Kuhl Travrse Pullover - Women's Review
Cons: Hood adjustment is tricky to lock in place, on the heavy side for a thin layer
Manufacturer: Kuhl
Our Verdict
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 This Product
Kuhl Travrse Pullover - Women's | |||||
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| Awards |  |  |  | ||
| Price | $139 List | $141.75 at Amazon | $181.30 at Backcountry Compare at 3 sellers | $57.48 at Amazon | $85.50 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Pros | Excellent mobility, helmet-compatible hood with adjustable brim, durable, thumb loops | Highly breathable, quick-drying, foam inserts prevent jacket creep, helmet compatible, stowable hood, durable | Insulated, highly breathable, moisture-wicking, comfortable, great weather protection, durable, lots of pockets | Inexpensive, stellar mobility and breathability, stow-away pocket, harness-friendly pockets, excellent fit | Unbeatable weather protection, taped-seams, spacious hood, stretchy, generous drop-hem, adjustable cuffs |
| Cons | Hood adjustment is tricky to lock in place, on the heavy side for a thin layer | Not very warm, no stow-away pocket for clipping to your harness, cuffs stretch out with heavy use | Spendy, no stow-away pocket for clipping to your harness, hood somewhat small, some reviewers feel it runs small | Not very warm, below average water resistance | Tight shoulders, runs small, somewhat heavy |
| Bottom Line | If you're on the hunt for a mid-weight pullover that can cover a lot of bases without breaking the bank, this is a great option | If you're in the market for a lightweight and durable layer that will repel sun and wind with ease and dry super fast, this is a stellar choice | If you need need good breathability and all-around comfort, this insulated hybrid is a great option | This jacket is lightweight, breathable, easy to move in, and affordable - a great combination for the active outdoorswoman | A fantastically mobile and stretchy technical jacket for alpine conditions, this layer manages to be nearly weather-proof AND breathable |
| Rating Categories | Travrse Pullover | Sigma SL Anorak Pullover | Proton FL Hoody | Rab Borealis - Women's | Marmot ROM - Women's |
| Weather Protection (30%) | |||||
| Breathability (30%) | |||||
| Mobility (25%) | |||||
| Weight (10%) | |||||
| Versatility (5%) | |||||
| Specs | Travrse Pullover | Sigma SL Anorak... | Proton FL Hoody | Rab Borealis -... | Marmot ROM - Women's |
| Measured Weight | 14.5 oz (size M) | 9.5 oz (size S) | 9.5 oz (size S) | 9 oz (size 10/S) | 15 oz (size M) |
| 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 | GORE Infinium 3L (92% Nylon, 8% Elastane Plain Weave) |
| Type | Active | Active | Technical/Hybrid | Active | Technical |
| 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, with Peripheral Cord Adjustment |
| Number of Pockets (zippered unless otherwise noted) | 3 (2 hand, 1 arm) | 1 chest | 4 (2 hand, 2 chest) | 2 hand | 4 (2 hand, 1 chest, 1 interior) |
| Adjustable Cuffs? | No, Stretch Cuffs | No, Stretch Cuffs | No, Stretch Cuffs | No, Stretch Cuffs | Yes, Velcro |
| Available Sizes | XS - XL | XS - L | XS - XL | 8 - 16 | XS - XL |
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Travrse Pullover is comfortable, breathable, and it offers great mobility all while providing 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
Weather Protection
The Travrse is excellent for a mid-weight pullover. It is warm for its weight and effectively blocks the wind, especially when you use 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 feels soggy and heavy, and it doesn't dry very fast. This is an ideal layer for fall hikes, fair-weather multi-pitch climbing, running in cool weather, and layering beneath a hardshell or puffy. It's also cut generously enough to layer underneath easily.
Breathability
The Travrse is quite breathable, especially considering that the fabric is 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 for sun and wind protection while climbing or light mountaineering.
Mobility
This is a stretchy and comfortable layer that feels like a second skin when moving. There are no constrictions, the hood is ample (though it is a little tight with a helmet depending on the helmet and your anatomy), and the arms are nice and long. Even our longest-armed knuckle-draggers, I mean testers, could comfortably use the thumb loops.
Weight
At 14.5 ounces, the Travrse lands right about in the middle of our tested models. While it is not featherlight like some of the super-thin models in this review, it is still decently light and packable enough to be a candidate for shorter alpine days or backpacking. Additionally, the added weight means that wind and water protection are more robust. This pullover hits a nice balance and covers a lot of bases.
Versatility
This is a decently versatile layer, particularly for the price. The material is durable, DWR-treated, and sun-protective (UPF 50+). It features articulated sleeves which 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-spice, 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 for each side of the drawstring to 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 too bad, but it requires two hands and a bit more attention than a more traditional setup.
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.
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 will be on 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.
— Mary Witlacil and Penney Garrett