I Used to Save Wool for Ski Trips. Now It Comes on Every Trip.

I used to think of wool as something I pulled out only for ski trips, but wearing it while traveling completely changed my mind. 

Lightweight and breathable, wool can be just as useful in summer as in winter because it helps regulate temperature rather than simply making you warmer. Wool also resists odors, which is a major advantage when I'm trying to pack light or endure a lengthy travel day. 

On one recent trip, I wore the same merino shirt through a long travel day and into the next morning because it still smelled fresh enough to pass the close-up test—something I'd never attempt with a cotton shirt. 

The trick is choosing lightweight wool and layering it appropriately, rather than assuming wool automatically means bulky sweaters. It's also important to follow the care instructions for your wool garments, as they can be pricier. Here are some wool items that work particularly well for travel. 

Minus33 Lightweight 170 Crew T-Shirt

The Minus33 Lightweight 170 Crew T-Shirt is the kind of travel shirt I like because it can work as both a standalone top and a base layer. It's made from 100% Australian Merino wool, so it's lightweight enough for warmer days but adds warmth under another layer when the temps drop. 

As a fair-skinned person, I appreciate its UPF 25 rating, and as a lazy person, I love that it's machine washable and dryable (just avoid high heat). I especially like this shirt for travel days when I'm trying to keep my wardrobe simple, as it wicks moisture and resists odors, letting me get a few wears in before washing. And at $69.99, it's relatively accessible for a merino staple. 

If you prefer a boxier fit, check out the Journey Oversized Fit T-Shirt from Ridge Merino ($65). Those who prefer an ultra-soft merino wool and bamboo blend in a tailored fit should go for the Le Bent Featherweight Classic SS Tee ($89.95)

WoolX Palmer Joggers

A cuffed jogger is my favorite when I'm flying, and the WoolX Palmer Joggers are my ideal option. They provide the comfort of sweatpants without making me look like I've spent the entire flight in loungewear, and the cuffs keep the pants from dragging on the floor (yuck). 

Made with WoolX's lightweight Airino merino blend, they are moisture-wicking, odor-resistant, and quick-drying—exactly what I want in pants I wear repeatedly on a trip. Bonus: they aren't itchy like some other wool blends and feel more like an athletic pant. Available in petite, regular, and tall lengths, they cost $170. 

For another jogger option with a sportier look, try the Merino Blend 150 Drift Pants from Icebreaker ($150). 

Royal Robbins Rockcraft Cardigan

Layers are everything in travel. They can help you feel comfy in unexpectedly chilly weather (or when the AC is blasting), or you can shed them as needed in hot locales. Cardigans are my top choice, as they add warmth without taking up much space, look polished, and go with anything.

The Royal Robbins Rockcraft Cardigan is the wool layer that ticks all those boxes. I pack one when I want something that can work for both outdoor sightseeing and a nicer dinner, and I like the mid-weight feel and relaxed fit. It's also easy to pull on in the morning and tuck into a bag for the day without feeling weighed down. 

It's made from 100% Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) wool that supports animal welfare, land health, and supply chain transparency, so you can feel good about your purchase. At $150, it's less of a splurge than many high-end merino sweaters. 

For a more casual look, check out the Winter Wool Long Sleeve Hoodie from Pinebury ($148). 

Hollow Socks 

According to Hollow Socks, Alpaca wool is softer and warmer than traditional wool, making it a great option for travel socks. The fiber is naturally odor-resistant, so you can pack fewer pairs and save space. 

Hollow offers several styles of alpaca wool socks for travel, including compression, crew, and boot socks. The compression socks provide graduated compression for long flights and are available in wide-calf sizes, so you don't end up with annoying red marks from a too-tight fit. The boot socks, meanwhile, provide more coverage for hiking or cold-weather travel. 

At $49.99 a pair, these are definitely an investment (buy more and save with buy-two-get-two-free deals), so follow the care instructions to keep them lasting longer. 

For midweight merino wool socks in a variety of colors, check out Q for Quinn ($27 and up per pair). 

Stegman Eco Clog

Wool can even extend to the shoes on your feet. When I have a bit of extra space in my luggage, I like to bring this slip-on shoe to wear around my hotel and give my feet a break from more structured hiking boots and shoes. 

The Stegmann Eco Clog has a molded merino footbed that's as soft as a slipper and an EVA outsole that provides cushioning and traction. And it looks sharp enough to wear out and about, too.

The natural wool construction helps regulate temperature and resist odor, an important quality in a travel shoe. At $159, it's a solid choice. 

EcoPersona Baby Alpaca Scarf

One item that always finds a spot in my carry-on is a lightweight scarf. 

You never know when the cabin temp will dip, and there won't be a blanket in sight. The EcoPersona Baby Alpaca Scarf is a great option for this need because it is lightweight and naturally insulating, so I can wear it as a warm layer when I'm walking around a chilly destination or drape it over my shoulders on the plane. 

Unlike some bulky wool scarves, alpaca has a smooth, soft feel without the scratchiness of traditional wool. This scarf is knit in a loop, so you can double it up for extra warmth. At $133, it's a worthwhile piece for many trips. 

Stio Luca Beanie

The real trick to staying warm is protecting your head, and I always tuck a wool beanie into my bag for those cold mornings. 

The Stio Luca Beanie is made from a merino wool blend, giving it the temperature regulation and odor resistance I look for in travel clothing without the heft of a heavy winter hat. The simple cuffed design doesn't scream "technical outdoor gear," so you can wear it while skiing or walking around town. 

At $39, it's an easy pick, or you can go for the $29 headband instead.  

The Shortcut

• Think lightweight, not bulky: A thin merino tee does more for a travel wardrobe than a heavy sweater, because it works on its own in warm weather and as a base layer when it’s cold.

• Pack fewer tops: Merino resists odor well enough to get several wears out of one shirt, even across a long travel day.

• Keep one wool layer in your carry-on: Cabin temperatures drop without warning, and a scarf or cardigan beats waiting on a blanket that may never come.

• If wool makes you itch, try alpaca or a merino blend: Both feel smoother against skin than traditional wool.

• Check the care label before you buy: Some merino pieces go right in the washer and dryer on low heat, while others need more babying.

Author details

Kate Loweth

Kate Loweth is a San Francisco Bay Area-based writer covering travel, parenting, insurance, and business for over a decade. Her bylines include National Geographic, AAA, AARP, Business Insider, and REI.

Editor details

Emily Hochberg

Emily Hochberg is Travel Bulletin's Editor, and has 15+ years of experience covering transportation, hotels, luxury, destinations, and family travel. She was previously Senior Travel Editor at Business Insider. Her byline has appeared in National Geographic, Travel + Leisure, Food & Wine, The Los Angeles Times, and The Points Guy.