Ask the Gear Guy

Best hoodie choices

I need a hoodie for our next camp-out, and I was wondering what would be the best options?
– Underdressed Eric, Elmhurst, Ill.

A. Good question, Eric. Though we’ve seen lots of guys on outings wearing all-cotton hoodies, if that kind of jacket gets wet with rain or sweat, it’ll provide you about as much warmth as a soggy paper bag. Hoodies made of 100% polyester fleece are the best choice. Unlike cotton, these materials wick sweat and moisture away from your body and keep you warm even when wet.

Here are three good choices:

• REI Hoodie, $30 kids’ sizes, $50 men’s sizes, www.boyslife.org/links/rei
• Horny Toad Joe, $76, www.boyslife.org/links/hornytoad
• Patagonia Micro D-Luxe Hoody, $75, www.boyslife.org/links/patagonia

Read 8 comments about “Best hoodie choices”

1. 1 - NOTRE DAME FAN says:
   September 24th, 2007 at 7:56 pm

   thank you for the tip know i now what hoodie to by

2. 2 - Almost STAR!!! says:
   November 27th, 2007 at 8:23 pm

   dude thanks!!! i never thought about that!

3. 3 - BryGuy says:
   December 7th, 2007 at 3:10 pm

   Thanks for the reminder that “cotton kills”. It always amazes me when Scouts show up for campouts with nothing but a cotton hooded sweatshirt as a coat. Polar fleece is a MUCH better option.

4. 4 - Baller107 says:
   December 13th, 2007 at 7:32 pm

   nice hoodie imma go get it for christmas now!

5. 5 - NeoCamper says:
   March 27th, 2008 at 7:12 am

   We have ordered our TenderFoot one of the hoodies offered by the troop — hey support the group as much as possible! Our son wears out the cuffs very quickly though on his hoodies so I was thinking of replacing them with hand-knitted ones made of superwash wool (machine washable) but wondered if wool is warm when wet or if its as cold as cotton? I know it makes great warm socks, but have always used acrylic yarns for hats, mitts, & scarves — does anyone know?

6. 6 - 5Toes says:
   April 20th, 2008 at 9:35 pm

   Under Armour makes awesome hoodies, and they really wick water!

7. 7 - BikesnobYW says:
   April 28th, 2008 at 12:31 am

   “NeoCamper,” wool keeps its insulating properties when wet just as well as polyester. Just knit it really tight and thick!
   I use Columbia polyester fleece jackets almost exclusively; they insulate really well and are desinged to keep your neck warm!

8. 8 - SHOTGUN says:
   May 3rd, 2008 at 4:49 pm

   GREAT I LOVE HOODIES NOW I KNOW WICH ONE TO GET!

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