Royal Robbins Rockcraft Wool Crew Sweater Review

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Royal Robbins are early adopters when it comes to the production of sustainable clothing. From the company’s founding in the 1960s, the focus has been creating long-lasting clothes from lower impact materials. This focus continues today, with continued improvements in material selection, more sustainable production, ethical and fair labor practices, and partnerships with environmental entities. And ultimately, Royal Robbins makes clothes that last, with the goal of passing clothing through generations.

Winter has been extra snowy and cold in Colorado’s mountains, but I’ve been fortunate to have a really warm versatile sweater to keep me cozy. The Royal Robbins Rockcraft Wool Crew sweater was designed to celebrate the brand’s first product – a performance sweater. With performance wicking 100% merino wool, it has kept me warm and dry on cold wintery hikes and cross country ski adventures, yet transitions well for daily wear to work or around town. 

Look, Fit & Feel

The Rockcraft Wool Crew sweater has a classic look and a premium feel. It is made of a heavyweight 100% merino wool. It is a nice thick material that feels soft against my skin. The fit is standard, not too tight, not too loose. I have the Rockcraft Wool Crew in size small, and it fits true to size with long enough sleeves. I am typically a size small, but sometimes have to size up due to longer arms, yet this sweater fits well. It is somewhat loose in body, which I appreciate to allow for movement when skiing and hiking. The Rockcraft Wool Crew comes in five colors – mine is Naval HTR Snowcreek Pt, which is a rich navy blue color with vibrant fair isle-style patterns around the neck and shoulders.

Royal Robbins Rockcraft Wool Crew Performance

The Rockcraft Wool Crew has been my go-to sweater for bitter cold days. I love to wear it around town and to work. It has a beautiful and classic style, and I have received a lot of compliments. It is awesome to have a performance sweater that also has style. 

As far as performance, the Rockcraft Wool Crew sweater has been great to stay warm and wick away moisture when hiking and cross country skiing, and even sledding! It is a great thick layer to put on for insulation when the temperature drops.

My hiking buddy and I exploring winter trails.

Durability & Care

I’ve worn the Rockcraft Wool Crew regularly for the past two months. It has held up well, and only has a small amount of pilling under the sleeves. I have not fully washed it, but it remains odor-free. It is hand-wash only, so I have just spot cleaned any small messes. Royal Robbins designed this sweater as a multi-generational hand-me-down, and so far it appears be durable enough to pass on to my daughter some day.

Sustainable Wool & Practices

The Rockcraft Wool Crew is made of 100% merino wool material that is sourced from supplies that follow the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS). RWS describes and certifies animal welfare and land management practices in wool products, tracking the certified material from farm to final product. 

I try to buy used and sustainable clothing whenever possible to limit my carbon footprint. I’m impressed with Royal Robbins commitment to sustainable practices. The combination of high quality, responsibly sourced wool as well as the longevity and durability of the Rockcraft Wool Crew sweater, makes this a perfect sustainable clothing item to invest in.

Specifications from Royal Robbins Website

• Classic fair isle pattern and solid color with a fair isle phantom pattern
• 5-gauge knit
• High ribbed crew neck
• Mono-fiber styles are easier to recycle than blends and can be recycled into new garments
• Made with Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) wool, certified by Control Union cert. 895314
• Breathable, Durable, Odor resistant, Moisture wicking
• 100% merino wool
• Care instructions: do not bleach, do not tumble dry, air outdoors, do not wash frequently, handwash and dry flat or dry clean
• MSRP $140

Final Thoughts on the Rockcraft Wool Crew

Royal Robbins continues to lead the way in sustainable clothing, with a long-standing commitment to creating durable, eco-friendly garments. Their Rockcraft Wool Crew sweater, made from 100% merino wool sourced through responsible practices, offers both high performance and style. It keeps me warm and dry during outdoor activities, while transitioning easily for everyday wear. With its long-lasting quality and responsible production, this sweater exemplifies Royal Robbins’ dedication to sustainable fashion, making it a worthy investment for both performance and the planet. For more info or to check one out for yourself, visit royalrobbins.com or amazon.com.