Gear Review: Outdoor Research Exit Hoody

Most of the Outdoor Research softshell jackets I’ve tested have been typically waterproof and breathable.  The OR Exit Hoody isn’t quite a softshell (not particularly waterproof and mildly breathable), but it is lightweight.  What makes the Exit Hoody appealing to a snowshoer is its Alpin-wool Plus fabric exterior and polyester interior – both combine to be exceptionally warm.

The Exit Hoody works well with the Outdoor Research AlterEgo shell.  However, I primarily used the Exit Hoody without a shell, which had positive and negative effects.  What I found to be enjoyable was the wicking polyester interior, but the wool exterior didn’t work well with Velcro (constant snagging).  After several weeks of use, the wool began to clump or “ball-up” – especially around areas of movement.  No big deal.  It’s not like this minor annoyance prevented me from enjoying a day trip or a week’s visit to my favorite snowshoeing destination.

I gave the Hoody a thorough testing on a trip to Montana’s Glacier National Park.  Each time I used it for a snowshoe hike, I found it necessary to shed the Hoody because I became overheated.  It’s the wool that worked as advertised.  I hope to try the Hoody during a cold weather snowshoeing excursion in the upcoming season.  That would be a good test of the Hoody’s features.           

No matter the issues, the Exit Hoody has become an everyday jacket.  Beyond snowshoeing the Hoody has kept me warm on several cold spring days.  Colorado’s unpredictable weather – especially days with sudden afternoon snow showers – is what the Exit Hoody was made for. 

Additional features:

*Single-pull adjustable hood
*Two handwarmer pockets
*Internal snap-closure media pocket
*Thumb loops on cuffs

For more information on the Exit Hoody, visit http://bit.ly/cmw4KY.

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