Are you in search of a durable Merino wool option? The Kari Traa Rose Half Zip features a 100% Merino wool construct that will keep you toasty on the nippiest days. It layers well with its tight fit that doesn't bunch. As a bonus, the face fabric is tightly knit, providing a little wind-resistance and fantastic durability. Plus, we love the cute patterns of the material and the flattering design. With all those pluses, there are a few caveats. Unfortunately, our testers report this shirt is itchy and less comfortable than other options. The fabric is so tightly knit that it doesn't do an outstanding job (comparatively speaking) of thermoregulating from warm to cold temperatures. As a result, we don't recommend it for highly aerobic activities like winter running or backcountry skiing. Otherwise, this is a great option for wearing under a jacket around town or on its own during cool days of the Fall or Spring.
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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Kari Traa Rose Half Zip | |||||
| Awards |  |  | |||
| Price | $74.96 at Amazon Compare at 2 sellers | $73.49 at REI Compare at 2 sellers | $74.81 at Amazon Compare at 2 sellers | $125.00 at REI Compare at 3 sellers | $82.50 at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Pros | Durable, cute style, warm, venting features | Wide range of thermoregulation, cute, super cozy, great fit, fantastic breathability, no odor | Great thermoregulation, exceptional at wicking, impressive durability, least itch factor of all wool tops tested | Cozy fleece interior, easy to layer, warm, high quality performance, versatile, stash pocket, tight fit | Great thermoregulation, comfortable and fitted fabrics, great patterns and colors |
| Cons | Lacks fabric breathability, lacks a wide range of thermoregulation, itchy fabric, uncomfortable fit | Lacks durability, absorbs water | Not very cozy | More expensive, not super breathable | Poor durability |
| Bottom Line | This 100% Merino wool contender is surprisingly durable and stylish. | Our favorite base layer with the best thermoregulation that we continue to love. | Icebreaker uses the most comfortable wool in this seemingly lightweight base layer. | This high performance synthetic is a Top Pick for pretty much any adventure you dream up. | A great thermoregulator with some durability issues. |
| Rating Categories | Kari Traa Rose Half Zip | Merino 250 1/4 Zip | Merino 200 Oasis Crewe | Rho LT Zip | 185 Rock'N'Wool Long Sleeve |
| Warmth (25%) | |||||
| Breathability (25%) | |||||
| Comfort And Fit (20%) | |||||
| Layering Ability (20%) | |||||
| Durability (10%) | |||||
| Specs | Kari Traa Rose... | Merino 250 1/4 Zip | Merino 200 Oasis... | Rho LT Zip | 185 Rock'N'Wool... |
| Fabric Weight | Midweight (240-grams) | Midweight (250-grams) | Midweight (200-grams) | Lightweight (185-grams) | Midweight (185-grams) |
| Material | 100% Merino wool | 100% Merino wool | 100% Merino | Torrent (84% polyester / 16% elastane) | 100% merino wool |
| Cuts avaliable | 1/4 Zip, crew | 1/4 zip, crew, 1/2 zip hoody | Crew, 1/2 zip neck | 1/4 zip neck | Crew, 1/4 zip |
| Smelly over time? | Yes | No | No | Yes | No |
| Odor Control Fabric | Naturally odor resistant | Naturally odor resistant | Naturally odor resistant | Polygiene | Naturally odor resistant |
| Thumb Loops? | No | No | No | No | No |
| UPF (Sun Protection) | No | 50 | No | N/A | No |
| Length (short, medium, long) | Short | Medium | Medium | Long | Medium |
| Fit (Based on 5'7, 140-lb woman wearing size small) | Tight and fitted, small for fit. | Fitted (not tight), true to fit. | Fitted (not tight), true to fit. | Tight and long, true to fit. | Fitted (not tight), true to fit. |
| Accessory Pocket? | No | No | No | Yes (on arm) | 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