Winter comes sooner than we think, and before we know it, everything’s all icy and snowy and you have to shovel the drive every day. Or, perhaps you live somewhere that doesn’t get that kind of weather, but you still plan ski trips during the winter season. Regardless, it can’t hurt to have a cozy hoody around when you need it.
The La Sportiva Women’s Saturn Hooded Zip-Neck Top has merino wool blend fabric (45 percent polyester, 40 percent merino, 15 percent polyamide), which generates heat from moisture, has a high thermal capacity and great absorption. The cozy fabric wicks away moisture, which means you get to stay dry and comfortable as you hike, climb, ski, shovel that driveway, or merely chill out next to the fireplace with a hot toddy in your hand after sweating it up outside.
If you’re looking for a great cold-weather clothing item to wear along on more active pursuits, the flatlock seams of the Saturn Hoody will move as smoothly as you do without rubbing or chafing when you’re outside in your sport element. It’s extra important when you’re wearing a pack and definitely don’t want traditional seams rubbing under the pack straps.
The fit of the hoody is regular, so like Goldilocks, it’s not too small (fitted) nor too big (baggy), but just right. While it may not be what you choose to wear to the bar at the end of your day, the look is sporty casual without being too slouchy. I’ve worn it pretty much everywhere, except out to dinner at a fancy restaurant.
The fitted hood is extremely effective in shielding you from unexpected winds that might blow off a less-secure hood. Also, for those of us with long hair often sported in pony tail form, there’s an opening in the back of the hood to stick the tail through. Essential? No. Nice to have? Absolutely, if you don’t want a smushed pony.
I’ve worn the Saturn Hoody countless times since I started testing it, and I keep coming back, no matter what else arrives in the mail. That’s right—another good thing about merino wool (even in a blend) is that you don’t have to wash it after every wear.
The La Sportiva Saturn Hoody comes in black, berry and blue moon (good “letter B” colors) and lists for $139 on the La Sportiva site. You can also find it at Backcountry.