Merino vs. Cashmere

[Janade]

In trying to keep costs down, I'm trying to buy the majority of my clothing for the Camino at thrift shops. I happened to come across a great cashmere sweater the other day that is lightweight and super soft and it looks like it would be perfect for layering. I just wondered what the difference was between merino and cashmere and if one worked better than the other for warmth and wicking. Anyone know?

 

[Theresa Brandon]

https://www.sierratradingpost.com/b...a-cashmere-sweater-and-a-merino-wool-sweater/

http://www.cashmeremania.com/blog/merino-wool-vs-cashmere-differences-and-similarities/

 

[Rebekah Scott]

Merino is more durable and less labor-intensive, really good for camino-ing.
Cashmere is more high-maintenance, but it´s delicious. If I found what you are describing, I would buy the cashmere just to wear in my off-Camino life! Everyone should have a little cashmere in their life.

 

[Deleted member 12253]

In trying to keep costs down, I'm trying to buy the majority of my clothing for the Camino at thrift shops. I happened to come across a great cashmere sweater the other day that is lightweight and super soft and it looks like it would be perfect for layering. I just wondered what the difference was between merino and cashmere and if one worked better than the other for warmth and wicking. Anyone know?

Marino. Cashmere too fragile.

 

[Priscilla NC]

I have a pair of socks with cashmere -- they are beautiful and feel so good on my feet. Alas, the heels are worn through after a few months (I wore them max once a week).

My merino socks last me several years.

 

[Paladina]

What a find! Probably far too lovely to wear on the camino, but merino also requires a certain amount of tlc - it’s easily snagged on zips, Velcro, briars etc., but it’s also easily mended. Merino is machine washable at low temperature, and some pilgrims claim it survives tumble drying, but I wouldn’t risk ruining mine. Buen camino.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

In trying to keep costs down, I'm trying to buy the majority of my clothing for the Camino at thrift shops. I happened to come across a great cashmere sweater the other day that is lightweight and super soft and it looks like it would be perfect for layering. I just wondered what the difference was between merino and cashmere and if one worked better than the other for warmth and wicking. Anyone know?

@Janade, you are a girl after my own heart as I love looking for Camino "stuff" at thrift stores, too!

Can't help you with your question though as I'm allergic to wool, but wanted you to know you have a likeminded sister in me!

 

[bmcbride]

@Janade, you are a girl after my own heart as I love looking for Camino "stuff" at thrift stores, too!

Can't help you with your question though as I'm allergic to wool, but wanted you to know you have a likeminded sister in me!

I usually cannot wear wool, either, yet I can wear merino. I haven't tried the underwear yet, but I would like to for my next Camino.

 

[redbackpack]

I found a merino sweater in Benetton. It was 35$ in December, but I see it's around 25$ now. I don't know if it's good for the Camino (haven't had a chance to try it). It says 100% virgin wool on the website, but the tag on the sweater says merino. That sounds like a pretty good price.

 

[surya8]

walked in my old Merino sweater bought for 7euros in TkMax some years ago. It is ultra thin, light and soft to the skin. Waked in it, sometimes slept in it. It survived the hike, although it doesn't look the same after the walk but it's surved it's purpose. Would take it for the road again. Washed on a fast cycle in the washing machine, and it dried fast as well. Cashnere needs more care.

 

[trecile]

I love my merino sweater from Uniqlo.

 

[Theresa Brandon]

I've had good luck finding reasonably priced merino on Ebay. Don't forget to check out the men's shirts, too.

 

[Deleted member 76633]

Everyone should have a little cashmere in their life.

While I totally agree with the sentiment here, it might explain a comment made by an inhabitant of Pontevedra who left Pontevedra. He said that the prices there became so expensive he had to leave and the Camino was only for rich people.

Something to think about - but I'd still have the cashmere.

 

[lovetoread3]

Even if you're allergic to wool, you may be fine with cashmere. Different animals...

 

[Janade]

I found a merino sweater in Benetton. It was 35$ in December, but I see it's around 25$ now. I don't know if it's good for the Camino (haven't had a chance to try it). It says 100% virgin wool on the website, but the tag on the sweater says merino. That sounds like a pretty good price.

Waaahhh! The site says that the US can't order online until March 2018 (and while it's March, it still doesn't offer an option to purchase).

 

[redbackpack]

Waaahhh! The site says that the US can't order online until March 2018 (and while it's March, it still doesn't offer an option to purchase).

I think they might have sold everything and are working on more? The wool is from Italy and the factory is in Serbia. I live between those two countries and it's very hard to find my size now.

By the way, does anyone know of merino underwear that isn't very expensive?

 

[Judy Rubin]

In trying to keep costs down, I'm trying to buy the majority of my clothing for the Camino at thrift shops. I happened to come across a great cashmere sweater the other day that is lightweight and super soft and it looks like it would be perfect for layering. I just wondered what the difference was between merino and cashmere and if one worked better than the other for warmth and wicking. Anyone know?

I wore my Merino 1/4 zip on three caminos, the EPW, plus other trails/trips. It was perfect. I do not baby it at all.....handwash occasionally and on the line to dry. Period. Perfect.

 

[mr. frodo]

I'm a huge Cashmere fan. And have worn cashmere in the backcountry on many over night hikes. I get all my cashmere second hand ($10 CAD) and love them. On my first camino I wore a fleece zip up as my warm layer, but my plan is to take cashmere for my next camino. It's much lighter, compacts better, and proves no problem when mixed with sweat, plus it feels awesome next to the skin and is super warm. Wash in room temp water with shampoo once in awhile and hang to dry.

 

[Former member 92300]

Cashmere is nice - but merino is better for hiking. More durable, low maintenance. Easy to throw in the washer and even dryer. Most wool/cashmere you have to be careful with - but a quality merino wool holds up well. It's more expensive - but I find Icebreaker to have the most durable/long lasting merino wool - even when I don't treat it well with washing/drying. I used to go for cheaper hiking clothes - but learned I actually spend less when I buy Icebreaker for shirts/pullovers because I don't need to replace them very often. I don't worry as much about pants/shorts and get discount stuff on those areas when I can, but I used to go through a lot of worn out shirts/pullovers and now I don't.

 

[redbackpack]

For the merino that handles washing and drying, does it have to be pre-treated in any way? Anything I should be looking for on the tag? One of my sweaters didn't survive the camino 'don't touch the settings' washing machine.

 

[henrythedog]

In trying to keep costs down, I'm trying to buy the majority of my clothing for the Camino at thrift shops. I happened to come across a great cashmere sweater the other day that is lightweight and super soft and it looks like it would be perfect for layering. I just wondered what the difference was between merino and cashmere and if one worked better than the other for warmth and wicking. Anyone know?

As in Matthew 25 you are sorting the sheep from the goats.

I’m on team sheep. (Merino)