Christchurch – New Zealand-based Nuyarn Technologies has announced that its merino yarn technology has been selected by US brand Unknown Runner for a new ultralight trail running apparel system.
The Courser Collection is positioned as a performance base layer and mid-layer solution for hot and changeable conditions in off-road running.
Unknown Runner, headquartered in Flagstaff, Arizona, focuses on purpose-built merino performance apparel for trail runners and has developed the Courser range as its debut collection. The garments are described as an ultra-lightweight merino wool system for high-output runs and everyday adventure, with fabric engineering aimed at managing heat, moisture and comfort next to the skin.
At the core of the collection is a 115 gsm single-knit fabric using a merino blend and an open-knit construction to enhance airflow. The fibre mix is reported as 63% merino wool, 29% polyester and 8% nylon, giving a balance of natural and synthetic components for thermoregulation, moisture transport, odour resistance and mechanical stability.
Nuyarn’s contribution is its proprietary drafting technology, which wraps merino fibres around a continuous nylon filament to form a composite wool yarn. According to the company, this structure enables yarns that are lighter in linear density, more efficient in moisture transfer and stronger in long-term abrasion and tensile performance than conventional spun merino.
In the Courser fabrics, this merino-on-filament yarn is combined with polyester, with the synthetic fibre likely used either in plated or blended form to further improve drying speed and dimensional stability. Nuyarn states that the resulting fabric is ultralight, highly breathable and quick drying, while retaining its performance properties over repeated use in demanding trail running environments.
The combination of merino with a polyester knit construction is said to offer potential benefits in production efficiency and garment longevity. The stronger yarn is claimed to support durability in lightweight constructions, which can reduce returns and extend service life, while the moisture management claims – including up to five times faster dry times – suggest scope for performance differentiation in the sports and outdoor sector.
Monica Ebert, vice president of sales at Nuyarn, commented on the collaboration, noting the technical fit with high-intensity running applications. “Our technology is designed to unlock the natural potential of wool, and in a high-intensity sport like trail running, the benefits of 5x faster dry times and 8x more durability are game-changers for the athlete,” she said.
