In WWI, wool was so important to British soldiers on the front lines that knitting wool sweaters was seen as a patriotic duty. By WWII, wool’s reputation was further solidified. However, SAS members spent extended periods in the field, laden with rucksacks and additional equipment, constantly on the move.
After witnessing repeated failures with their traditional wool sweaters, the SAS sought a lighter alternative, reinforcing the shoulders and elbows for durability. This became the iconic British Commando Sweater, and the inspiration for what we call the “commando test” — to pass muster, Merino wool must be reinforced in high stress areas. If it’s not, it simply fails too fast like the traditional wool garments that the SAS rejected.
We build ALL GORUCK Merino Wool tops with reinforced paneling on the shoulders so your Merino shirt keeps its structure better over the long haul – representing the standard for performance in the Merino wool category and passing the Commando Test. This ensures that your Merino shirt maintains its shape over time, while still providing all the advantages of Merino, such as odor resistance and perfect temperature regulation, regardless of the adventure or mission at hand.
Features
Reinforced shoulders with Indestructible Training Fabric
11% Nylon blend helps the Merino
wool retain its shape and be more abrasion resistant. The 89% Merino Wool carries antimicrobial, quick drying, and insulating properties.
Long sleeves to keep you warm rucking or living in colder weather
Built in the USA with wool sourced from New Zealand
Small GORUCK Spearhead on the chest
Classic fit - patterned after our best selling Triblend T-shirts, then built from the ground up.
Fabric + Care
Merino Wool: 11% Nylon blend helps the Merino wool retain its shape and be more abrasion resistant. The 89% Merino Wool carries antimicrobial, quick drying, and insulating properties. Specs + Materials: 89% wool, 11% Nylon Care Instructions: Machine wash cold, do not bleach, hang dry.
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A man wears the Men’s Commando Long Sleeve - Merino Wool tee and lifts a heavy backpack overhead outdoors on a sunny day.
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GORUCK brown merino wool long sleeve shirt with reinforced shoulder patches
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Two men outdoors, both wearing the Men’s Commando Long Sleeve - Merino Wool shirts with reinforced shoulders, team up to carry a large wooden log during a physical challenge.
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A man wearing the Men’s Commando Long Sleeve - Merino Wool sits outdoors, appearing tired and sweaty with trees behind him.
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Man splitting firewood outdoors in rugged GORUCK apparel in a forest setting
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Man in GORUCK outdoor gear tending campfire in forest, wearing brown shirt and black beanie.
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Close-up of brown Merino wool fabric texture from GORUCK rucking gear shirt
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GORUCK brown merino long sleeve shirt with logo tag and USA flag on collar
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GORUCK brown Merino long sleeve shirt with reinforced shoulder panels, back view
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Men’s Commando Long Sleeve - Merino Wool in dark gray, features black reinforced shoulders. Shown on a plain white background.
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A man wearing the Men’s Commando Long Sleeve - Merino Wool stands outside by a chain-link fence, looking to his left.
As an American business with Special Forces roots, we are proud to donate 1% of our annual top line revenue to non-profit partners who support those who serve.
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