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Kuhl Travrse Pullover - Women's Review

This good-looking and affordable pullover strikes an excellent balance between weather protection and breathability.
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Price:  $139 List | $89.73 at REI
Pros:  Excellent mobility, helmet-compatible hood with adjustable brim, durable, good weather protection for a thinner layer, thumb loops
Cons:  Hood adjustment is tricky to lock in place, on the heavy side
Manufacturer:   Kuhl
By Penney Garrett ⋅ Senior Review Editor  ⋅  Sep 16, 2019
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74
OVERALL
SCORE

RANKED
#8 of 14
  • Weather Protection - 30% 7
  • Breathability - 30% 7
  • Mobility - 25% 9
  • Weight - 10% 6
  • Versatility - 5% 7

Our Verdict

The Kuhl Travrse Pullover is an excellent layer at a great price point. The DWR-treated fabric provides good weather protection from both water and wind, and UPF 50+ helps keep extra rays of sun off the skin. Underarm panels made from breathable knit help with breathability, as does the 15" long front zip. Articulated sleeves aid with easy movement and the adjustable hood offers a moldable brim for added customization and protection. We really don't have any complaints about the Travrse other than the fact that it's a little heavy, and the hood adjustment is hard to lock into place. If you need a competent and durable layer for adventuring in mild weather or layering under a warmer coat, this is a solid choice.


Compare to Similar Products

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Awards  Editors' Choice Award Top Pick Award Best Buy Award Top Pick Award 
Price $89.73 at REI$123.33 at Amazon
Compare at 2 sellers		$213.94 at Amazon
Compare at 2 sellers		$114.95 at Amazon$194.73 at REI
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Overall Score Sort Icon
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Star Rating
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Pros Excellent mobility, helmet-compatible hood with adjustable brim, durable, good weather protection for a thinner layer, thumb loopsHighly breathable, quick-drying, harness and helmet compatible, stowable hood, durableThis is a cozy insulated hybrid ideal for situations when you need a bit more warmth in a lightweight package.Very lightweight, excellent mobility, highly breathable, great fit, affordable.Full-legth side zippers, excellent fit, windproof, lined, thumbholes
Cons Hood adjustment is tricky to lock in place, on the heavy sideNot very warm, only one pocketIf you need need good breathability and all-around comfort, this insulated hybrid is a great option.Not warm, only two pocketsLess breathable due to windproofing, expensive
Bottom Line This good-looking and affordable pullover strikes an excellent balance between weather protection and breathability.This lightweight and streamlined pullover is a fabulously durable layer that breathes like a dream and dries lightning fast.Insulated, comfortable, stretchy, lightweightThis smart and ultralight softshell is extremely easy to move in and highly breathable - an excellent pick for the movement-minded adventure seeker.This innovative hoody ups the ante with great features like full-length side zips, fantastic mobility, and excellent weather protection.
Rating Categories Travrse Pullover Sigma SL Anorak Pullover Proton FL Hoody Rab Borealis - Women's Ultimate V SO Hooded Jacket
Weather Protection (30%)
10
0
7
10
0
8
10
0
7
10
0
4
10
0
8
Breathability (30%)
10
0
7
10
0
8
10
0
8
10
0
9
10
0
7
Mobility (25%)
10
0
9
10
0
8
10
0
9
10
0
10
10
0
8
Weight (10%)
10
0
6
10
0
9
10
0
8
10
0
10
10
0
7
Versatility (5%)
10
0
7
10
0
7
10
0
8
10
0
6
10
0
8
Specs Travrse Pullover Sigma SL Anorak... Proton FL Hoody Rab Borealis -... Ultimate V SO...
Measured Weight - Size Medium (oz) 14.5oz 9.5oz 10.7oz (size Large) 8.3oz 13.1oz
Material 92% Nylon, 8% Spandex w/ DWR coating Aequora Airperm - 86% nylon, 14% elastane 84% nylon, 16% elastane Lightweight Matrix single weave with 2-way stretch and DWR 100% polyester
Lined/Insulated? Yes No Yes No Yes
Hood Yes, 1-way adjustable Yes, 2-way adjustable Yes, 1-way adjustable Yes, stretchy but not adjustable Yes, 1-way adjustable
Helmet Compatible? Yes Yes Yes, under Yes, under Yes, under
Wind Resistant? Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes, windproof
Water Resistant? Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Number of Pockets (zippered unless otherwise noted) 3 (2 hand, 1 arm) 1 chest 4 (2 hand, 2 chest) 2 hand 2 hand
Adjustable Cuffs? No No No No Yes
Available Sizes XS - XL XS - L XS - XL XS - XL XS - XXL

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Travrse Pullover is comfortable, easy to move in, and breathable while still providing good light protection from the elements. The hood works great with a helmet, and the durable fabric means you can get adventurous without a worry.

Performance Comparison


This is a comfortable and breathable layer great for adventuring in mild weather or layering under something heavier.
This is a comfortable and breathable layer great for adventuring in mild weather or layering under something heavier.

Weather Protection


The Travrse is excellent for a mid-weight pullover. It's warm for its weight and blocks the wind well, especially when utilizing the highly adjustable hood with moldable brim. If you're keeping your heart rate up, you can stay comfortable even in really chilly temps. It also provides an effective barrier against water. While you can feel the temperature of the water through the fabric, it takes quite a lot to soak through and wet-out. However, once it does, the Travrse does feel soggy and heavy, and it doesn't dry very fast. This is an ideal layer for fall hikes, alpine climbing, running in cool weather, and layering beneath a hardshell or puffy. It's also cut generously enough to layer underneath easily.

Hiking on a sunny yet chilly fall day is perfect territory for the Travrse.
Hiking on a sunny yet chilly fall day is perfect territory for the Travrse.

Breathability


The Travrse is quite breathable, especially considering that the fabric is a bit heftier than other models in our review. The jersey material in the armpits helps with this, as does the deep 15" zipper in the front. This is a great layer for anyone that needs a layer to protect in cold temps during aerobic activities or who wants a competent non-stifling layer of sun and wind protection for activities like climbing.

This model has just enough weight to keep you warm when it's cold while still allowing the body to breathe.
This model has just enough weight to keep you warm when it's cold while still allowing the body to breathe.

Mobility


This is a stretchy and comfortable layer that can easily feel like a second skin when moving. There are no constrictions, the hood is ample (though it can be a little tight with a helmet depending on the helmet in use and your anatomy), and the arms are nice and long. Even our longest-armed testers could comfortably use the thumb loops.

Movement is easy and comfortable in the Travrse.
Movement is easy and comfortable in the Travrse.

Weight


At 14.5 ounces, the Travrse lands right about in the middle of our tested models. While it's not featherlight like some of the super-thin models in this review, it's still light and packable enough to be a candidate for long alpine days or backpacking. Additionally, the bit of added weight means that wind and water protection are more robust. This pullover hits a nice balance and can cover a lot of bases.

The Travrse is heavy enough to be part of a solid layering system while remaining light enough to pack out far away from the car.
The Travrse is heavy enough to be part of a solid layering system while remaining light enough to pack out far away from the car.

Versatility


This is a decently versatile layer, particularly for the price. The material is durable, DWR-treated, and sun-protective (UPF 50+). Articulated sleeves end in comfortable thumb loops, and there are two zippered hand pockets and one zippered sleeve pocket. The hemline adjusts easily from the right side, and the roomy hood cinches down in the back with a moldable brim in the front. Style-wise the Travrse is pretty sporty, but the cut is still flattering, and the available colors are attractive. Our one issue is with the hood adjustment system: instead of squeezing a spring-loaded button on a drawstring cinch lock as with many hoods, the Traverse has two tight channels that each side of the drawstring nest into. It's awkward to do behind the head — you have to press each of the two stretchy drawstring cords down into their respective channel until they snap into place, and it requires a decent bit of force. Once you get the hang of it, it's not bad, but it requires two hands and a bit more attention than a more traditional setup.

The hood adjustment on the Travrse is unique. Sinking the cords into the tight channels that hold them in place takes more time and effort than a typical cinch lock button.
The hood adjustment on the Travrse is unique. Sinking the cords into the tight channels that hold them in place takes more time and effort than a typical cinch lock button.

Value


Value is high for this pullover. It moves well, protects decently from the elements, and breathes easily — all for a very approachable price. If you need a good all-around layer for the long haul, this is a safe and easy bet.

Comfortable thumb loops and a zippered arm pocket add usefulness and value to this jacket.
Comfortable thumb loops and a zippered arm pocket add usefulness and value to this jacket.

Conclusion


The Travrse Pullover is a great layer for a lot of situations. It's thick enough to create an effective barrier to the elements, especially if you'll be keeping on the move. Breathability is very good and aided by a long front zip and permeable jersey panels in the armpits. The features are nominal, useful, and compatible with a harness, backpack straps, and smaller helmets. Layering either under or over the top is easy and comfortable. All in all, this is a great piece for a lot of uses, and it won't drain your bank account in the process.

This durable jacket is ready to shimmy up rock faces and get rowdy with pups.
This durable jacket is ready to shimmy up rock faces and get rowdy with pups.


— Penney Garrett