This magical, Merino wool hoodie is hands down the most versatile piece of outdoor apparel I have in my sprawling arsenal of technical base layers, fleeces, soft shells, and jackets. It also scores points for being super comfortable as well as being made in the U.S.A.
The Voormi High-E Hoodie was warm and breathable on its own and with a light shell on a cold North Idaho skin track, served as a perfect outer layer on a chilly early-spring pedal with my young son on the Columbia Plateau Trail, and has been my first choice for many on-foot grocery missions in all sorts of inclement weather. While I expect to get more use out of this hoodie as a winter and shoulder season piece, it will no doubt serve well in the high country this summer both around camp and on cold morning hikes.
What makes the Voormi High-E Hoodie such an outdoor apparel workhorse is a combination of construction and design. It’s built with a proprietary “surface hardened” Thermal Wool Technology, which means warm, moisture-wicking base layer performance, but also a tough, abrasion resistance and DWR water repellent finish that makes it equally functional as an outer wear choice.
Several design features make this piece stand out too, including a quarter chest zip for easy temperature adjustments, hidden thumbholes, a two-side zipped front Kangaroo pocket (that’s harness compatible), an internal chest pocket with headphone port, and my ultimate favorite, a balaclava-style full cover hood that keeps your neck and head toasty even in the whipping wind.
MSRP: $249. Voormi.com
