Base Layer Hoodie

I was looking to buy a new base layer hoodie this spring when the prices drop. I am not the biggest fan of the R1 so any other suggestions would be great or just personal favorites for whatever reason.

I've been looking at the Eddie Bauer Bat Hang, really like the sideways zipper on the balaclava, as zippers in the middle of my face always bother me, any thoughts?

It would be mostly for shoulder season alpine climbing, and a bit of ice climbing here and there. Thanks for the input!

wild things has a powerstretch hoody

NW alpine black spider hoody

a bunch out there from almost every single company

I like the Mammut Kala Patar Tech fleece alot, it's a grid fleece with stretch panels to fit under a harness and helmet. Zipper is in the middle though. backcountry.com/mammut-kala…

I really like the melanzana hoodie that Rob linked to but some people complain that the fit is a little baggy. It isn't really a baselayer cut.

The EB bat hang is cut tighter and seems to be nice. Side zipper is cool and it's comfortable. The only issue with the side zipper is that you end up with a big flappy piece of fabric if you have it partially unzipped.

I think the Wild Things hoodies look killer but haven't tried one yet as mine is still on the way. They do have a 25% sale right now though and you get to customize all of the colors.

I'm not a fan of my Wild Things hoody. In fact I'm selling my XL in the blue color if anyone is that interested. For me, the wind pro fabric is way too stiff and feels incredibly bulky as a mid layer.

I currently have an R1 and a Mont Bell Trail Action Parka.

I reach for the Mont Bell more often than the R1 as it's a bit warmer, is full zip, has pockets and just enough of a touch of wind resistance that I can often wear just it for the approach even when windy.

And it's only $79 retail.

NW Alpine Black Spider Hoody.

nwalpine.com/store/#!/~/pro…

I own two of them. The BS Hoody is very comparable to an r-1 hoodie, but has a slimmer fit and weighs an ounce or two less. IMHO, NW Alpine makes really good stuff and this is a great piece.

Dig my Ibex (wool) hoody..

NC Rock Climber wrote:NW Alpine Black Spider Hoody. nwalpine.com/store/#!/~/pro… I own two of them. The BS Hoody is very comparable to an r-1 hoodie, but has a slimmer fit and weighs an ounce or two less. IMHO, NW Alpine makes really good stuff and this is a great piece.

One thing to note about the NWalpine is that the fabric is lighter (at least in the past) and described as more of an R-.5 -- which is partially why it is lighter. I have heard good things about it though

Dave Bn wrote:I'm not a fan of my Wild Things hoody. In fact I'm selling my XL in the blue color if anyone is that interested. For me, the wind pro fabric is way too stiff and feels incredibly bulky as a mid layer. I currently have an R1 and a Mont Bell Trail Action Parka. I reach for the Mont Bell more often than the R1 as it's a bit warmer, is full zip, has pockets and just enough of a touch of wind resistance that I can often wear just it for the approach even when windy. And it's only $79 retail.

+1 for the Mont-Bell Trail Action Parka. I'm currently using it and the Patagonia Piton Hybrid Hoodie for everyday use and out climbing. I like the Patagonia more due to its slimmer fit, wind resistance (the Mont-Bell is still quite wind resistant), and the hood has a slightly better shape. That said, I paid $179 for the Patagonia and $79 for the Mont-Bell.

Also, +1 for the full zips. I was interested in the NW Alpine Black Spider Hoodie. Bummer it's only half zip.

rock_fencer wrote: One thing to note about the NWalpine is that the fabric is lighter (at least in the past) and described as more of an R-.5 -- which is partially why it is lighter. I have heard good things about it though

I agree that it is lighter, but not the same weight as the R-.5 / Calpaline 4. It is heavier than both of those pieces. NWA originally called it the Light Spider Hoody, but recently redesigned it. I think that the material got heavier, but I am not sure. I would say that it is between the Calp-4 and R-1, but closer to the R-1. More importantly to me, it fits like a technical piece should. This year Patagonia changed the cut of the R-1, and it got a lit looser though the waist.

My favorite is the Mountain Equipment Eclipse hoody:

mountain-equipment.co.uk/th…

Review here:

outdoorgearlab.com/Fleece-J…

Really like the hood and face mask, and the venting fabric in high-heat areas. Fit is slimmer than the Patagonia R1. Patagonia R1 in size large fits me about the same as the ME Eclipse in size XL.

This is what I own and I'm very happy with it: mec.ca/product/5020-574/mec…

Gotta plug the OR Radiant Hybrid Hoody! I really like these; have two of 'em.
Offset zipper at the chin, so no zipper to tangle up with your pierced lip bling.