Finisterre Barents Sweater Review: Wool Knit for Cold Weather Travel

The Finisterre Barents Sweater has been in my rotation since fall 2024, and it has been a staple for cold weather activities. What originally drew me to this sweater was its looks, but then I stayed for Finisterre’s commitment to sustainable materials. I’ll be getting into that during this review.

This sweater has been perfect for cold weather travel, when I want a slightly elevated look and I also want to be cozy. Let’s see how it checks all the boxes, especially for longevity in its quality.

What makes the Barents sweater special

Here’s what stands out about this heritage-inspired knit:

• 80% wool blend - It’s made with wool and recycled polyamide for warmth that regulates temperature naturally, perfect for variable travel climates. Plus, I’ve found that with wool items, they control odor similarly to my merino wool travel products.
• Traditional fisherman’s stitch - The textured knit pattern provides excellent insulation and I’ll typically wear it with my Finisterre lightweight jackets. It’s an ideal cool-weather layer that looks good when I take my jacket off.
• Relaxed fit - It works well over my base layers like my year-round black signature cotton tees. I avoid feeling constricted, because the sizing is appropriate and the fit is loose. I have the medium and it’s the perfect size for me.
• Raised neck for warmth - The higher neckline provides extra protection from cold winds and drafts, which is especially useful on planes and in chilly destinations. I’m not a scarf guy, so this works out.

Performing during cold weather travel

I’ve been wearing this sweater during winter trips, but also during the fall and winter, even when I’m not traveling. It’s proven to be pretty versatile. It’s cozy when you need the extra warmth but not overly stuffy when you’re getting too hot. I pull it on when we go somewhere as a family and I need a step up from a hooded athletic sweatshirt.

The Barents wool sweater has a relaxed fit. You can wear it over something like a traditional base layer, or a long sleeve shirt. I think the sweater is a little too bulky to wear under a tight jacket, a jean jacket or a leather jacket. I typically wear the Barents sweater under my Firecrest Jacket from Finisterre, and I can also wear it under my North Face McMurdo Parka.

Build quality and care

At 80% wool and 20% recycled polyamide (nylon), this sweater strikes a nice balance between warmth and durability. The traditional knit construction feels substantial without being heavy. The raw edge rolled hem and neck detailing give it a polished look. The rolled edges are unique to me and I don’t have anything else like it.

Care for this sweater is straightforward - machine wash on delicate wool cycle, don’t spin or tumble dry, and reshape while damp. I’ve washed it a few times and it maintains its shape and appearance well. I would never put it in the dryer, and neither would Becca (she does our laundry).

If this were to ever go in the dryer, it should be on a tumble dry low setting, just for fluffing purposes.

The wool blend resists odors naturally, so it can go longer between washes when traveling. Something harsh like a campfire would warrant a wash. Day to day activities would be fine. My plan is to go as long as possible without washing it, due to some past challenges with washing wool items.

Bottom line: Barents Sweater

If you’re looking for a vintage-inspired sweater that tackles the demands of travel as well as everyday wear (and nicer occasions) at home, the Finisterre Barents Sweater is worth considering. It’s become a staple in my cold weather wardrobe these days, especially in those cold and damp climates. I wish I had this on some of my trips to Vancouver or Iceland.

The other thing I want to note is that this sweater is timeless. Maybe it is something about the fact that it is wool, or maybe it’s those dark wintry colors, but this one should last me until I’m old and gray. And it will probably still be in style because it has that classic Euro vibe.

As an addition that I want to point out, Finisterre is a certified B corp and when I’ve received all my Finisterre packages, they come in eco-friendly packing material. It’s a unique experience to “unbox” products from Finisterre. Just pointing that out for sustainability-minded consumers like myself.