Dan Demsky is the co-founder of Unbound Merino.RILEY STEWART PHOTOGRAPHY INC./Supplied
Dan Demsky vowed to stop overpacking in the spring of 2014. He was on the Greek island of Hydra schlepping luggage to his hotel, which was perched at the top of a hill.
“With no paved roads, there were only two ways to get our luggage up there: carry it ourselves or pay for a donkey to carry it up,” he said.
By the end of the trip, he realized that he had worn less than 50 per cent of the clothes he’d packed.
In his determination to get by with less baggage, Demsky discovered merino wool. Because of its antimicrobial properties, the material requires fewer washes, he said, making it a good option for travel.
Its sweat-wicking, temperature-regulating features have made it a staple in activewear, but Demsky wanted to find merino wool pieces he could wear for both long runs around a new city and cocktails at a bar. In 2016, he and a friend started Unbound Merino, a Toronto-based company that manufactures minimalist clothing.
They began with T-shirts, boxer briefs and socks. Since then, the company has grown to a team of 40, sold products in more than 100 countries and expanded to cover a full range of offerings, from tops and dress shirts to trousers and shorts.
Building on its philosophy of making attire for travel, the company recently introduced a travel backpack – a foldable nylon version with laptop and pen compartments that’s designed to be packed away when not in use.
The insiders’ guide to the Caribbean
Travelling for five or six months of the year, Demsky often mixes business with pleasure, taking trips to Asia and Europe and within North America to visit manufacturers and farmers and take in each city’s music and dining scenes. He also occasionally visits Australia, where Unbound Merino sources its wool. There, he enjoys running along the beach in Sydney and sampling the java in Melbourne, where he says the coffee culture is unlike that of anywhere he’s ever been.
By adopting a travel uniform – a pair of joggers for the airport, and a button-down and merino pants and shorts for sightseeing – Demsky is able to keep his luggage light.
Three years ago, he tested his vow to pack less on a six-month trip to China, Japan, Vietnam, Mexico, Argentina and the U.S., where he stayed and worked out of rentals. It was a success – he did it all with just a carry-on.
The overhead carry-on: Hideo Wakamatsu Max Cabin
“The particular bag that I have is no longer available, but I would recommend any of the Hideo Wakamatsu carry-ons. I bought mine around 12 years ago, and I’ve never felt the need to upgrade since. It’s still in perfect order.”
The fitness companion: Versa Gripps Classic gloves
“I want to indulge in great food while I’m travelling, but I need to stay active. I travel with these because they motivate me to go use them at the hotel gym. They’re packable and functional, and they help me get through a workout.”
The versatile footwear: Nike Air Pegasus 41
“These shoes are comfortable. I could use them for walking, but I could also use them for a good run. At home in Toronto, I don’t go on runs, but I enjoy running while travelling because it’s an amazing way to enjoy new neighbourhoods and discover new cities. I find I can push myself more in a new city, when there are new things to look at along the way.”
The kicks cleaner: Jason Markk Quick Wipes
“The thing with wearing all-white shoes is that they easily get dirty. I travel with these to give my shoes a quick wipe-down whenever they have marks or scuffs. Sometimes, if I’m in a hotel, I can clean them off in the sink, but these are handy for getting marks off quickly.”
The time keeper: Sternglas Naos watch
“This watch is very stylish, and it can easily dress up an outfit. Its design is minimal, which I like. I have both the black and brown leather strap, which I change.”
The supplement: ATP Lab Vitamin D3
“I used to always get sick after a flight. Someone told me to have a big dose of vitamin D the day of travelling and the day before. I find it’s been night and day. I barely catch a cold now. It boosts my immunity and gives me energy. I travel with a lot of supplements, but I think this is a travel hack. Try to find one that’s high-quality.”
