Smartwool ski and snowboard socks and technical underwear come straight out of Colorado and represent the pinnacle of technology when it comes to the use of Merino wool.
Merino is an economical type of sheep that is is used widely in the technical base layering market when the best wicking properties are needed. Merino is excellent at regulating body temperature, especially when worn against the skin. The wool provides some warmth, without overheating the wearer. It draws moisture (sweat) away from the skin, a phenomenon known as wicking. The fabric is slightly moisture repellent (keratin fibers are hydrophobic at one end and hydrophillic at the other), allowing the user to avoid the feeling of wetness.