The Sustainable Hiker’s Guide: How Natural Fibres Enhance Every Adventure

August, 2025 | icebreaker

Why Your Kit Choices Matter

Every time synthetic outdoor gear is washed, it sheds microplastic fibres that end up in our rivers and oceans. At icebreaker, we believe in a better way – performance wear made from natural merino wool that’s biodegradable, breathable, and built to last.

The Benefits of Merino Wool for Hiking

1. Temperature Regulation, Naturally

Merino wool adapts to your body, keeping you warm when it’s cold and cool when it’s hot. Unlike synthetic fabrics, which trap heat and moisture, merino breathes, making it perfect for unpredictable weather.

2. Odour-Resistant for Longer Adventures

Merino’s natural properties resist odour, allowing you to wear it for days without washing. That means less water waste and fewer microplastics released into the environment.

3. Designed to Last and Return to the Earth

When your icebreaker gear eventually wears out, it won’t sit in a landfill for centuries. Merino wool is biodegradable, breaking down naturally without leaving microplastics behind.

The Thoughtful Hiker’s Guide to Choosing Natural Fibres

When selecting gear for your next adventure, consider how your clothing choices impact both performance and planet. Here’s why savvy outdoor enthusiasts are making the switch to merino wool:

For Your Comfort:
● Soft, non-itch fibres that feel comfortable against skin all day
● Naturally stretchy fabric moves with your body on challenging terrain
● Gentle temperature regulation that adapts as you heat up and cool down

For Your Convenience:
● Wears for multiple days without odour buildup
● Easy care - simply air out overnight between wears
● Versatile enough to transition from trail to town

For Our Planet:
● Biodegradable fibres that won’t linger in landfills
● Naturally renewable resources from ethically treated sheep
● No microplastic pollution with every wash

For hikers who value both performance and sustainability, merino wool offers an unbeatable combination of natural benefits. Unlike synthetic alternatives, merino regulates temperature intelligently - keeping you warm when temperatures drop and cool when the sun beats down. Its natural breathability prevents that clammy feeling you get with plastic-based fabrics, while inherent odor resistance means you can wear it for days without washing.

Beyond personal comfort, choosing merino fibres makes a real environmental difference. While synthetic fleeces shed microplastics with every wash, merino fibers biodegrade completely at the end of their long lifespan. Our ZQ-certified wool comes from sheep raised on regenerative New Zealand farms, ensuring ethical treatment and sustainable land management.

Join the Move to Natural

Choosing natural fibres isn’t just better for you – it’s better for the planet. Explore our sustainable hiking collection and take the first step toward adventure-ready gear that cares.