I’ve never been one of those gear-obsessed travelers. I like to pack light and keep things simple. That means you don’t need a fancy drone, heavy DSLR camera, bulky headphones, GoPro, or bulky hiking boots. Anything that doesn’t fit in a 40L backpack should be left at home.
That’s why you rarely see me write about gear or suitcases. I’m a simple person. Get one backpack, put your clothes in it and head out.
But clothes…well, clothes are important. I abuse my clothes a lot. I only carry a few clothes with me, but they end up falling apart from sweating, washing, and drying. On most long trips, you return home with slightly fewer clothes than you brought.
Are there any brands that can withstand my abuse? unbound merino. I’ve been wearing their clothes on the go (and at home) for years.
When I met the founder at an event in Toronto about eight years ago, he said, “Check out these clothes!” I said, “Of course.” Because I wanted to be kind.
But I ended up liking them. They held up well after washing, were lightweight, breathable, and had a great fit.
So, in this post, I will talk about what makes them unique and why I think you should get them.
What is Unbound Merino?
Unbound is a small independent clothing company that started in Canada. The founders, who are avid travelers, quickly realized that on-the-go clothing needed to be durable, versatile, and comfortable.
At the time, merino wool (harvested from merino sheep, which produce extra-fine wool) was only really used for activewear. These types of clothes are fine if you’re going on a hike, but they’re not the kind of clothes you’d want to wear if you’re going on a walking tour in Southeast Asia or visiting museums in Europe.
But Unbound has taken advantage of the versatile fabric of merino wool to create a line of travel wear suitable for all types of trips, from backpacking trips to weekend getaways.
Their goal was to design a shirt that would last. Sure, it means it’s more expensive, but you’re paying for quality and durability. In the long run, it will actually save you money (and be better for the planet).
I’ve been wearing Unbound clothes for about 8 years now and have never been disappointed. Durable, comfortable, stylish and has everything you need while traveling.
What I like about Unbound
These travel clothes are some of the most versatile on the market. Made with merino wool, unbound merino Clothes won’t smell even after being worn every day for weeks. Seriously! Merino wool has antibacterial properties, so it’s very difficult to get odors on your clothes, even if you’re in a warm climate. In fact, one of our co-founders wore the same shirt for 46 days before washing it and it still didn’t smell. That’s crazy!
Clothes don’t wrinkle easily, which is very convenient if you travel with only carry-on luggage like I do. When you pack your clothes into a backpack, they usually end up all wrinkled and messy. With Unbound, that problem is nipped in the bud.
Plus, the clothes are super lightweight (again, perfect for carry-on only travelers). When you’re on the go for weeks (or months) at a time, every pound counts. Lighter clothing means you don’t have to carry around a very heavy suitcase or backpack. To me, that’s a win.
And finally, the clothes look stylish. Most of Unbound’s gear comes in monochrome colors, making it easy to wear to dinner, museums, walking tours, and more.
my favorite unbound clothes
Here are some of my favorite Unbound clothes. The following are the clothes I bring on almost every trip.
Merino crew neck T-shirt – This is the shirt I often travel with. Comfortable and breathable, it’s perfect for almost any destination. Casual enough for days at the beach and nice enough to wear to a museum or dinner. If you’re traveling, you probably have some in your backpack.
long sleeve merino crew – This is a long sleeve version of the shirt above, perfect for cooler temperatures. I wear these (albeit casual) when walking around Europe at night or when I’m going somewhere where I need something a little better than a t-shirt.
travel pants – I’ve worn these on a variety of occasions, including hiking, traveling all over Europe, and traveling throughout Asia. It offers the perfect balance of comfort and durability. I always take it with me when I travel. I can’t recommend it enough.
Advantages of Unbound Merino Garments
- High quality, stylish and versatile
- Resistant to odor and wrinkles
- lightweight and comfortable
- Breathable and moisture wicking
- Stays warm even when wet (useful if you’re trekking through the rainforest or caught in a downpour)
Disadvantages of Unbound Merino Clothing
- Initial cost is high
- Do some tricks to make your clothes last longer
Unbound Merino Frequently Asked Questions
Is Unbound Merino Mulsing free?
yes. Mulesing (also known as live lamb mutilation) is the removal of strips of skin containing wool from the rear end of a sheep to prevent parasitic infections. This is a controversial practice and considered inhumane by many. That’s why Unbound Merino only works with independent farms without mulesing.
Aren’t wool clothes tingling?
no! Merino wool is different from traditional wool. It’s very soft and fine so it doesn’t sting.
How should I wash and care for Unbound Merino clothing?
When you feel your clothes are ready to be washed, turn them inside out to prevent pilling and follow the specific instructions on the clothes tag. You can also hand wash your clothes, so if you only need to wash one item during your trip, that’s easier. We recommend laying your clothes flat on a towel or rack to air dry. Never put merino wool clothing in the dryer. It will shrink.
Are there any disadvantages to merino wool or unbound merino clothing?
Due to their high quality and attention to ethical manufacturing practices, Unbound Merino clothing costs more than the price of a T-shirt or pants. However, because of that, it will last much longer (and perform better) than cheaper alternatives. Eventually, over time, you’ll spend less and won’t have to buy new clothes as often. This is a win in my opinion.
I love Unbound clothes. Comfortable, versatile, and stylish, it’s a must-have for any trip. No matter where you go or what you do, there’s bound to be something for you at Unbound. Best of all, new customers receive 10% off their first order using this link.
Travel booking: logistics tips and tricks
Book a flight
Find cheap flights using skyscanner. This is my favorite search engine. We search websites and airlines from all over the world, so you always know that every step is taken.
Book your accommodation
To book a hostel, hostel world. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, Booking.com Because we always return the lowest rates for guesthouses and hotels.
Don’t forget travel insurance
Travel insurance protects you from illness, injury, theft, and cancellation. Comprehensive protection in case something goes wrong. I never travel without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Want to travel for free?
With a travel credit card, you can earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation without spending extra. check out A guide to choosing the right card and my current favorites Get started and see the latest deals.
Having trouble finding activities for your trip?
Get the guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.
Ready to book your trip?
check mine resource page Introducing the best companies to use when you travel. I’ll list everything I use when I travel. It’s the best in its class, so you can definitely use it while traveling.
