Not all merino is created equal. Some of the 20% nylon stuff is smoother. Some of the "luxe" brands like Allbirds and Wool & Prince have smoother, softer merino clothing if you don't mind paying an extra 20%
Ahhh isn't that the case. I'll definitely check on the 20% nylon ... also cool to see what a luxe brand like Allbirds and wool& prince actually cost in the mid Atlantic.
Good question, I’ve honestly never had it itch consistently or badly enough where it’s been a problem. Have a smartwool base layer shirt and compression pants.
Thank you for responding. I'm new to merino wool.
I've got 2 Merino Tech t shirts and 1 Merino protecT
Shirt. They are amazing base layers in sub freezing temps but itch when I'm indoors. Maybe it's dry skin
or something else. Will look up aquaphor.. thanks again
Wear the same disgusting t-shirt and bike shorts every day while you ride. The air (and hopefully sun) should keep the odor at bay to some degree, and as long as you maintain some speed the wind will carry the stank away from your nose at least. Hang them up when you make camp or stop somewhere and put on your off-bike clothes -- do whatever bathing you can beforehand.
People are gonna downvote the hell out of me…but get away from bibs and jerseys.
Get padded underwear and shorts, and a non-cotton or merino long sleeve shirt. I like outdoor research sun flannels. If you can hack it…don’t do a chamois. I’ve done 300mi multiple bikepacking trips without a chamois no problem, but it’s something you have to work up to.
Chamois are petri dishes that collect sweat and bacteria. If you must wear one try to wash it in a river or shower or something.
Loose clothes = more airflow and less smelly in my experience.
Good brands are smartwool, outdoor research, ex officio…
Lastly…why does smelling bad matter? You’re camping, you’re supposed to smell. As long as your not going to a fancy restaurant to sit down I don’t see the problem with being a little smelly.
I’d be more concerned about taking in enough electrolyes than my stench.
This.
Ditch chamois and jerseys.
Wear normal active clothing suited to the climate.
Merino tops only work for me in dry cooler climates. I don’t buy the “wool for everything” mindset.
I prefer synthetic quick dry tops but you have to find the right ones. Love the Vuori strato tech tee. Have used one (no spare) on several week to 10 day trips and totally recommend. No clammyness. I now have 3 for every thing.
Smartwool intraknit boxers instead of bike shorts. No seams, snug fit and wool. The best.
I quite like arm and leg warmers as they're away from the main sweat/stink areas. Merino is only a good choice if the weather is cool enough, but too cool and it will be difficult to dry out. The best choices for quick drying and lightweight are typically going to smell.
Merino is great, but can be warm if you sweat a lot it might smell less but cause more overheating. Loose fitting fine cotton shirts are great for hot weather and keep the sun off.
Embrace the funk- I swear by baby wipes though. I like long sleeve sun shirts or button up hiking shirts that can roll the sleeves up to ride in. A mid weight top layer that can be used at camp and riding, rain jacket doubles as a wind layer, rain pants (cut off around the shins) as knee warmers/around camp, puff/buff if it's really cold, packable pogies reduce extra gloves. Sleep clothes vary by trip.
I'm also on team no chamois and it's a game changer
Merino wool
Seconded
I love my merino wool .. but what about the itch between the shoulders. Does it go away after a couple days of sweat and body oils. Lol
Not all merino is created equal. Some of the 20% nylon stuff is smoother. Some of the "luxe" brands like Allbirds and Wool & Prince have smoother, softer merino clothing if you don't mind paying an extra 20%
Mixed merino is also more durable than 100% merino and probably doesn't lose much of the odor-resistant properties
Ahhh isn't that the case. I'll definitely check on the 20% nylon ... also cool to see what a luxe brand like Allbirds and wool& prince actually cost in the mid Atlantic.
Good question, I’ve honestly never had it itch consistently or badly enough where it’s been a problem. Have a smartwool base layer shirt and compression pants.
Maybe a little aquaphor?
Thank you for responding. I'm new to merino wool. I've got 2 Merino Tech t shirts and 1 Merino protecT Shirt. They are amazing base layers in sub freezing temps but itch when I'm indoors. Maybe it's dry skin or something else. Will look up aquaphor.. thanks again
Yep all my tops for riding are merino. Have been wearing Mons Royale for a decade.
Thanks for the recommendation! Is there a specific style you prefer of Mons Royale?
Thirded
Wear the same disgusting t-shirt and bike shorts every day while you ride. The air (and hopefully sun) should keep the odor at bay to some degree, and as long as you maintain some speed the wind will carry the stank away from your nose at least. Hang them up when you make camp or stop somewhere and put on your off-bike clothes -- do whatever bathing you can beforehand.
People are gonna downvote the hell out of me…but get away from bibs and jerseys.
Get padded underwear and shorts, and a non-cotton or merino long sleeve shirt. I like outdoor research sun flannels. If you can hack it…don’t do a chamois. I’ve done 300mi multiple bikepacking trips without a chamois no problem, but it’s something you have to work up to.
Chamois are petri dishes that collect sweat and bacteria. If you must wear one try to wash it in a river or shower or something.
Loose clothes = more airflow and less smelly in my experience.
Good brands are smartwool, outdoor research, ex officio…
Lastly…why does smelling bad matter? You’re camping, you’re supposed to smell. As long as your not going to a fancy restaurant to sit down I don’t see the problem with being a little smelly.
I’d be more concerned about taking in enough electrolyes than my stench.
This. Ditch chamois and jerseys. Wear normal active clothing suited to the climate. Merino tops only work for me in dry cooler climates. I don’t buy the “wool for everything” mindset. I prefer synthetic quick dry tops but you have to find the right ones. Love the Vuori strato tech tee. Have used one (no spare) on several week to 10 day trips and totally recommend. No clammyness. I now have 3 for every thing.
Smartwool intraknit boxers instead of bike shorts. No seams, snug fit and wool. The best.
Amen and hallelujah! 🤜🤛
I quite like arm and leg warmers as they're away from the main sweat/stink areas. Merino is only a good choice if the weather is cool enough, but too cool and it will be difficult to dry out. The best choices for quick drying and lightweight are typically going to smell.
Merino is great, but can be warm if you sweat a lot it might smell less but cause more overheating. Loose fitting fine cotton shirts are great for hot weather and keep the sun off.
avoid synthetic whenever it's convenient
when the weather looks fine (warm and no chance of rain) I wear a cotton t-shirt, usually the one I wore during the night
cotton doesn't smell like poly, gets a little bit damp so you get some refreshing as a bonus
merino when it's cold
Embrace the funk- I swear by baby wipes though. I like long sleeve sun shirts or button up hiking shirts that can roll the sleeves up to ride in. A mid weight top layer that can be used at camp and riding, rain jacket doubles as a wind layer, rain pants (cut off around the shins) as knee warmers/around camp, puff/buff if it's really cold, packable pogies reduce extra gloves. Sleep clothes vary by trip.
I'm also on team no chamois and it's a game changer
Who are you trying to impress? Smelling bad is fine, as long as you have a good story.
What climate?