The new Kinetic Merino 200 ¼ Zip Hoodie joins TUO's exploding merino wool assortment.
The exquisite top is founded on a sophisticated fabric constitution, and to achieve this excellence, TUO selected a 95% micron merino, 5% spandex blend in a 200g weight fabric – TUO considering 200 grams per square meter a light, midweight material perfect for layering or worn on the outside in mild conditions.
Merino wool itself is a natural insulator yet wicks and offers natural antimicrobial properties without supplementary treatments. More on the hallmarks of TUO's merino wool below.
Construction-wise, the Kinetic Merino 200 ¼ Zip Hoodie is sewn with flatlock seams for next-to-skin comfort. You'll also appreciate the comfortable three-piece hood – that protects against the sun and adds warmth when layering – as well as its built-in facemask.
"The hood and facemask are definitely standout features," said TUO Marketing Director, Steve Allie. "Firstly, a ¼ zip design with a hood and built-in facemask is unique on its own – the benefits of each wrapped up in one top."
The Kinetic Merino 200 ¼ Zip Hoodie's hood is ergonomically shaped to the human head – all fit, no fluff – the result of TUO's precision cut and sew of multiple fabric panels.
The ¼ zipping feature yields an easy on and off performance without the congestion sometimes experienced with a conventional hoodie. Unzipping the neck area also encourages cooling during those warmer afternoons or after breaking brush.
Likewise, the Kinetic Merino 200 ¼ Zip Hoodie's facemask is distinctive. "It's the lightest merino we've ever used," said Allie. "It's super stretchy, breathable, and stays on the bridge of your nose. And because the facemask is so lightweight, it hides away with ease when you don't want it on."
Applied to the field, the facemask cuts some chill while simultaneously providing some camouflage cover.
So, what exactly is merino wool?
It's a superfine natural fiber that's sheared from Merino sheep. Originally from Spain, Merino sheep are now raised in South America, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United States.
Key to Merino wool of the highest quality is the diameter of its fibers, measured in microns (one millionth of a meter). For example, routine merino wool measures in the low to mid 20's, whereas TUO's new Kinetic Merino 200 ¼ Zip Hoodie comes in at 17.5 microns. That means more of merino wool's beneficial properties per square inch of material. (To give you an idea of how fine that is, human hairs average between 50 and 100 microns.)
So, what are those beneficial properties?
Temperature Regulation: Merino wool adapts to your body's needs. It provides a degree of warmth when it's cold and offers breathability when it's warmer. So, in the case of TUO's new Kinetic Merino 200 ¼ Zip Hoodie, it can perform as a lone outer-layer if it's warm – or – there's a bit of a nip in the air. Additionally, the new hoodie serves as the ultimate mid-layer.
Sun Protection: Perhaps surprising to some, merino fibers possess natural pigments that absorb UV light. This inherent UV resistance provides some level of sun protection.
Odor Resistance: The fabric alone offers native antimicrobial properties. This comes from a sheep's ability to produce a natural wax (sheep grease) that repels water and prevents the accumulation of bacteria, mold, and fungus.
Moisture Wicking: Merino wool naturally lifts perspiration off and away as it does for sheep. Mother Nature is amazing…
Elasticity: Unlike conventional wool, merino wool offers a degree of elasticity. Meaning, the fabric holds its shape.
Comfort and Softness: This is the no-brainer. Instantly feel the softness with one touch of the fabric. This softness translates into unrivaled comfort against your skin.
Hypoallergenic: Maybe not a requirement for hunting, but it's factual, nonetheless. Merino wool is officially recognized as asthma and allergy friendly by the international certification body Allergy Standards Limited (ASL).
Kinetic Merino 200 ¼ Zip Hoodie FEATURES:
- 95% 18.5 micron merino wool, 5% spandex (Body)
- 65% 17.5 micro merino wool/35% nylon mesh (Facemask)
- 200 gram fabric weight
- Single jersey fabric for exceptional breathability
- Naturally moisture wicking and antimicrobial
- Flatlock seams for next-to-skin comfort
- Quarter-zip for temperature regulation and easy layering
- 3-piece hood protects against the sun and adds warmth when layering
- 1 zippered chest pocket for essential storage
- SIZES: SM – 3XL
- PATTERNS: Deadfall and TUO Verse
MSRP $159.99