Ciss Outdoors

Disclosure: Keela gifted this hoody in exchange for previous social media content. This article was written independently, with no brand involvement.

It’s rare that something I wear weekly, sometimes daily, still feels like a treat to put on. But here we are. I’ve had the Keela Women’s Merino Hoody in rotation for just over 13 months now. It’s been worn on crisp hill days, warm trail runs, windy mountain mornings and everyday life in the Scottish weather, and it’s handled the shifts in temperature effortlessly. Over a year on, it remains one of those dependable pieces that always earns a place in my rucksack or my suitcase, or ends up thrown over a chair at home, ready for the next run out the door.

My Perfect Fit

As someone who is 5′ 11″, I often find women’s layers skimming just above the wrist or creeping up my back when I lift my arms. Not this one. The body and sleeve length are spot on. It’s long enough that the waistband sits naturally on my hips, and it never rides up, even with a rucksack on. The cut is also true to size, my UK 10 fits like a glove. Another massive plus is that I can use the wristband thumb holes! Most other tops I own with this feature are too short in sleeve length for me to actually benefit.

Washes Well, Wears Better

I’ve worn this hoody in all seasons. It’s endured rain, snow, heat waves, bothy nights, and windy summits. Despite all that, it still washes beautifully. It’s always washed at 30 degrees, zipped up, reshaped, and air-dried. This is how I take care of my laundry anyway, it needs no special attention.

I love Merino for its temperature-regulating properties, and this hoody shows exactly why it’s such a great material. In winter, it’s warm enough to be a mid-layer under a shell. In summer, it breathes brilliantly and wicks sweat quickly. It does this without holding onto smells, even after a couple of wears.

Built to Last, and Worth It

This hoody is made from 260 gsm 100% merino wool, and you can tell the quality as soon as you put it on. It’s thick without being bulky, soft against the skin, and properly warm. It doesn’t have that flimsy feel some lighter merino layers do, this one’s got substance.

It’s not a budget buy, but for high-quality merino, this mid-layer is very fairly priced. I’ve worn it constantly for over a year, and it’s held up brilliantly. There’s barely any pilling, even where rucksack straps rub, which still surprises me. No sagging, no sections wearing through, no shrinkage; it still performs like it did on day one. For how often I use it, the cost per wear has easily paid for itself. If you’re going to invest in merino, this is the kind of piece that makes sense.

No Beanie? No Problem

The hood is close-fitting but not too tight, and it’s saved me from more than a few unexpected cold snaps. I’ve often worn it instead of a woolly hat, and it layers perfectly under an outer shell hood when the wind picks up. The advantage over a beanie is the hood also keeps your ears and neck warm without the need for a buff.

I’d never considered a hooded Merino top before and the beanie-factor really sold me on this style compared to a 1/2 zip or crew.

Looks as Good as it Performs

I’m always on the lookout for kit that works hard on the hill but doesn’t look out of place when you nip into town or stop off somewhere for food. This hoody nails that. The classic colour and subtle branding mean it layers easily with jeans or joggers when I’m not in full adventure mode. I’ve worn it around town, in cafes, and just lounging about at home. That kind of versatility really matters to me, I like clothes I don’t have to overthink.

The two zippered pockets are another win. You can never have too many pockets, right?! They are perfect for keeping small items safe, no one wants to lose something mid-hike.

One I’ll Keep Reaching For

Some kit becomes part of your routine without you even noticing. This hoody has earned its spot as something I pack without question. It comes with me whether it’s a long hike, wild camp, or weekend getaway. It’s warm, dependable, and useful in so many different situations. I can’t recommend it enough.

Related reading:

Review: Sweaty Betty Zero Gravity Shorts & Race Fit Tee – Lightweight Hot-Weather Running Kit

Review: 2 Years with my Decathlon Trail Running Vest