Gear Review: Outdoor Research Radiant Hybrid Hoody
It has been another week of typical Canadian weather with large snowflakes falling from the sunny sky and temperatures that felt like Spring was just around the corner. Later that evening we were under an extreme cold advisory from Environment Canada that is going to extend into the weekend. Don't put your adventures on hold, just remember to use layers to your advantage. The Outdoor Research Radiant Hybrid Hoody has been my go to midlayer for a few seasons now because of how well it works in all conditions.
The Radiant Hybrid Hoody is a light, breathable fleece that I've used as a outer layer in the Fall for hiking and early morning paddles, to an insulating layer in the Winter when out snowshoeing. It weighs 412 grams. Through any of my adventures my favourite thing about it was that it breathed so well. The attached hood is made from Radiant fleece fabric which is good protection from wind, although it is a little on the large size despite the trim cut of the hoody itself. The torso is also made from the insulating Radiant Fleece fabric, while the underarm is made from RadiantLT Fleece for better breathability. It has a bit if stretch, so it moves with you nicely.
The hoody has a single, well placed chest pocket, that has unobstructed access even while wearing a backpack with chest and waist straps. The solid stitching has held up well, and is flat so that it doesn't rub when wearing a backpack. There are also thumb loops that were unobtrusive and weren't taut or tugging away on your hand while using hiking or snowshoe poles.
I highly recommend this comfortable garment, and even if you wear it year round, don't worry... it comes with odor control as well.
If you like the looks of the Radiant Hybrid Hoody, also have a look at some of the other designs in the series...
