Posts Tagged ‘clothing’
Hiking Merino Wool Socks
May 19th, 2010 | 
Author: Hiking Merino Wool Socks
Thermal clothing for winter sports, such as skiing, back-packing, mount climbing, hiking, camping, and hunting is frequently contains synthetic fibers with semi-hollow cores. That's because hollow core fiber weighs less than the same diameter of solid core fiber, such as wool. Because semi-hollow fiber traps air in its core, the fabric warms up quickly, yet is more lightweight than fabric made from solid-core fiber, such as sheep's wool. Such thermal winter clothing is highly prized by winter outdoor enthusiasts.
Not only is alpaca fiber semi-hollow, but it is renowned for its wonderful fineness that outmatches many of the micro-fiber synthetics. The fineness of alpaca fiber makes it very soft to the touch. It has no itchiness, such as sheep's wool. Unlike synthetically engineered micro-fiber, which is frequently made from petroleum; alpaca fiber is produced by living animals. As such, producing alpaca fiber is gentle on the environment.
Alpacas are sheared once a year, like sheep. So you don't have to slaughter alpacas to harvest their fleece. This makes alpaca fiber production to be a sustainable process. In addition, alpaca manure is a valuable fertilizer by-product that can enrich the soil.
Moisture Wicking
Much of today's high-end thermal fiber has moisture wicking properties. Wicking and absorbing moisture are different properties. A paper towel absorbs moisture. It keeps taking in moisture until it becomes saturated and is very wet. Wicking is when the fabric transports moisture away from its source to the outside of the fabric, where it is able to evaporate. Because wool and cotton are very absorbent and do not have good wicking properties, many people complain that their feet sweat or feel wet in wool or cotton socks. In addition, winter sweating in clothing made from cotton or wool will make you that much colder. However, alpaca fiber has low moisture absorbency with great wicking properties, resulting in greater comfort and warmth. For example, alpaca socks will keep your feet much warmer than wool socks.
Alpaca Fiber is Hypoallergenic
Unlike wool, alpaca fleece contains no lanolin. So it requires no special chemical and scouring agents to remove fatty lanolin. Many people who are allergic to wool can comfortably wear alpaca fiber next to their skin.
Alpaca fiber typically is about 22 microns in diameter. (There are 25,000 microns in an inch.) Such a fine micron count makes alpaca fiber very soft. The softness of alpaca over wool of the same micron count is due to a scale height of 0.4 micron for alpaca versus 0.8 micron for wool. If you compare an alpaca fiber to a wool fiber under a microscope,the surface of the alpaca fiber will be smooth, but the wool fiber will appear to have scales. The lower scale height of alpaca fiber creates a smoother, slippery feel with a less scratchy surface. The flatter scales on alpaca fiber makes it softer, less itchy than Merino sheep wool of the same fineness.
So when you shop for winter clothing look for luxuriously
Virginia Lyons owns Able Oaks Ranch Alpacas in East Texas. She has been breeding and raising elite alpacas and miniature llamas with persistently fine fiber since 2003. Virginia is an experienced weaver and teaches workshops and hosts free events about alpaca ranching, alpaca fiber, and much more.
Please visit her web site at http://www.ableoaks.com
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 6 Pairs Mens Merino Wool Thermal Dress Hiking Camp Sock  US $20.99 |  Ibex Indie Wool Jersey Black Light MD US $104.84 |  6 pair of Hiking merino wool socks large US $27.00 |
 12pr Monte Carlo Polo Merino Wool Socks 10 13 US $49.99 |  6 Pair PaCK NWT New Mens Merino WOOL Hunting Hiking OUTDOOR BOOT Socks BLUE US $17.95 |  SmartWool Thermal Balaclava US $40.38 |
 4 pair of Lite Hiking Sox Large US $19.99 |  SMARTWOOL Light Hiking Crew Socks MEDIUM Merino Wool TEAL or VIOLET YOU CHOOSE US $13.99 |  Bridgedale Mens Midweight Hiking Socks Black and Gunmetal US $15.81 |
 Bridgedale Mens Midweight Hiking Socks Olive Green US $15.81 |  SockGuy Wool Penta Bike 6 Crew Sock Brown LG XL US $9.27 |  SockGuy Wool Red Star 6 Crew Sock Green LG XL US $9.27 |
 SockGuy Lightning Wool Sock Black White LG XL US $9.27 |  SockGuy ARM WARMERS WOOL BLACK SM MD US $14.75 |  Darn Tough Mens Hike Trek Merino Wool Boot Sock US $15.00 |
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 | 3 Pair Super-wool Hiker GX Merino Wool Hiking Socks |
DescriptionThe J.B. Field's Super Wool Hiker GX is an all season sock that is meant for outdoor activities such as backpacking, hiking, and camping. These socks are a steal and when compared to the competition Smart Wool isn't the smart choice, especially considering they charge around $20 for one pair... |
 | Wigwam Unisex Merino Comfort Hiker 2-Pack Sock List Price: |
DescriptionThe Wigwam® Merino Wool Comfort Hiker sock features the softness of genuine 62/64s-grade Australian merino wool for superior warmth and comfort. |
 | Darn Tough Vermont Merino Wool Boot Cushion Sock List Price: |
DescriptionThe Darn Tough Merino Wool Cushion Boot Socks envelop your feet and shins with high-density cushioning to lessen fatigue during long days on the trail. The merino wool fabric\\222s natural wicking and anti-odor properties ensure your feet (and your friends\\222 noses) stay comfortable, while the reinforced seams and durable construction mean you\\222ll keep using these socks season after season... |
 | Darn Tough Merino Wool Eliza Dots Cushion Hiking Sock - Girls' Glacier, L Sale Price: $11.95 |
DescriptionShare the goodness of wool socks with your active youngster and get her the Darn Tough Girls' Eliza Dots Merino Wool Cushion Sock. With high-density cushioning on the bottom, elastic support around the arch, and merino's ability to wick, breathe, and fight odors, the Eliza Dots keeps her feet comfy through family hikes, a ride on her new mountain bike, or a day on the playground... |
 | SmartWool Outdoor Light Mini Sock - Kids' Black, S List Price: |
DescriptionSmartWool created the Kids' Outdoor Light Mini Sock with both wool and stretchy elastane so you wonAAAt have to worry about your little rug rats' feet getting blistered or hot when they play outsideAAAunless of course they go barefoot... |
 | Darn Tough Vermont Merino Wool Over-The-Calf Cushion Sock List Price: |
DescriptionIt's a beautiful day. The sky is blue; the snow is sparkling and deep. The last thing you want to be thinking about are the itchy tubes on you're feet. To keep your feet happy and quiet so you can get back to your business of shredding, Darn Tough had created the Over-The-Calf Cushion Socks... |
 | Field & Stream Men's 2 Pack Merino Wool Hiker Crew Socks List Price: |
Description2 pair pack contrast foot bed with cooling channels |
Nobody ever outsourced anything for quality ...
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