Once you try Merino wool--as a base layer or an insulating mid-layer--you'll never go back to cotton or synthetic fabrics again. Period. At Mission Ready Equipment we stand behind the products we sell to our military and tactical customers, and in this case, Merino doesn't just feel good, breathe, insulate and wick moisture better than any synthetic fabric we've seen--it absolutely saves lives. But don't take our word for it, see and hear what ex-Navy Seal, professional shooter, and MRE Brand Ambassador, Kyle Defoor, has to say as he puts it to the test.

“I choose Merino wool over cotton and synthetics for a few simple reasons; Merino maintains warming characteristics even when wet-I even wear a Merino T-shirt under my wetsuit when surfing in the winter.

Merino will not drip when melted or stick to your skin when exposed to intense heat and flame, AND it is self-extinguishing- this is why I wear Merino when teaching and training Law Enforcement/EMS and military personnel.

Merino is also great year around, which means less space to take up in your gear bag and easier packing. Lastly, Merino garments can go weeks without washing and will be odor free. For me, there is only one choice in base layers- Merino wool."

-Kyle Defoor, Mission Ready Equipment Brand Ambassador

No Melt, No Drip

Merino's inherent heat and flame resistance goes a long way in protecting our men & women serving overseas. Unlike synthetic materials such as polypropylene made from petroleum--which is prone to melt when exposed to heat and flame--Merino wool comes straight from a species of New Zealand sheep. They produce an ultra-fine yarn that chars at first, then self extinguishes, and doesn't melt or drip when exposed to heat and flame. This attribute alone makes Merino an ideal garment for military, tactical & fire-rescue personnel.

But how well does it breathe & wick moisture?

Merino wool, of course, is an excellent insulator, but when it comes to breathing and moving moisture away from the skin, it performs equally as well, if not better than its synthetic competitors.

For active pursuits like run training and field exercises, Merino fabric is an ideal choice. For deployments in excessively hot climates, particularly when hauling heavy loads, a base layer actively working to wick sweat and excessive moisture is critical to managing an individual's micro-climate. Evaporative cooling effectively helps reduce the chances of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. For cold climates or desert environments where temperatures can radically change at night, a base layer system that works to remove that moisture is of paramount importance in avoiding cold-related injuries like frostbite and hypothermia.

Isn't Merino wool too hot in warm weather?

Absolutely not! Merino breathes remarkably well allowing moisture vapor & excess heat to escape, resulting in evaporative cooling, which in turn keeps your skin dry & comfortable in hot and cold climates and everything in between--much better than most synthetic fabrics.

How well does it perform in a layered system?

When utilized in a layering system, the natural air pockets contained between Merino fibers trap heat when you need it most, at the same time letting it bleed that heat off when you're working hard. Due to its excellent breathability, it helps micro-regulate body temperature regardless of the climate you find yourself in and the activity level you might be required to produce at a moment's notice.

Performance you can count on.

So whether you're looking for a short sleeve shirt for the summer, a long sleeve top for cooler weather, or long johns for arctic conditions, Mission Ready Equipment stands at the ready and will have you covered whatever your needs are. Be sure to check out these two exclusive options for our military customers that can be found in the Mission Ready Tan color--and only at Mission Ready Equipment.

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