Last Updated on September 18, 2025 by Christine Kaaloa

After years of dragging overstuffed suitcases or a backpacker backpack through airports, packing “just in case” outfits I never wore, I discovered something that completely transformed how I travel: one shirt that does the work of five.

As a solo female traveler who can spend months on the road  country hopping with carry-on only, I’ve learned that smart packing isn’t merely about having less. It’s about having better. And nothing exemplifies this quite like my Unbound Merino travel clothes, where a single piece of clothing can become the staple of my carry-on capsule wardrobe.

Side note: I travel with a camera gear daypack too for content creation, so even moreso, I need my carryon luggage to be light.

Disclosure: There are affiliate links in this post and I received some Unbound Merino pieces for review. But all opinions are my own.  I receive a small referral commission which helps me maintain my blog, while also sharing a brand I truly believe will rock your trip packing.

What does a capsule wardrobe mean for traveling light?

The advantage of a capsule wardrobe is that it minimizes my packing, because it is built on the concept of mix-and-match versatility. The idea is that I can create multiple outfits with just a few staple pieces and this helps me save carry-on space, simplifies my outfit choices without sacrificing style and affords me to travel unburdened because I’m not dealing with clothes that hold odors or requires washing and ironing.

Read  12 must have multi-purpose travel pieces for packing light

The reality of overpacking (we’ve all been there)

There was a time, I used to hate trip packing, because it took guessing my daily activities, coordinating colors and looks and I’d always feel like I was packing a wardrobe closet. And here’s the thing–  I hate being overwhelmed with decisions on what to wear, when I also have to pack for my female solo travel vlogger needs any my priority is comfort and to look semi decent on-camera. I’d stuff my luggage with a handful of “one-off”  “just in case” clothes I thought I’d wear but never did. Instead, I dragged it around like dead weight, making every airport-bus-train transfer a workout. I’d open my carry-on to feel like an idiot, as they’d chime- “yep, still not used, we’re only taking up luggage space — you made a mistake!”.

Meanwhile, I found I was often wearing the same outfits and sniffing for armpit odor to see how many more days I could go without washing. Why? It set a comfortable rhythm and my day was not filled with the same people and if it were– who would care what I wore?!

It wasn’t until around 2021-2022 when I started speaking at travel blogging conferences that I realized it was a waste of carry-on space to pack BOTH, one-off outfits to attend professional events and then casual tees to hit the road to travel.  It was at one of these conferences that I met Unbound Merino.  They sent me a couple of their merino wool travel clothing pieces to try and that’s when I discovered the magic on merino wool clothing!

Read 16 minimalist tips for packing carry-on luggage

Why merino wool is the ultimate travel fabric

I already did an in-depth Unbound Merino review, so I am going to summarize why merino wool a game-changer in travel:

For many, the idea of “merino wool” automatically conjures the thought cold weather and maybe sorta “itchy”. Well, you haven’t tried Unbound Merino clothing. Their items a constructed to adjust to your body’s temperature so you can wear it in all types of weather- hot, cold, smarmy, …you name it.  Here’s some other attributes you’ll love:

–  Few to No washes per trip: The first time I got Unbound Merino pieces, I did not wash them for two months!

–  Odor-resistant:  Seriously, I can wear it for days without it getting a funky or armpit smell

– Wrinkle-resistant: It’s not going to come out of your backpack looking ironed. But I’ve found if you give it a few tugs on a hanger to settle itself, the wrinkles sort themselves out (read my review on how that works). Both, my travel and lifestyle can be stop and go, so I appreciate that I can pull my Unbound Merino clothing out of a laundry basket and let the wrinkles undo themselves as I drive to my gigs.

–  Body temperature regulating: Keeps your body cool in heat and warm when in a chilled plane, overnight train or bus

– Quick-drying & moisture wicking: One sink wash, lay flat overnight to dry. If you’re a heavy sweater like I am, avoid light colors as they show off your sweat. However, the caveat is that these are quick-drying apparel– once your body cools down, the sweat evaporates fairly quick also.

– Simple, tasteful and versatile style:  Their construction and neutral colors means I don’t need a fashion degree or to spend time a lot of time deciding what to pair it with. Dress it up or down for any occasion- casual or professional- it matches almost every occasion and almost everything! I travel a lot of conservative countries with humid climates and this is perfect for them.

– Fewer pieces needed: One merino shirt replaces 3- 4 regular tops, which is good cause it’s kinda pricy.  For solo travelers, the simplicity is priceless, because it requires less maintenance and decisions when packing for a trip or living a busy multi-tasking lifestyle. For a few years, my one olive V-neck tee and travel dress were staples for my trips… and home..

– Lush and lightweight fabric: For the most part, the fabric is super soft and light-weight. It’s semi sheer but not peek-a-boo, which means when it catches in the wind, it looks flowy. Con: if your bra is saggy or slouchy (see my third photo below in the ochre crew tee)- I wore it with a loose sports bra without the boob cushion and the way the fabric fell revealed my bra dip and nipple), so make sure your bra fits to offer you a good contour.

Check out my original Unbound Merino review & why merino wool is a travel gamechanger!

5 Smart staples of Unbound Merino

Women’s Merino Crew Neck T‑Shirt

Unbound Merino’s Women’s Crew Neck T‑Shirt is comfortable enough for all-day wear, I feel like crew neck tees are a casual and professional cut, which you can easily pair with jeans, slacks, or a skirt. and durable enough to handle adventure activities. The soft, malleable fabric drapes beautifully, and the lightweight merino wool design makes it perfect for layering with a scarf, cardigan or blazer.

2. Women’s Lightweight Travel Shorts

The first phrase that comes to mind when it comes to the Unbound Merino Lightweight Travel Shorts is “well-designed and high quality”. But that’s not the first thing that came to mind when Unbound Merino told me they’d be sending me a pair to test drive. Instead it was “Oh NO! I’m going to take photos of myself wearing it.”

You see, when I crossed 50, my body changed gears, gravity played rough. The skin above my knees sagged and my legs show a lot of cellulite- it has become one of my biggest insecurities along with my tummy. And it’s been taking me time to “embrace” it– instead, I try to ignore it. Ive been getting back into shorts and skorts, but – and this is gonna sound wacky–  I’m only okay if I don’t see myself in them.

The cool thing about these Unbound Merino travel shorts are that they are almost mid-thigh which softens attention to my flaws. Your eye also catches on the attractive cut of the shorts. I don’t know how, but Unbound Merino knows how to make a body look good in its clothes

If you love deep pockets like me, you’ll love that these shorts have very deep pockets in both, the front and back. They’re a bit like “teacher” pockets. My entire hand, phone or vlogging camera easily fits in all the pockets and doesn’t feel restricted in the least.

The high-quality construction eliminates that unflattering “boxy” look many travel shorts have. It has an elastic waistband and the merino wool fabric is stretchy so you can move, bend, squat without restriction. The fabric is a little thicker in the waist – serious elastic band- and pockets, so they feel higher quality. But the shorts leg area are lightweight, breezy and it has a demi flair so your legs look slimmer.

I’m actually crushing on these shorts! I’m considering trying Unbound Merino’s skort.

3. Women’s Merino V‑Neck T‑Shirt

This is my first Unbound Merino V-Neck tee and the main workhorse of my travel wardrobe.  You’ll see me wearing it in my YouTube videos and social media posts – for the past few years, it’s been my second skin when filming my trips and it empowers my wardrobe because i’m often traveling conservative countries where modesty is preferred.

The merino wool V-neck teee is universally flattering and pairs beautifully with everything from my cotton jumper to yoga pants and blazers. It’s a staple tee in my capsule because it adapts to any activity or cultural setting. It’s one of my in-flight or train travel essentials because I usually just need a mid-sleeve button over to keep my body temperature adjusted.  I highly recommend it.

Most of my photos, my jumper is covering it because I like to be comfortable, unrestricted and breezy.

Insight: If you’re trying to decide between the V-neck or Crew neck tees, the crew neck looks more sophisticated, but the V-neck allows more air in around the neck. For my age, I’m not menopausal but I get hot and sweat easily, so the V-neck allows me to cool down faster.

Note: Unbound Merino has women’s muscle tees too which are another style I love.

4. Women’s or Men’s Long Sleeve Merino Crew

Packing for Pakistan, I knew I had to get a merino wool tee for covering me when shifting between extremes of weather – super hot and potentially chilly, maybe even icy. I didn’t know how to gauge what I’d encounter in climate shifts. The form-fitting Unbound Merino Women’s Long Sleeve Merino Crew tee is normally what I would get for the cost.

But with Pakistan dress etiquette, the ongoing advice I got was to err on the modest side and “roomy”. I bought the Men’s long sleeve crew to have a tastefully conservative tee that could be a base layer for chilly evenings, cold mornings and possibilities of snow and ice. Hiking activities too. What shocked me most was wearing it on my leopard safari in the Jawai Bandh desert in Rajasthan, India where it was hot! It wicked my sweat and kept my body cool. It also protected my arms from getting burnt.

5. The Power of a Black Dress: Women’s Merino Travel Dress

Unbound Merino’s Travel Dress is the ultimate throw-on-and-go piece. It’s my everything dress. This lightweight merino travel dress is a perfect as beach cover-up,  for casual dinners or moments when you need to look pulled-together instantly.

I use this a lot working on film sets where I’m changing in and out of clothes in a honey wagon. It’s lightweight and easy to slip on and off, and it’s perfect for visiting Mexican cenotes, beaches and pools and then flipping it as a casual dress for dinner and nightlife. It’s lightweight wool allows for you to feel the breeze and I love that when I sweat, it doesn’t feel sticky.

I even wore it when speaking on YouTube Monetization at Women in Travel Summit with a shawl draped over me, to be simple but classic.

Check out the Unbound Merino travel clothing shop for more!

Packing with Unbound Merino : What makes it different? (A quick review)

Just a reminder, this Unbound Merino travel clothing review is an update after wearing it for a few years and trying out new pieces (read my in-depth Unbound Merino review).

Not going to lie, a high quality Unbound Merino tee or item costs a pretty penny in comparison fast fashion alternatives.  I’m so thrify that I don’t think I would’ve thought to invest in this type of clothing had I not been first given it to try. It’s certainly a conscious travel investment for me as I sculpt my capsule wardrobe.

And to be transparent, even after I was won over by this brand, I still tried looking for a cheap alternative. But this– I’ve tried cheaper merino wool brands but the look, feel, quality…everything is not the same. With Unbound Merino, you’re paying for the high-quality, versatility, all the “be attitude traits” I’ve listed and how good you’re going to look in it, whereever you go!

Here’s why Unbound Merino clothing is “economical” to a thrifty traveler like myself:

One item replaces 3-5 items: You’re not going run out and buy a entire closet full of these clothes- one item goes a long way as a staple. Although you can upgrade all your clothes to Unbound Merino and you’ll have a very savvy, grab-n-go wardrobe that requires the least maintenance and brain-stress making fashion choices. I’ve certainly considered this, as it could save a ton of money in the long-run by the fact it requires little washing.

Sophisticated versatility: These aren’t just t-shirts—they’re travel wardrobe essentials that can double as professional blouses and their classic and neutral color tones make mixing and matching effortless. They drape naturally, fall on your body in a flattering way and is super lightweight. It is a timeless design works whether you’re 25 or 55, making them perfect for multi-generational travelers and it means you’re going to have a piece you can grow older with.

Realistic durability: I’ve worn my Unbound Merino pieces through developing countries, conservative destinations, beach, outdoor and urban adventures. They handle everything from humid climates to unexpected weather changes.

Perfect for every traveler: Whether you’re a solo female traveler and content creator, adventure seeker, or business traveler, Unbound Merino clothing adapts to your lifestyle:

– Conservative destinations: Modest coverage and sophisticated style

– Adventure travel: Durable, quick-dry, odor-resistant performance

– Business trips: Professional appearance without bulk

– Beach vacations: Lightweight coverups and versatile pieces

– Urban exploration: Stylish enough for city dining, practical for walking

Quality that lasts:  The stitching is impeccable, and the fabric has this luxurious, silky-smooth finish that won’t snag or develop permanent wrinkles. Even when I accidentally machine-washed it (oops!), it maintained its quality better than expected. Unbound Merino travel clothes feel soft, lush, lightweight and cooling. All of my merino t-shirts have a flowy appearnace and it drapes on my body as if I were a model. The fabric can feel sheer but not see-through.

Con:  I don’t care for is the recommended handwashing. Nevertheless, you want to follow the cold water, lay. flat to dry care instructions.  I’ve strayed from Unbound Merino care instructions, and I notice my favorite V-neck shirt is occasionally prone to longer lasting wrinkles and it occasionally now carries a tinge of armpit odor when I use it a lot for manual work.

Travel savings:  No extra luggage fees: Stay carry-on compliant with less bulk. Few washes means more sightseeing time and space in your luggage.

Here’s my capsule wardrobe with Unbound Merino: One Shirt, Seven Looks

I have adventure trips where I am doing a full scope of traveling in rural regions, on long haul/overnight transportation to attending a travel industry conference.

– Day 1:  Airport travel outfit – UM tee + yoga pants/jeans + lightweight mid-sleeve button up shirt + comfy jogging shoes
– Day 2:  Walking tour – same UM tee + jeans/ UM travel shorts/overalls/yoga pants  + comfy jogging shoes
– Day 3:  Casual dinner – UM travel dress/scarf/accessories OR UM tee/leggings/UM travel shorts 
– Day 4:  Hill station hiking and exploration on foot – UM tee + yoga pants+ light jacket.
– Day 5:  Beach day  –  UM tee and UM travel shorts over swimsuit or UM travel dress + flip flops as a beach coverup and changing room.
– Day 6:  Speaking at a industry conference – UM tee + blazer OR  UM black travel dress and shawl/scarf to cover my shoulders + sandals
– Day 7:  Flight home – same UM tee and Day 1 combo-  still fresh.

Note:  Skorts have been my new hiking apparel interest these days and Unbound Merino has skorts.

Check out my original Unbound Merino review & why merino wool is a gamechanger!

Unbound Merino travel clothes is my capsule wardrobe essential

After a few years of using Unbound Merino wool travel clothes across countries and climates, they’ve earned permanent spots in my minimalist travel wardrobe. They are key components of my capsule wardrobe. The combination of functionality, style, and quality makes them worth every penny!

For solo travelers especially, the simplicity is priceless. When you’re managing your own luggage through airports, every ounce matters and you don’t want to collect dirty clothes or have to stop your sightseeing to find a laundry solution. Simplifying your outfits with versatile pieces that work in multiple settings are essential to avoiding the stress of overpacking. Unbound Merino travel clothing is one of the smartest investments you can make.

Check out Unbound Merino shop