In preparations of winter cycling and promoting women’s businesses, I’ve asked the founder of FINDRA to share with us a few tips around using merino wool for winter cycling. Alex Feechan is the founder of FINDRA, a clothing company based in the Scottish Borders that is built on a passion for and an understanding of what people really want from outdoor and active lifestyle clothing. She tells us why merino wool, which is at the heart of FINDRA’s products, is a true wonder fabric and how best to use it to keep warm on those cooler winter rides.
As a knitwear designer, I have worked with many fibres, from luxurious cashmere to manmade blends, but my favourite has always been merino wool. It truly is one of nature’s great wonder fibres. So, when I embarked on my journey of setting up FINDRA and designing my own range of adventure clothing, there was no doubt in my mind that Merino would feature centre stage.
BENEFITS OF MERINO WOOL
Wool fibres are breathable and react to the body’s changing temperature, keeping you warm in the cold and cool in warmer weather. One key difference between merino and synthetic fibres is that merino ‘holds’ moisture, wicking moisture away from the body while still retaining its natural thermo regulating properties. Merino is also odour resistant. Protein molecules naturally present in the wool break down odour-forming bacteria, which means your merino wool clothing doesn’t have to be washed as often as synthetic materials (it can be machine washed at 30 degrees though). Merino wool is completely natural and biodegradable – every year merino sheep produce a new fleece, making wool a completely renewable fibre.
LAYER UP YOUR MERINO
When it comes to wearing our FINDRA merino wool pieces through the coldest season, the key is to layer up. When the wind blows and the frost bites, it can be tempting to pull on the warmest jumper that you have to keep out the elements. You’ll probably feel great for 10 minutes, but soon you’ll start feeling overheated, sweaty and even a bit lethargic. The reason is that one thick layer traps sweat, making you feel clammy, but wearing several lighter layers allows for air flow, wicking sweat away from the skin while giving you the option to add or remove layers in warmer weather or as you increase your effort.
THE BEAUTY OF BASE LAYERS
Get the base right and everything else will follow. A good base layer keeps you warm and wicks sweat and heat away from the body. It should be close-fitting and snug (but not so tight that it rides up). And when you finally settle down in front of the fire after a long, cold day and start to unpeel, you want a base that looks good too. Merino is the perfect choice – naturally wicking, incredibly soft, supple and durable and it looks stylish too. Our FINDRA merino fine stripe base layer is made from ethically sourced merino with a seamless design, which means no rubbing or irritation, with thumbholes and longer sleeves to allow for hand and wrist coverage against the elements.
FINDING THE MIDDLE GROUND
Ranging from a thin t-shirt to a fleece, mid-layers add more warmth. Again, don’t be tempted to go for the thickest, warmest option – it’s almost always better to have two thin mid-layers that you can adjust as necessary when things heat up or cool down. Not only does merino do a great job as a mid-layer, it’s also light and portable so it’s easy to tuck into a bag.
OUT ON TOP
Your outer layer should be waterproof and windproof. If you’re cycling with the kids you might need something lightweight and packable, if you’re planning a long-distance trek, you’ll need a serious piece of technical kit. Even if the sun is shining when you set off, always pack an outer layer – you never know when the weather will change.
FINISHING TOUCHES
Don’t underestimate the importance of accessories when it comes to staying warm. Your head and neck lose a lot of body heat, and when you warm up, removing a hat or neck warmer is a great way to regulate your temperature. Try a headband to keep your ears cosy, a beanie hat to keep you just right or a soft, adjustable neck warmer to keep out the chill. And don’t forget your feet, which can really suffer from the cold on a long ride. Merino socks will help keep your feet feeling dry, fresh and odour free. Our socks are also completely seamfree, so no chafing.
We here at FINDRA believe merino wool really is the best; team FINDRA are big fans and believe it’s a true wonder fibre and just made for adventures – big or small!
Follow FINDRA
www.facebook.com/FINDRAclothing/
Twitter: @FINDRAclothing
Instagram: @findraclothing
For U.S. orders, here is a link to the international shipping policy: https://findraclothing.com/shipping-returns/. The last date for Christmas shipping to Canada and the US for Royal Mail Int’l Standard (airmail) and International tracking signature services is Friday 14 December.