Towering above Wales, Snowdon is perhaps the United Kingdom’s most awe-inspiring mountain. On a clear day, the views stretch to Ireland and the Isle of Man; on a gloomy day the summit hangs amongst the clouds. We sent a team of fitness and fashion enthusiasts face-to-face with the mountain’s rugged trails, dressed head-to-toe in Merino wool apparel.
Fashion designer Henry Holland, Marie Claire Italy journalist Manuela Ravasio, fashion journalist Grace Cook, movement coach Roger Frampton and photographer Jack Harding trekked 11 kilometres and 1085 metres above sea level to the peak of Snowdon before cycling down the Llanberis Pass, kitted out in the latest technical Merino wool clothing from leading performance brands across the world.
Shop the wool-rich look
Roger Frampton wears the Aclima Double Wool Jacket.
The group puts wool through its paces as it cycles down Llanberis Pass.
Roger Frampton wears the True North Vaalen Jacket by Finisterre and Aclima Mens Warmwool Long Pants.
Henry Holland wears an ultra-light 100% Merino wool T-shirt from Black Diamond (available early-2019) and an ashmei long-sleeve base-layer.
Grace Cook wears Finisterre’s True North Vaalen Jacket over an ashmei long-sleeve base-layer and P.E Nation Speedski knit.
Grace Cook wears an Aclima Sports Top and Aclima Womens Warmwool Long Pants under Finisterre’s True North Vaalen Jacket.
Roger Frampton wears the Aclima Double Wool Jacket.
The group puts wool through its paces as it cycles down Llanberis Pass.
Roger Frampton wears the True North Vaalen Jacket by Finisterre and Aclima Mens Warmwool Long Pants.
Henry Holland wears an ultra-light 100% Merino wool T-shirt from Black Diamond (available early-2019) and an ashmei long-sleeve base-layer.
Grace Cook wears Finisterre’s True North Vaalen Jacket over an ashmei long-sleeve base-layer and P.E Nation Speedski knit.
Grace Cook wears an Aclima Sports Top and Aclima Womens Warmwool Long Pants under Finisterre’s True North Vaalen Jacket.
Roger Frampton wears the Aclima Double Wool Jacket.
The group puts wool through its paces as it cycles down Llanberis Pass.
“We smashed that mountain and proved that this really is the best gear to keep you moving freely and naturally - and most of all keeps you cosy and warm,” said movement coach Roger Frampton. “I’m really fascinated that I stood three quarters of the way up Mount Snowdon wearing just base-layers and the only thing that’s cold is my face. In contrast to synthetic fibres, wool is an active fibre that reacts to changes in the body’s temperature during movement. Fine Merino wool insulates your skin from the cold environment, keeping you warmer.”
"Warm, dry and odour-free after 7 hours on the mountain."
Henry Holland, Designer
Wool in sportswear
The Snowdon trek was part of The Woolmark Company’s Live & Breathe campaign, reminding consumers of the technical benefits of wool - the original performance fibre. In a world dominated by cheaper man-made alternatives, it’s easy to lose sight of the wonders of Mother Nature.
Natural, renewable and biodegradable, Merino wool is nature at its finest, being the most effective form of all-weather protection known to mankind for thousands of years. The unique benefits of Merino wool sportswear allow it to act like a second skin, helping athletes perform at their peak, from sea-level to mountain top. In contrast to synthetics, Merino wool can absorb a lot of moisture vapour which means less sweat on your body.
“We were in Merino wool, so we didn't have to worry about the build-up of moisture under our first layer, which can often cause problems,” said the trip’s photographer, Jack Harding. “Unlike when using other materials, we stayed dry and warm throughout the hike. “One of the key reasons I choose wool is because it's a natural, sustainable and biodegradable resource. Of course, all with unrivalled performance in the field.”
Read more
08 Jan 2020
Performance
Going the extra mile with Iffley Road
08 Jan 2020
Merino wool waterproof jackets, tops, beanies and leggings for running, activewear and lifestyle from UK brand Iffley Road.
27 Nov 2019
Fashion
Fusalp releases colourful wool knits in time for the ski season
27 Nov 2019
Ski brand Fusalp has released a collection of 100% Woolmark-certified Merino wool sweaters to look your best on and off piste.
15 Nov 2019
Performance
Wool for winter sports
15 Nov 2019
Looking for the best clothes to hit the slopes this winter? Look no further than this Merino wool edit of base-layers from Woolmark for the ski season.
04 Nov 2019
Wool Seamless Technology
The latest Merino yoga collection goes seam free
04 Nov 2019
Lightweight, breathable and comfortable yoga gear made from Merino wool and seamless knitting technology, created in partnership by Woolmark, Santoni and Südwolle.
리사그리플라스(Lisa Griplas): 미디어, 언론정보 분야에서 10년 이상의 경험을 가지고 있다. 그녀는 수년간 신문사에서 저널리스트로 지내다가 현재 울마크 컴퍼니에서 글로벌 에디터를 맡고있다.