BPL Hoody

I got the BPL hoody in size M. I'm 6 feet & about 165 pounds.

I like the new hoody a lot but found it a little floppy even in size M to be an ideal Next to Skin layer. Picking a smaller size would make the arm and torso lengths too short so in the end it was a compromise. If you are larger across the chest or stocky, might not be an issue

When perspiring heavily, my icebreaker in size L does a better job with efficient moisture transportation and drying on account of the more athletic fit (of course a synthetic shirt would do even better but synthetics stink). Not a big deal, I ended up using the hoody over a icebreaker 150 short sleeve and the combo works great.

Compared to the patagonia R1 hoody, the BPL hoody is about 2 ounces lighter for the same fit but is also less warm. On a recent Utah trip I tried both back to back in temps averaging 35 F during hikes and found them very comparable. When the desert sun came out in full force the black patagonia got too warm whereas the BPL hoody was still comfortable. But when the evening temps dropped the extra warmth of the Patagonia was appreciated.

In the end they are both great.. chose accordingly based on whether you want wool or fleece. If I had to chose one, I'd take the BPL hoody as it is more versatile as part of a layering system.

P.S. Wearing the BPL & R1 hoody at the same time didn't work for me, it felt tight & awkward and one already has too many hoods to contend with when also adding an insulation layer during camp time

Tested again this morning. It was about 30 degrees F and windy. I wore the Hoody, Long John Pant, synthetic shorts, warm socks, and Terrocs – and added a Patagonia Houdini on top. This worked well. When I was out of the wind, I pulled back the Houdini hood. Later as I began warming up, I zipped the wind shirt down about halfway and pulled back the BPL Hoody hood. Then as I walked in shaded areas (icy) I'd pull the hood on. If wind got gusty then pulled over Houdini hood.

This combination gave me a wide range of temperature regulation.

One time after I zipped down the Houdini, I also zipped down the Hoody a little to see how cold I'd feel. Got pretty chilly quickly. See pics below. The Hoody is definitely warm for me (but I'm on the warmer side usually). Results may vary for a cold natured person.

My Houdini is size XL and BPL Hoody is size L. I'd say compared to other base layers (Patagonia Cap 1 [size L] and Duofold [size L]), the BPL Hoody is a quite more relaxed fit. I also have a BPL merino longsleeve and it fits tight like the other base layers. The BPL pant is similarly tight.

So although I personally really like the fit of the Hoody, a a person with a slim build will probably need a smaller size than their normal choice. If you are tall then you might want to wait and see if there will be Tall sizes in future.

I've had the Beartooth Merino Hoody out with me on two split board tours this winter. I've been pairing it with either BPL's UL Merino long sleeve or an Arc'Teryx synthetic short sleeve. Atop this I've worn either my Montane windshirt or a Goretex shell.

The thumb loops are perfect for keeping the sleeves in place as I'm constantly pulling gloves/mittens on and off or taking off/putting on my outer shell depending on whether I'm skinning or riding.

For exquisite thermal regulation the hood and lengthy front-zip do a top-notch job of releasing or holding in heat as needed.