A merino wool/recycled polyester blend activewear top in women’s and men’s sizes.
I’m not sure there are any two words that make me as happy as “merino” and “hoodie.” So I was quite excited to test Outdoor Research’s Alpine Onset Merino 150 Hoodie.
Fit and Style
I struggle to find tops that fit because I’m tall, and I have long arms and a crazy long torso. I also have a large chest. So, sometimes I need to wear a men’s shirt to get the length and volume I need. Not ideal because the tops can be boxy and not so flattering.
This time I was very happy to find a great fit in the women’s Alpine Onset Merino 150 Hoodie. Thanks to raglan-style sleeves, the top fits well and feels very comfortable. Raglan sleeves are better for fit than set-in sleeves because there are no shoulder seams for my shoulders to “fit” into. The sleeves drape off my shoulder naturally. This means that everyone who wears the top gets a custom fit through the shoulders. Plus, with no shoulders seams it is much more comfortable to layer several garments without experiencing binding or seam chafing.
I was surprised that the Alpine Onset Merino 150 Hoodie’s sleeves were also long enough for me and had flat thumb holes. Winter temperatures are usually in the low 40 degrees F where I live, so I often forget to wear gloves because I know I won’t perish (as opposed to where I used to live where it got down to -20F and I needed polar gear). Having the thumb holes means I can keep my hands warm in a pinch.
Another fit factor for me: the princess seams. This style accommodates my chest and adds a bit of volume, while also giving the shirt a bit of a fitted look. I know that appearance doesn’t matter when I’m out in the elements, but it feels nice to have a top that also looks good because I don’t always keep my clothing neatly separated by activity. I tend to move from one outing to the next without time to change, so I like having activewear tops that I can use for casual wear and travel, too. (The men’s Alpine Onset Merino 150 Hoodie does not have princess seams.)
Versatile and Dependable
I’ve worn the Alpine Onset Merino 150 Hoodie on many short, hilly hikes of an hour or more in duration and power walks of thirty to sixty minutes over the past few weeks, and I have been very happy with how well the top breathes, wicks away moisture, and helps regulate my temperature.
It can be tricky figuring out the right combination of layers when exercising in winter temperatures between freezing and low 40s F. Not that cold to this Midwestern gal unless there is precipitation and/or wind. Then it feels much colder.
I most often wear the Alpine Onset Merino 150 Hoodie under an insulated vest and a wind or rain shell. After a few minutes of activity I almost always end up taking off the jacket, and sometimes I unzip the vest. This is where the hoodie performs best. The fabric wicks away my sweat at the same time it keeps me warm. I can’t believe I ever used to exercise in cotton shirts that just got damp and heavy.
Tonight after quick power walk I got home and took off the Alpine Onset Merino 150 Hoodie, thinking I’d change before driving to the store. I set the hoodie down on my couch and realized it was dry! No need to change. I put it back on, put on a warm coat, and went back out into the night. There have been days I wear the hoodie because it’s so cozy, then I exercise it in, then I make dinner, and I end up sleeping in it. I don’t think the top is as odor-proof as my 100% wool tops, but I can still wear it several times before it needs washing.
The Hood
I almost forgot the best part of the Alpine Onset Merino 150 Hoodie, the three-piece balaclava-style hood. I love this hood because it covers my head and the bottom half of my face. It’s perfect for freezing temps when I want a warm but lightweight, breathable covering on my face and ears. I can breathe well through the fabric that covers my mouth, and I love that I have full surround warmth to keep my neck warm, too. There’s even a flap in the back of the hood for a ponytail. Brilliant.
Bottom Line
I think the Alpine Onset Merino 150 Hoodie is very thoughtfully designed for fit and function. I appreciated the flat-seam construction, the durability that the recycled polyester fibers add, and the fabric’s performance. I should add here that Outdoor Research uses non-mulesed wool (mulesing is a painful practice of removing a sheep’s skin in sensitive places to insure easier removal of wool without regard for the sheep’s health. When purchasing wool apparel, look for brands that use non-mulesed wool.)
Available in women’s sizes XS-XXL in Black, Charcoal Heather, Kalamata, Treeline, and Snow Camo. Men’s hoodie available in sizes S-XXXL in Black, Charcoal Heather, Classic Blue, Loden, and Naval Blue Camo. Also available in half-zip and crew styles. Image source: Outdoor Research website.
Manufacturer: www.outdoorresearch.com
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