REVIEW: Ridge Merino Wool Hoodie Full Zip

As the warm days of summer start to transition to the cooler days of fall, our outdoor gear needs begin to change as well. It’s time to swap out the shorts and t-shirts in favor of pants, long-sleeves, and jackets. If you find yourself looking for a versatile layer to accompany you on your autumn outings, look no further than the Ridge Merino Wool Hoodie Full Zip. This is garment that you’re likely to find yourself reaching for often as the crisp fall air arrives at long last. And in the winter, the hoodie is versatile enough to play a role in a larger layering system, serving as a mid-layer in cold conditions too.

Comfort (5) ★★★★★

To say the Hoodie Full Zip is comfortable would be a dramatic understatement. Lightweight and form-fitting, this garment stretches in all of the right place, while staying snug and warm where you need it most. We love that it doesn’t restrict motion in any way, making it a great choice for active outings in cooler weather. The hoodie’s fabrics are made up of surprisingly soft wool, which feels great against the skin, while the hood itself pulls easily into place when needed, creating a warm cocoon around the head and face. Whether you’re climbing, hiking, or just running errands, this is a jacket you can wear all day long without missing a beat.

Performance (5) ★★★★★

Made from durable merino wool, the hoodie provides all of the performance you could as for, and then some. Both warm and breathable, it offers excellent temperature control both while you’re active and when you take a break. The jacket also does a good job of pulling moisture away from the body and allowing it to evaporate quickly, which is crucial when trying to stay warm in the outdoors. Merino also happens to be naturally antimicrobial, which means it doesn’t collect foul odors when worn for numerous active days on the trail. This has the added benefit of making the hoodie a great traveling companion for extended trips.

Design (5) ★★★★★

Ridge Merino incorporated all kinds of nice touches into the design of this jacket that active outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate. For instance, it has thumb loops to extend the sleeves over the hand, providing additional warmth without the need for gloves. A zippered chest pocket makes a great place to store your phone or other small items as well, while the hood slides nicely out of the way when not in use. The garment offers 50+ SPF protection from the sun and is fully machine washable as well. Best of all, the full zip design makes it easy to get on and off in a quick and efficient manager, something that comes in handy with rapidly shifting conditions on the trail.

Overall (5) ★★★★★

In case you couldn’t tell, we’re pretty smitten with the Ridge Merino Wool Hoodie Full Zip. With its versatility, good looks, and outstanding performance, this is exactly the kind of layer you want with you on any outdoor adventure. It is even nicely priced at $130, which is a relative bargain when compared to merino wool garments from some other manufacturers. Add one to your closet before temperatures take a dip. You’ll be really glad you have it when it comes time for fall and winter activities.