Kari Traa Rose Half Zip Review
Compare prices at 2 resellers Pros: Durable, cute style, warm, venting features
Cons: Lacks fabric breathability, lacks a wide range of thermoregulation, itchy fabric, uncomfortable fit
Manufacturer: Kari Traa
Our Verdict
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 This Product
Kari Traa Rose Half Zip | |||||
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| Awards |  |  |  | | |
| Price | $109.95 at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers | $105.00 at REI Compare at 3 sellers | $125.00 at REI Compare at 3 sellers | $49.99 at Amazon | $85.00 at REI Compare at 3 sellers |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Pros | Durable, cute style, warm, venting features | Wide range of thermoregulation, cozy materials, no odor after long wear, longer fit through torso and arms, versatile | Cozy fleece interior, easy to layer, warm, high quality performance, versatile, stash pocket, tight fit | Warm, durable, breathable, thumb loops, 1/4 zip design vents well, excellent value, no odor | Affordable, powerful wicking and breathing, easy to layer, durable construction |
| Cons | Lacks fabric breathability, lacks a wide range of thermoregulation, itchy fabric, uncomfortable fit | Stretches after wearing for several days, thick construction isn't ideal for warmer days | More expensive, not super breathable | Need to size up on fit, shorter torso and arm length | Not warm, fabric is itchy to some |
| Bottom Line | This 100% merino wool contender is surprisingly durable and stylish | This top provides cozy comfort, top-notch thermoregulation, and resists odor build-up better than any model we tested | This high performance synthetic is ready for pretty much any adventure you dream up | A good looking blended polyester and merino wool top that outperforms its price tag | Our favorite lightweight base layer with excellent breathability for aerobic activities and shoulder seasons |
| Rating Categories | Kari Traa Rose Half... | Smartwool Merino 25... | Arc'teryx Rho LT Zip | Carhartt Force Heav... | Smartwool Merino 15... |
| Warmth (25%) | |||||
| Breathability (25%) | |||||
| Comfort And Fit (20%) | |||||
| Layering Ability (20%) | |||||
| Durability (10%) | |||||
| Specs | Kari Traa Rose Half... | Smartwool Merino 25... | Arc'teryx Rho LT Zip | Carhartt Force Heav... | Smartwool Merino 15... |
| Fabric Weight | Midweight (240 g/m²) | Midweight (250 g/m²) | Midweight (185 g/m²) | Midweight | Lightweight (150 g/m²) |
| Measured Weight (size) | Not recorded | 8.4 oz (medium) | 7.0 oz (small) | 6.8 oz (med) | 4.6 oz (small) |
| Material | 100% merino wool | 100% merino wool | Torrent (84% polyester / 16% elastane) | 80% polyester, 20% wool | 87% merino wool, 13% nylon core |
| Cuts avaliable | 1/4 Zip, crew | Crew, 1/4 zip | 1/4 zip neck | 1/4 zip | Crew |
| Smelly over time? | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
| Odor Control Fabric | Naturally odor resistant | Naturally odor resistant | Polygiene | Naturally odor resistant | Naturally odor resistant |
| Thumb Loops? | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| UPF (Sun Protection) | No | No | N/A | N/A | No |
| Length (short, medium, long) | Short | Medium | Long | Medium | Medium |
| Fit (Based on 5'7, 140-lb woman wearing size small) | Tight and fitted, small for fit. | Fitted (not tight), true to fit. | Tight and long, true to fit. | Fit is small, size up | Fitted (not tight), true to fit. |
| Accessory Pocket? | No | No | Yes (on arm) | No | No |
| Flat-lock seams (prevents chaffing) | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Kari Traa is a cute and stylish 100% Merino wool base layer. While it is relatively warm with a few unique features, the wool feels scratchy against the skin and sadly doesn't thermoregulate like other Merino wool options. As a result, its a great option for cold weather, but not our favorite as a wear-alone piece during the warmer months.
Performance Comparison
Warmth
A perfect option for cold days and nippy mornings, the Rose Half Zip features 240-g of 100% Merino wool. The fabric is loaded with fine fibers that trap and lock in warmth for the coldest days of winter. The tight-knit face fabric provides a little bit of wind resistance, while the stretchy underarm fabric allows for easy venting. This base layer functions as a stand-alone piece in temperatures ranging from 30 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Given the tightly woven face fabrics that offer superb durability, the piece actually holds moisture, causing you to cool quickly after exertion. In fact, it almost performs like a synthetic in that regard. As a result, it doesn't offer a whole lot of warmth after activity. Overall, the Rose provides decent warmth for stand-alone use or when milling around town. It's not an excellent option for aerobic purposes.
Breathability
This contender provides reasonable breathability. Unlike other Merino wool contenders, the face fabric is woven super tight decreasing the breathability of the face fabric. It's also not able to wick moisture as well as other contenders either. The unique, stretchy underarm panels and zip-up collar provides ample venting opportunities that other shirts did not have. We also like that the zip offers venting options. As a result, this top isn't our favorite for aerobic days, and we prefer it for walks or running errands around town.
Comfort & Fit
While Merino wool is typically cozy and comfortable to the touch, we are disappointed with the feel and fit of the Rose Half Zip. While the fabric is soft to the touch, it's itchier then Merino wool contenders…especially when wet. Every other Merino wool base layer did not itch or provide discomfort.
The fit is another story. The piece is not true to fit and has constrictions around the shoulders and chest. The arms were short, as is the torso. Part of the reason why fit isn't so great is that the fabric doesn't stretch as readily as other contenders. Our advice is to size up if you plan on buying this product.
Layering Ability
This top is perfect to layer underneath your favorite puffy or shell. The face fabric isn't very slippery and can grab layers that are being put over the top, however, it layers better than most Merino wool layers. Since the fit is so tight, the arms and torso don't bunch up. A smaller or tighter shirt can easily be layered underneath this top.
Durability
This top is stand-out for its durability. Given the tightly woven face fabric, it is incredibly durable that can be worn anywhere! It doesn't snag or grab easily and can take abrasion. Through our testing period, we noted no stitching fly-aways or holes after three months of intensive use. The fabric is not nearly as fragile as other Merino wool options, ensuring its use for the years to come.
Value
This is not a high-value option. Its overall performance is not top-tier, and the price is pretty high. You can purchase a higher value product with better features. However, if a durable merino wool layer is what you seek, it might be worth throwing down the coin.
Conclusion
This 100% Merino wool contender is super durable and offers exceptional warmth. The fabrics aren't as comfortable as most merino wool contenders but it layers nicely and features a cute design that some women love. It's perfect for those seeking an incredibly durable merino wool option, though it is expensive.
— Amber King