Smartwool Merino 250 1/4-Zip Top - Women's for Sale, Reviews, Deals and Guides

9.3
out of 10
17 Positive, 1 Mixed & 1 Negative
from 19 Reviews
Retail Price:
$78.75
Used Value:
$47.25
Sale Value:
$70.88

The Smartwool Women's Merino 250 1/4-Zip Top offers dependable warmth for cold winter adventures. Its soft merino fabric feels cozy against your skin, and is also naturally odor-resistant to keep you feeling fresh all day long. Shoulder panels eliminate the need for shoulder seams, making layering more comfortable, while the flatlock seams prevent chafing. And, whether you're wearing this top on its own or under a jacket, the slim fit keeps layering bulk-free.

Specifications

Brand:
Claimed Weight:
7.9 oz
Fit:
slim
Insulation Weight:
midweight
Manufacturer Warranty:
2 year
Material:
merino wool
Recommended Use:
skiing, snowboarding, hiking, backpacking
Style:
mock-neck

Full Reviews

10
I do love this top. I was looking for warmth while still being a bit flattering and this top is it! It's been great in a variety of different weather conditions. It's kept me warm, it's kept me cool. I'm 5'10 and around 140lbs, 34C and I ordered a small. It fits beautifully, but looking back, I would have gone with a medium so I could have a little more room underneath. I can still fit a tight tank w/o a problem, but I think I'd like to have a extra room for a looser tee underneath. Still highly recommend!
Madison K., backcountry.com
July 10, 2020
2
I wouldn't recommend this because it is difficult to maintain and not durable despite its high price. I have not used it at all (when I bought it I thought I would be traveling to Iceland but trip was cancelled) and it already has holes even if I put it inside zip lock container inside my camera dry box.
Amanda, backcountry.com
June 14, 2020
10
I discovered these tops this winter and I LOVE THEM! All my older synthetic tops will be passed on and replaced with these SmartWool tops. Great fit, easy-care, practical and highly functional. I am in one of them almost every day and ski over 100 days a year, bike, hike, or paddle all the time----the tops have been highly used and look new!
Nancy P., backcountry.com
June 5, 2020
10
Used over a lighter short sleeve merino wool top. Along with my fleece jacket. It keep me warm all day without overheating or any odor. I’m happy with product and highly recommend.
Joni Paiz, backcountry.com
January 19, 2020
10
This is a magic shirt. I don't understand how it works, but it's been my go-to shirt for ALL weather conditions and ANY activity I do outside. I bought this shirt for the ski season almost two years ago, finding it great for keeping me warm (I run cold) either with puffy +shell for super cold days, but if the snow is dry enough, just under a shell. THEN I started wearing it under my shell on spring ski days, and I never overheated. Somehow, it regulates my temp perfectly. Then I started wearing it during climbing seasons, finding it the perfect baselayer to pack in a crag bag. Do I climb with it in 55 degree weather, on long, windy multi-pitches? Yes. Do I climb with it in 85-90 degree weather, when trying to protect my skin from mosquitoes, sharp rock, or sun? YES. Basically every extreme outdoor trip, this shirt is my number one. Perhaps due to some unfortunate washing machine practices and shoving it on over a helmet too many times, the cloth near the zipper has torn and the hole is only getting bigger. But is this preventing me from wearing it and plotting my next color purchase? Not at all. This shirt is legit magic. Pic below on a mosquito-y 75 degree day in Tuoloume Meadows (Cathedral Peak).
Victoria N., backcountry.com
August 22, 2019
10
I have worn this shirt countless times and it still looks brand new. I have never been so impressed with the quality of a shirt. I have used this to warm up on indoor climbs, ski, trail run (and have stuffed it in my trail pack countless times), lounge around, etc. It is still just as soft, and looks great. I am usually pretty sensitive to wool and it makes me itch, but this has never made me itch.
Diana L., backcountry.com
June 26, 2019
8
This piece looks great from the neck down. It's super soft and I don't find it itchy at all. Also I got the blush color and it's muted and very pretty. I wasn't sure about running in wool, but I have really enjoyed running in this and not having to wash it every time. The only downside is the neck. The zipper is very stiff so even when unzipped it stays erect and rubs against my neck in a slightly uncomfortable way. Not a dealbreaker for me, but it's definitely not ideal, and if you are bothered by something rubbing on your neck you're probably not going to like it.
Rachel G., backcountry.com
March 7, 2019
6
This may just be a "me” issue but I found the neck to be slightly itchy. With that being said, I havn't found a wool shirt with a zip top that hasn't been itchy. Look at fit were great! I ended up returning it and continue to search.
Hailey Terry, backcountry.com
March 1, 2019
10
I bought this for my daughter. She itches with everything! She LOVED this product. I can't say enough about it. It kept her warm skiing in cold cold weather. It fit well, but gave good ventilation. I would buy all of their products. I have one also and love it!
Hailey Terry, backcountry.com
December 30, 2018
10
I bought this jacket in the nostalgia rose color and it is by far my favorite go-to zip up for running, hiking or just leisure wear. I’ve taken it with me backpacking into the mountains in the early fall and it’s kept me perfectly warm during the night! Even through many washes, it remains super soft and comfortable to move around in. -Definitely a must-buy!
Joshua Stark, backcountry.com
December 28, 2018
10
I use these for running on mornings around 40 degrees with a light top over it. By the time I've gone a few miles I have unzipped the neck and removed the thin top I layer over it. It really is warm enough and soft although thin enough to be comfortable with a layer over it. I am sold on these, have a few colors now and this website had a great price for them. I turn them inside out in the dryer and they are as good as new looking years later. Great buy ! I am 5/3 90lbs and the XS fits perfectly.
cheri A., backcountry.com
December 14, 2018
10
I bought this to replace an old half zip - medium - wearing it almost every day - I am 5'6" 143 lbs - love it!
Elizabeth Carpenter, backcountry.com
December 7, 2018
10
First of all, I hate wool. I hate it. Its itchy, it does not feel good at all. It's the worst, but I read a review on this shirt that said it was not any of those feelings. Instead it was soft and felt great. So I ordered it. It was amazing. I wore it for three days straight in the mountains. It kept me extremely dry and warm. I fits amazingly for layering. I'm 5'9 120 lbs, and I ordered a small. I may order more if I keep going out into the wilderness because it is definitely the best shirt ever. I even bought Smartwool socks and I actually ended up getting them soaking wet and they kept my feet warm. 5 million stars. Everything was awesome!
Stephanie M., backcountry.com
November 16, 2018
10
I love SmartWool products. I find them all to be comfortable, durable, breathable, and attractive. This top is fantastic as a base layer for skiing or to use while camping or hiking. It's not itchy, and it's attractive enough and thick enough to wear as a top on chilly days.
Cheryl K., backcountry.com
July 11, 2018
10
Although this is considered a base layer, it is thick enough and attractive enough to wear as a sweater although I'll often wear a vest or flannel shirt over it. I have quite a few of these in different colors and wear them every day in the winter. The v-neck zipper makes it versatile. It's very warm when zipped all the way up and cools you off when lowered. Because it is washable I also wear it to work in the garden when it's chilly. I wash on cold and hang to dry. The one I've washed the most shows pilling but still looks good. It doesn't need washing as often as other fabrics because it seems to not pick up odors as much. Regarding sizes, I wear a medium in most tops. The large has the looser fit I'd want as a stand alone sweater and the medium has the close fit I'd want in a base layer to avoid bulk. I have both sizes and wear both of them as stand alone and base layers. Because it stretches there isn't a huge difference. These come in great colors. The one I just bought is charcoal and it is a beautiful rich color with a bit of a sheen to it.
liz4669710, backcountry.com
January 31, 2018
10
My girlfriend has taken up a lot more winter running and hiking this year and keeps trying out new clothing/gear to enhance her experience. I ordered this base layer shirt in hopes it would stop the madness! Seems this one was the ticket. She reports it keeps her warm, but still allows for wicking and sweating on the trail. It looks great on her, so I can't complain either.
Gavin Merritt, backcountry.com
January 12, 2018
10
Love this baselayer. Thin and breathable, yet super warm, and not at all itchy. Definitely a slim fit so size up if you want a bit of a looser fit. Super flattering!
Kari Jensen, backcountry.com
January 11, 2018
10
It was a perfect fit I got xs it wasn’t too tight and with a thin jacket or vest it would be great for snow showing or a winter hike.
isabeau wright, backcountry.com
January 5, 2018
10
I bought this for my mother for Christmas. She loves it. It is thin but super warm. She wears it all the time.
Brendan Rielly, backcountry.com
January 3, 2018