us.icebreaker.com, one pound, eight ounces
Perfection is rare, but Icebreaker might have achieved it with the new Kodiak Hood. (Why it’s called a Hood Jacket and not Hoody still mystifies us). This elegant-yet-functional hoody is made from Icebreaker’s highly insulating Realfleece 320, a brushed, 100 percent merino wool fabric with Bluesign-accredited nanotechnology that adds water repellency and stain resistance to the wool. For those not in the know, Bluesign is a group that’s dedicated to maximizing consumer protection in the textile chain from raw materials and chemical suppliers through the manufacturing process to the consumer. The nano water repellency really works, earning this jacket four-season status. In three weeks of testing in the frequently-sodden Eugene, Oregon, our tester reported that moisture beaded on the jacket without penetrating in all but monsoon conditions. But the real artistry is the fit. The hood is shaped to fall over the forehead without blocking vision, with a slight peak at the center to keep rain off the face. And in contrast to many wool jackets that get saggy with wear, the Kodiak features five-inch-wide stretchy -side panels under each arm, continuing down the sides to the hem. The panels are made of a lighter-weight wool fabric than the body (which is definitely mid-to-heavy weight) so that it breathes better, and provides a more tailored but unrestricted fit. We love the ragland sleeves that also increase the jacket’s freedom of movement. The cuffs have are cut longer over the back of the hands, a nice sartorial touch that adds warmth on cold days. On the outside is a zippered Napoleon pocket with a media cord loophole—nice when we’re listening to tunes in a blizzard.