Hoodie recommendations

Nwalpine.com

Check out there there black spider light hoody

Done! Thank me later :)

Oops, almost forgot, if you prefer wool, the ibex indie zip also fits the bill. But I know for a fact that the nwalpine hoody is the closest you'll get to your search criteria.

Could you possibly cut out your own thumb loops?

(btw, I'm wearing my R1 Hoody right now as I'm typing this :) )

I've heard that the RAB Boreas is pretty nice, doesn't look to have thumb loops though

http://us.rab.uk.com/products/mens-clothing/soft-shell/boreas-pull-on.html

I've also been eying that NW Alpine…

Patagonia Sun Hoody? Kinda base-layer like. It is a pull-over (no zipper, has a kangaroo pocket) and it does have thumb loops.

The hood is the stinker– not common with lighter weight tops. I would consider a base-layer-like long sleeve with the thumb loops, coupled a balaclava that has an open face design.

I/O Bio Merino hoody.

Methinks the NW Alpine (also, Melanzana) hoodies are too warm if the R1 fleece is "way too warm."

I don't think a synthetic equivalent of these tops exist. Wool is much less warm than fleece.

I/O Bio Contact hoody. My size large is 7.0 oz. I bought one to replace my R1 for backpacking for the same reason – it was always too warm. The Contact is 160 weight merino, fits like a baselayer, has thumb loops, and a nice hood. It does not quite have the full face coverage that the R1 hood has – the zip stops at about your chin, not your nose.

Andrew

+1 for the Ibex Hoodie. Thin merino wool, thumb loops, half zipper, slim cut hood (like the R1). It's sorta like that BPL merino hoodie that used to be offered, only not as athletic of a cut, more of a normal t-shirt cut which can be nice for layering over your base layer (I use mine mostly as a mid-layer).

Last year when I was looking a less warm R1-style top, this is what I settled on. Haven't regretted it so far.

i dont believe that the ibex hoodie has face coverage like the OP asked for …

the mec merino hoodie doesnt have face coverage either, has thumb loops, is 165 gsm vs 195 for the ibex and is $75 … and is made in canada as well …,

http://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/MensClothing/Hoodies/PRD~5020-574/mec-merino-lightweight-2-hoodie-mens.jsp

its hard to find something lighter than a R1 which has full lower face coverage, base layers arent designed as such usually … most people just wear a buff or baclava in such cases … powerdry i believe comes in several weights, the lighter weight ones may suit yr needs

also note that merino is not as durable as synth if you are going to climb in it without always wearing a shell