Keela Merino Hoody Review 2024

Keela’s 100% Merino midlayer hoody is a versatile, warm hoody that performs on and off the hill.

PROS

• Nice weight for a mid-layer.
• Odour free 100% Merino Wool
• Versatile

CONS 

• Handwarmer pockets could be higher or even do without.

We’ve been trying to feature more Keela clothing for a while now as we are always keen to help support British brands who often have the precise type of clothing for the British climate – wet!! The Keela Merino Hoody is a mid-layer offering that offers warmth and versatility for a whole variety of outdoor adventures from hillwalking, wildlife spotting to enjoying post adventures pints down the pub.

The Merino Hoody is made using 100% non-mulesed Merino Wool (mulesing is a nasty, painful procedure performed on young sheep that is often found a low quality, cheap Merino products) which offers a nice, soft, non itchy mid layer that performs as well as a microfleece mid layer without the smell. I found the hoody warm to wear throughout the test, I’ve been wearing it constantly throughout the winter for my hiking days in the Yorkshire Dales, as well as commuter cycling around Leeds as well as casually. It has become my go to item, I’ve worn it regularly now for two months and haven’t needed to wash it yet. This is why Merino is such a sustainable material to use, it’s a natural material which cuts down on energy use as you don’t need to wash it as much as a fleece, so if sustainability is important to you then you can wear the Keela hoody safe in the knowledge that you are wearing one of the most sustainable materials for outdoor use. 

The 100% Merino Wool offers superior warmth on those colder lunch stops.

The downside of 100% merino wool is durability, it is not as durable as polyester fleece, but with good design and care this can be mitigated. If durability is an issue for you then Keela offers other bas layers in an 80/20 mix. The addition of a little nylon into the fibre mix does make a difference

The Keela Merino Hoody is well featured and well made (as you would expect from Keela). The main fabric knit is flat faced on the outside with a micro terry inner that does a good job of wicking sweat and retaining warmth. All the seams are flatlock stitched which helps when wearing a thin base layer and under a hardshell. I also like the knitted cuffs and hem which look better than elasticated cuffs and as they are double-layered improve the durability. There is also a double layer on the nape of the neck for an extra bit of warmth and durability.

The perfect midlayer for Lakeland Fell walking.

All zips are reversed coil zips which, again, help with the streamlined nature of the top and are finished with a neat, plastic tab. There are no pull tabs, which hasn’t been too much of an issue as I have been using it mostly under a shell of some description. I’ve found the combination of the hoody and a lightweight shell perfect for the mild winter we’ve been having this year. I also like the neat, thumb loop that aligns with the cuff seam. The hood is well sized, it went over a cap easily and under a helmet, the sewn tightening tape is a great idea and stops the loose ends face whipping in the wind, a neat touch.

The hood worked well over a cap and under a helmet.

Finally, there are two, zipped hand warmer pockets which work well but this is designed as a mid-layer and felt too low down on the the top for me. I would have preferred the pockets higher for access using a pack or climbing harness. Better still do away with the pockets completely and have a chest pocket. Bit of a niggle really and shouldn’t be a dealbreaker as the hoody is overall great.

The Keela Merino Hoody is a great, all-around and versatile hoody. It is well made, warm and fits well under a shell or when using a backpack. The 100% Merino wool is super soft next to skin and the micro terry inner wicks sweat effectively. It is suitable for all outdoor adventures from hiking up Lakeland Fells to wildlife spotting and everything in between. It is competitively priced against other top spec merino brands.

The Keela Merino Hoody comes in sizes XS to 3XL and two colour options. The SRP is £99.95 and it can be purchased directly from Keela UK and specialist retailers.