The REI Microtrek Insulated Hoodie is a light-weight, packable jacket that works throughout a variety of out of doors actions. Positioned as an artificial insulated jacket for cool to chilly circumstances, it targets hikers, vacationers, and on a regular basis customers who want heat with out bulk. It has 5 pockets (three zippered) and is surprisingly heat, making it excellent for shoulder season circumstances when morning and night temperatures dip nicely under freezing. This jacket has develop into my go-to for on a regular basis put on, changing an ultralight artificial jacket I personal as a result of it does a such a greater job at preserving my torso heat in single-digit climate.
- Gender: Males’s and Girls’s
- Insulation: 60g Primaloft
- Weight in Dimension Males’s Giant: 16.5 oz
- Pockets: 5 (one chest, two inside drop pockets. two zippered facet pockets)
- Hood: Not adjustable
- Packable: Stuffs right into a handwarmer pocket
- Sizing: Runs barely massive
Design and Supplies
The Microtrek Insulated Hoodie makes use of a recycled polyester shell with a water-repellent (DWR) end. The outer material feels clean and fairly powerful for its weight, resisting gentle abrasion from backpack straps and branches. It’s not supposed for heavy bushwhacking, nevertheless it holds up nicely for climbing, journey, and every day put on. Inside, REI makes use of 60g Primaloft artificial insulation reasonably than down. This reduces the jacket’s price and makes it extra dependable in humid or moist circumstances.
The hood is evenly insulated and suits loosely with out proscribing motion. It’s not helmet-compatible, however that’s all too typically the case for a jacket on this class and at this pricepoint. Elastic binding across the hood, cuffs, and hem helps seal in heat with out including pointless weight, although the quantity of heat retained will rely in your head dimension. It’s much less of a difficulty if you happen to put on a fleece or wool hat with the hood to fill out the additional quantity. I’ve a small head, so I have to put on a thick fleece hat to replenish the house.
Match and Consolation
The match is greatest described as roomy. It permits for gentle layering beneath, reminiscent of a fleece or long-sleeve base layer, with out feeling restrictive. The reduce works nicely for lively use, staying near the physique to scale back warmth loss whereas nonetheless permitting a full vary of movement within the shoulders and arms. Hem adjusters alongside the bottom of the jacket forestall drafts from chilling you from under, whereas stretch cuffs on the wrists assist seal in heat.
When it comes to heat, the Microtrek Insulated Hoodie performs greatest in cool to reasonably chilly temperatures. It really works nicely as an outer layer in dry, chilly circumstances or as a midlayer beneath a shell when temperatures drop additional. It’s not supposed for deep winter use by itself, however for three-season actions, it gives dependable insulation.
Packability and Pockets
One of many Microtrek Hoodie’s greatest strengths is packability. It compresses down simply right into a backpack or carry-on, taking over minimal house. This makes it a superb possibility for journey or as an emergency heat layer on day hikes. It’s additionally compact sufficient to stuff into one among its handwarmer pockets, which is an efficient indicator of the house it is going to displace in a backpack.
The jacket contains zippered hand pockets which might be massive sufficient to carry gloves, a cellphone, or snacks. The zippers function easily and really feel sturdy. There are two inside drop pockets and an exterior zippered chest pocket that may match a big smartphone.
Ultimate Ideas
The REI Microtrek Insulated Hoodie is a well-rounded artificial insulated jacket that excels in versatility, consolation, and packability. It’s not constructed for excessive chilly or harsh climate, however that’s not its function. As an alternative, it serves as a reliable layer for climbing, journey, and on a regular basis put on in cool-to-cold circumstances.
Disclosure: REI donated a jacket for evaluation.
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