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 properly under freezing. This jacket has turn 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 protecting my torso heat in single-digit climate.
Gender: Males’s and Ladies’sInsulation: 60g PrimaloftWeight in Dimension Males’s Massive: 16.5 ozPockets: 5 (one chest, two inner drop pockets. two zippered facet pockets)Hood: Not adjustablePackable: Stuffs right into a handwarmer pocketSizing: 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 mild abrasion from backpack straps and branches. It’s not meant for heavy bushwhacking, nevertheless it holds up properly for climbing, journey, and each day put on. Inside, REI makes use of 60g Primaloft artificial insulation somewhat than down. This reduces the jacket’s value and makes it extra dependable in humid or moist circumstances.
The hood is frivolously insulated and suits loosely with out proscribing motion. It’s not helmet-compatible, however that’s all too usually 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 measurement. It’s much less of a difficulty in the event you put on a fleece or wool hat with the hood to fill out the additional quantity. I’ve a small head, so I must put on a thick fleece hat to refill the area.
Match and Consolation
The match is finest described as roomy. It permits for mild layering beneath, resembling a fleece or long-sleeve base layer, with out feeling restrictive. The minimize works properly 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 stop 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 finest in cool to reasonably chilly temperatures. It really works properly as an outer layer in dry, chilly circumstances or as a midlayer beneath a shell when temperatures drop additional. It’s not meant 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 on minimal area. 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 considered one of its handwarmer pockets, which is an effective indicator of the area it is going to displace in a backpack.
The jacket consists of zippered hand pockets which are massive sufficient to carry gloves, a cellphone, or snacks. The zippers function easily and really feel sturdy. There are two inner drop pockets and an exterior zippered chest pocket that may match a big smartphone.
Closing 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 objective. 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 assessment.
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