What are the advantages of merino wool?

Light, wrinkle-free, durable and soft on the skin, merino wool ensures remarkable comfort. In addition, it has natural antimicrobial properties to neutralize odours, even after several days. It also regulates body temperature by wicking away moisture.

Merino is a breed of sheep that produces an extremely fine wool that does not irritate the skin. A garment made of Merino wool is the ideal base layer in summer and winter. To try it is to love it.

Merino wool: the hiker’s trusted partner

Going hiking? Wear Merino wool clothing. You'll thank us later.

Three times finer than traditional wool, Merino wool is a high-performance, breathable natural fibre that does not stick to the skin. It contains proteins that prevent the proliferation of bacteria. And since bacteria are responsible for bad smells, you can wear Merino wool clothing for several days in a row without worrying about unpleasant odours. Merino wool clothing is therefore ideal for intense physical activity.

Merino wool also prevents irritation and allergic reactions caused by friction. In addition, the wool regulates the body temperature, even when wet and regardless of the weather. It is also fire retardant, which means that it does not melt if exposed to fire (very useful near a campfire). Why not use it?

Outstanding thermal insulation and moisture management

One of the key advantages of merino wool in sportswear is its excellent thermal insulation. Merino wool offers natural thermal regulation, which means it keeps your body warm in cold weather while allowing efficient heat evacuation when temperatures rise. This makes it an ideal choice for sportswear suitable for a variety of weather conditions.

Merino wool has an exceptional ability to wick moisture away from the skin. Unlike other textiles, it can absorb up to 30% of its weight in water while remaining dry to the touch. This means that merino wool garments keep you dry even during the most intense activities, helping to prevent discomfort due to perspiration.

Lightweight, comfortable, durable and long-lasting

Merino wool sportswear is lightweight and comfortable. Unlike other materials, merino wool does not irritate the skin and is soft to the touch. This lightness allows great freedom of movement, which is essential for many sporting activities.

In addition to its performance benefits, merino wool is also durable. Merino wool sports products are renowned for their wear-resistance and longevity. They retain their shape and properties after many washes, making them a wise investment for sports enthusiasts.

In conclusion, merino wool offers a unique combination of thermal insulation, moisture management, odour resistance, lightness, comfort, durability and longevity, making it an exceptional choice for sports products. Whether you're into hiking, skiing, running or any other sporting activity, consider opting for merino wool garments to enhance your performance and comfort. The benefits of this natural material are undeniable, and have won over athletes the world over.

Ethical wool

Our wool does not come from a particular farm, but from a cooperative of sheepfolds that systematically respects and applies our rules, procedures and work methods. We can therefore confirm that the sheep are treated in the best possible conditions. They are well fed and have enough pasture and space to roam freely. Moreover, the practice of "mulesing*" is strictly forbidden.

*"Mulesing" is a harmful practice that consists of cutting the sheep's skin to prevent flies from laying their eggs in the excrement caught in their wool.

This method is not in line with Decathlon's values and ethics.

From sheep to t-shirt

Every spring, the sheep are sheared by specialists with electric razors. This makes it possible to detach the wool from the sheep in a smooth and delicate way. Shearing the sheep prevents the animal from overheating during the summer and allows it to move freely without being encumbered by its heavy wool. After shearing, the wool is washed to remove wool grease and other impurities, it is then transported from the sheepfold to our Seguard Masurel dealer in Port Elizabeth, where it is checked and auctioned. The wool is then shipped around the world, where it is mainly used in the fashion industry. It is then combed, spun and woven into wide strips that are dyed and processed in our workshops to make the garments for our hiking department.

Wool is a great choice for the planet!

1. Our woollen clothes are 100% "slow fashion" and it shows. Our woollen clothes have always had a timeless design and they remain in our collection from year to year. The price may be a little higher, but thanks to its incredible quality, a wool t-shirt lasts much longer than a garment made with synthetic materials.

2. Wool is 100% recyclable! Thanks to the high quality of its fibres, wool can be reused and recycled easily and repeatedly.

How to choose the right hiking footwear

Deciding what kind of hiking shoes or boots to get can be tricky—there are so many options! It helps to think about the terrain you are going to explore and the load you plan to carry.

7 hiking trails handpicked just for you

Hiking ideas! Discover our team’s favourite spots (not far from our stores!) to take in the stunning Canadian fall colours. From family paths to challenging mountain trails, chase panoramic views while keeping your heart rate healthy!

How to dress your kids for a hike

Children tend to run everywhere and get into everything. Follow our tips for kids' hiking gear to make sure they stay dry and warm while exploring.

Hiking 101

Hiking is a great way to break away from the daily routine by discovering nature and exercising at your own pace. And with a little preparation, it is an activity that is within everyone's reach.

How to Adjust Your Backpack

Ensure a comfortable fit prior to embarking on a hike. A well-adjusted backpack should feel like a seamless extension of your body. Conversely, a poorly fitted backpack can increase the risk of injury and feel as burdensome as a sack of bricks.