Royal Robbins Rockcraft Wool Hoodie

High-performing, all-purpose wool top.

My daily summer routine starts with coffee, throwing on my Royal Robbins Rockcraft Wool Hoodie, and walking out to the garden to do some stretching and pick tomatoes, peppers, and basil for breakfast. The air temperature often skirts around the upper 40’s F during the Washoe Valley’s summer since the sun doesn’t quite clear the eastern slope of sage-covered hills on the east side until later in the morning. 

The Royal Robbins Rockcraft Wool Hoodie is made out of 100% merino wool that is sourced according to a voluntary industry certification, the Responsible Wool Standard. RWS is a global certification system, focusing on animal welfare, environmental protection, and supply chain traceability in wool production. 

The wool is woven with fine fibers and constructed in a seven-gauge jersey stitch, making the garment extremely comfortable. Wool is naturally breathable, stays odor-free for many, many wearings, and is great at temperature regulation. The fibers also provide a level of water repellency; moisture can move and evaporate through the material. I wear this sweater for a variety of activities, so I appreciate that wool performs well in so many different use scenarios. I stay warm when it’s cold, and I benefit from breathability when I heat up.

I will be putting this top to good use during ski season in the Sierra Mountains this fall. The intense sun produces too much heat for a shell jacket, so the Rockcraft Wool Hoodie will be perfect for some track skiing, with just enough insulation to stay warm and plenty of breathability to keep from overheating. Can’t wait for winter! 

I work up a sweat when I’m hiking, so I usually just air out the Rockcraft Wool Hoodie by hanging it outside for a bit. After about 10 sessions of hiking, biking, and roller skiing, I hand washed it with mild soap in cold water, then laid it flat to dry. I didn’t notice any shrinking or wear on the fibers. (If it’s not obvious, do not use bleach on wool, and do not put it in the dryer.) I’ve found that when I take care of my merino wool sweaters, they can last for years. I store them in a cedar closet to keep moths at bay, and I have also used a zippered storage bag to store my Rockcraft Wool Hoodie. 

The Royal Robbins Rockcraft Wool Hoodie drapes, stretches, and moves well. I choose an XXL so I would have room for layering, but I could have gone with the XL. If you prefer a snugger fit, you might want to stick with your regular size. 

Overall, I love the Rockcraft Wool Hoodie’s form-following, draped fit, the neutral gray pewter color, its breathability, and its insulating properties. The hood has a banded edge that helps keep it in place without blocking vision to the side, and there’s a functional loop cord sewn into the neck tag for hanging to avoid stretching out the neck and shoulders with a hanger.

Available in Naval, Turkish Coffee, Khaki, Everglade, and Pewter in Universal Sizing from XS to XXL. Royal Robbins lists this item as unisex. Women can go down one size. (Read review of men’s Wilder Pants.)

$140 available at Amazon.com and at RoyalRobbins.com

images from Royal Robbins website