Smartwool

Why wool? Merino wool, specifically, is naturally hydrophobic, highly breathable, and antimicrobial. In other words, it truly is the "smart" wool. Merino's characteristics lend themselves perfectly to products like t-shirts, socks, and underwear, because merino fibers wick and breathe better than most engineered synthetic fibers, while also neutralizing odors and providing a softer hand against the skin.<br><br>But SmartWool's products are about more than just the raw material. Great care is taken in the production of the wool it uses to ensure products of not only the highest quality, but ones that are ethically and sustainably created. <br><br>The lush, jagged mountains of New Zealand play host to the majority of the world's Merino sheep. SmartWool works closely with small, experienced growers in this region to ensure the best yarn. A Merino sheep is only shorn once per year; to put that in perspective, one sheep's wool equates to only 40 pairs of SmartWool socks or seven mid-weight base layers. For this reason, every sheep is considered precious, meaning that SmartWool lives by the ethos that good wool requires a happy sheep. That's why SmartWool pioneered the humane treatment of sheep in New Zealand and refuses to source from any growers who don't abide by its standards. It was also the first to extend long-term contracts to growers, providing a sense of security that enables them to continue extending quality care and supervision. <br><br>Continuing this philosophy, you'll find that 90% of SmartWool's products are knit in America. Your favorite slippers, beanie, pants, or mittens are all ethically produced in encouraging work environments. This means that you get a product that's made with love—from start to finish. <br><br>Sure, getting to the finished product isn't easy, but SmartWool wouldn't have it any other way. The end result is, after all, a remarkable thing to behold–a natural product, with an ethical footprint, that outperforms nearly every synthetic on the market. It doesn't get much better than that.

Find a huge selection of Smartwool socks plus Smartwool tights and slippers at Backcountry.com. Nothing but top-notch comfort for a top notch athlete.

Smartwool - Socks, Gloves, Tights & Slippers

Why wool? Merino wool, specifically, is naturally hydrophobic, highly breathable, and antimicrobial. In other words, it truly is the ""smart"" wool. Merino's characteristics lend themselves perfectly to products like t-shirts, socks, and underwear, because merino fibers wick and breathe better than most engineered synthetic fibers, while also neutralizing odors and providing a softer hand against the skin.
<br><br>But SmartWool's products are about more than just the raw material. Great care is taken in the production of the wool it uses to ensure products of not only the highest quality, but ones that are ethically and sustainably created.
<br><br>The lush, jagged mountains of New Zealand play host to the majority of the world's Merino sheep. SmartWool works closely with small, experienced growers in this region to ensure the best yarn. A Merino sheep is only shorn once per year; to put that in perspective, one sheep's wool equates to only 40 pairs of SmartWool socks or seven mid-weight base layers. For this reason, every sheep is considered precious, meaning that SmartWool lives by the ethos that good wool requires a happy sheep. That's why SmartWool pioneered the humane treatment of sheep in New Zealand and refuses to source from any growers who don't abide by its standards. It was also the first to extend long-term contracts to growers, providing a sense of security that enables them to continue extending quality care and supervision. <br><br>Continuing this philosophy, you'll find that 90% of SmartWool's products are knit in America. Your favorite slippers, beanie, pants, or mittens are all ethically produced in encouraging work environments. This means that you get a product that's made with love—from start to finish.
<br><br>Sure, getting to the finished product isn't easy, but SmartWool wouldn't have it any other way. The end result is, after all, a remarkable thing to behold–a natural product, with an ethical footprint, that outperforms nearly every synthetic on the market. It doesn't get much better than that.

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