Review: Himali Ascent Stretch Hoodie

With synthetic insulation and a soft, stretchy shell, the Ascent Hoodie is designed for alpine use, but it’s become one of my most useful layers for all types of cooler weather adventures in the Pacific Northwest.

About Himali: Founded by mountaineer Tendi Sherpa and Dave Schaeffer, HIMALI is a Boulder, Colorado–based company that designs outdoor apparel inspired by the Himalayas. Their focus is on functional, durable layers made for harsh alpine conditions, with an emphasis on sustainability and supporting the Nepali community.

First Impressions

The Ascent Hoodie isn’t like most synthetic jackets I’ve worn. The fabric is soft and stretchy, making it comfortable to wear and easy to move in. The fit is streamlined but not tight, and even though it’s warmer and thicker than many synthetics, it never feels bulky.

The helmet-compatible hood works just as well without one, and the tall collar adds more neck coverage than most jackets — a big help on windy days. When fully zipped, it’s also one of the only jackets I’ve used that doesn’t feel too tight under my chin.

Two zippered hand pockets are generously sized and well placed, making them comfortable to use. A chest pocket adds space for small essentials and is a good spot for carrying my phone.

The jacket includes a stuff sack built into one of the hand pockets, though I don’t usually use it. I typically roll jackets into the hood since it’s faster, but that method doesn’t compress the jacket as much and takes up more space in my pack. The built-in stuff sack would be handy if you need to save pack space.

Specs

• weight: 15.8 oz (women’s size small)
• insulation: synthetic – Primaloft Gold Active+
• fill weight: 100g
• fabric: Toray Primeflex nylon stretch shell with Eco-DWR finish
• hood type: elastic binding; helmet-compatible
• pockets: 2 zippered hand pockets, 1 chest pocket
• sustainability: Bluesign approved, Fair Trade Certified
• price: $250

Women's Ascent Hoodie   Men's Ascent Hoodie

Field Use

I recently wore this jacket daily on a wet, foggy and windy three-day camping trip at the Oregon Coast in September. My down jackets usually start to feel damp and lose loft in those conditions, but the Ascent Hoodie held up well. I stayed warm without needing another layer on top, and when I started to overheat, unzipping it provided enough ventilation. My favorite feature of the Ascent is the plush softness – it’s so much more comfortable to wear than most insulated jackets.

I also took this jacket on a hike to a 4,880-foot summit in Oregon’s Cascades. I kept it packed away during the ascent, but when we reached the top the wind picked up, and pulling it out of my pack made all the difference. The wind resistance and warmth were exactly what I needed to stay comfortable while taking in the views before heading back down.

For me, this is exactly the kind of jacket I want for off-season adventures in the rainy Pacific Northwest. Most synthetic jackets I’ve tried are either too thin to provide real warmth for multi-day trips, or they’re heavier and boxy, making them less comfortable for active use. The Ascent Hoodie strikes a great balance — warm, weather resistant, and easy to move in. This jacket isn’t waterproof, so I’d still throw on a rain shell if it’s really raining. In a light mist, though, I didn’t need the extra layer.

I also think this jacket will be great for winter snowshoeing in the Cascades — the breathability should keep me from getting too sweaty on cold, active days.

Overall, I’ve found that this hoodie strikes a good balance of warmth and mobility, making it a solid layer for cooler outdoor days in the Pacific Northwest.

Disclosure: this item was donated for the purpose of a review.