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The original was posted on /r/onebag by /u/Many_Ad9628 on 2025-08-09 02:21:57+00:00.

Hi everyone,

I keep hearing about how great merino wool is for travel and trekking, but I’m struggling to see why it’s worth the premium price. For example, an Unbound Merino T-shirt costs $90, and once I add shipping and import taxes it’s closer to $120 for one shirt — which feels crazy.

Are budget merino options actually worth it?

My local Decathlon has the SIMOND TRAVEL 500 (70% merino wool, 30% acrylic) for ~$38, while something more premium like the Icebreaker Merino 150 Tech Lite III (100% wool) ends up around $80 (shipping & taxes included).

I’ve ordered two pairs of merino socks to test the material, but I’m also planning to do via ferratas and trekking. Will merino hold up, or will it get ruined from abrasion (like against rocks when climbing)?

Would love to hear your experiences with budget vs. premium merino, and how durable it really is in the mountains.

Edit: Any recommendations for shirts are welcome (doesn’t have to be merino). I may also need a pair of trekking pants, so I’m open to suggestions there too.

Thanks!

Edit 2.0:

Thank you all for the great insights!

I have ended up getting Icebreaker Merino Hike+ Light Crew socks

and for a shirt apperantly a friend of mine has both the decatlon and the unbound merino shirts so I will just try them on myself :D

even tho 2 Icebreaker Anatomica V  along with 1 synthetic fabric shirt like Go Nature Patagonia may be ideal for my travel needss