The key to trekking is preparation - pack minimal, but enough good quality layers of clothes that can save your life… literally.
By Mel Nakhle
The key to trekking in Nepal is preparation - and part of that is being able to pack minimal, but enough good quality layers that can save your life… literally. Layering is the key.
I recently returned from a 21 day trip to Nepal trekking to Everest Base Camp via Cho La Pass, Gokyo Ri and Summit of Kala Patar. For the entire trip, I had a limit of 15kg total including sleeping bag, day pack, and essentially everything I would need including medical supplies.
As a last minute purchase, I bought two navy long sleeve ioMerino base layers before I left and these became my staple every single day for 19 days, where we went from temperatures of a lovely 20 degrees, to minus 10 and a complete whiteout blizzard as we crossed Cho La Pass.
I was so impressed with the tops, they never smelt even though no showers were had for close to 17 days. They were awesome at core warmth and super lightweight - they were all I needed on most days, usually with my down vest over the top.
I was so impressed with my ioMerino, that two weeks later during Ultra Trail 100 they were my go-to for my “compulsory” layer of warmth. Being compact, super light, but super warm, they fitted easily in my ziplock sandwich bag in my running pack.
While Merino is an amazing natural fibre, not all Merino fabrics are created equal. At ioMerino, we make our own fabrics, using only the best quality fibres, and to very specific specifications that make the most of the natural benefits of Merino. All of them are 'Merino rich’. No cheap blends passed off as Merino. No cheaper scratchy fibres or synthetic substitutes to save money. No unethical production. And each fabric is made for a specific purpose. So if you see something with a small amount of elastase or nylon added, you can be sure it absolutely needs to be there to enhance the natural stretch and durability.
It took every bit of our 140 years of experience in the wool industry to perfect our fabrics, but we think you’ll agree the end result was more than worth the effort.
Ethically Made. Ethically Sourced. Perfectly Natural.
Lightweight 170gsm 96% Australian Merino Wool with 4% elastane for extra stretch and comfort. A MicroMerino® Fabric.
Lightweight 160gsm 83% Australian Merino Wool blended with 12% nylon blended for extra durability and 5% Elastane for stretch and comfort.
Midweight 265gsm 96% Australian Merino Wool with 4% elastane for extra stretch and comfort. A MicroMerino® Fabric.
Made from 45% ultra fine MERINO (Ultra Lightweight 150gsm), 45% natural TENCEL (made from sustainably grown wood fiber), and 10% nylon for extra durability.
Ultra Lightweight 150gsm 100% Australian Merino Wool. A MicroMerino® Fabric.
Midweight 280gsm 76% Australian Merino Wool, 15% Elastane and 9% Nylon for extra stretch and compression properties.
Ultra lightweight ribbed 155gsm 100% Australian Merino Wool. A MicroMerino® Fabric.
Outer Weight 280gsm Fleece 100% Australian Merino Wool. A MicroMerino® Fabric.
Midweight 260gsm 100% Australian Merino Wool. A MicroMerino® Fabric.
Midweight 260gsm waffle texture 100% Australian Merino Wool. A MicroMerino® Fabric.
Midweight 255gsm French Terry 100% Australian Merino Wool. A MicroMerino® Fabric.