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ScentLok’s new Merino 250 Hoodie is a versatile, comfortable, and scent-controlling base-layer or mid-layer for your next hunt.
ScentLok has been the recognized leader in big game hunting scent control for decades, founded on their ever advancing carbon technologies. (Deer are acutely aware.) More recently, however, the pioneering company has extended its offerings to include premium merino wool – a natural scent barrier. And the organic material is now available in the new Merino 250 Hoodie.
What is Merino wool?
For starters, it’s not that itchy, scratchy fabric in your ugly Christmas sweater. Rather, it’s a superfine natural fiber that’s sheared from Merino sheep. Originally from Spain, Merino sheep are now raised in South America, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United States.
Key to Merino wool of the highest quality is the diameter of its fibers, measured in microns (one millionth of a meter). For example, routine Merino wool measures in the low 20’s, whereas ScentLok’s new Merino 250 Hoodie comes in at 18.5 microns. That means more of Merino wool’s beneficial properties per square inch of material. (To give you an idea of how fine that is, human hairs average between 50 and 100 microns.)
So, what are those beneficial properties?
Temperature Regulation
Merino wool adapts to your body’s needs. It provides warmth when it’s cold and offers breathability when required. So, in the case of ScentLok’s Merino 250 Hoodie, it can perform as a lone outer-layer if it’s temperate, as well as when there’s a bit of a nip in the air. In short, the garment naturally regulates based on the weather conditions.
Odor Resistance
While ScentLok is famous for its carbon technology, in the case of the Merino 250 Hoodie, the fabric alone offers native antimicrobial properties. This comes from a sheep’s ability to produce a natural wax (sheep grease) that repels water and prevents the accumulation of bacteria, mold, and fungus.
Moisture Wicking
Specialty fabrics and treatments, including some of those from ScentLok, are purposed for wicking moisture off your skin. Merino wool? It naturally lifts perspiration off and away, as it does for sheep. Mother Nature is amazing…
Elasticity
Unlike conventional wool, Merino wool offers a degree of elasticity. Meaning, the fabric holds its shape. For the objectives of the Merino 250 Hoodie, ScentLok blended in 5% spandex to add the stretch and motion-promotion required for hunting. In the words of ScentLok Director of Marketing, Steve Allie, the hoodie “rebounds well and holds its structure.”
Softness
This is the no-brainer. Instantly feel the softness with one touch of the fabric. This translates into maximum comfort against your skin.
Hypoallergenic
Maybe not a requirement for hunting, but it’s factual, nonetheless. Merino wool is officially recognized as asthma and allergy friendly by the international certification body Allergy Standards Limited (ASL).
Fire-Resistant
Yes, it’s true. Merino wool fibers are difficult to ignite, have limited ability to sustain a flame, and can self-extinguish. Merino wool clothing is worn by firemen, police, soldiers, and rescue teams because of its natural fire resistance.
FEATURES AND CONSTRUCTION
The ScentLok Merino 250 Hoodie is an ideal mid-layer or base-layer, offering outstanding thermal regulation and breathability. Designed with flatlock seam construction, the hoodie ensures maximum durability and comfort, allowing for unrestricted movement throughout the day. Say goodbye to sweat and odor distractions—our naturally moisture-wicking and antimicrobial merino wool keeps you feeling fresh and dry, even during the most intense activities.
“There are so many awesome aspects of the Merino 250 Hoodie,” said Allie. “The first things that come to mind are its softness, durability, and how the fabric can stretch but not lose its shape. If you ever wore an older merino garment, you recall how it quickly got stretched out and kept getting looser. By adding spandex, the Merino 250 Hoodie will fit the same, hunt after hunt, washing after washing.”
He continued by commenting on its softness and native odor prevention. “Internally, we say the Merino 250 Hoodie is ‘buttery smooth’ – it’s that comfortable on your skin. And odor prevention at the skin layer is important. The Merino 250 Hoodie’s natural antimicrobial properties get the scent control process underway before even adding ScentLok carbon outerwear. And you’ll be thoroughly impressed at its ability to wick moisture away from your skin.”
Allie wrapped up by mentioning its exceptional three-piece hood. “It’s form fitting and moves with you. That’s important for not losing peripheral vision when turning your head.”
Merino 250 Hoodie FEATURES:
MSRP $129.99