Patagonia Merino 4 Classic Hoody : For Men and Women

I've found the solution to winter chills, and it's a long tunic hoody from Patagonia. (Men, skip down to paragraph four to read about the men's version.)

Made out of 100% merino wool, the Merino 4 Classic Hoody is a mid- to heavy-weight wool that feels like terry cloth on the inside and soft, smooth wool on the outside. Available in Black or Bitter Chocolate, this extra warm, extra long top has become a fav. (Hoody pictured is women's version.)

I wear it most often as a midlayer when I go outside. At 5'11" I always feel the wind come up under my jacket - and it drives me crazy. The Classic Hoody is nice and long, and better still, has wide ribbing along the hem that keeps it hugging my body. Likewise, the sleeves have long cuffs that keep the weather from creeping up my jacket sleeves. Of course, the Merino 4, Patagonia's warmest wool, does a great job of insulation, breathing, and keeping me warm and dry.

I tested the Bitter Chocolate Hoody, which has a hood lined with a thin, contrast-colored striped wool. Nice.

Patagonia also makes a men's hoody out of the merino 4 wool. It's not tunic length, and with its kangaroo pocket, looks a bit like the old hooded sweatshirts from the 70s and 80s. Like the women's version, the merino 4 wool is best for long outings outdoors or stop and go activities where you need warmth and wicking. The men's hoody also has long cuffs and a wide ribbed hem.

I like that the hoody has a small, discreetly stitched "Patagonia" along the hem rather than a visible logo.

Sizes: Women's XS-XL in Black, White, Bitter Chocolate; Men's S-XL, colors Black or Forge Grey (the grey top has a contrast color hood lining). I'm almost always a L in tops, but tested a women's size M, and it fits fine.

Bottom Line: Nothing beats this top for warmth and comfort! --E.D. (Dec 09)

BUY ONLINE : $200, click here for men's hoody at altrec.com , click here to shop altrec for women's hoody , click here to shop at moosejaw for women's hoody

Manufacturer's Site: www.patagonia.com

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