Material guides

What is merino wool?

Merino wool is the favourite material of more and more hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, and with good reason. Long-fibre merino wool feels pleasantly soft against the skin, keeps you warm even when wet and cools you even in the summer heat. Merino wool is a durable natural fibre, so quality merino wool garments last a long time when properly cared for.

What is Airbase mesh knit?

The Airbase range is designed by Svala, and the products are made at Svala's own factory in Kärsämäki. Svala's mesh knit is a unique fabric designed in Finland and made in Europe, and it has been the brand's best-known product for decades. It is made of 100% polypropylene and serves as the Zero Layer of the Svala AIR System™ layering system – the first layer against your skin. The mesh structure traps air against your skin: it keeps you warm in the cold and cool in the heat.

What is Merino Extreme?

Svala's versatile classic Merino Extreme is a fabric whose two-layer construction combines the natural properties of merino wool with technical performance. The inner layer is highly moisture-wicking polypropylene, and the outer layer is warm merino wool blended with a little polyamide for extra abrasion resistance. Svala's Merino Extreme collection is designed and made in Kärsämäki, Finland.

What is Polartec Power Stretch™ Pro?

Polartec Power Stretch™ Pro is a material tested where it matters most: by people who work outdoors. It transfers moisture efficiently from the inside to the outside, withstands heavy use and offers one of the best warmth-to-weight ratios in its class. These qualities have made Polartec Power Stretch™ Pro one of the favourite materials among the most demanding outdoor enthusiasts and professional users.