The merino wool gear I've tested is good at everything. I asked textile experts why | CNN Underscored

A CNN Underscored review and explainer argues that merino wool’s widely cited comfort benefits are grounded in its material properties, and that the fiber is far more versatile than a typical base layer. The piece notes merino’s temperature regulation, moisture-wicking performance, and natural odor resistance, while also addressing its improved reputation versus the itch associated with coarser wools. It traces merino’s origins to sheep historically developed and exported from the Iberian Peninsula, later concentrated largely in South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. Textile experts are quoted explaining that merino is bred for traits that help it perform across varying climates.