random find

Wild Things also sells a PowerStretch Hoody, only it is $20.99 cheaper, although that could shrink or grow if one adds in any applicable shipping costs. And it weighs 10 oz, as opposed to 24.

http://www.wildthingsgear.com/prod_baselayer.php

The WildThings 10 oz power-stretch hoody is a very nice layering option. It is warm, fits excellent, great workmanship and quality, and made in the USA. I would highly recommend this top.

All of Wild Thing's products are high tech and top quality. I've been in their factory in North Conway, NH. Good people to deal with.

"Weight: 1.5 lbs"

Ouch!

If you want the more face coverage, Patagonia R1 Hoody is about the same weight as the WildThings. Listed at 10.9 oz versus 10, but not sure what sizes they go by.

I just picked this item up about a week or so ago, another option at around 12-13 oz.

http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442627307&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302699173&bmUID=1225396031619

I suppose one can save $100 and buy a yard or two of Polartec® from Malden Mills for next to nothing and make patterns from a favorite shirt/jacket and saw it. Minus the tag® trademarks rights which is just fine:
http://www.owfinc.com/Fabrics/Fleece/fleece.htm

Any one bought their various fleece? What are the differences? Weight/compactness vs. performance for UL use? Any recommendations? Thanks.

Need to order some of their wicking material too.

Adam, since you're the first one to mention purchasing this, and the price is about half the Patagonia, fill us in on fit and quality.

Even better, post us some photos!

Rod

Hmmm… I've ordered from Wild Things too and they are indeed a great company. Looking at their site it looks like their version doesn't have a zipper. A deal breaker for me but to each their own.

As far a the weight goes, I doubt it's accuracy . Assuming it's made out of the same material as the wild things, it ought to be a similar weight. I don't think a zipper alone would weigh 14 oz. If it's made from a heavier version of Powerstretch (is there such a thing?)then at least it ought to be warmer.

Adam – Sweet find! I agree with Rod that some more info/impressions on this thing would be helpful. I do find powerstretch more comfy on the skin compared to R1 but on the other hand R1 performance is pretty good.

Actually BUY a fleece jacket or top??????
Haven't done that for …decades?
MYOG all the time, for me and for my wife, wide range of weights.
Easy.

Cheers

Hi Rod,

Like most mec brand clothing it seems the size M was tailor made for my lean frame. I'm 5'9'' and weigh between 145 and 150 depending on the day. The stitching quality is good. The sleeves are a little long which is nice because I tend to max out sleeve lengths. The sleeves also have thumb loops, when worn the sleeve end comes right to my knuckles. Down the middle there is a 14 1/2 inch ykk 3c. When done up the hood fits snuggly which is what I was looking for to maximize warmth. The side panels which go up from the hip all the way to the sleeve are made of the same material that mec uses for their medium weight base layers.

I've worn this hoodie almost every day since purchasing and have only 'tested' it on my commutes since I cycle every day. Worn with a T shirt and size M montbell hooded wind shirt it is very warm and has no problem fitting under the wind shirt. I've also worn it with my NF diad and found it really warm in 5-10C weather. Alone the wind blows through right to the bone, but this is to be expected.

As for durability I've owned 2 mid weight longsleeve base layers from mec, one for over 2 years the other just under 2 years and they still look new. These are worn very frequently and are a staple in my kit. Hopefully the hoodie holds up the same, I'll be happy if it does.

I'll try to get pics up, I'll have to figure out how to do that. Any other questions I'd be happy to answer.

I should note I tried the small and it was really tight on me, secondly I've never seen an R1 in person so I can not make comparisons.

Adam

That's excellent. Good to know about the sleeves and thumbholes. Since we're virtually the same size, I now even know what size to order.

To attach images, just look to the upper right of the box you type your text in when posting. There's a button there that says "Insert Image at Cursor" If you click on this it will ask you to select an image by browsing your computer. Select the file you want and add it. It's very simple, unlike SEARCHING on BPL.

Rod