Those of us who love the outdoors tend to expect a lot from our clothing. We play hard, so we need clothing that breathes, wicks, insulates, and is virtually indestructible, all while looking good. To live up to our rather high standards, a great fiber is essential. The choice generally comes down to two options: merino or synthetic. But a newcomer to the outdoor world, Free Fly, has us rethinking these traditional options in favor of bamboo. That’s right, the giant grass most often thought of as a panda’s favorite nosh, is hitting the outdoor world in a huge way.
Why bamboo? For starters, it’s eco-friendly. Bamboo is a sustainable crop that takes up very little ground area, prevents erosion, and requires no pesticides or irrigation. It’s also naturally moisture wicking, provides UV protection, doesn’t trap odors, and is softer than a baby bunny. Our testers found it to be very breathable (think more breathable than cotton and still awesome at handling moisture) and loved it for strenuous activity, even on the hottest of days. We also love the price point- all of the products we tested were priced similarly to comparable synthetic items and considerably lower than their merino competitors. Intrigued? Check out our testers’ top picks:
Women’s Bamboo Racerback Tank: $29
Even the best fiber can’t save a poor fit; this well constructed tank masters both fit an fabric. Bamboo viscose is blended with just enough stretch to make the tank supremely comfortable, while the cut is loose enough to stay in place and fitted enough to be flattering.
Ready for work or a hike, this classic cut means you can stay cool anywhere.
Just when we thought fleece couldn’t get any better, Free Fly turned ultra soft bamboo into a cozy hoody. The addition of thumb holes makes it the perfect way to stay warm on cool evenings.
The classic active short gets an upgrade. These lightweight shorts feature a soft bamboo blend lining for comfort and moisture management.
Check out the full lineup of bamboo apparel from Free Fly here.
