Not all natural fabrics perform the same in the mountains. Learn when to use merino wool, silk, linen, or cotton—and which to avoid for hiking and multi-day routes.
Natural fabrics can be a good choice in the mountains, but not all of them work for the same job. In hiking (and even more so in ultralight), what matters isn’t just “that it’s natural,” but how it handles moisture, drying, odor, durability, and weight.
Below is a practical guide: when to use them, when to avoid them, and which garments each one makes sense for.
Wool (especially merino)
Wool is the most useful natural fabric in the mountains. It stands out for its insulation even when a bit damp and, above all, for its excellent odor control—ideal if you’ll be out for several days without washing.
When to use it
Base layer (tee or long sleeve) for trips from 1 day to several days.
Cool/cold weather, or situations where you alternate between effort and stops.
Long routes where you want to minimize built-up odor.
When to avoid it
If you need ultra-fast drying (wool usually dries slower than many synthetics).
If you’ll have lots of abrasion from a pack or vegetation and you want maximum durability (depends on fabric weight and blends).
Quick notes
The finer the fabric, the more comfortable it is, but usually the less durable.
In real use, merino is often “the comfort option” for many hikers, even if it isn’t always the lightest.
Cotton
In the mountains, cotton is the classic example of “it feels great… until it gets wet.” It absorbs a lot of water, takes a long time to dry, and when it’s damp it steals heat. That’s why in the outdoor world you often hear “cotton kills” (not as a dramatic slogan, but as a reminder of the risk in cold or changeable conditions).
When it might make sense
Casual use or around camp in stable, dry weather.
Easy summer activities where getting wet isn’t a problem and hypothermia risk is low.
When to avoid it
Hiking in cool/cold weather or with a chance of rain.
Long routes where you sweat a lot and need clothing that dries fast.
Practical takeaway
For most mountain outings, cotton isn’t the best choice for a base layer.
Linen
Linen is cool and breathable, but in the mountains its use is limited. It’s not common in technical hiking clothing because its performance with moisture, wrinkling, and abrasion is usually worse than alternatives designed for activity.
When to use it
In summer, for relaxed use or travel, when you prioritize comfort and coolness.
When to avoid it
If you want a “workhorse” piece for constant pack abrasion.
If you need consistent performance with dampness or continuous sweat.
Silk
Silk is light and feels good against the skin, and it can make sense in the mountains for very specific uses. It’s not usually the first choice for outer layers due to its delicacy, but it does show up in minimalist setups.
When to use it
As an ultralight base layer (if you prioritize feel and weight and accept the extra care).
In a sleeping bag liner or accessories where weight matters and abrasion is lower.
When to avoid it
Activities with lots of friction, hard use, or situations where you can’t look after the garment.
If you need maximum durability above all else.
Quick summary
Best natural option for the mountains: wool (merino) for comfort, insulation, and odor control.
Limited use: silk (good for specific ultralight uses, but delicate).
Not recommended for hiking: cotton (especially if there’s cold, rain, or sweat).
More “casual” than technical: linen (cool, but uncommon in the mountains for durability and performance).
If you want to optimize your clothing system, think in layers and real scenarios: effort, sweat, rain, and breaks. In the mountains, what makes the difference isn’t the “ideal” material, but the one that keeps working when conditions change.
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Natural Fabrics in the Mountains
Not all natural fabrics perform the same in the mountains. Learn when to use merino wool, silk, linen, or cotton—and which to avoid for hiking and multi-day routes.
Natural fabrics can be a good choice in the mountains, but not all of them work for the same job. In hiking (and even more so in ultralight), what matters isn’t just “that it’s natural,” but how it handles moisture, drying, odor, durability, and weight.
Below is a practical guide: when to use them, when to avoid them, and which garments each one makes sense for.
Wool (especially merino)
Wool is the most useful natural fabric in the mountains. It stands out for its insulation even when a bit damp and, above all, for its excellent odor control—ideal if you’ll be out for several days without washing.
When to use it
When to avoid it
Quick notes
Cotton
In the mountains, cotton is the classic example of “it feels great… until it gets wet.” It absorbs a lot of water, takes a long time to dry, and when it’s damp it steals heat. That’s why in the outdoor world you often hear “cotton kills” (not as a dramatic slogan, but as a reminder of the risk in cold or changeable conditions).
When it might make sense
When to avoid it
Practical takeaway
For most mountain outings, cotton isn’t the best choice for a base layer.
Linen
Linen is cool and breathable, but in the mountains its use is limited. It’s not common in technical hiking clothing because its performance with moisture, wrinkling, and abrasion is usually worse than alternatives designed for activity.
When to use it
When to avoid it
Silk
Silk is light and feels good against the skin, and it can make sense in the mountains for very specific uses. It’s not usually the first choice for outer layers due to its delicacy, but it does show up in minimalist setups.
When to use it
When to avoid it
Quick summary
If you want to optimize your clothing system, think in layers and real scenarios: effort, sweat, rain, and breaks. In the mountains, what makes the difference isn’t the “ideal” material, but the one that keeps working when conditions change.
Would you like us to notify you when we publish another article?