Go Gear / Outdoor Gear

Outdoor Research Hoodie and Jacket are the Perfect Cold Weather Combo

I’m now an Outdoor Research mega fan. It’s because of a hoodie and jacket. I became a fan of Outdoor Research after gear testing their sensor vigor lightweight gloves that are smartphone compatible in December. I featured the gloves in my 2021 Holiday Gift Guide. I liked them so much I got the midweight sensor gloves for colder weather. You can swipe away on you phone while wearing either pair. If you follow me on social media, you’ll likely seen a post in the past several months where I’m a dark green hoodie and/or plum puffy jacket.

From braving windy and snowy conditions in Rocky Mountain National Park to hiking in Fiery Furnacy in Arches National Park to early morning television live shots, this combo kept me warm without overheating. I love the colors, performance and fit of both pieces. Plus, OR’s long-standing commitment to bettering the environment gets major bonus points from me.

I got the Melody Pullover Hoodie ($89) in loden green. I always gravitate toward black for outdoor clothes, but trying to add some colors. It’s goes great with black or the plum color of my OR Shadow Insulated Hoodie. I wear it as a mid-layer. This hoodie has thermo-regulating technology that works to keep you comfortable and dry during high-exertion activities. I typically struggle with layering as I quickly turn into the sweaty gal while hiking or snowshoeing. This hoodie kept me warm, without overheating or sweating, even with a puffy jacket or heavier coat. It was a crucial piece in keeping me warm while snowmobiling in Yellowstone National Park to aurora watching in Fairbanks, Alaska. It is now my single favorite piece of cold weather gear. It would also be great in spring or fall layered over a tank or tee on cooler days in spring and fall. I like the zipper pocket in front for storing essentials like my license and credit card or gloves and it has thumb holes, which is always a bonus in mid-layer pieces. The hood has come in handy too in windy and snowy conditions. The price point on this performance hoodie is great. If I was putting together the perfect adventure kit, this hoodie would be in it.

My Shadow Insulated Hoodie ($199) is in elk, which is like a rich plum color. It’s called a hoodie, but really it’s a puffy jacket. It’s not bulky and the fit is fantastic. It’s perfect in snowy conditions with temperatures in the teens and 20s, yet still comfortable on sunny days in the 30s and 40s because of the thermo-regulating technology in the Melody Pullover Hoodie. This combo is perfect together for cooler weather hiking. I’m really happy to have a puffy in a pretty color that’s packable and comfortable for adventure travel and the outdoors.

I also got the Trail Mix Cowl Pullover ($89) in poppy. The bright color is wonderful. Don’t have any pics yet of this piece as its become my post adventure go-to cozy top. 😍

Check out the Go Gear section for more gear and products Jennifer has travel and adventure tested.