Merino Vs Alpaca
On the top alpaca wool is considered to be a flame resistant fibre even though merino wool bears a high level of fire resistance as well.
Merino vs alpaca. Ok we will. While merino wool and other animal fibres are cool to touch the interesting thing about alpaca wool is that it is initially cold when you touch it as the air pockets are empty. After looking at all these aspects it seems obvious that cashmere doesnt have the right properties to be used in outdoor gear.
When compared to merino wool alpaca is softer stronger warmer and retains less water. Merino wool comes from the wool of the merino sheep. Its also a more environmentally sustainable option when you look at the overall impact.
I first learned about alpaca on a trip to peru. This difference allows the alpaca type of wool to repel water and retain heat. Youll likely pay a little more for a pair of alpaca socks than for merino but the quality and performance is worth it.
They are also naturally free of lanolin a wax found in sheeps wool that can cause an irritating allergic reaction. One of the big differences between these two types of wool is that alpaca fibers are hollow and merino wools fibers are not. Alpaca wool is warmer lighter softer and stronger than merino wool.
Alpaca fibers have a smoother and more uniform surface then merino so they are less prickly to the touch. That would make alpaca wool warmer than merino wool. At a local market i bought a sweater and hat to take on my four day trek to machu picchu.
When it comes to strength and durability alpaca reigns supreme being the strongest of them all.