Smartwool TML Mid Full-Zip Hoody : For Men & Women

Made out of a merino wool (64%) and nylon (36%) blend, Smartwool’s TML Mid Full-Zip Hoody is a high performing jacket for exercising in cool and cold temperatures. I’ve been wearing it on power walks and hikes in temperatures from the low-50's (degrees F) down to mid-30, with great success.

What I love about merino wool is its breathability and wicking ability. Most often I wear the TML MId Full-Zip Hoody in mid-40's temps, over a lightweight long-sleeve merino layer, and it's an ideal combo. I stay comfortable and dry, even after I've been working hard for an hour. The jacket also shines on days I misread the weather. Even when I'm overdressed, I don't overheat becuase the two wool layers are so effective at regulating my temperature.

I've also enjoyed wearing the TML Mid Full-Zip Hoody as an every-day jacket in 50-60 degree temps. I made the mistake of wearing the hoody over only a thin, short-sleeved cotton tee on a blustery, mid-40 degree day recently, and froze because I wan't moving. Once I started chugging along on a brisk walk to do my errands, I was fine.  In other words, I think the jacket’s best use is for aeorboic activity. On cold days where I won’t be active, I need to wear a heavier weight long-sleeved baselayer and, sometimes, a wind shell.

I like the cut of Smartwool’s TML Mid Full-Zip Hoody. It’s semi-fitted enough to follow my body contours but not so curvy that the bottom of the jacket flares out.  At almost six-feet’ tall, most women’s jackets are too short for me, but the TML Mid Full-Zip Hoody hits about two inches below the waistband of my low-rise jeans.  Of course, I’d love a jacket that covered my bum, but for active wear, this length works great. 

The sleeves are also long enough for me, even when I stretch out my arms.  Nice!  The sleeves have thumb loops, which I really love because I always forget my gloves.  They also come in handy on chilly days where I need some fabric around my hands but gloves would be too warm.  Smartwool has thoughtfully used a thin, soft merino wool around the edges of the thumb loops for my comfort!

One of my favorite features of the TML Mid Full-Zip Hoody is the super snug hood that keeps out the weather. Once the hoody is zipped up the collar is nice and tall so I can keep my neck and chin totally covered. The other day I dressed all wrong for standing around outside for an hour, so I was freezing. Being able to zip up my hood helped me warm up. Because I tested a black hoody, I also got the added benefit of looking like a ninja in my sleek hood.  I love that! I also appreciate the offset zipper; it's comfortable and doesn’t get in my way or rub against my chin

Available in Black, Natural, Grape, and Claret, sizes S-XL. Men's hoody available in Ochre, Black, and Alloy, sizes S-XXL.

Bottom Line: I’ve been wearing this stealth-inspired jacket for all my outdoor workouts, and am very happy with its temperature regulating performance. --E.D. (Nov 2011)

BUY ONLINE : $190, on sale at Backcountry.com. . Shop at Amazon.

Manufacturer's Site : www.smartwool.com

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