Packable all-purpose insulation jacket. Available in men’s and women’s styles.
Here in Seattle it doesn’t get too cold. Fall temperatures might go down to the 50s F, and winter temps are usually between freezing and the low 40s F. Not bad at all and ideal weather for a thin, lightweight insulation jacket like the Outdoor Research SuperStrand LT Hoodie. (The jacket is also ideal for colder temps as a mid layer.)
Warm, Cozy, Versatile
This fall I wore the SuperStrand LT Hoodie over a cotton or merino short-sleeved shirt for daily wear, and it was plenty warm, especially when I used the hood. In addition to keeping me warm, it also kept me dry on drizzly, windy days. Now that the temperatures are in the 30s and 40s, all I wear is a long-sleeved top under the jacket for most outings.
On cold outings where I might be sitting or standing in the cold for the length my friends’ child’s soccer game, I might wear a thin insulated vest under the SuperStrand LT Hoodie. For more active pursuits like hiking and power walking, I almost always end up taking off the jacket and tying it around my waist.
It’s not cold enough yet to wear the SuperStrand LT Hoodie under a shell, but I have that option for winter outings in the mountains.
Ultra Lightweight and Easy-to-Pack
Outdoor Research compares the polyester insulation in the SuperStrand LT Hoodie to a 700-800 down fill. I haven’t worn down in decades because I’m allergic to it, but I have tested many insulation jackets over the year. This one is VERY light, about 10 ounces. In fact, the SuperStrand LT Hoodie is so light that I often wear it around the house as a cardigan because it is lighter than my sweatshirts and not bulky like my sweaters.
It’s often drizzly here, and I’ve been happy with how dry and warm I stay even when the outside of the jacket is wet. I keep this jacket in my entry way because it’s usually my jacket of choice unless I’m going out in a downpour and need a waterproof jacket.
In addition to having two large zippered front pockets, the SuperStrand LT Hoodie has a deep, sleeve-style pocket on the inside of each side of the jacket. I love having the extra pocket space for maps, my gigantic cell phone, a small flashlight, and other items I want with me but don’t need in my front pockets. For packing I can stuff the jacket into one of those inner sleeves. It packs down to the size of my favorite slipper shoes!
Minimal Design, Maximum Comfort
A few of the SuperStrand LT Hoodie’s design features really stand out to me. First, the toggle-free hood. I really appreciate how simple this jacket is. Like other insulation jackets I’ve tested, the hood is deep enough and the edge of the hood has enough elastic to keep it on when I pull it on. I love the neck protection I get when the jacket is fully zipped.
I also appreciate the sort-of raglan-style sleeve design. This sleeve style allows each wearer a custom fit. It’s also nice for layering since there isn’t a seam on top of my shoulders.
Finally, I really like the roomy zippered pockets and the inner sleeve pockets. I can head out for the day without a bag when I wear the SuperStrand LT Hoodie. Of course, I am glad the jacket’s fabric is bluesign® approved.
Check out the SuperStrand LT Jacket, the hoodless version of this jacket.
Bottom Line
I love this jacket because its lightweight makes it so comfortable and its insulation makes it so warm. I’m usually a size L to XL in women’s jackets, but I tested a men’s size L because I wanted the jacket to be big on me and because the men’s jacket is an inch and a half longer (I’m crazy tall).
Details
The men’s SuperStrand LT Hoodie is available in sizes S-XXXL, in colors: Kalamata, Black, Loden, Classic Blue, Larch, and Light Pewter. The women’s jacket is available in sizes XS-4X, in colors: Moth, Naval Blue, Larch, Treeline, and Black. Ripstop shell and lining.
Men’s length (center back): 28.5”
Women’s length (center back): 27”
$219 available at Moosejaw and at Amazon, free shipping with Prime
Subscribe to Blog
Receive an email every time we post a new review!