Kari Traa Base Layer Review: Best Women's Wool Base Layers for Winter Adventures
When I moved to Washington State in the winter 3 years ago, I knew I needed a good set of base layers so I could continue to get outside during winter and stay warm and comfortable. In my search for the perfect base layers, I immediately fell in love with Kari Traa’s pretty wool base layers because of their distinctive style and colors.
My goal is to ski as much as possible this winter (I already have 22+ days in this season!) and I wear Kari Traa Base Layers every single day of skiing because they are warm, comfortable, durable, and have the prettiest patterns!
In this post, I’m going to share all about my favorite Kari Traa base layers, fleeces, and accessories, and why I love them.
You can use my code ERIN25 for a 25% discount off your entire order at karitraa.com! (excluding sale items)
Kari Traa is available at:
Here’s everything I go over if you want to jump ahead:
Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links, meaning I receive a small percentage of every purchase at no additional cost to you. Read more about my affiliate policy here.
What is Kari Traa?
Kari Traa is a Norwegian-based, women-owned outdoor apparel and activewear brand founded by Norwegian Olympic Champion freestyle skier Kari Traa. The brand Kari Traa is all about bright, colorful designs that are both function and high-quality. Kari Traa is for all women who love spending time outside, whether you’re skiing, hiking, running, or just spending time in nature.
What I love about Kari Traa Base Layers are that they are both cute and function. The base layers keep you comfortable and warm, which is perfect for winter hiking, skiing, or just enjoying a snowy day.
Here’s why Kari Traa stands out among other wool base layer brands:
Bright, colorful, Scandinavian-inspired designs and prints
Cute base layers that look great
High-quality materials that last
Performs well in all kinds of conditions
Comfortable for any adventure
Made for women, by women - it’s all about empowering women and helping us feel confident on our adventures!
Kari Traa Base Layers
Kari Traa offers a wide range of outdoor apparel and activewear, but is best known for its wool base layers. Their wool base layers are super soft, cozy, and cute. If you prefer synthetic base layers, Kari Traa offers those, too. With heavyweight, midweight, and lightweight base layers available, Kari Traa makes it easy to find the perfect base layer for any activity. Choosing a good base layer is one of the most important parts of properly layering for cold adventures.
Here are a few of my favorite Kari Traa Base Layers that I wear for skiing, winter hiking, snowshoeing, and more (I go into more detail about each of these below):
Rose Half Zip Base Layer Top |Buy at: Kari Traa • REI • Backcountry
Rose High-Waisted Base Layer Pants |Buy at: Kari Traa • REI • Backcountry
Rose Boxers | Buy at: Kari Traa • Backcountry
Silja Half Zip Base Layer Top | Buy at: Kari Traa • REI • Backcountry
Silja High-Waisted Base Layer Pants | Buy at: Kari Traa • REI • Backcountry
Kari Traa Base Layers Review
Materials
Kari Traa offers base layers in three materials:
100% Merino Wool (ethically sourced)
Synthetic (typically polyester)
While synthetic and blended base layers are great for certain purposes, this post focuses specifically on Kari Traa's 100% merino wool base layers.
Benefits of Wool for Base Layers & Why It's the Best Choice
Here are the benefits of 100% wool base layers:
Stays Warm When Wet: Even when wet, wool maintains its insulating properties, which helps you stay warm in variable conditions.
Temperature Regulation: Keeps you cool in hot conditions and warm in cold weather.
Moisture-Wicking: Wool effectively wicks sweat away from the skin, keeping you dry and comfortable while being active.
Breathable: Wool's natural breathability prevents clamminess during physical activities, enhancing overall comfort.
Odor Resistance: Wool's natural antibacterial properties resist odors, allowing for extended wear without unpleasant smells. This also means you can wear them several days without them smelling bad.
Self-Cleaning Properties: Simply airing out wool garments can refresh them, reducing the need for frequent washing.
These qualities make wool base layers a great choice for outdoor activities, especially in unpredictable weather conditions.
Does the Wool Feel Itchy?
I typically find wool clothing and sweaters itchy, but I personally don’t find Kari Traa’s wool base layers itchy. Kari Traa wool base layers are super soft and comfortable - I can wear them all day long with no issues.
What Weights of Wool are Available?
Kari Traa offers wool base layers ranging from 150 gsm to 240 gsm. What is gsm? “gsm” in wool base layers stands for “grams per square meter.” This measurement is used to indicate the weight of a fabric, telling you how thick or heavy a wool base layers is. The higher the gsm, the heavier and warmer the base layer is. A lower gsm indicates that the base layer is lighter and more breathable, better for warmer temperatures.
Heavyweight Wool Base Layers - 235+ gsm: Perfect for cold, snowy adventures and low-intensity activities in very cold conditions - I wear Rose and Silja base layers for winter skiing and snowy hikes!
Midweight Wool Base Layers - 190-230 gsm: A versatile, all-weather option ideal for layering in cooler conditions, midrange cold, or higher-output activities.
Lightweight Wool Base Layers - 150-180 gsm: Great for high-output activities or warm summer weather.
Lucie (150 gsm)
Summer Wool (180 gsm)
Fit & Sizing of Kari Traa Base Layers
Sizing:
I find Kari Traa’s size chart to be accurate, meaning I choose my Kari Traa size based on my measurements and how they align with the size chart. Your Kari Traa size (XS, S, M, L, XL) may not correspond to the typical size you buy from USA-based clothing brands. Kari Traa is a Norwegian brand, so their sizing differs slightly from U.S. sizing.
For example, in USA-based brands, I’m typically a size XS in tops and bottoms. However, for Kari Traa, my measurements align with a size Small on their size chart for both tops and bottoms (your top and bottom sizes might differ from each other). At Kari Traa, I always size up from my normal size and order a size Small for my base layers, which fits me perfectly. I’ve tried size XS, but it’s too tight, and I’ve tried size Medium, but it’s loose on me.
Fit:
Kari Traa base layers are designed to be slim-fitting. Base layers are intended to be slim-fitting because this design helps retain heat more effectively than looser layers. The close fit maximizes contact with your skin, which allows for efficient sweat-wicking and keeping moisture away from your body, which helps you stay warmer. Plus, the slim fit makes it easier to layer other clothes (fleece, mid-layer, outer shell, etc.) over your base layers.
I’ve found that if I match my measurements to the size chart, the base layers fit perfectly with the intended slim fit. If you prefer a looser fit, consider sizing up from the size indicated on the size chart. For example, if I wanted a looser-fitting Rose Base Layer, I would choose a size Medium.
Designs & Styles of Kari Traa Base Layers
Designs:
Kari Traa’s base layers are known for their pretty, Nordic-inspired prints and colors. While most base layer brands stick to solid colors, I love wearing something more unique and colorful. I love Kari Traa’s wintery, snowflake inspired prints!
Kari Traa offers a wide range of colors—blacks, blues, pinks, reds, pastels, and more—so you’re sure to find something that suits your personality or the vibe you’re going for.
Each Kari Traa design (Rose, Silja, Else, Edith, etc.) comes in a different weight (‘gsm’, as explained above) and features a different pattern. A few of the designs also include thinner wool ventilation panels on the sides of the tops and pants to help regulate your body temperature.
Styles:
Kari Traa’s base layer pants come in both full-length and capri styles. I personally own only the full-length base layer bottoms, as I can use them for more than just skiing, like hiking, snowshoeing, après-ski, or lounging at home.
When I ski, I roll the full-length base layer pants up to my knees so they aren’t in my ski boots (you're only supposed to have your socks in your ski boots - no pants, leggings, etc.). However, if you primarily plan to use the Kari Traa base layer pants for skiing, the capri length would be the perfect option!
Kari Traa base layer tops also come in several different styles: half-zip, crewneck, henley, and hooded. I prefer the half-zip tops because they are the most versatile—they keep you warmer when zipped up all the way or you can unzip them for ventilation if you get warm.
Price of Kari Traa Wool Base Layers
Kari Traa’s 100% merino wool base layer tops currently range from $89 to $130 USD, and the 100% merino wool base layer pants range from $79 to $120 USD. Kari Traa’s prices for their wool base layers are comparable to other high-quality merino wool brands, such as Smartwool and Icebreaker.
In my opinion, Kari Traa is absolutely worth the price and these base layers will last a long time. I’ve had a few of mine for over three years, and they are still in excellent condition after frequent use each winter! Plus, you can use my code ERIN25 for a 25% discount on your entire order at karitraa.com! (excludes sale items)
My Favorite Kari Traa Wool Base Layers
Kari Traa Rose Half Zip Base Layer Top
The Rose base layer set is my go-to for all my winter adventures! The Rose Half Zip Base Layer Top has a weight of 240 gsm, making it the warmest wool base layer Kari Traa offers. The Rose Half Zip Top is by far one of my favorite Kari Traa pieces—I own it in several colors because I love it so much. Made of 100% merino wool, it is super soft and keeps me warm on cold skiing days and snowshoeing trips.
I only have the Rose top in the half-zip version, but it’s also available in henley and hooded options. I prefer the half-zip for its versatility—you can zip it up for warmth or unzip it for ventilation if you get too warm. Length-wise, it’s a longer top, especially on me since I have a shorter torso, but it tucks into the base layer pants well.
The Rose Half Zip Top also has ventilation panels on the sides of the torso, which makes it more breathable and helps regulate temperature.
The Rose top has a very fitted style, so if you prefer a looser fit, I recommend sizing up (see Sizing above for more info).
Buy at: Kari Traa • REI • Backcountry
Kari Traa Rose High-Waisted Base Layer Pants
I have the matching Rose High-Waisted Base Layer Pants to pair with my Rose Half Zip Top! Like the top, the pants have a weight of 240 gsm, making them warm and perfect for winter outings. The Rose pants are also made of 100% merino wool and have ventilation panels along the outsides of the legs for temperature regulation. They’re super soft, and the high waist is very flattering.
The Rose pants have a slim, but not compressive, fit. They’re super comfortable. I find that they loosen slightly throughout the day, but they don’t get too loose and they stay flattering even after hours of wear.
I love the style of the waistband on these pants - it’s made of jacquard knitted elastic fabric that matches the rest of the pants, making the waistband soft and chafe-free fit. Unlike other base layer pants with tight elastic waistbands, the Rose waistband feels comfortable all day.
The Rose pants come in both full-length and capri versions. I only have the full-length version and roll them up when skiing so that only my socks are in my ski boots.
Buy at: Kari Traa • REI • Backcountry
Kari Traa Rose Boxers
The Kari Traa 100% wool Rose Boxers are a game changer! The side ventilation panels on the Rose High-Waisted Base Layer Pants can be slightly see-through depending on the color (lighter colors are more transparent), so I used to struggle with what to wear underneath. Kari Traa now makes matching boxers that seamlessly pair with the base layer pants. I wear these boxers every time I ski! They’re incredibly comfortable. I highly recommend getting a matching set of boxers to complete your Rose base layer outfit!
Buy at: Kari Traa • Backcountry
Kari Traa Silja Half Zip Base Layer Top
I finally branched out from the Kari Traa Rose collection to try the Silja base layers! The Silja Half Zip Base Layer Top is made out of 100% merino wool, is super soft, and features a pretty zig-zag pattern. The Silja top has a weight of 235 gsm, making it slightly less warm than the Rose collection.
I find the Silja Base Layer Top to be slightly looser and less form-fitting compared to the Rose tops. The Silja top is also available in a crewneck version. The length is similar to the Rose top, so I’ll tuck it into my base layer pants.
Buy at: Kari Traa • REI • Backcountry
Kari Traa Silja High-Waisted Base Layer Pants
The Kari Traa Silja Pants are made from the same fabric as the Silja top, so they’r equally as soft and warm. The Silja pants have the geometric pattern on the front and a solid color on the back, so these are a great option for a more understated overall look.
Similar to the Rose pants, the Silja pants are slim-fitting and have a very comfortable high-rise waistband. The waistband is slightly thicker than the Rose version, making them sit a little higher on the waist. The Silja pants are only available in a full-length style, but like with the Rose pants, I just roll them up when skiing to keep them out of my ski boots.
Buy at: Kari Traa • REI • Backcountry
Kari Traa Fleeces & Accessories
I also want to share a few of my favorite Kari Traa fleeces and accessories that help keep me warm during my winter adventures!
Kari Traa Ruthie Half Zip
I love the Ruthie Half Zip Fleece! It’s so cozy and cute. I read that the zig-zag design on it is inspired by the northern lights, which makes me love it even more–especially since the northern lights have been so active over the past year! The Ruthie Fleece has a half-zip and pockets. Its relaxed and oversized fit makes it extra cozy. I have it in the beautiful navy blue pattern, but I’m really hoping to get it in other colors because I love it so much!
Get at: Kari Traa
Kari Traa Rose Headband
The Kari Traa Rose Headband is so cute and perfect for walking the dog, hiking, skiing, and more. It’s made from the same material (100% wool) and print as the Rose Base Layers, so you can match from head to toe!
Get at: Kari Traa
Kari Traa Rose Neck Tube
The Rose Neck Tube is a merino wool buff that is perfect for skiing on super cold, stormy days. It’s excellent at keeping my neck warm and cozy.
Get at: Kari Traa • Backcountry
Kari Traa Beanies
I have a few Kari Traa beanies now and they are so cute! I have the Rose Beanie, Rachel Beanie, and the Rothe Wool Beanie.
Get at: Kari Traa • REI • Backcountry
Kari Traa Rose Ski Socks
The Kari Traa Rose Socks are knee-high ski socks made from 65% wool, available in colors that coordinate with the Rose Base Layers. I wear these socks on super cold days and they do a great job of keeping my feet and toes warm while skiing.
Get at: Kari Traa
Conclusion
I absolutely love Kari Traa’s base layers, fleeces, and accessories! They’re cute, colorful, warm, and functional—perfect for all sorts of cold-weather adventures. Whether you’re skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, or just relaxing at home, these pieces are versatile and always perform.
I can’t recommend Kari Traa enough—not just for its style and comfort but also for its durability. I’ve had some of my Kari Traa gear for years now, and it has held up beautifully even with heavy use. If you’re looking to upgrade your winter gear and base layers, Kari Traa is 100% worth it.
Don’t forget, you can use my code ERIN25 for a 25% discount off full-priced items at karitraa.com!
Where to Buy Kari Traa Base Layers:
Kari Traa wool base layers can be found at:
