more elegant look. (Without any logos at all, except stamped inside the tag-less collars.)

Although I have worn Unbound Merino clothes for lots of outdoor sports ( hiking in the Adirondacks and biking in Italy , to name a few). They transition from city to trail without a problem as far as performance and comfort, but I don’t want to travel looking like I’m always dressed for a hike.

[ Related: Some of these items also made my Baja California packing list – the final version, after I tested it on my UnCruise Baja trip . They were perfectly multi-purpose, from cocktail hours to desert trails.]

Review: The Merino Travel Dress

The merino wool travel dress was my favorite item from Unbound Merino right out of the box. (And shortly after I ordered mine, it was sold out for months, so I guess I’m not the only one who likes it!)

It’s back in stock now, and is their only women’s item that’s the same as last year, as described below.

The Merino Travel Dress the only dress Unbound Merino makes so far. It’s a simple, straight, loosely hanging, mid-length dress with a slit on the left side .

The slit comes to about mid-thigh, which is not as high as I thought it looked from the photos on the website. The dress is 44 inches long (112 cm) in all sizes, and the slit comes up 12 inches (30.5 cm) from the bottom hem.

It’s very easy to wear and looks great with a belt at the waist.

This dress isn’t all wool – it’s 84% merino , 12% nylon and 4% spandex, which gives it a little stretch and, in my experience, keeps it looking fresh even after traveling in it for 5 days straight – from travel days, to walks around Seattle and Vancouver, to dinners out at upscale restaurants.

Downside: I wish it had pockets. Other than that, I haven’t found much to complain about.

It’s super packable, doesn’t show wrinkles , and didn’t have any lingering smell even after many uses without washing it. (The five days in a row was part of that, but at that point, I’d already had it in my suitcase for two weeks, and had worn it a couple of times. It still looked perfectly good without a wash.)

For the way I travel – packing as light as I can, but still wanting to look stylish – this is a really versatile cut for a travel dress .

Add a belt at the waist to dress it up. (It would also work well with a low-slung hip belt.) Add a sweatshirt to dress it down during the day. For cool evenings, I used a waist belt and cropped sweater (my recycled cashmere hoodie that I bought from Everlane last year).

The length makes it work with ankle boots or taller boots, as well as sandals or flats. You can throw leggings on under it, and it’s just very soft and comfortable.

Review: Women’s Unbound Merino T-Shirts

I ordered Unbound Merino’s v-neck t-shirt in navy blue in a size small and found the fit just right. The cut widens out a bit at the hips, so I’d call it a pretty traditional fit. It’s not straight or boxy, but not super slim.

(If you’re looking for a cut that’s looser all over, check out the new Boxy Pocket T .)

It’s a perfect, good quality basic t-shirt. The merino fabric is extremely soft, and it really does stay smelling fresh a lot longer than any other t-shirt I’ve worn.

I did notice one small snag in the fabric pretty soon after I started wearing it. (This was in the original, lighter material from 2022.) I’m not sure where it came from, and I always wash my clothes in laundry bags for protection, so I doubt it was a laundry issue.

(More about how to wash merino wool below .)

UPDATE – Spring 2023:

The womens’ v-neck and crew neck t-shirts, as well as the long sleeve merino tops , are now back in stock with updated fabric and fits . The new fabric is slightly heavier than last year, at 190 GSM. It’s still 100% merino wool. (It’s now the same as the men’s t-shirt fabric. )

It still feels soft, light and comfortable, not thick at all, but it’s just a bit sturdier and resists snags better.

They’ve also added a new boxy-cut womens’ t-shirt , which I reviewed below.

And now, after also continuing to wear that first t-shirt for an entire year, the snag hasn’t grown into a hole or anything bigger – which is a testament to the quality. (And I haven’t found any other snags on any of our other pieces.) The t-shirt has also so far resisted pilling really well (same goes for the men’s t-shirt ).

To get these smell-test results from your merino travel clothing, there’s basically just one rule to follow. Hang them neatly on a hanger or over a chair at night . This way your clothes air out, and stay smelling fresh for much longer. (Avoid hooks, as the material is so soft a hook could easily leave a mark, if not the beginning of a hole.)

To keep everything wrinkle-free, there are a couple of options. You can roll each individual piece of clothing , but I prefer using packing cubes to keep things organized and neatly folded. (Even after I dig around in my bag.) They really do work wonders. And I go carry-on only even when I’m traveling for several weeks, so I’ve really put them to the test!

Women’s Boxy Cut Merino T-Shirt

Along with the Unbound Active line , this t-shirt is the main addition to the Unbound Merino women’s line for 2023. Like their other merino t-shirts, this one is 100% merino wool . (Except for the bright white color, which is 56% merino, and 44% polyester. More on that below.)

The boxy t has a cute chest pocket , which means it looks identical to my favorite plain white travel t-shirt from Everlane . (In organic cotton.) It’s a little shorter than the other t shirts, but definitely far from a crop-top look. 

And I really put this shirt through the wringer this year. I packed mostly Unbound Merino on another three-week summer trip in to Europe . And I used the boxy t-shirt for everything from browsing museums in Milan, to mountain biking.

After wearing it for 4 days of a bike tour in Italy , it looked and smelled significantly better than the linen t-shirt I wore for just one day of biking.

Honestly, I couldn’t even make this kind of thing up, because even now that I’ve been wearing these clothes for more than a year, I was still shocked that it performed that well.

Q: Why are the white T’s a merino- blend ?

I asked Unbound why their white t-shirts are a merino blend fabric , and they explained that’s it’s very difficult to get merino wool to that crisp, white-cotton-t-shirt kind of white, because that requires harsh chemical bleaching. (And if you bleached merino wool, it would strip the fabric of its natural performance.)

They said the polyester in their blend also adds additional strength and quick-drying capabilities to the fabric, which is a nice bonus.

My Merino-poly T-shirt Wear Test:

Okay, after testing my merino blend t-shirt for several weeks, I can’t say it lasts quite long between washes as the original, 100% merino shirts, but honestly it’s pretty darn close.

I still get at least five or more wears out of mine before I start noticing smelly pits. (The women’s v-neck in ivory is the white one I have.) It’s not the amazing three weeks of wear that I get out of the 100% merino tops, but it’s still much better than any other fabric!

The fabric also recovers really well. In Europe this summer, I was wearing my ivory v-neck almost every day, and eating a lot of gelato. Two days in row, I dribbled gelato down the front of my t-shirt , and two days in a row, I went to the backroom and blotted it out with a wet paper towel. It dried quickly and look absolutely fine after. 

Review: Women’s Long-sleeve Merino Tops

I was really surprised by how much I love this top . It seemed so basic online, but I think it’s just perfect.

It’s so very soft and comfortable – it’s become all what I want to wear for every season besides mid-summer heat waves.

And of course, I literally did wear it for weeks at a time when I first got it this spring. (When I’m not traveling for work, I work from home so even extreme outfit repeating is easy to pull off.) Yet again, I managed to get at least 20 wears before it seemed borderline, and I decided it was time for a wash.

Sizes & Colors:

The sizing is a tiny bit more snug than short-sleeved T-shirts. 

Plus, the color: I have it in Moonlight Blue , and it’s a really beautiful shade. Bright enough to add some light to a dark day, but almost still feels like a neutral that could go with anything. Not overpowering, but definitely not boring. A perfect mix-and-match color for my travel wardrobe. 

Update: They’re not making the long-sleeve top in this color anymore, but it’s back in the V-neck version ! (They had it for a few months in the Merino Muscle Tank , but these colors change often.)

Speaking of that lovely blue in the V-neck option, watch out for the sizing on this one! The women’s long-sleeve v-neck is a “slim fit,” while the crew neck is a “straight cut.” The difference is huge!

I just ordered the slim v-neck, and luckily I carefully compared the product dimensions (Unbound Merino makes this easy – just click “size guide”). I ended up ordering the v-neck in a large, which had the most similar dimensions to my crew neck in a size small .

Reviews: Women’s Merino Wool Tank Tops

At first I was concerned that the fabric of the original (2022) merino muscle tank developed a bit of pilling very quickly – after just the first wash. But surprisingly, after using it for about four months, it actually improved .

(And their updates to the fabric for 2023 seem to have put a stop to it. Still, I’ll share what I learned about merino wool pilling when I started noticing it.)

I asked Unbound Merino about the pilling. Here’s what they said:

“ Pilling is a natural process that’s somewhat inherent in Merino wool fabric due to the fact that it’s a staple fibre . Generally, if pilling occurs, it’s because the shorter fibres are working their way to the surface of the fabric. Sometimes washing Merino with a coarser fabric like denim/jeans can help to remove some of those shorter fibres, so maybe that was the case with your tank.”

As I described below, I’m very careful with how I wash merino clothing , but I guess it was still enough to buff off some of the roughness.

And I still (after more than a year) haven’t found any pilling on my t-shirt or my husband’s – and they are slightly heavier fabrics from the original women’s muscle tank. (The men’s t-shirts are ultra-fine 17.5 micron, 190GSM, 100% merino wool . The updated women’s t-shirts for 2023 are the same. For more on what that means, see the end of of this article .)

Continuing the Smell Test:

While I was testing to see if any extra pilling would appear on my tank top , I wore this baby every single day for so long I lost track of how many days it had been. But we’re talking at least three or four weeks – in July and August, in Boston humidity, in an apartment with no air-conditioning.

Now it’s nearly November, and I’ve been wearing it under my sweaters almost daily – I think I’ve washed it twice since the summer . (I’m literally wearing the tank as I type this.)

Amazingly, it’s always started to look in need of a wash (a little tired and maybe dirty) before it started smelling at all. I’m really quite impressed.

(Again, following the tips above and letting things air out at night makes this possible.)

After months out of stock, the womens’ merino muscle tanks have been freshly restocked in new colors as of March, 2023.

Just like the t-shirts, they made some small improvements from last year. The fabric is slightly heavier than before (at 175 GSM instead of 150), but still lighter than the t-shirt fabric, and still 100% merino wool. I’ve been wearing the new version of the tank for months now, and I haven’t seen any pilling. So I think the slightly thicker fabric is a big improvement.

They’ve also added a new Active Merino Tank Top . It’s still 100% merino, but even lighter fabric at 165 GSM. (There’s a men’s version , also.) Details on that below.

Women’s Muscle Tank Sizing:

I ordered the merino tank top in a medium, and debated exchanging it for a small. It was a little on the loose side in the body, but surprisingly, it still fit well at the shoulder and arm holes without any gaping.

I think that’s a general feature of Unbound’s style: The shapes err on the side of loose and comfortable, as opposed to form-fitting.

( Details about Unbound Merino’s sizing are below .)

I ended up keeping the size medium and it works perfectly well. It keeps its shape, without stretching out between washes , so I’m happy with the size medium.

The merino tank top also makes a great base layer under other clothes, although if I were using it only for that purpose, I would have sized-down.

I also noticed from the 2022 “desert rose” tank top color that Unbound Merino’s lighter colors are a bit see-through . (And the rose color is very close to my exact skin tone. So I debated exchanging it for something darker, but the nude look actually really grew on me. I love it tucked into bright, patterned pants.)

The new muscle tank colors for 2023 are darker, so I don’t think there’ll be any risk of them being see-through.

As I mentioned above, Unbound Merino launched a new Unbound Active Merino line (both men’s and women’s) for 2023. I’ve been testing the women’s tank top and the updated leggings (below) for 4 months now, including through lots of travel. My thoughts:

The active tank has just a slightly snugger fit than the original Merino Muscle Tank (for the same size). Otherwise, the fit is very classic – it’s a nice sporty racerback. 

Details on the “Active Merino” Fabric:

The fabric is what’s really unique about the Active Merino collection , though: It’s still 100% merino wool , and slightly lighter than the other t-shirts and tanks, at 165 GSM. But it has a “cooling performance finish,” which they say makes it cool to the touch (and helps to cool you down during workouts). 

I’m not sure if I can say I really notice it cooling me down, but it definitely doesn’t heat me up! (And I would notice that.)

What I do notice that’s different: Even more wrinkle resistance. If it’s possible, I think the Active Merino pieces are even better for travel than everything else Unbound Merino makes. (Or just better for keeping your clothes looking sharper for longer.)

I’ve been wearing my Active Merino Tank out and about for summer travel in Europe, not just as workout wear, and it’s been perfect.

The finish also means you can tumble dry the Active Merino items , which is a big change. (Normally the dryer is a huge no-no for merino wool, as I explained below along with a couple of other notes about how to wash merino .)

Right now, the Active Tank comes in two colors: Unbound’s classic black , or course, and a very pretty shade that they call mauve, which I think is a bit tragic . I would call it more of a lilac , and it’s really lovely! 

I think Unbound excels at choosing colors that really flatter everyone . “Mauve,” for example is a color I would never order online – with my fair skin tone, I’d expect it to make me look washed out. But I actually find this shade really surprisingly beautiful and flattering.

Review: Unbound Merino Leggings

These high-waisted, merino wool leggings with a hidden pocket are my other favorite item from Unbound that’s been sold-out for months.

They definitely have a different feel from your average synthetic leggings. First, the material is extremely soft and flexible . To me, that makes them more comfortable than most leggings .

Like several other products above, Unbound Merino made significant updates to their leggings for 2023 . The fabric is now 68% merino wool , 22% nylon, and 10% spandex. (Instead of 96% merino wool and 4% spandex in the original design.)

I’m surprised I’m saying this, because I loved the original version, but Unbound Merino’s updated leggings are definitely an improvement. Because it contains a bit more polyester, the fabric is much more supportive , and it holds its shape better . 

The extra merino made their original merino leggings particularly soft and comfortable, and I liked that they used such a small amount of synthetic fiber. But I do think the update makes them more useful , and probably means you’ll need to wash them less . (There’s no saggy butt to be seen, even after I’ve been wearing the same yoga pants for weeks.)

The New Fit & Feel:

Just like most of their products, the sizing for Unbound Merino’s leggings is pretty standard. The updated design for 2023 is true to size , or maybe just slightly looser than most leggings or yoga pants I’ve worn.

The original inseam length made these the longest pair of leggings I’d ever tried. (At least for regular, not tall, sizing.) With the 2023 update, Unbound has shortened the inseam by one inch (2.5 cm), which makes sense. I’m 5’8” (1.73 m) with long legs and a short torso, and the new leggings are still plenty long for me. 

The original design definitely didn’t have that compressive, “holds you in“ feeling, but the new version is a little more compressive. For me, the update is a happy medium between the really stomach-flattening effect that so many yoga pants seem to be aiming for, and the much softer feel.

This section is just as true for the original leggings as for the redesign:

Surprisingly, even though the material is very soft, these yoga pants hold their shape for a very long time – I’d estimate at least a dozen wears, and that’s after a lot of testing:

First, I wore them 4 days in a row, including through a few yoga classes, and didn’t notice any sagging. (Even more impressively, there was hardly any smell even at the crotch.)

The next phase was the travel test. I had my husband on Saggy Butt Monitoring duty, and it was only after three weeks wearing them for travel, hikes, and kayaking (totally about 12 wears), that he finally said they were starting to look a little droopy.

After wearing my leggings kayaking in San Francisco, there were obvious white marks all over them from the splashes of salt water. So I just rinsed out the legs in the sink without any soap. That took care of the salt water marks, and they were dry in the morning , but the waistband would have taken a bit longer to dry.

Being made of a natural fiber also makes these leggings much more breathable than normal synthetic ones. (The fact that I’ve been able to wear them to multiple yoga classes and that many days in a row without them starting to stink is pretty good evidence of what a difference that makes.)

The secret pocket

These merino leggings have one more interesting feature: A hidden pocket in the waistband, with a very well-hidden zipper .

It’s a generous size pocket , too. (The zipper opening is 4 inches (10 cm), but inside, the pocket widens out to about 5.5 inches (14 cm), and it’s 7 inches long (17 cm). It fits my iPhone 13 Pro in its sturdy case , which is not a small phone.) 

So I could use the pocket for my phone when going for a run or something like that, but it’s a little awkward for other uses given that the pocket is positioned at the back of the right hip. So it wouldn’t be comfortable to sit down with anything as large or bulky as a phone or keys in the pocket.

But if you’re using these leggings as travel pants, the pocket would be perfect for stashing some cash or a credit card .

Unbound Merino Sizing

I found the sizing to be pretty true-to-size, compared with other brands, or maybe just slightly oversized.

Unbound Merino recommends sizing down if you’re between sizes, and I’d definitely agree with that. Same goes if you want your clothes tight-fitting – you’ll probably want to go down a size or even two.

The cuts are very forgiving, and the fabric has a good amount of stretch. I also found that, while some merino wool clothing sort of softens up and gets looser between washes, the Unbound Merino pieces keep their shape quite well .

They also provide the actual dimensions of the garments , which I found very accurate and helpful for ordering the right size. (Just click “sizing guide” on any Unbound Merino product page.)

I just measured similar items in my closet that I like the fit of, and compared the measurements with Unbound’s dimensions. (I wish more brands would offer this information, so we could all avoid ordering and sending back the wrong sizes – such an unnecessary waste.)

And I ended up ordering everything in the sizes I would normally choose (smalls and mediums), which means they are quite true to size . (And I didn’t feel the need to order multiple sizes of any items.)

I was happy with the fits, but I think I could have easily sized down for most items and still been just fine. Even for the merino dress , which I ordered in a small, I could probably get away with an extra small without it being too tight.

(For reference, I have wider shoulders and pretty slim hips. And I generally like my clothes slim fitting, but not super tight.)

From what we can tell, Unbound Merino’s men’s sizing also seems to run true-to-size. (My husband has only tested the men’s v-neck t-shirt so far, and the size medium fits as expected.) They’re definitely not oversized , in the way that many US brands are for men’s styles.

And just like on the women’s side, the fact that Unbound shares the exact garment dimensions makes it easy to measure, compare, and order the right size the first time.

Q: Is wool sustainable?

Whether you consider wool a sustainable material at all might depend on whether you consider any animal products sustainable. (Obviously, wool isn’t vegan – but vegan doesn’t necessarily mean sustainable, and vice-versa. It’s a lot more complex than that.)

There are several factors to understand when it comes to sustainable and ethical wool production – and there’s more to sustainable fashion than just the fabrics.

For starters, all of the factories producing Unbound Merino clothing are certified by WRAP ( Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production ).

That certification isn’t perfect , but it’s a start. What’s probably more meaningful is that I asked Unbound Merino about this, and they told me they personally visit their factories as often as twice a year.

Yes, Unbound Merino uses mulesing-free wool.

Unbound Merino sources all of its wool from independent farms in Australia that don’t practice mulesing , and are RWS-certified ( Responsible Wool Standard ).

Mulesing is basically cutting a bunch of skin off the backsides of sheep, theoretically to prevent health issues. But evidence shows mulesing isn’t even effective at that, as it leaves the poor animals with bloody, open wounds that can become infected. It’s quite barbaric, it’s obviously painful for the animals, and it’s the kind of thing that makes me understand why so many people look for vegan clothing.

The RWS certification also isn’t perfect , but at least it means that mulesing isn’t happening.

This is part of the reason that Unbound Merino isn’t cheap, and it’s a great example of why cheap isn’t always good.

Practices like mulesing are part of the race to the bottom – when unscrupulous companies just aim to produce as much as possible for the cheapest price, while squeezing everyone involved. (The planet, employees, and in this case, animals.)

That’s the material side.

And sustainable clothing is also about quality and quantity.

Perhaps the biggest factor in making clothing sustainable is how long you wear your items – and how few you buy. And everything about Unbound Merino is aimed at making a few pieces last a long time.

The other point that makes any kind of merino clothing inherently more sustainable is the fact that it’s a natural fiber.

Synthetic fabrics – polyester, nylon, etc. – are a major cause of marine microplastic pollution . Washing synthetic fabrics (especially in hot water) causes them to gradually break down and shed microfibers, which cause plastic pollution in waterways .

Merino wool, linen, and cotton also lose fibers in the wash, but they aren’t plastic fibers. (Polyester, and most other synthetic fabrics, are made of plastic.)

That’s one of the reasons I’m trying to only buy new clothing made of natural fibers. They also feel better on my skin and, as I’ve been saying throughout this review, smell better for longer, so they require less washing.

Be warned – like all wool fabrics, including merino and cashmere, Unbound Merino clothing can definitely shrink in hot water or in the dryer.

Wash in cold or cool, and dry naturally (no dryer at all!) and you should be able to keep your merino in shape and unshrunk.

And just like with any clothing, washing Unbound Merino items as little as possible, will keep them in good shape – and save water and energy.

I also wash most of my clothes in these laundry bags , which keep items from getting pulled around and stretched out in the washing machine. They’re great for keeping dirty clothes separate for travel, too, but…

Laundry Bags, Microfibers & Microplastics

…But unfortunately, those laundry bags are a synthetic material, which, again, means they’ll lose microfibers in the wash. That’s another reason to always wash with cool or cold water, as it minimizes the breakdown of fabrics, and the subsequent water pollution.

And that’s why I no longer buy new clothing made of synthetic fibers.

As for the synthetics I already own, I try to wash everything in this microplastic-filtering laundry bag .

(More about that in this section of my sustainable laundry review .)

I also found these zippered, organic cotton laundry bags , but they’re quite expensive. (Other washing bags I’ve found that are made of natural fibers usually have a drawstring closure, which is a pain to get open after washing.)

If you feel like you’ve read this before, that’s because those are the same laundry tips I always give for washing any clothing more sustainably. Not only do they save energy, but they keep any clothing in better shape for longer, allowing us to buy less. (Which is the biggest sustainability tip of all, and the thing that first drew me to the brand.)

(See more laundry tips from Unbound Merino here , along with some history on where merino wool actually comes from.)

Bottom Line

After wearing Unbound Merino for four months an entire year , the clothes definitely live up to their first promise – that they won’t stink after multiple wears, so you won’t need to wash them often .

I did find that our merino t-shirts (and my dress and leggings) stayed fresher for several days longer than other materials. But I couldn’t quite imagine going as many weeks as Unbound Merino claims without a wash.

For their second promise – that if you treat their clothes well, they won’t fall apart, so you won’t need to replace them often – I need at least another year to really be sure . (And you can expect an update here later.) But so far, I haven’t seen any red flags, and the quality of the materials and the sewing is obvious.

After all my testing so far, I think Unbound Merino is a great choice for merino wool travel clothing. The brand is high-quality, wrinkle-resistant, and has classic style. Are these factors you can only find from one brand? Of course not. You might be able to find them in your own closet, first.

But if you need new clothes, and want to transition to more natural fibers and higher-quality in your wardrobe, I think Unbound Merino is a great starting place. They’ve helped re-inspire me to pack lighter , and buy less in general. If they do the same for you, they’d be worth a try.

Before you go: If you’ve made it this far, you’d probably be interested in my detailed strategy and mindset hacks for packing lighter (including for weeks at a time). Unbound Merino is definitely part of it, but there’s a lot more to it!

And if you even want to give up the wheeled suitcase, here’s my review and comparison of the best travel backpacks !

Help more people find this article! Share on:

I’m Ketti, a former journalist, originally from Montana, USA, who moved to China with a job teaching English, a side-hustle writing for magazines, and just one word of Mandarin. That turned into five years abroad, a Master's Degree in Sustainable Business & Energy, and a passion for finding more eco-friendly (and realistic) ways to travel and live. That's why I created Tilted Map – to share what I'm learning along the way!

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11 Comments

I loved this! Thanks for sharing your experience!

Hi, I found your page looking for reviews of Unbound Merino. I appreciate the apparent honesty that you show in your product reviews. While I like, if not love, Unbound Merino products (I own 8 of their items) I would like to emphasize that their customer service has been stellar. I’ve had problems with their Travel Hoodies in particular and they replaced one hoodie (the arm was sewn slightly crooked) without any questions. I was not even looking to get it replaced, I was just letting them know I was disappointed with the quality. The other issue I’ve had is my other Travel Hoodie (yes, I have two) is showing signs of fading and getting “splotchy” even though I’ve only washed it less than 7 times in 2.5 years. I’m pretty crazy about keeping my high end cloths in good condition by closely following the manufactures care instructions, so this is less than ideal wear considering the cost. I’m not going to stop buying Unbound Merino, but I thought you should have some honest feedback about the products.

Being a North Bay resident I was instantly drawn in by the GGB in one of your photos. After taking the time to read the article, I can say I appreciate your approach travel blog writing. I’m not a super adherent to “sustainable” anything, but my wife and I are stumbling toward being less of a “burden” and more of an ally of sustainability. Baby steps, as they say.

Hi Shannon,

Thanks so much for your feedback! I think it’s really important to be transparent with these things, especially when it comes to quality. I’m glad to hear you’ve such a good experience with Unbound’s customer service, and I have to say, I’m not surprised. They’ve been great to work with, and I’ve seen the progress and attention to detail as they’ve evolved their designs and fabrics year after year, so I’m glad that carries over to the customer side, as well.

And I’m totally with you in terms of “being less of a burden.” I think that’s a more than reasonable approach to sustainability, and it might actually make more people make effort (as opposed to preaching perfection). I’m impressed with your washing schedule, too – 7 times in 2.5 years is some serious re-use! Again, though, not surprised. I just wore one of my Unbound tops every day for 3 weeks before I realized it finally needed a wash. Most people just have a hard time breaking the over-washing habit.

Thanks for your comment and keep in touch! 🙂 Ketti

My experience with their products haven’t been great. I got a pack of three t-shirts and only wore them a few times before a hole formed. They’re soft and comfortable, but in my experience, they aren’t made for long-term wear. Not worth the price.

Customer service offered me a slight discount to buy a new shirt, but it didn’t make sense to pay more for something that wasn’t going to last. It’s a shame, because I followed this company for years waiting for the women’s line to come out thinking it would be my new go-to place for travel clothes.

I’m sorry to hear that, Kristin! And I’m surprised. When did you order from them? Because they’ve definitely made the women’s fabric sturdier since the launch last year. (The fabric is different in 2023, as I described above. And I also had a hole in one of my items from 2022 – again, details above, in case you hadn’t seen it. They told me it took them about 3 years to get their men’s line just right, so they expected some tweaking with the women’s, as well.)

Thanks for sharing! Ketti

It was from their launch. That’s great to hear that they’re getting better, but for as much as they are and if they know the earlier material doesn’t last, I would hope for a replacement in order to test the new version. As it stands, I can’t justify buying more.

They definitely are getting better! But I completely understand. I’ll tell you what, I’ll reach out to them about what you said and see if I have any sway at all. 🙂

– Ketti

Wow! That’s really kind of you. Thank you!

Hey Kristin! Of course, happy to help!

So I heard back from my contact at Unbound, who’s in charge of PR and marketing. She’s going to set you up with a replacement item. Watch your inbox for an intro email from me, so that you two can work out the details!

Have a good weekend! – Ketti

UPDATE: Your contact was great and kindly sent me a replacement. I haven’t had a chance to wear it yet, but the changes in the material make it feel more durable. I look forward to trying it out! Thanks again for your help.

Ah, that’s wonderful, and you’re so welcome! I’m glad to hear it worked out. Let me know how it goes with the new material!

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Unbound Merino Review

After traveling around the world, I’ve learned that packing light is key. Whether you’re a backpacker, a business traveler, or just someone who wants to avoid the hassle of checking in luggage, having the right clothes is crucial. That’s where Unbound Merino comes in.

Unbound Merino is a clothing brand that specializes in creating high-quality, versatile clothes made from merino wool. Their clothes are designed to be worn multiple times without washing, making them ideal for travelers who want to pack light.

In this review, I’ll be sharing my honest thoughts on Unbound Merino’s clothes, including their fit, durability, and overall value for money.

What is Unbound Merino?

Unbound Merino is a clothing brand that specializes in using high-quality merino wool to create comfortable, durable, and stylish clothing for everyday wear and travel.

Merino wool is a type of wool that comes from Merino sheep, which are known for producing some of the finest and softest wool in the world.

Unbound Merino’s products are made from a high percentage of merino wool, which makes them both high quality and long-lasting. The clothing is soft and warm, yet breathable, making it perfect for a variety of activities, including travel, outdoor sports, and everyday wear.

One of the unique features of Unbound Merino’s clothing is that it stays clean and fresh longer than the average apparel. Merino wool has natural antibacterial properties, which means that it doesn’t retain odors like synthetic fabrics do.

This makes it ideal for travel, where you might not have access to laundry facilities for extended periods.

Unbound Merino’s clothing is also fast-drying and wrinkle-resistant, making it easy to care for and pack for trips. The brand offers bundles/packs for savings on multiple items, and ships worldwide, making it accessible to customers around the globe.

Overall, Unbound Merino is an excellent choice for anyone looking for high-quality, durable, and stylish clothing that is perfect for travel and everyday wear.

With its natural antibacterial properties, breathability, and fast-drying features, it’s the perfect choice for anyone who wants to stay comfortable, fresh, and stylish on the go.

Unbound Merino Product Range

Unbound Merino offers a range of high-quality clothing items made from merino wool. Their product range includes t-shirts, hoodies, socks, underwear, and more.

One of the standout features of Unbound Merino’s products is their use of merino wool. Merino wool is a natural fiber that is soft, breathable, and odor-resistant. This makes it an ideal material for travel clothing, as it can be worn for multiple days without needing to be washed.

Unbound Merino’s t-shirts are available in both short and long sleeve options, and come in a variety of colors. They are made from a blend of 76% merino wool, 19% nylon, and 5% spandex, which gives them a comfortable stretch.

The t-shirts are also wrinkle-resistant and quick-drying, making them a great option for travel.

The hoodies offered by Unbound Merino are equally impressive. They are made from a blend of 78% merino wool, 17% nylon, and 5% spandex, which gives them a soft and comfortable feel. The hoodies are also lightweight and breathable, making them a great option for layering.

Unbound Merino’s socks and underwear are also made from merino wool, which makes them comfortable and odor-resistant. The socks are available in both crew and ankle styles, while the underwear is available in boxer brief and brief styles.

Overall, Unbound Merino’s product range is impressive. Their use of merino wool sets them apart from other clothing brands, and their products are high-quality and built to last.

Material Quality and Comfort

When it comes to clothing, material quality and comfort are two of the most important factors to consider. In my experience with Unbound Merino clothing, I can confidently say that they excel in both areas.

Unbound Merino uses a high percentage of merino wool in their apparel, which makes their items both high quality and long-lasting.

The material is soft and warm, yet breathable, making it perfect for a variety of activities. Additionally, the fabric is fast-drying and wrinkle-resistant, which is a huge plus for travelers.

One of my favorite things about Unbound Merino clothing is how comfortable it is to wear. The merino wool is extremely soft and flexible, which makes it more comfortable than most other materials.

I also appreciate that the clothing stays clean and fresh longer than average apparel, reducing the need for frequent washing.

Overall, I have been very impressed with the material quality and comfort of Unbound Merino clothing. The high percentage of merino wool, combined with thoughtful design features, results in clothing that is both durable and comfortable to wear.

Style and Design

I was impressed by the style and design of Unbound Merino clothing. The brand offers a range of classic, timeless pieces that are perfect for travel or everyday wear. The clothes have a sleek and modern look that is versatile enough to be dressed up or down.

One thing I particularly liked was the attention to detail in the design. For example, the Unbound Merino hoodie has a matte YKK zipper with a black oxidized finish, giving it a sophisticated and stylish look.

The fabric is 97% merino wool, with 3% elastane added for stretch and durability. The fabric weight is 250 GSM (grams per square millimeter), which makes it light and comfortable to wear without the weight of a typical cotton hoodie.

Another great feature of Unbound Merino clothing is the seamless pockets that keep the silhouette sleek and streamlined. This is particularly important for travel, as it helps to keep your belongings safe and secure without adding bulk to your outfit.

Overall, I think Unbound Merino clothing is a great investment for anyone looking for high-quality, stylish clothing that is versatile enough to be worn in a variety of settings. Whether you’re traveling the world or just running errands around town, Unbound Merino has something for everyone.

Durability and Longevity

When it comes to travel clothing, durability and longevity are two essential factors to consider. After all, you don’t want to spend money on clothes that will fall apart after just a few wears. That’s why I was particularly interested in testing out Unbound Merino’s clothing line.

One of the most significant advantages of Unbound Merino’s clothing is its durability. The high percentage of merino wool used in their apparel makes their items both high quality and long-lasting. I’ve worn their t-shirts, polos, and hoodies on multiple trips, and they still look and feel as good as new.

Another benefit of Unbound Merino’s clothing is that it stays clean and fresh longer than the average apparel. The merino wool fabric is naturally odor-resistant, so you can wear it for days without worrying about unpleasant smells.

Plus, the fabric is fast-drying, which is ideal for travel when you need to wash your clothes frequently.

In addition to being durable and odor-resistant, Unbound Merino’s clothing is also wrinkle-resistant. This is a significant advantage when traveling, as you don’t want to spend time ironing your clothes.

The fabric also has a natural stretch, which makes it comfortable to wear for extended periods.

Overall, I’ve been impressed with the durability and longevity of Unbound Merino’s clothing. The high-quality merino wool fabric ensures that their apparel lasts for years, making it a worthwhile investment for any traveler looking for durable and long-lasting clothing.

Price and Value

When it comes to traveling, packing light and smart is key. That’s why investing in quality travel clothing is essential. But does Unbound Merino offer good value for its price?

Unbound Merino’s clothing is made from high-quality merino wool, which is known for its durability, breathability, and odor resistance. The company’s products are designed to be versatile, comfortable, and stylish, making them ideal for travel and everyday wear.

While Unbound Merino’s clothing is more expensive than some other travel clothing brands, the quality and versatility of their products make them worth the investment.

For example, their merino wool hoodie is made from 97% merino wool and 3% elastane, making it lightweight, stretchy, and durable. The hoodie also features seamless pockets and a matte YKK zipper with a black oxidized finish, adding to its sleek and stylish design.

In addition, Unbound Merino offers a lifetime guarantee on all of its products, which shows the company’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

This guarantee means that if you’re not satisfied with your purchase, you can return it for a full refund or exchange it for a different size or color.

Overall, while Unbound Merino’s clothing may be more expensive than some other travel clothing brands, the quality, versatility, and lifetime guarantee make them a good value for the price.

Customer Reviews

I always like to read customer reviews before making a purchase, and Unbound Merino has plenty of them. Overall, the reviews are positive and speak to the quality of their products.

One reviewer on Trustpilot said that Unbound Merino’s clothing is “worth the investment” and that they “look and feel great.”

Of course, not all reviews are glowing. One reviewer on Trustpilot said that the shirts they purchased didn’t last very long and developed holes after only a few wears. However, this seems to be the exception rather than the rule, as most reviewers are happy with their purchases.

Overall, it seems that Unbound Merino’s customers are satisfied with the quality and performance of their clothing. If you’re considering making a purchase, reading customer reviews is a great way to get a sense of what to expect.

Shipping and Returns

When it comes to shipping, Unbound Merino offers free standard shipping within the United States for orders over $100. For orders under $100, standard shipping costs $5. Expedited shipping options are also available for an additional fee.

Unbound Merino ships worldwide, and international shipping rates vary depending on the destination country. Customers are responsible for any customs fees or duties that may apply to their order.

If for any reason you are not satisfied with your purchase, Unbound Merino offers a 100-day return policy. This means that you can return your items for a full refund or exchange within 100 days of purchase, as long as the items are in their original condition and packaging.

To initiate a return, simply contact Unbound Merino’s customer service team to receive a return authorization number. Once you have received the return authorization number, you can send the items back to Unbound Merino using the provided shipping label.

It’s worth noting that Unbound Merino does not cover the cost of return shipping, and the customer is responsible for any shipping fees associated with returning the items.

However, if you are exchanging an item for a different size or color, Unbound Merino will cover the cost of shipping the new item back to you.

Overall, Unbound Merino’s shipping and returns policies are straightforward and customer-friendly.

With free shipping on orders over $100 and a generous 100-day return policy, customers can feel confident in their purchases and know that they have the option to return or exchange items if needed.

Similar Brands

When it comes to travel clothing, Unbound Merino is not the only brand out there. Here are a few other brands that offer similar products:

Woolly Clothing Co.

Woolly Clothing Co. is another brand that specializes in merino wool clothing. They offer a variety of products, including t-shirts, hoodies, and socks.

Like Unbound Merino, their products are designed to be odor-resistant and moisture-wicking, making them a great choice for travel. Woolly Clothing Co. also offers a 100-day trial period, so you can try out their products risk-free.

Icebreaker is a New Zealand-based brand that has been around since 1995. They offer a wide range of merino wool clothing, including base layers, mid layers, and outerwear.

Their products are designed to be versatile and suitable for a range of activities, from hiking to skiing to everyday wear. Icebreaker also has a strong commitment to sustainability, using natural materials and ethical manufacturing processes.

Smartwool is a brand that focuses on merino wool socks, but they also offer a range of other products, including base layers, mid layers, and accessories.

Their products are designed to be comfortable, durable, and moisture-wicking, making them a great choice for travel. Smartwool also has a strong commitment to sustainability, using eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes.

Overall, there are many brands out there that offer high-quality merino wool clothing. While Unbound Merino is a great choice, it’s worth exploring other options to find the products that best meet your needs.

After testing Unbound Merino’s clothing line, I can confidently say that they offer high-quality, durable, and stylish clothing that’s perfect for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts. Their use of merino wool in their products makes them both soft and warm, yet breathable, fast-drying, and wrinkle-resistant.

One of the things that impressed me the most about Unbound Merino is their commitment to sustainability.

They source their wool from sustainable farms in Australia, and their packaging is made from recycled materials. This makes me feel good about supporting a company that’s doing its part to reduce its environmental impact.

Another thing I appreciated about Unbound Merino is their attention to detail. From the luxurious packaging to the colorful leaflet inside, it’s clear that they take pride in their products and want their customers to have a great experience.

Overall, I highly recommend Unbound Merino’s clothing line to anyone who’s looking for high-quality, sustainable, and stylish clothing that’s perfect for travel and outdoor activities.

While their products may be a bit more expensive than some other brands, I believe the investment is worth it for the quality and durability you’ll receive.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best merino wool brands similar to unbound merino.

There are several merino wool brands similar to Unbound Merino, including Icebreaker, Smartwool, and Woolly Clothing Co. These brands offer high-quality merino wool clothing for outdoor activities and travel.

How does Unbound Merino compare to Proof in terms of quality?

Unbound Merino and Proof are both high-quality clothing brands that use merino wool. However, Unbound Merino is known for its soft and comfortable clothing that is perfect for travel, while Proof is known for its durable and waterproof clothing that is ideal for outdoor activities.

Where is Unbound Merino made and what is their manufacturing process?

Unbound Merino clothing is made in China. The company sources its merino wool from Australia and New Zealand and uses a manufacturing process that is environmentally friendly and ethical.

What is the durability of Unbound Merino clothing?

Unbound Merino clothing is known for its durability. The clothing is made from high-quality merino wool that is naturally resistant to odor and stains. The clothing is also machine washable and can be worn for several days without needing to be washed.

Are Unbound Merino t-shirts worth the investment?

Unbound Merino t-shirts are definitely worth the investment. They are made from high-quality merino wool that is soft, comfortable, and durable. The t-shirts are also odor-resistant and can be worn for several days without needing to be washed.

What is the sizing like for Unbound Merino clothing?

Unbound Merino clothing is true to size. The company offers a size chart on its website to help customers find the perfect fit. It is recommended to measure yourself before ordering to ensure the best fit.

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Unbound Merino Review: Ways Merino Wool revolutionizes Travel Packing

Last Updated on July 15, 2023 by Christine Kaaloa

In this post, I’m sharing my Unbound Merino review on their apparel and why merino wool clothes will revolutionize how travelers pack!

As a solo traveler who always travels with convertible carry-on luggage , I’m constantly refining my minimalist packing style. Packing fewer items means that I’m reusing my clothes a lot and going through my outfits, sniffing their armpits to see if my outfits can last one more day before I need to splurge on hotel laundry service or look for a laundromat.

But I didn’t realize that merino wool apparel was a stylish Swiss Army knife for my travel wardrobe. After a couple of months of wearing my Unbound Merino pieces it’s safe to say, merino wool apparel is a game-changer for travel packing. For the minimalist packer, a few wardrobe pieces are all you need!

Disclosure: There are affiliate links in this post and I was gifted Unbound Merino shirt and dress to test drive for my travels. But all opinions are my own and there is no extra cost to you. If you purchase through my links, I receive a small commission which helps me maintain myself, while also sharing a brand I truly believe will rock your world.

Table of Contents: Unbound Merino Review: Ways Merino Wool revolutionizes Travel Packing

• 1 Who is Unbound Merino
• 2.1 Classic and stylish designs for women (and men)
• 2.2 Merino wool changes with your body temperature
• 2.3 Soft & comfy
• 2.4 Surprisingly lightweight
• 2.5 Moisture-wicking & breathable
• 2.6 Anti-bacterial (aka no body odor smells)
• 2.7 Demands fewer washes
• 2.8 No wrinkles
• 2.9 Low maintenance
• 2.10 Quick drying
• 2.11 Muesling free
• 2.12 More bang for your buck
• 3.1 Tends to cost more
• 3.2 Conclusion

Who is Unbound Merino

Unbound Merino apparel is made of 100% merino wool.  Unbound Merino wool clothes are designed for both, men (they actually have more male garments) and women and are revolutionary to travel. They are classic in design and can take the place of multiple garments, which means that you do not have to pack a lot of clothes on your trip.

I got an Unbound Merino travel dress and T-shirt to test during Hawaii’s humid summer and I’ve been wearing them non-stop for the past couple months (without washing), due to their classy, chic style and temperature-adjusting comfort.

My favorite piece is my Unbound Merino travel dress because it hangs on my body in a flattering, flowing and slimming way.

Let’s break down Unbound Merino down and the benefits of merino wool clothes.

Reasons you’ll love Unbound Merino wool clothes:

Upon unboxing and wearing my Unbound Merino travel dress , my first impressions were focused on the style, fit and comfort. What can I say- like most women, I want to look good but I want to stay comfortable while traveling or if i’m in a summer environment.

Read Essential packing list for solo travel

Classic and stylish designs for women (and men).

Unbound Merino makes clothing for both, men and women. It actually seems like it was originally a men’s clothier and it started to grow a women’s line. This means it was originally made for male durability and travel habits.

As I get on in my years, I like to be comfortable, but style matters to me too.  The Unbound Merino women’s line is an elegant, timeless design and the pieces can be matched with multiple garments. The apparel feels very Italian or at least like clothes you’d want to wear on a trip to Italy . The designs are so versatile that you can wear your Unbound Merino tshirts, travel dress, etc…  to a nice restaurant, the grocery store or beach.  The fabric is high quality and you can see and feel the soft and sometimes, silky-ish quality.

Merino wool changes with your body temperature

If you’re in humid Southeast Asia weather and begin to sweat, the weave of the wool fibers allow your body to feel cool even in the swampiest of heat. Keeping you cool during warm and humid weather was a function I did not know Merino wool had!

I haven’t tested the winter part, but most of my experience of wool is about how it keeps you warm during winters.

Soft & comfy

When you think of wool, you probably envision your old winter sweater or wool blanket and immediately the memory of something scratchy, coarse and mildly unpleasant comes to mind.

Merino wool is not coarse. The wool fibers are finer, so it feels light and comfortable on skin. There’s an oily wax called Lanolin that is in the sheep’s coat and it helps repel water and dirt. That Lanolin is spun into the coarse fibers, making it soft and a tad silky.

Read my eco-friendly travel tips

Surprisingly lightweight.

Unbound Merino clothes are a type of lightweight i’ve never experienced. It’s lighter than a sheer American Apparel tee.  Not even my sheerest cotton blouses compare to how light the fabric hangs off my body and in a lovely form-fitting way. Even more surprising, it is not peekaboo fabric; it’s quite classy and tasteful.

Moisture-wicking & breathable

If you’ve ever wondered why when you start sweating you cannot stop, it’s largely because your body isn’t able to cool down quickly enough.

Merino wool absorbs moisture.  That my sweat isn’t given time to build up but is absorbed into the woolen fibers and wicked away, gives my pores breathing room and my body can cool down properly. .

The Hawaiian summer really put my Unbound Merino travel dress and shirt to the test as I sweat a lot (thanks to global warming!). The simplest of things like sitting in my car stuck in traffic without air conditioning had me melting from every pore. The areas of my body covered by the merino wool fabric however, were not sweating as much nor could I feel it collect in the fabric.

Anti-bacterial (aka no body odor smells)

These days, to reduce my household chores and to avoid wasting water, I do the smell test with my clothes. It’s a little embarassing to admit but if I do not smell body odor on an outfit, then it can take on one more day of usage!  With less breathable fabrics like cotton or polyester, you’re just mopping your sweat around and the bacteria settles into the fibers of your clothes. This gives way to a body odor smell in your clothes. This is not the case with Unbound Merino apparel, largely due to its moisture-wicking and the fact that wool fibers are not very porous.

I’ve read one reviewer claim that when he farts, the smell is imperceptible when he’s wearing merino wool. While I’ve not tested it with farts, summers here have gotten brutally hot and humid, and I’m more of an athletic personality, so my clothes smell faster.  Some of my clothes retain my sweat smell, which is reactivated each time I sweat in them. So I’m very fond of my Unbound Merino pieces because despite wearing my dress weekly for two months with no washing, it still smells the way it came… brand new . Yeah, that’s a winner!

Demands fewer washes

You know how some folks live in their pajamas or yoga pants? That’s me and my Unbound Merino dress. My travel dress arrived in September and despite wearing it weekly  I haven’t washed it in two months!  This is sorta bad because the care instructions say after wearing it four times for the first time, you should wash your apparel to set it and I’ve not done that. But it is because I’ve not smelled the need for it.

Note: Read the wash instructions and do not bleach or place in a dryer.

Read Packing tips for Carryon luggage

No wrinkles

The beauty of merino wool is that due to the wiry nature of the fabric, it does not hold wrinkles. While it does wrinkle a little if you crunch it or its been laying in a pile for days, I’ve noticed my clothes unwrinkle themselves between the time I throw it on and drive to my destination.

Low maintenance

My Unbound Merino dress is so easy to slip on and go out in, that I’ve been wearing it day after day – sometimes, 2-3 days a week for errands. I’ve been wearing the dress over and over as a coverup but also an easy slip-on for everything. From groceries to business meetings, the Unbound Merino travel dress and T-shirt are low-maintenance pieces that keep me looking fashionable on low-maintenance days.

Quick drying

Planning to wash your dress in your hotel sink and hoping it will dry by the next morning? No problem. Drying does not take long.

Muesling free

While I cannot promise that Merino wool is 100% cruelty-free,  I did a little research on merino wool and found a practice called ‘muesling”. Basically, it is when the sheep’s butts are shaved to prevent urine, poop and contaminants from sticking to the wool.  Often, the shaving can hurt and mutilate them and many can die from flystrike.  Unbound Merino says they use vendors who have ethical practices regarding animal care.

More bang for your buck

While Unbound Merino clothes may cost a little more than your average shirt or blouse, you’re getting a large dose of functionality and versatility. Whether it’s washing clothes or packing,  Unbound Merino shirt or garment will save you time, space and money!

Read my 30 tips to being an ethical traveler

Cons to Merino Wool

Tends to cost more.

Are Unbound Merino garments cheap? Uh, no definitely not. You can buy three to eight cheap lightweight maxi dresses from Amazon (like the ones I got here ) for the cost of one. But there’s nothing special about them other than price and you may need to buy seasonal dresses depending upon what season and destination you visit or pack a couple of dresses to offset the value you’d get in one Unbound Merino travel dress .

Unbound Merino wool garments tend to be on the pricy side, because they are made from a fabric of high quality and value and it is ethically sourced to avoid cruel acts against animals.  The expense ensures the sheep are treated better (or at least I hope!) That’s Unbound Merino’s ethical promise as garment providers.

As a traveler, I work from a staple of multipurpose clothes so I don’t weigh my luggage down. Most of us use the same clothes over and over again, so it makes sense to choose quality pieces you know will reduce your work efforts down the line so that you can just enjoy traveling. Believe me, once you get one Unbound Merino item, you won’t want to stop!

You can shop here at Unbound Merino .

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Unbound Merino Compact Travel Hoodie Review

Simplicity is the Unbound Merino Compact Travel Hoodie’s core strength, with few frills to weigh it down and lightweight Merino wool to keep you warm.

Our Verdict

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• Good warmth for its weight and minimal thickness
• Extremely packable soft fabric
• No frills design is easy to put on and use
• Heavy items stretch the pockets
• Hanging loop feels thin for its purpose
• Little to no adjustability

Technical Details

Grams Per Square Meter

Weight (lb)

1.07 lb (0.5 kg)

Notable Materials

Merino Wool, Elastane, YKK Zippers

Manufacturing Country

Warranty Information

Unbound Merino FAQ

Full Review

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When it comes to travel clothing, Merino wool is one of our favorite materials since it’s light, soft, well-insulated, and moisture-wicking. Simply put, it’s the ideal material to use for socks, gloves, and lightweight jackets , such as the one in this review: Unbound Merino’s Compact Travel Hoodie.

It’s not the complete solution to every cold weather condition, yet it’s a good addition if you’re layering up. Its thin composition and soft material make it easy to compress, though also stretchy—not good if you’re putting heavy items in the pockets. It’s also quite basic, lacking drawstrings to adjust the hood or hem.

The Rundown

Unbound Merino went for an almost no-frills design with the Compact Travel Hoodie. It’s primarily ultra-fine Merino wool, with the only real hardware and feature being the zipper. We’re a bit confounded that the zipper is on the left since this is a men’s hoodie. You’d typically find them on the right for men’s clothing and the left for women’s. Then again, we’ve seen one or two men’s jacket have their zippers on the left before.

The reason for this is up for debate, as you’ll find varying reasons from different sources. In practical terms, though, either side works fine. More importantly, the zipper is a beefy one from YKK. It’s easy to latch to the other side, and we generally have no problem engaging and zipping it when we need to.

The outside really shows the ultra fineness of the Merino wool they use, giving it a clean and sleek look. It’s a look that goes well with the digital nomad lifestyle . If that sounds a bit subjective, that’s because it is.

The inside of the jacket has a different texture that looks and feels similar to terry cloth, so it’s comfortable to wear. You have two deep pockets on each side; both are deep enough to stuff a buff or gloves when you’re not using them. Of course, there are also two external hand pockets to keep your hands toasty.

While the pockets are relatively large, keep in mind that the Compact Travel Hoodie is thin and stretchy. Hefty items like a high-capacity battery bank or a max-size iPhone in a case weigh the pockets down. It’s a shame since the inner pockets are large enough to fit a small insulated bottle, should you wish to bring along a hot drink.

There’s also a loop near the collar so you can hang the Compact Travel Hoodie on a hook or a coat rack. While it does get the job done, we’re not too enthused by how thin it is. It’s just a narrow strip of fabric folded in half to make it thicker, although it’s a step up over cheaper jackets that use a brand tag as a loop.

The hood has no frills whatsoever; pull it over your head, and it’s set. There are no pull cords to play with, which means zero adjustments. On the other hand, this is a big reason why the Compact Travel Hoodie is so lightweight; it’s solely Merino wool with a YKK zipper.

It’s worth noting that, based on our travel experience, a zip-up hoodie style like this is easier to wear as an extra layer on a trip. There’s typically not a lot of room to move when you’re seated in economy class, so squeezing into a pullover can be rather tricky. Getting into a zip-up hoodie can be easier, and you can leave the zipper open when you want to cool off. In other words, the zipper grants you some control over how hot or cold you want to be.

Packability

The Compact Travel Hoodie isn’t a packable travel jacket like the ones we typically use on trips. Compared to the Patagonia Nano Puff , it’s definitely larger. That said, it’s also quite easy to roll up and squeeze because of how soft Merino wool is. Oh, and did we mention it’s quite lightweight? We have?

Well, it’s worth repeating since it’s a weight you’ll have to carry around. Really, the main downside, in terms of packability, is the volume the Compact Travel Hoodie occupies in a travel backpack. For context, here it is inside the Aer Travel Pack 3, which has a capacity of 35 liters. Even if you roll it into its hood like a makeshift pouch, it still takes up a decent amount of space. You can also just carry your jacket around by tying it to your waist most of the time.

A huge reason why we like Merino wool is because of how soft it is. In jacket form, like the Compact Travel Hoodie, that translates to comfort, which we can wear all day (so long as it’s cold enough). In terms of ergonomics, the hand pockets are a little high for those with big torsos or long arms, but it’s not a big deal.

As for thermal comfort, the Compact Travel Hoodie is a good layer over a T-shirt if you’re in a cold airport terminal, though it won’t be enough for freezing environments. If you find yourself in that low of temperatures, the Compact Travel Hoodie works well as another layer between a sweater vest and a down jacket.

Quick Comparison

Check out the Compact Travel Hoodie compared to the compressed Patagonia Nano Puff and Western Rise Meta Shell . This comparison is less about thermal performance since they each have different design philosophies (the Nano Puff is like a down jacket, the Meta Shell is a rain shell, and the Compact Travel Hoodie is—well—a hoodie). It’s more about comparing sizes.

The Nano Puff is considerably smaller than the rest of the jackets here. However, the Meta Shell transforms into a sling when it’s compressed. Meanwhile, the Compact Travel Hoodie is the least packable, though its Merino wool construction makes it lighter weight and more comfortable to wear.

Usage Timeline

Condition: Excellent

• Material is thin and flexible
• Has more of a wool feel, though still soft
• Hood is on the smaller side but stays low-profile

Still soft and comfy.

Still going strong—such a great packable hoodie for travel.

The zipper is convenient—so nice for regulating temperature or taking it on and off in space-constrained areas like an airplane seat.

After countless international and domestic trips, it’s safe to say this one is a keeper.

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Unbound Merino Travel Dress Review

Last Updated on March 27, 2024

We’re back with another Merino wool dress review! This time, we’ll explore the ins and outs of the  Unbound Merino Travel Dress .

I’m excited about this review because  Unbound Merino  has a best-in-class reputation in the men’s Merino clothing industry. However, it wasn’t until recently ( May 2022 ) that they offered women’s clothing.

And girl, was it worth the wait. They now have a wide selection of women’s Merino wool travel clothing; we are all in for it!

If you have seen any previous Merino wool Gear reviews, you know we like to dive deeply into our analysis. I’ll provide you with my ‘ Initial Thoughts ‘ on the dress, wear in various situations for three days, and even test it out in the laundry! Ultimately, I’ll provide my honest opinion on what I liked and what I think could be improved.

And since this dress is so new, I’ll do my best to provide you with all the information I can. That way, you’ll be able to determine whether or not you should add it to your closet.

Initial Thoughts

Features & specifications, three-day wear test, laundry test, one-year later, results: what i liked, areas to improve.

Transparency means everything to us! At Merino Wool Gear, we strive to provide you with the  most updated and accurate information about Merino wool clothing and accessories . We only recommend products we genuinely believe in. While we don’t sponsor products, we may utilize affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission ( at no cost to you ) if you click a link and make a purchase. We appreciate your support as it helps us create the most valuable and informative Merino wool reviews online. You can read our complete  affiliate disclosure here .

Opening the package from Unbound Merino was a joy for me. The dress was nicely wrapped in tissue paper labeled with an Unbound Merino sticker and placed in a slim carton box. So, if you want to give this dress as a gift, there’s no additional work!

When I first touched the dress, I noticed how light and soft the material felt. It’s thin yet durable, and I can tell the Merino wool is top-tier. Moreover, the seam construction is exceptional. All the seams look expertly stitched, and you can see a lot of craftsmanship in the design. The high-quality stitching and fabric give the impression that this dress will last long.

The style itself is straightforward and effortless. It’s simple but in the best way possible. The fit is loose and flowing, so it hides my body imperfections ( which I absolutely love ). The neckline is a shallow, modest cut that offers a casual yet elegant look. There is even an open seam on the leg which adds volume.

My initial concern with the dress design is the armhole depth. I have a petite frame ( 5’1″, athletic ), so my bra peeks through the sides. It won’t necessarily look the same on you, but just something to think about. Moreover, I prefer not to wear a bra. I usually use silicone nipple covers instead. So, this “ issue ” is not really an issue for me.

I ordered the forest green, and I’m sure I made the right choice. The color is muted but rich. Moreover, the flowing fit creates deeper shades of green depending on the lighting. I am delighted with how the dress feels and looks and can’t wait to see how it holds up during the testing phase!

Here’s the thing: this dress has no super special features, which is why I love it so much! It’s well-made, comfy, and stylish. That’s it. There’s no need for extra bells and whistles with a dress like this!

The only true feature to discuss is the material itself. Unbound Merino uses 18.5-micron Merino wool, which is why the material is so soft. Plus, they blended in small amounts of nylon and spandex to provide extra strength and stretch. Finally, the 180 gsm fabric is lightweight and breezy.

And because of the fabric weight, I’d classify this as a summer dress. It’s not my chicest dress, so I won’t wear it for high-end outings. However, it’s an excellent choice for a walk in a park, gardening, running errands, traveling, or even going to the beach. If you’re looking for a dress with more specific features, you can check out our dress reviews below.

Read More: The 10 Best Merino Wool Dresses For Every Occasion

Initial impressions are one thing, but can the  Unbound Merino Travel Dress  hold up to the rigors of daily life? That’s where the Three-Day Wear test comes in. I’ll detail how this dress is held up in various situations –  with some different outfits  – so you can better understand how it may fit into your closet. So, let’s put this dress to the test.

To start my test, I decided to try this dress while running errands around town. I paired it with simple white sneakers for a more casual look. At first, I thought it looked a little too ‘ teenage-ish ‘ for a mom. However, there is just a minimalistic elegance to this outfit that’s more mature than not. It’s not fancy, but it tells others, ‘  I take care of myself. ‘

Throughout the day, I barely noticed the dress. The cut is quite deep, but there wasn’t anything slipping out. Moreover, the side hem split made it easier to walk around. It was a lovely day overall, and there’s no doubt the dress contributed to that!

After a successful day-one test, it’s time to spice this dress up a bit! I opted for the gold chain belt, which looked great and helped to showcase my curves. The slides were also a nice touch and fit the style of the dress well. Moreover, the unique side hem split of the dress brought the entire look together!

I decided to head out for brunch on a sunny day. The dress worked out perfectly, allowing for plenty of airflow and ventilation. However, I started to sweat after the sun was directly overhead. It could be because I had just finished my third mimosa, too.  Who knows?

It was a little chilly during the last day of my testing, but nothing that this dress couldn’t handle! I wore one of my favorite leather jackets, high-top black sneakers, and a simple crossbody bag ( which completed the look ). I was comfortable in temperatures down to 50 °F (10 °C) for short periods. And while most of this warmth came from the jacket, I could feel how the Merino wool aided insulation. It’s just one of its  many benefits!

After three days of testing, this Unbound Merino Travel Dress passed with flying colors. It’s an excellent three-season dress that can be dressed down, up, or anywhere between. And the best part about it is that the dress  doesn’t smell  after three busy days!

And that is why I love Merino wool gear!

Truthfully, this dress doesn’t even have to go into the laundry after three days of wear. I’ve just been laying it flat ( it helps with wrinkles ) and airing it out. It’s just as fresh as when I opened the package.

Still, testing the fabric, stitching, and durability is essential. Unbound Merino provides a card with care instructions, or you can check out their site. It’s pretty simple; you want to avoid harsh chemicals and the dryer. That’s standard with most  Merino wool care .

So, after putting it through the laundry, I’m happy to say everything made it out good as new. There wasn’t any shrinkage, loose threads, or pilling, so that’s a win!

So, I originally planned on releasing this review a year ago, but while I was testing and writing, it went out of stock. So, instead of releasing it immediately, I decided to wait a year, wearing this dress even more! It made it to birthday parties, garage sales, the zoo, and more. My favorite time I wore the dress was relaxing at the beach with a sun hat to match.

From my 12 additional months of testing, I fully support this Unbound Merino Travel Dress . The seams and fabric have held up to multiple washes and can withstand everyday life’s rigors. And when you have a messy toddler, you never know what the day will throw at you. It just goes to show the true longevity of this Unbound Merino clothing. Their commitment to high-quality gear is one of the main reasons I love them so much!

Read More: Unbound Merino Review & Company Profile

After a year of wearing this dress, I can finally give you everything I like. Well, if I told you  everything , we might be here for a while. Instead, let’s stick with the three things I liked the most –  style, comfort, & affordability  – and expand on each.

It’s My New Go-To Dress!

This is my to-go dress. It’s for days when I don’t know what to wear cause I know I will feel comfortable and look good no matter what. It covers over half of my wardrobe and accessories, so I’m always excited to mix and match! In fact, I wear it around the house and yard so much that I’m afraid my neighbors may call me “ that woman in the green dress. “

It Feels Like A Second Skin!

I love this fabric. There’s something about it that’s so loose and flowy but also modest. There is always plenty of ventilation, so I rarely sweat. And it barely feels like I’m wearing anything at all!

Pro Tip: For some reason, I love throwing this dress on after a cool shower on a hot day. I know it’s weird, but it feels incredible!

It’s Actually Affordable!

Okay, okay, I get it. When you first see this dress’s price tag, you may think I’m crazy when I say it’s affordable, but hear me out. Since the design is so universal, the fabric is easy to care for, and the style is timeless, the Unbound Merino Dress replaces 4-5 dresses in your wardrobe. The material is so high-quality that it should stay fresh for years.

So, is this dress affordable in the traditional sense? No. But if you’re fine-tuning your wardrobe and living a simple lifestyle, it’s 100% worth every penny. Check below for this travel dress’s latest price.

Just like life, Merino wool clothing always has its ups and downs. And, with this Unbound Merino dress, while there were far more ups and downs, it’s still important to point out the latter so you can determine whether or not this dress works for you. In my testing experience, I found two areas I hope could improve:  color variety  &  overall availability . Let’s take a close look at each.

Color Selection

So, when I got this dress in the summer of 2022, there were only two options: olive & black . And since it was a new release then, I understood the narrow selection. However, a year later, there are only three color options: black, caramel, & indigo . Now, that’s not saying these colors aren’t great, but as a chronic shopper, the more color choices, the better!

Availability

Unfortunately, this dress is popular. So much so that many standard sizes sell out whenever there’s a restock. Luckily, Unbound Merino has an “ Email When Available ” option, so you don’t have to keep checking back every few weeks. Still, having a broader range of sizes and colors for general stock would be ideal.

Final Note About The Unbound Merino Travel Dress

Well, I hope you liked my complete Unbound Merino Travel Dress review. I tested it out for three days, threw it in the laundry, and wore it on and off for a year. This dress is a unique piece showcasing Merino wool’s versatility, especially in the travel industry. And if I were to give it a grade,  it would have to be an A . Let’s hope they release more colors ( my vote is for beige ) next season so I can get another one!

If you like this dress, check out more of Unbound Merino’s women’s travel collection . They have been in full swing for over a year and seemed to work out the initial kinks. All in all, their offerings are by far the best Merino wool clothing for travel.

And, if you’re looking to learn more about the world of Merino wool, poke around our site a bit. We do in-depth analyses, best-in-class reviews, brand spotlights, news, information, and more! All of it is centered around our favorite material: Merino wool!

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The Ultimate Unbound Merino Review: Amazing T-Shirts and Hoodies for Minimalist Travel

The perfect travel wardrobe not only keeps you looking good and feeling comfortable (dry, good temperature, and odor-free) but is also minimalist – packing down small enough to fit into airplane carry-on luggage while wearing for months.  Creating that perfect, minimalist, travel-ready wardrobe needs a few pieces of solid Merino wool clothing. In this Unbound Merino review, I’ll reveal why I loved the Unbound Merino T-shirt and Merino hoodie after wearing for weeks straight without washing, and on adventures motorbiking and hiking from the hot heat of beaches to the cool highlands in Bali’s volcanic countryside.

Finding the right shirts and insulation layers that are odor-fighting, durable, stylish, and functional enough to fit any activity, all at a reasonable price, is tough – until now. That’s where Unbound Merino comes in. 

Over my last few travel trips in Bali, I’ve tested Unbound Merino’s core pieces to see how well they fit into “travel life.” Not just daily travel life but stylish nightlife, impromptu motorbiking and hiking adventures, travels around the hot tropics of Southeast Asia, and more.  Spoiler alert – I’m now a fan of Unbound Merino.

Unbound Merino’s approach to simple, stylishly well cut, and high-quality wardrobe basics (think t-shirts, hoodies, sweat pants, and more) is a near-perfect execution, ideal for minimalist wardrobes and the minimalist traveler (like me).

In this Unbound Merino review, we’ll look at their high quality but relatively low-cost Merino Wool basics that have improved my travel packing game immensely .  Read on to discover how the Unbound Merino T-Shirt, Merino wool Hoodie, and Merino wool Polo shirt have earned a permanent place in my travel pack and daily wardrobe

( Note: This article contains affiliate links )

WHY YOU NEED A MINIMALIST WARDROBE + WHY THE ANSWER IS STYLISH BASICS & MERINO WOOL

Traveling lighter and with less inherently makes travel easier, cheaper, and more enjoyable.

One of the major problems we (as travelers) have is usually packing too much. We’re always capable of finding our way without an itinerary.  We can always save a little money by eating cheap eats or having beers in a park with friends.  And we can always shift as plans do. 

Traveling with a 50lb bag that you have to check on planes (and pay an extra $50 for) then lug that bag up and downstairs, onto trains and buses can be tiresome and taxing – whether you’re on a three-day weekend adventure or a three month trip around Southeast Asia.

However – sometimes overpacking just isn’t our fault.  Not completely, anyway. For instance, if you travel to Argentina, you’ll need separate shirts for the stylish city life of Buenos Aires and the backcountry of Patagonia, and you’ll need enough shirts to last 3 to 5 days between washes.  Add that up, and you’ll need six shirts easily – unless all of your clothes look good and perform well (quick-drying, odor resisting, and durable).

This is where having a well-crafted minimalist wardrobe is possible.

This is also where adding Merino wool (the ultimate performance fabric) clothing to your wardrobe is a huge opportunity.

Lastly, having versatile yet stylish basics – like solid color t-shirts, stylishly versatile insulating sweaters, and knit hoodies – finishes a solid wardrobe.

A minimalist wardrobe keeps you comfortable in all conditions, and ready for near any activity, while keeping your bag light – saving you from checked bag fees, stressful travel, and the stress that comes with clutter.

WHY MERINO WOOL FOR TRAVEL AND MINIMALIST WARDROBES

Merino wool performs well without developing odor after weeks of wear – ultimately, you carry less clothing that does more for you.

Merino wool is the original and (arguably) the ultimate performance fabric – in comfort, function, and style.

Wool, in general, is amazing . 

Wool’s heat-regulating properties allow the wool to keep you warm when it’s cool and cool when it’s warm out – just look at the pictures of me happily wearing a black wool t-shirt on sweltering 90-degree Bali.

Wool naturally dries quickly, even while you’re wearing it.   This means that 1) wool wicks away sweat to dry more quickly than cotton or synthetic fabrics, and 2) wool is perfect if you want to wash a shirt (by hand or in the shower) and want it to dry overnight.  In my experience, wool can dry as quickly as a few hours at room temperature, while cotton takes a day minimum.

Wool naturally resists odor, allowing you to wear it for days without washes. I’ ve managed to wear a single Merino wool T-shirt for three weeks without washing and smelling bad.  And I’ve worn my Unbound Merino gear for two weeks straight – daily work, midday workouts, and weekend motorbike trips – with no issues. 

Because of wool’s natural anti-microbial properties, wool prevents bacteria from growing in the sweat that accumulates in the shirt, thus preventing odor even after weeks of wear. 

On the other hand, Cotton gets one day wear, perhaps two maximum, before odor develops.  And cheaper synthetic shirts (think workout shirts) tend to hold odor even after they’ve been washed, after heavy sweating.

Merino wool is extremely fine and soft to the touch – like worn-in cotton.  If you remember wool pieces, like scarves and knitted hats, being itchy and uncomfortable, that’s because you haven’t tried Merino wool.

Merino wool’s ultrafine strands knit to create a garment that’s soft to the touch, like a cotton t-shirt that’s been washed hundreds of times, making it perfect to wear directly on the skin as a t-shirt or base layer for hiking and trekking.

Odor resistance, heat regulation, quick-drying, and moisture-wicking properties in a fabric that is soft to the touch make Merino wool the ultimate material for daily wear, travel, and adventure activities

Now, Unbound Merino has taken this already awesome, ultrafine Merino and used it in versatile fashion basics that can be worn or on adventures – and that is what sets Unbound Merino apart from other wool clothing brands.

WHY UNBOUND MERINO

Unbound merino crafts soft, high-quality merino wool into stylish and versatile “fashion basics,” making a tiny wardrobe versatile enough for any situation.

Unbound Merino makes Merino wool basics, done well.

Look at any piece of Unbound Merino gear, and you find the same thing – a timeless piece of very basic clothing that is cut very well and minimal branding.

Unbound Merino takes the finest available Merino Wool, ethically and sustainably sourced from Australia, and uses it for timeless yet stylishly basic wardrobe pieces – like t-shirts, hoodies, sweat pants, and knit sweaters – all in solid colors.

If you are building a minimalist or travel-ready wardrobe, why are “basics” so great?

• Because fashion “basics” don’t go out of style: they’ve been in style for nearly a century, so your wardrobe won’t go out of style
• The functional versatility of basics is very high – which is why you often wear solid colored t-shirts to the office, the gym, on your hike, and to the bars at night – you get more use out of a single piece of clothing
• Fashion basics layer and pair well in style and function : A Merino wool t-shirt keeps you warm and layers well under a Merino hoodie or sweater, and additionally on top of Merino wool sweat pants.  A wardrobe like that adapts quickly from a day at the beach to a night in cool mountains.

And Unbound Merino beats the competition in how it does these basics.

I’ve tested three pieces of Unbound Merino gear – the Unbound T-shirt , the Merino Hoodie , and the Merino Polo .

All three clothing pieces have been around for nearly a century and are still in style with no sign of going out of style.

• T-shirt: Invented 1898
• Polo shirt: Invented 1896
• Hoodie: Invented in the 1930’s

The cut on all three pieces was modern, fashion-forward, and stylish in a less trendy but more timeless way

The natural stretch (on top of the natural properties of Merino wool) made them comfortable to wear through any activity – hiking, pull-ups between work, motorbiking, etc.

Finally, the great quality knit and double stitching (more than I’ve seen on other shirts) means 1) I can wear these pieces harder than others without worrying about failing during a trip, and 2) I’ll be able to use them longer, making them worth the investment.

Any Merino Wool is better than getting none, but Unbound Merino executes in a way that improves the function and comfort of its shirts.

Is Unbound Merino good for Travelers?

Unbound Merino is perfect for travelers, especially minimalist travelers.

I traveled the world with only a single 40-liter REI backpack and later a 45-liter GORUCK backpack for the last four years, so I know something about travel and minimalist wardrobes.

Because Unbound Merino’s shirts do what they claim and are so comfortable, you could seriously get away with having only 2 for a year-long trip, even if you don’t get to wash for a couple of weeks or end up in some sweaty climates.

The amount of space taking Merino shirts will save you absolutely makes it worth it – but the style and comfort from getting Unbound Merino gear make the purchase a no-brainer.

IS UNBOUND MERINO GOOD FOR DAILY MINIMALIST WARDROBES?

Unbound Merino gear is, in my opinion, absolutely solid for minimalists planning a daily wardrobe.

In the year before I left for travel around the world, I moved to a minimalist lifestyle to declutter everything and get back to the basics.  For my wardrobe, the basics were suits and slacks for work, jeans, t-shirts, and a hoodie, with a few pieces to layer on for weekend hikes.

The emptied closet not only felt less cluttered but made picking outfits daily easier.  Also, the emptier closet made packing up a storage unit to travel the world a lot easier – and the clothes in my closet naturally fit into my minimalist travel wardrobe.

Though Unbound Merino wasn’t established yet when  I went through my process of minimizing, Unbound Merino’s shirts would have been a great choice and easy fit for that daily, minimalist wardrobe.

If you want to minimize your daily wear wardrobe, I highly recommend checking out Unbound Merino’s basics and Unbound Merino’s packages .

ABOUT UNBOUND MERINO

Quick facts about unbound merino.

• Established in December 2016
• All wool is ethically and humanely sourced from independent farms in Australia
• Committed to designing/constructing clothes that stand up to abuse and a lifetime of wear
• Designed with the idea of using the high-performance nature of Merino wool in understated clothing, stylish enough to wear anywhere

IN UNBOUND MERINO’S OWN WORDS

“In a world dominated by fast fashion, we’ve slowed things down. We produce timeless, versatile pieces that have you looking great in any situation and can be worn for weeks on end without needing a wash. Unbound Merino will declutter your life, allow you to travel lighter than ever, and focus on the things that actually matter. Behind every simple piece we create there are three extraordinary benefits – Simplicity, Versatility and Performance.”

“We reject disposable and flashy seasonal trends. We forgo logos that have you standing out in a crowd. Instead, our statements of true quality are made quietly and with purpose. We believe the best design is no design at all and less really is better.”

“We want you to pack and own less, that means our designs have to do more. Our understated and stylish clothing ensures you will look your best anywhere life takes you.”

“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.”

(Quotes taken from Unbound Merino’s About page – so eloquent I couldn’t resist sharing them

MY EXPERIENCE WITH UNBOUND MERINO

Over the past month, I’ve tested the Unbound Merino T-shirt , the Unbound Merino Hoodie , and their Polo shirt .

For the entire time of the testing period, I’ve lived and explored Bali during the hottest time of the year, averaging 34.4 Celsius / ~93 Fahrenheit and the rainiest time of the year.  During this hot yet wet month (all of April), I wore the shirt on motorbike adventures from the sun-soaked beaches to the cool highlands around the island’s volcanoes, through countless surprise rainstorms, over days straight of wear while bouncing between a few of the many islands here, while nervously sweating doing standup comedy, and a few workouts, treks, and post-surf yoga sessions.

This adventurous lifestyle in such a hot, wet, and varied environment may not seem like the perfect place to wear wool – but that’s why this test was so perfect.

My goal was to wear Unbound Merino through as many hard use conditions as possible for as long as possible, to see how comfortable the clothing kept me feeling and how long each piece could thrive between washes while still smelling acceptably fresh.

The quick verdict: I found all three pieces to feel great, look good, and stay fresh after weeks of nasty use and bad hygiene.  There wasn’t a single experience in which the gear didn’t perform well.  The great performance of Unbound Merino’s clothing was partly due to the great quality Merino wool, partly due to the thoughtful and reliable construction (stitching, other materials), and partly due to timeless “basics” and easy-to-wear style.

Unbound’s gear has earned a permanent place in my wardrobe.

I’ll review each piece of gear quickly here and in-depth in its own post, but I’ll summarize my experiences with all three pieces first…

UNBOUND’S GEAR FEELS PLEASANTLY “WORN IN” FROM FIRST WEAR, PERFORMS WELL IN ALL TEMPERATURES

All three pieces (t-shirt, polo, and hoodie) felt soft on the skin from the very first wear – comparable to that soft on the skin feeling you get with 100% cotton t-shirts that have been washed hundreds of times.  In the Merino and wool gear I’ve tested, this has been the biggest factor in whether I actually could or will wear a shirt for days.  For instance, my beloved Pendleton wool flannel is too itchy to wear directly on the skin, and my cheaper Woolly brand t-shirt took a good six months of wash and wear to feel “cotton t-shirt soft.”

On the other hand, Unbound’s Merino felt soft right out of the package – hence why I was able to wear it for a week straight right after my gear arrived.

UNBOUND’S GEAR STAYED COMFORTABLE IN HOT TEMPERATURES

Most of my travel-ready clothing is black, which is great for hiding dirt but horrible in blazing Bali heat…unless it’s a good wool shirt.

Unbound’s shirt (t-shirt and polo) perfectly balanced the weight and density of the wool knit so that even in the heat, the wool felt light on the skin and the opposite of smothering.  That perfect weight combined with Merino’s natural sweat wicking and moisture management properties meant I stayed comfortable and dry after hours of motorbiking and hiking in the Bali sun, and that’s wearing black!

When I first felt the Unbound t-shirt, it felt slightly lightweight, almost see-through, which worried me.  I later realized that lighter weight made it a perfect base layer or stylish t-shirt on hot, sunny days.

And that weight stayed just as comfortable on cool nights.

Though I “live” 5 minutes from the beach in Bali, where temperatures regularly reach the 90’s Fahrenheit / 30’s Celsius, my latest adventures took me to the cool highlands around Ubud and Sidemen (next to the volcano, Mount Agung).  The temperature can be a chilly 20 to 30 degrees cooler in these areas, but the t-shirt and polo handled the switch with absolutely no issues, still feeling comfortable.  Once the temps dropped into the 60’s Fahrenheit, throwing the Merino Hoodie on top added that perfect “crisp” of warmth – while still staying stylish, mind you.

AND GREAT FOR ANY CONDITIONS, YOU CAN THROW AT IT

One of Merino wool’s most awesome and unsung benefits is how it can dry quickly even while being worn.  I experienced this firsthand after getting caught in a rainstorm for an hour-long ride.

As we were motorbiking the hour ride from Ubud (cool, high country) to Canggu (beachy paradise), we got caught in a normal yet sudden rainy season torrent of rain.  I rode for about 10 minutes, getting wet along the way before I found a turnoff to throw on my rain jacket (the waterproof yet breathable Bluffworks Field Jacket fyi, which paired amazingly well with the T-shirt and hoodie).  I rode in the rain with a rain jacket over my now wet Unbound t-shirt for about 30 minutes before arriving in sunny Canggu. 

By the time I’d arrived in Canggu and fully escaped the storm, the t-shirt underneath had already dried and was still smelling fresh (or at least neutral).

ADD THE MERINO HOODIE AND A WINDPROOF/WATERPROOF RAIN SHELL FOR ALL-CONDITION READINESS

The experience of getting caught in the rain and adding my rain jacket on top of the t-shirt – and drying so quickly – made me realized how potent Merino wool could be when layered well.

I layered the Merino Hoodie over my t-shirt and under my Bluffworks jacket during another trip through the mountains. 

Not only does the Merino hoodie feel good on the skin – thanks to using the same awesome Merino – but it has a slim, stretchy fit that layers well under jackets.  If you are traveling to cooler mountain climates or traveling in the winter, I highly recommend the Merino hoodie.  The more I use it, the more practical I realize it is, all while still being classically stylish and comfy.

Bottom line: The combination of soft and high-quality Merino wool with the lighter weight knit in the Merino wool t-shirt makes it the best I’ve tested for warmer climates and varied conditions – helping it dry quickly whether on your skin or drying overnight after a sink wash.  This performance combo makes this shirt a no brainer for minimalist and one bag travelers

PIECE BY PIECE UNBOUND MERINO REVIEW AND EXPERIENCES

Unbound merino t-shirt review.

In short, the Unbound Merino T-shirt is awesome.  The simple, classic styling of their V-neck wool t-shirt made it a versatile piece in my wardrobe – looking good as I performed standup comedy and survived Canggu nightlife.  Functional, solid construction allowed enough natural stretch to stay comfortable through all activities – yoga, calisthenics, hiking, motorbiking, and boringly sitting at a desk for hours.

My favorite part of this t-shirt is the cut of the design and the fabric’s resilience after days of wear.

The shirt’s fit is modernly slim, fitting comfortably yet slimly at the shoulders, arms, and waist, without being too tight and without unnecessary bagginess.  This trim design gives the shirt a classier look that transitions easily from day to night.

The resilience, or slight stretch, within the fabric stays with days of wear, meaning this t-shirt fits and feels the same way on day one or day 12.  I have never owned a cotton tee with that same readiness for extended wear.

Lastly, the odor resistance, sweat management properties of this shirt rock.  I wore this shirt for two weeks without a wash in which I motorbiked and traveled between Indonesian islands, worked out, performed on stage, stood in smoke-filled bars, and more.  At the end of the two weeks, the shirt still felt good and smelled “neutral” at best.

This shirt could easily be your only shirt for an entire trip.  Buy two, and you have all the shirts you need.

If you’re a minimalist or a traveler looking for multi-functional clothes that do more, get the Unbound Merino T-shirt.  It’s worth the price tag.

Click here to discover more about the Unbound Merino T-Shirt

Click here to review the full Unbound Merino T-Shirt Review

Unbound Merino Hoodie Review

The Unbound Merino hoodie is another solid reboot of a classic. 97% ultrafine Merino wool for performance and 3% elastane to give this breathable knit hoodie’s fabric resilience and a modern, slim fit.

Hoodies have been around for nearly a century because they are equally stylish in an urban, modern way and functional because they feel cozy and lock the cold out.  Unfortunately, most hoodies are made of cotton or synthetics, making them too bulky for travel, not warm enough for much cooler conditions, and prone to getting funky and smelly.

The Unbound Merino hoodie solves is more packable and compressible and warmer than cotton, and synthetic hoodies will still keep you warm when wet and will go for months of wear without a wash.

Though I normally lean toward techy gear for my insulation layers – like the M-65 field jacket liner or quarter zip synthetic base layers – I was taken off guard by how well this hoodie performs while still be stylish.

For my test, this hoodie was my go-to insulation layer for evening trips in the cool hill and rice country of Bali, around Ubud, and in the still picturesque area of Sidemen.  The Merino hoodie kept me warmer than I’d expect and never felt “too warm.”

The knit sweater construction of the Merino hoodie allowed me to pack it down to the size of a couple of folded shirts.  This packability allowed me to fit the hoodie and about four days’ worth of clothes into an 8-inch x 12-inch x 2-inch packing cube – proof that the Unbound Hoodie is minimalist traveler friendly.

The Merino wool knit is heavily breathable, meaning once the wind kicks up, you will lose some heat, but pair this hoodie with a waterproof shell jacket (I use the Bluffworks Field Jacket ), and you’ll be equally ready for cool cities and impromptu mountain adventures – and stylishly minimalist every step of the way.

Just like with the Unbound Merino t-shirt, whether you are a minimalist that is aiming for highly multi-functional pieces for your wardrobe or a traveler planning to wander the world with a single bag and you need packable garments that keep you ready for (almost) anything, the Unbound Merino hoodie will likely make your travels easier, more stylish, and more comfortable.

Click here to discover more about the Unbound Merino Hoodie

Unbound Merino Polo Review

As much as I love the classic, basic t-shirt, sometimes we have to step up our “professionalism” a bit.  In those cases (which I honestly don’t experience much anymore), having a polo t-shirt is very handy.  But honestly, these polos are great for dressing up for a date, going on stage.

I did one comedy set in the polo tee for a full test, and I got more than a handful of comments about how shockingly professional I looked.

Was I having a business meeting before? 

Was I going on a date?

I got these comments jokingly (it was a comedy club anyways) the entire night.  Though they were half-serious, I did get many compliments on how nice the Merino Polo.

In addition to the “dressed up” look, the Merino Polo delivers performance along the same lines as the Unbound Merino tee shirt – although the Merino Polo is 53% superfine Merino wool, 47% Polyester.  However, as comfortable as I would be wearing this shirt for a week between washes (I promise to test it soon), the synthetic polyester, which lends a little more softness and stretch, will dampen the odor resistance and the durability of the shirt compared to the 100% Merino wool t-shirt. 

Don’t get me wrong, this polo is still fantastic, better than most, and a great option for travelers – however – I recommend picking up the 100 % Merino wool t-shirt by Unbound first, thanks to its hard-wearing versatility.  Then, if you want one shirt to “class up,” add the Merino Polo, and you’ll be ready for anything.

Whereas many travelers opt for one Merino wool button-down dress shirt as their one nice shirt, I find those shirts to be overkill for most, and if you’re in a warmer climate, the Merino Polo is much better, more comfortable option.

If you’re a traveler and need one shirt that is just professional enough and looks good enough for a seriously classy date, the Merino Polo is worth adding to your bag.

Click here to discover more about the Unbound Merino Polo

HOW UNBOUND MERINO COMPARES TO OTHER TOP MERINO WOOL BRANDS

Outlier vs. unbound merino.

I have more than a few pieces of Outlier gear, including the Outlier Merino Cut One shirt – which is another amazing Merino wool shirt in fit, function, and quality but also clocks in about $45 more expensive at $120 a shirt.

The major difference I found between the Unbound Merino t-shirt and the Outlier shirt was weight – the Outlier Merino shirt had a tighter knit and heavier feel.  Though the Outlier Merino shirt was awesome, I found the lighter feel of the unbound Merino to suit my travels through hot climates and cool climates better as the lighter Unbound shirt managed moisture better in the hot sun.  Pairing the Unbound t-shirt with the hoodie at night solved the problems of being cool.

So which is better, Outlier’s Merino shirt or Unbound Merino’s shirt?  Honestly – both.  My ideal wardrobe would have the Unbound t-shirt, perfectly suited for hot climates, and one of the heavier Outlier Merino shirts.

However, if your budget can’t handle that, opt for two Unbound T-shirts, and you’ll be equally satisfied.

WOOLLY CLOTHING VS. UNBOUND MERINO

Woolly clothing delivers cheaper (~$15 cheaper) Merino v-neck t-shirts than Unbound Merino; however, there is a noticeable difference.

The ultrafine Merino in Unbound is soft to the touch on the skin from day 1.  With Woolly, though Woolly is using Merino wool, there will be a slight itch as it breaks in.  Now, I use my Unbound shirt for daily wear and the Woolly shirt as a baselayer for hiking or situations wherein I would care if my Unbound Merino shirt was damaged, but I don’t care much about damaging my Woolly shirt.

For the extra $15, I recommend opting for Unbound Merino.

THE VERDICT ON UNBOUND MERINO (WHAT, AND WHO FOR)

Unbound’s gear all-around lives up to Unbound’s promise of “simple gear with extraordinary performance.”   Great quality materials, great construction, timeless and comfortable fit and style, and the performance you need to wear for extended periods in all conditions.

If you are a minimalist aiming to buy fewer pieces of clothing that are more versatile, last longer, and are worth the money – I highly recommend Unbound Merino.

If you are a traveler (or “onebagger”) aiming to build a wardrobe that fits in a carry on sized backpack but will keep you ready and comfortable through most anything as you travel the world (like me), add a few key Unbound Merino pieces to your back.

All around, I highly recommend Unbound Merino

Now that you know why Unbound Merino, read the following in-depth reviews to understand which pieces to add to your wardrobed

• Full Unbound Merino T-shirt review**
• Full Unbound Merino Hoodie review**
• Full Unbound Merino Polo review**

If you already know which Merino wool tops you’ll be getting, I highly reading our reviews for these other pieces of high-performance, minimalist travel gear.

• The Bluffworks Field Jacket – is the most stylish travel-ready rain shell I’ve found
• The Outlier Futureworks all wear chinos – which I rocked for three years
• The Western Rise Evolution Pants – the highest performance jeans I’ve found

Last, check out our list of my 15 favorite backpacks for minimalist world travel

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carlos is a nomad, slow traveler, and writer dedicated to helping others live abroad and travel better by using his 7+ years of experience living abroad and background as a management consultant and financial advisor to help other nomad and expats plot better paths for an international lifestyle. Click here to learn more about Carlos's story.

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Travel Unbounded - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Travel Unbounded - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Bland Brand with Lukewarm Product

From their Instagram, I only get superficial values and no diversity. Reed the room, market is changing, customers are diverse and you still look like a 1950s brand. These days a brand has to be so much more then their product (which is not worth the asking price neither). Also, they only post positive reviews.

Date of experience : February 05, 2024

I am obsessed with these shirts

I am obsessed with these shirts! I’ve been travelling with a small carry on and almost exclusively unbound clothing and the material has held up so well! Love!

Date of experience : March 13, 2024

My favourite t-shirts.

The Unbound t-shirts are some of the nicest ones in my wardrobe. They fit perfectly and are very flattering. I also love the hoodie which is perfect for travelling.

Date of experience : March 12, 2024

The Unbound Merino is a game changer…

The Unbound Merino is a game changer for traveler. Made from high quality merino wool. In my experience, It’s soft, durable and versatile. Highly recommend for those seeking comfort and convenience on the go!

Date of experience : January 25, 2024

Return customer, highly recommend!

I’ve been wearing Unbound for a few years now. I love the practicality of their clothes, both for travelling and day to day. At this point I've owned a bunch of their products.. shirts, hoodies, socks, and most recently their pants. Quality has held up really well, I still have a couple of shirts from way back. The one time I had to contact their customer service for a shipping question they quickly helped me out.

Date of experience : March 06, 2024

Miracle Merino

Extremely comfortable clothing that never disappoints. When planning my trip to Asia I came across Unbound Merino and it was a life saver. Since returning I find myself reaching for my Unbound shirts consistently.

Date of experience : November 20, 2023

Shady listing practices

Shady listing practices with Women’s tshirt- advertised as 100% merino Wool but the ‘white’ (more of a yellowish-off-white) is NOT. It’s still in THE MIDDLE OF the T-shirt scroll however! And still the same outrageous price! If you don’t look closely you wouldn’t even see the copy stating so- a customer service rep very passive aggressively screen shot the listing to send back to me. Shady shady UI. The quality isn’t there either- the trousers I ordered were awful and ill-fitting even following sizing guide and somehow managed to be both too tight and too loose. Look elsewhere.

Date of experience : December 30, 2023

Best T shirt I’ve ever had

I have had my unbound t-shirts for 5 years and they still hold their quality and fit. Love them. Best T-shirts!

Date of experience : March 08, 2024

I really like well made merino wool…

I really like well made merino wool clothing and Unbound Merino does a darn good job with most of their products. Although I've had a couple of issues, their customer services has been excellent! On two occasions, the fabric color got splotchy and they addressed the issue to my satisfaction. Their prices might be a bit higher than the competition, but the quality and fit is really quite good and the customer service makes paying the extra $$ worth it for me.

Date of experience : November 27, 2023

Shirts don't last.

I got a pack of three t-shirts and only wore them a few times before a hole formed. They’re soft and comfortable, but in my experience, they aren’t made for long-term wear. Not worth the price. Customer service wouldn't refund me because they blamed me for the hole. They offered a slight discount to buy a new one, but I had no interest in spending more money for a product that doesn't last. It's a shame, because I've followed this company for years waiting for the women's line to come out.

Date of experience : July 26, 2023

I’ve been buying unbound merino since…

I’ve been buying unbound merino since its inception and feel like I’m a pretty loyal customer by now. Absolutely my favourite t shirts of all time. Highly recommended. Especially to fellow travellers who want to pack less.

Date of experience : June 04, 2023

The trousers I bought took months to…

The trousers I bought took months to arrive and when finally arrived they are made of acstrange material that looks awfully artificial. I suggest you avoid this They mark as made in Canada

Date of experience : October 04, 2023

Deceitful company, 50% hidden charges for international customers

What happened: Ordered clothes that were sent to Denmark (took 2+ weeks). Got message from Danish customs that I must pay another 50% of the purchase price in import charges. This came as a complete surprise as this fact was not disclosed during the ordering process with Unbound. I contacted Unbound and asked them to sort out the charges, but they refused pointing me to a webpage deep within their site saying they won't pay any international charges. How I felt: !!@#! What Unbound should do: Stop selling internationally and publically apologise to their international customers for being so deceitful and contributing to the lack of trust in the world. What you should do: Don't go anywhere near this company.

Date of experience : September 13, 2022

AVOID AT ALL COSTS

I ordered 6 pairs of briefs and two pairs of socks, They took weeks to arrive and a week after they were delivered I received an import duty and tax demand for £62.67 so AVOID BUYING FROM THESE CHARLATANS.

Date of experience : May 08, 2021

I've used Unbound Merino several times…

I've used Unbound Merino several times and their clothes are really nice, no complaints there. But a company is really tested by its customer service ... Ordered a hoodie back in mid-August but Unbound sent it standard by mistake and so it took four weeks to arrive instead of just a few days as before, they insisted I had to wait for delivery before getting a refund. By the time it arrived, three weeks later, I was on holiday and so now has to go back, undeliverable. Unbound are now making me wait until the parcel is returned, even though they have failed to fulfil the contract, and the fault is theirs. I may not get a refund for another four weeks. Numerous emails to customer service are replied to quickly but contain misinformation or blame UK delivery partners when the real fault lies with their own dispatch system. You can tell they are trying to please but a deeply frustrating experience this time.

Date of experience : September 14, 2022

Shady review practices

I’m from the US and so did not experience duty or shipping issues. Love the clothes from this company. I have ordered consistently with no issues for the past 3 years or so. My main complaint is that I received a product that I thought wasn’t well made or worth the $. I wrote a review saying as much. I received a refund for the product (yay!) BUT they did not post my review. That is straight shady.

Date of experience : April 27, 2023

Unbound Merino...Uncommly good customer service

3/25/24 Update: I recently had an experience with an hoodie that I've never washed start to fade and leave the armpits of my t-shirt discolored. Both products are from Unbound Merino. The t-shirt is a light yellow and now has green-ish armpits. Basically, customer service said tough luck, outside the window of warranty but they did give me a 50% discount on my next purchase. I have 3 other brands of merino wool hoodies that do not fade and do not color-bleed, so I consider that a failure of Unbound Merino. Avoid the hoodies, not worth the price. I own a lot...I mean a lot of wool clothing. Unbound Merino may be a bit pricey, but they have the absolute BEST customer service I have had the pleasure dealing with. I've had a couple of problems with some items I bought and they did not hesitate to work with me to find solutions that I think are absolutely fabulous. In one case the problem occurred many months after the purchase and they did not hesitate to replace the item or offer a "web-store" credit. Frankly, that is almost unheard of these days. I currently own at 8 or 9 of their products and love everyone of them. Given my experience with their customer service and how they stand behind their products, I will definitely be buying more things. All the items I've purchased are well made, great looking and fit great. I live in the US and have not had any problems with shipping/delivery. Everything arrives timely and in good shape, in fact, their packaging is sort of like receiving a holiday gift!

Date of experience : May 19, 2023

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‘The Greatest Hits’: Save your time

A time-travel romance falls victim to generic characters and clunky dialogue.

You know how a pop song from a moment in your past can bring that moment back to life in colors, smells, memories and emotions? “The Greatest Hits” takes that idea and literalizes it right into the ground.

The film is one of those romantic fantasies that enlists time travel as the primary obstacle keeping two people from getting together. Make that one of the obstacles; the others in “The Greatest Hits” are the heroine’s growing collection of vinyl records and her habit of wearing noise-canceling headphones wherever she goes. The course of true love never did run smooth.

Harriet (Lucy Boynton) is mourning the loss of her boyfriend Max (David Corenswet) in a car crash that also delivered a bonk to her noggin that allows her to whoosh back in time — but only when she hears a song that triggers a moment the couple had together. Thus the headphones; otherwise, the tunes streaming from supermarket speakers and other people’s car radios would have her constantly yo-yoing back and forth between then and now. The records she’s obsessively collecting are an effort to find the one song that might give her a chance to alter events and keep Max alive.

Does any of this make sense? Of course not. Time-travel romantic fantasy movies never make sense, and when they’re done right, that’s the source of their idiot charm. 2006’s “The Lake House,” which involves Keanu Reeves, Sandra Bullock and a magic mailbox, is a personal gold standard in this regard.

Complicating matters is that Harriet has met a cute guy at a grief counseling support group — that sentence alone announces we’re in Los Angeles — and is hesitant to open up and tell him about the whole trying-to-change-the-flow-of-history thing. David, who has lost both parents to either separate illnesses or just plain carelessness, is played by Justin H. Min, a likable actor who was the sensitive android of the little-seen “After Yang” (2022), a movie that you would be strongly advised to watch instead of this one.

What would it take to make “The Greatest Hits” work? For one thing, a music-rights budget that allowed for songs an average filmgoer might recognize, rather than tracks from the back 40 of Spotify or a disco remix of Roxy Music’s “To Turn You On.” For another, a script that avoids dialogue clunkers like “There’s a reason that in some languages, the word for love and the word for suffering is the same.” (I Googled it — didn’t find any.) Shopworn supporting stereotypes like the heroine’s sassy gay Black friend (Austin Crute) don’t help.

The prime offender, though, is writer-director Ned Benson’s inability to create three-dimensional characters, or even believable two-dimensional ones. Harriet is apparently a record producer, but we only know that from one dated reference to Alan Parsons and a brief scene of her telling singer Nelly Furtado to “add a little more compression on the drums”; otherwise, she’s an attractive blank space that Boynton strains too hard to fill in. The dead boyfriend, Max, is even more generic — a genial himbo with all the flavor of a catalogue model.

Benson made a stir with his debut, a three-film project called “The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby” (2014) that looked at a relationship from his, her and their points of view. His belated follow-up, by contrast, has barely enough personality for one. But he gets points for including the dreadful Kars4Kids jingle as one of the audio jogs that sends Harriet tumbling back in time — for a brief moment, the rest of “The Greatest Hits” seems much less irritating in comparison.

PG-13. Streaming on Hulu. Drug use, strong language and suggestive material. 94 minutes.

Ty Burr is the author of the movie recommendation newsletter Ty Burr’s Watch List at tyburrswatchlist.com .

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• ‘The Greatest Hits’: Save your time April 11, 2024 ‘The Greatest Hits’: Save your time April 11, 2024

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I Packed So Many Cute Outfits for Spring Break, but Ended Up Wearing This Amazon Swim Cover-up 9 Days in a Row

And it's only $20.

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Travel + Leisure / Madison Woiten

Forget checking the mail or going on a grocery run. The first thing that I do when I get home from traveling is throw all of the clothes in my suitcase in the washer. But two weeks ago, when I returned from a nine-day vacation in Nicaragua , I unpacked my beloved rose gold Calpak carry-on — only to find that most of its contents were already clean. Did my luggage enjoy a visit from the elusive laundry fairies during transit? Unlikely. The real reason that I didn’t need to do an entire load was that I'd spent most of the trip wearing the same sexy little number .

In 2020, I bought the Wander Agio Beach Cover-up , which was trending at Amazon at the time. I loved it so much that I wanted it in another color for my Central American sojourn, where I’d be beach hopping at Rancho Santana and socializing poolside at Verdad Nicaragua . Unfortunately, it was (and still is) unavailable. But, I was able to find something similar just in time: the Harhay Crochet Swimsuit  Cover-Up . If you appreciate affordability and comfort, and don’t mind fielding questions from other travelers about where you got it, it’s one of the best swimsuit cover-ups out there. 

Harhay Crochet Swimsuit Cover-up

Yes, it’s 100 percent polyester. But this $20 top-seller doesn’t look cheap. It could easily pass as a $200 hand-crocheted piece that you’d expect to find in a chic boutique. On that note, the only thing I don’t like about this cover-up is that it’s hand-wash-only (to prevent stretching and snagging). Still, dirt and sand shake off of it easily, so you get plenty of wear time in between washes. In Nicaragua, I wore it all day, rinsed it off in the shower (and in the hotel sink), hung it up to dry on my balcony, and by the next morning, it was always good to go.

Katie Jackson

Although I got this cover-up in black, I never overheated — even on 90-degree Fahrenheit days — because of its lightweight, breathable crochet fabric. Yet, at the same time, it provided enough coverage that I didn’t get sun-burned or feel too exposed; you can also wear shorts and a tank underneath the cover-up (think: like a poncho or kimono) if you're headed to lunch, drinks, or going on a stroll. And unlike the stiff rope hammock souvenirs that I shopped for, it’s super soft. That was probably the number one reason why I always reached for it during my trip. Of course, I was also a fan of how flattering it looked. Shout out to the designer who somehow managed to create something equal parts casual, comfortable, and cute. 

The Harhay Crochet Swimsuit Cover-up currently comes in 31 colors, including some fun multi-color options that are perfect for beach getaways. It’s also available in several different patterns and styles; some even have decorative laces on the neckline . The drawstring side tassels, however, are what make this one-size-fits-all piece work well for so many different body types. I love to go with the flowy look, but when I want to highlight my hourglass waist, I just tighten the tassels. I’m 5-foot, 5 inches with a slim build, and about 115 pounds. However, I read rave reviews from shoppers of all sizes. Hence, why this cover-up has more than 17,400 five-star ratings (and was bought more than 1,000 times in the last month, according to Amazon). 

It was called "absolutely flattering" by a 5-foot, 2 inch shopper , who shared that they have a "big chest and hips." Chiming in, another shopper , who is 5-foot, 6 inches and 215 pounds, said that they were “so glad I ordered this cover-up" and that they will "live in this during the cruise we are going on in December.”

Taking a cue from my style book, a third traveler raved that it was "very soft and comfortable" to wear this cover-up with shorts on their trip to Jamaica, and another shopper highlighted that their "favorite part is that the back is slightly longer than the front, so I was able to wear it around the condo during our vacation without shorts or anything else because I felt adequately covered." 

Currently, I’m traveling around Cairns, Australia. My checked luggage didn’t make it — I blame the tight connection in Brisbane — but I’m not complaining because, as I learned from my last trip, I packed this cover-up in my carry-on. From breakfast in bougie Palm Cove, to a sunset cruise on the Great Barrier Reef (and all the day’s activities in between), it’s all I need. 

That said, you don’t have to travel all the way to Nicaragua or Tropical North Queensland to appreciate the Harhay Crochet Swimsuit Cover-up . Even if you’re just going to the nearest beach for a three-day weekend, it’s well worth it. And if you’re not sure about the look, but you love the price, keep scrolling to check out some other popular bathing suit cover-ups all Amazon, all under $50. 

More Swim Cover-ups at Amazon:

Anrabess crochet swimsuit cover-up, blooming jelly drawstring beach dress shirt, ekouaer bell-sleeve swimsuit cover-up, avidlove v-neck swimsuit cover-up dress, bsubseach tie-dye open-front swimsuit cover-up.

At the time of publishing, the price started at $20. 

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• ‘Things Will Be Different’ Review: A Time-Travel Thriller With A Twist – Overlook Film Festival

By Damon Wise

Film Editor, Awards

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If 2024 is the year American voters will experience a sense of déjà vu at the ballot box, it’s also likely to go down as the year that fans of indie genre cinema will feel it at the box office. From Sundance to SXSW, a surprising number of films have had fun with the concept of time, whether in terms of history literally repeating itself ( Timestalker , Omni Loop , Desert Road ) or presenting new angles on the same set of events ( Little Death, It’s What’s Inside , and, to a certain degree, even the animated kids film 10 Lives ).

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As is the case with Benson and Moorhead’s own projects, Felker’s film comes with a whole unseen backstory that could probably sustain a feature-length prequel: a brother and sister — Joseph (Adam David Thompson) and Sidney (Riley Dandy) — arrange to meet at a remote diner after carrying out a robbery of some kind. They need to lay low for a couple of weeks, and Joseph has been given the use of a safe house. “What’s the backup?” Sidney asks. “There is no backup,” he replies.

The sound of police sirens brings their rendezvous to a premature end, and so the duo head off to what seems to be an abandoned house on the edge of the nearby woods. As the law closes in, Joseph sets into motion an elaborate ritual that involves setting the time to ten past two on a pair of grandfather clocks and making a cryptic call on a dial-phone. Instantly, they are sent back to some unspecified time, perhaps the 1990s if the VHS tapes and CDs are an indicator. All they have to do, says Joseph, is hang tight for 14 days.

Clearly, however, that’s not what’s in store, and when the two-week period is up, they find that access to the portal back has mysteriously been sabotaged. Instructed to go to “the mill,” they find a private chapel and a desiccated corpse, which Joseph identifies as the woman who supplied him with the keys to the safe house. A sinister message is carved on to the altar: “You are in the grip of the vise. Give in or join them.”

Anyone even remotely acquainted with Benson and Moorhead’s work will know that the plot is about to thicken in ways that will never be fully reconciled, and that loose ends are part of the rich fabric of films like 2017’s The Endless and its 2019 follow-up Synchronic . Genre-wise, it starts to border on the supernatural, too, as Sidney becomes obsessed with the provenance of the house and its previous occupants. But all the way through, Thompson and Dandy keep it grounded, even when “the vise” offers to strike a deal with them: there are strangers coming, and if Joseph and Sidney kill them, they will be returned to their own time.

There’s obviously quite a lot to unpack in all that, and casual consumers of popcorn sci-fi will probably be overwhelmed by the avalanche of ideas here, not just in the story line but quirky little details like a Dictaphone that travels between time zones. Fortune favors the prepared, however, and those willing to get swept up and carried along by its playful Moebius-strip logic will be richly rewarded.

Title: Things Will Be Different Director-screenwriter: Michael Felker Cast: Adam David Thompson, Riley Dandy, Chloe Skoczen, Justin Benson, Sarah Bolger Sales agent:  XYZ Running time:  1 hr 42 min

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Travel: Prehistoric drawings can be seen in Ohio at Leo Petroglyphs

Humans have always been eager to leave a creative mark on the world, tangible evidence of an artist’s thoughts or actions that might educate, entertain – or perhaps bewilder – current and future generations.

Humans hadn’t even made it to the Americas when the earliest-known cave paintings were created more than 40,000 years ago in what is now Indonesia.

But, millennia later, prehistoric Americans did make their mark. Ohio has several sites where early artists or scribes left enduring evidence of their creativity.

Spring getaways: State Park lodges make perfect destinations for families, couples

The state’s most well-known group of petroglyphs – prehistoric stone carvings – is probably Leo Petroglyphs and Nature Preserve in Jackson County, about 75 miles southeast of Columbus. (The site gets its name from the nearby village of Leo, not from one of the prehistoric artists.)

A large slab of relatively soft sandstone served as a canvas for the artists, who probably belonged to the Fort Ancient culture, a people who also may have created Ohio’s Serpent Mound (not to mention the earthworks for whom the culture is named).

Among the carvings are figures that seem to represent people, human footprints, birds and other animals, and a few enigmatic symbols.

Whether or not the carvings were meant to represent specific ideas, instructions or just the creative musings of the carvers is still a matter of speculation.

Erosion of the carvings dates their creation to around 1,000 years ago. Today, the carvings are protected by a modern shelter house that also provides a roof for visiting picnickers.

The nature preserve at Leo Petroglyphs protects about 20 acres, including a gorge where stone outcroppings contain other stone carvings.

A ½-mile trail makes a loop around the gorge, beginning and ending at the shelter house.

The wooded hike takes about 30 minutes and provides a glimpse of the kind of landscape that might have inspired those early artists along their way to and from the petroglyph stone.

Another well-known and easily visited example of early Ohio petroglyphs is at Inscription Rock on Kelleys Island in Lake Erie.

The rock, on the south shore of the island near the Kelleys Island Ferry landing, was partially buried when discovered by early settlers in 1833.

More: 7 small Ohio towns and villages perfect for your next day trip

The site is probably not as old as the Leo Petroglyphs, dating from perhaps 800 years ago.

Although Inscription Rock is also protected by a modern shelter, the rock has been so eroded that it’s hard to clearly see the carvings today. But an informational display at the site includes a depiction of the stone from a drawing made in 1850, showing more strange and enigmatic figures, animals and symbols that should provide a satisfying puzzle for any aspiring amateur archeological cryptographers.

Visitors to Kelleys Island should also be sure to visit Glacial Grooves Geological Preserve , an example of Mother Nature’s own artistry, carved by massive boulders dragged by glaciers during the last Ice Age.

Travelers who find themselves fascinated by ancient rock carvings should consider a trip to the American West, where several large sites display a vast array of petroglyphs covering a vast span of history.

One of the most popular and accessible destinations is Petroglyphs National Monument , just a few miles outside downtown Albuquerque, New Mexico, where visitors can see one of the largest petroglyph sites in North America.

Short trails lead visitors past designs, both strange and familiar, carved into volcanic rocks strewn about like cyclopian Legos.

The carvings at the national monument are probably a bit younger than the Ohio sites and are credited to both Native Americans and early Spanish settlers from between 400 to 700 years ago.

Steve Stephens is a freelance travel writer and photographer. Email him at  [email protected] .

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Race Across the World review: Return of BBC smash proves travel is best without a smartphone

The hit bbc travel-adventure show returns for its fourth series, and is best understood as being like tourism but in a more intense, concentrated and indeed exhausting form, article bookmarked.

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I have to admit that I find travel so exhausting that I’m at a loss as to why anyone would willingly watch an episode of Race Across the World , let alone have the stamina to keep up with the whole nine hours of viewing that lies before us.

Having tagged along vicariously for the first leg of their journey, north to south across most of Japan, Race is best understood as being like tourism but in a more intense, condensed, concentrated and indeed exhausting form. The five pairs of contestants, ranging from annoying siblings barely in their twenties to a reassuringly mellow couple in their sixties, are tasked with travelling from snowy Sapporo in northern Japan down to the paradise island of Lombok in Indonesia, via various waypoints in Korea, Cambodia and Malaysia – some 15,000 kilometres in total.

Just like any backpacking holiday, the idea is that you move as fast as possible for the least cost (the budget is fixed at £1,390, the price of two air tickets from Japan to Indonesia), and in order to make the best of the adventure try and squeeze in some sightseeing, local culture and pick up a bit of casual work along the way to pay the bills. So it is a race, in the sense that you want to get to the checkpoints and to Lombok first, and win the £20,000 prize money, but to do it within budget and with some actual pleasure along the way. It’s all about balancing these priorities, and that essential nuance gives the show its charm. The only forms of transport that are banned are planes and the ultra-fast Japanese bullet trains, which would spoil the vibe. They should probably call it “The Sort-of Race Across the World”, if accuracy is the thing.

This, therefore, isn’t a full-on scramble, like some version of Challenge Anneka or a leisurely, carefree Portillo-esque travelogue , but one where the contestants have to find a more optimal vacation balance. It was interesting that the winners on this first Japanese leg are Eugenie and Isabel, a mother and daughter who took a pretty long detour to see the isolated, tranquil and lovely offshore island of Sado, on the “wrong” coast from the point of view of sheer speed. It’s so off the beaten track, even for the Japanese, that it was once used as a place of exile for out of favour politicians and the like.

Yet they still arrived, after five days on the road and having missed a connection, two minutes before twins Alfie and Owen, who just about managed to squeeze in a glimpse of Mount Fuji along their supposedly efficient but actually overly panicky and rushed route. It seems that Isabel’s impressive attempt to get a random Japanese boy to teach her the language on a long bus ride paid off; public signage makes little concession to the foreigner, and the universally friendly citizenry speak surprisingly little English. Our contestants don’t remark on it, but Japanese society is an evidently self-sufficient affair, something visitors always find a novelty.

Stephen and Ivy, the retired couple, aren’t that bothered about coming first, and took their opportunity to tarry at a wasabi farm, pulling up roots, burning their mouths off and cadging a useful lift. Maybe it was something about the famous sauce, but Ivy unloaded how “unintentionally offensive” her husband of many years is, just as he’s asking his hosts how old they all are: “Some have learned to tolerate him, but I love him”. Touching.

What’s also striking about Race Across the World , and something sadly impractical in the “real” world away from reality TV, is how much richer the travel experience of all those involved is because they are deprived, under the rules of the show, of their smartphones. They end up exploring their relationships with their journey partners as much as the picturesque countryside and bustling cities.

The young siblings from Yorkshire, Betty and James, for example, seem to be getting to know each other for the first time on Japanese trains and in random cafes, despite having grown up together. Something similar is also true of the two sets of mum and daughter: Eugenie and Isabel, and Sharon and Brydie. Thrown together and almost forced to talk to one another rather than scrolling through social media, their personal odyssey acquires an emotional and, around the Buddhist shrines, a spiritual dimension. As noted by young James, an unimaginative traveller by his own admission, you don’t get that with a week “having it off in Ayia Napa”. A different kind of pursuit, that.

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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