Keep it long, treasure it long.

For climbing on days when you walk a lot.

For outdoor activities such as hiking and mountain climbing, hiking shoes and backpacks are of course important, but socks are also important. The functions required of socks on days when you walk a lot are to have cushioning properties and to be comfortable without getting stuffy. Icebreaker's Mountaineer mid-calf socks meet these two requirements and allow you to experience the functionality of merino wool.

Mountaineer mid-calf socks have a high blend of merino wool for warmth and comfort, and a blend of nylon and lycra for abrasion resistance and stretch. When walking long distances, it is important to reduce the load on the feet, so the inside of the socks is made of thick pile with cushioning properties. It absorbs shock from the ground. In addition, the toe area is sewn flat so that it feels good against the skin, so the longer you walk, the more comfortable you will feel. These socks are also recommended for those who work actively outdoors, as they do not smell bad even when worn for long periods of time.

Socks that are worn on a daily basis are also recommended as a casual gift. No matter how many pairs you have, you don't have to worry about having a pair of everyday items, and we think that these slightly nice socks, which are hard to choose for yourself, will be enjoyed by people of all ages and genders, so please choose them as Christmas presents or thank you gifts.

There are four main advantages of merino wool

1. Soft to the touch
Merino wool is the world's highest quality super microfiber with a thickness of 17 to 19 microns, and the fibers are of very high quality, thin, soft, and gentle on the skin, so it doesn't have the prickly feeling that regular wool does.

2.Excellent breathability/humidity management
The fiber itself has high hygroscopic properties, so it absorbs water vapor emitted by the body even before sweating and releases it into the atmosphere. Sweat from exercise is absorbed and evaporated by capillary action, so your skin is always kept dry and comfortable.

3.Ideal temperature control
When it's cold, when it absorbs moisture from the skin's surface, the adsorbed heat and body heat are stored in the many air pockets created by the ultra-fine fibers, keeping you warm. On the other hand, when it's hot, the gradual evaporative cooling caused by the evaporation of sweat allows you to adjust your body temperature to a comfortable level.

4.Natural antibacterial and deodorizing effect
Sweat contains a mixture of fat and salt, which encourages the growth of bacteria and is the source of unpleasant odors. Merino wool is a material that does not attract bacteria and does not easily generate odors.

For clothing that comes into direct contact with your skin, you want to choose materials that are stress-free. Merino wool is a versatile material that is both seasonal and comfortable to wear, making it a versatile material that can be worn year-round.

Easy to use

Merino wool is also easy to care for. It doesn't require hand washing or fabric softener like regular wool, and can be washed in the washing machine with regular mild alkaline detergent. Regular washing in a washing machine will keep it clean and can be used at any time, and washing also has the effect of restoring the fabric. The fact that it doesn't wrinkle and retains its shape without ironing is also why it's so easy to use. It is also convenient for traveling.

Merino wool is a material with a high UV shielding rate, and even the light color of Icebreaker's thinnest product has a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) of 15 or more, and even neutral colors are said to have a UPF of 50 or more. Recommended for those who often play sports outside.

My encounter with merino wool

icebreaker was founded in 1994. It all started when the founder, JEREMY MOON, met a merino sheep farmer through his girlfriend. JEREMY MOON had been kayaking for a long time and was fed up with the breathability and peculiar smell of outdoor clothing at the time. At that time, outdoor wear was dominated by synthetic fibers, and few people were interested in merino wool.However, the 100% merino wool T-shirts given to us by farmers were light, soft to the touch, breathable, and had an odor. The company was founded after learning about the characteristics of merino wool that does not easily get scratched, and wanting to create stress-free wear for various sports. I quit the company I was working at at the time, got a loan from a bank, used my own savings, and started manufacturing a total of 5 types, including 4 types of tops, including T-shirts, and 1 type of leggings.

The raw material for icebreaker is the wool of Merino sheep raised at an altitude of 1,800m in the Southern Alps of New Zealand. Merino sheep live in harsh highlands where the temperature changes rapidly, and in the summer when the temperature can reach 35 degrees, the highly breathable wool of the sheep keeps the sheep's body temperature at an appropriate level, and in the winter, the thick layer of wool keeps the sheep at a temperature of -20 degrees. It also protects the sheep from the cold weather. Merino wool is a highly functional product created by nature. It is not made from the latest technical fibers or petroleum, but from the power of nature itself, created by grass, water, and the sun. Since it is biodegradable and can be recycled, it enables sustainable manufacturing.