Review: Outdoor Vitals Tern Ultralight Merino Hoodie
The Tern ultralight merino hoodie is a versatile layer – useful as a base layer in cold weather, or for sun protection with a UPF rating of 36+.
About Outdoor Vitals
Outdoor Vitals is a small cottage-industry company based in Utah. Instead of selling their merchandise in traditional retail outlets, they use direct-to-consumer sales to make their gear more affordable.
Specs
- unisex sizing: XS to 3XL
- fabric: 63% merino, 29% polyester, 8% nylon
- Farm to Fabric RWS (Responsible Wool Standard) certified wool by NuYarn™
- UPF Rating 36+
- ultralight at just 4.6 oz (size small)
What I like about this hoodie
The features that stand out to me the most on the Tern hoodie are the soft fabric, flat-lock seam construction, and the overall fit. I’ve been wearing it as a base layer for hiking and as my main top when backpacking due to the comfortable fit and its quick-drying and sun protection properties.
Features
Fabric: The fabric of this hoodie is slightly textured, super soft, and lightweight. And while it has some stretch, the polyester blended with the merino wool helps to retain its shape without becoming baggy after several days of wear. With more of an open weave to the knit fabric, it’s also very breathable for allowing airflow when exerting.
Fit: The fit of this hoodie is on the trim side, with an athletic cut. This helps with moisture wicking to pull sweat away from your body, as well as for wearing with additional layers. For size reference, I’m 5’1″ 115 lbs. and I’m wearing a size small (men’s sizing). While it fits close to the body, it’s not too tight anywhere. I especially like the raglan sleeve style, which is comfortable to wear and doesn’t bind on my underarms like traditional sleeve styles can if they are on the small side.
Hood/collar: I always wear a hat with bill and like how the hood fits over it while the higher collar in the front provides additional coverage from the sun.
Care: Note that this hoodie is an ultralight performance piece that was not built to withstand abrasion. When using with a backpack, some pilling may occur (and is not covered under warranty). To wash, use a top loading washer on a delicate cycle with cold water (or hand wash) and hang to dry. That said, I’ve worn this hoodie with a pack and washed it 10+ times with no issues.
Disclosure: this item was donated for the purpose of a review.