Patagonia Capilene Air Hoody - Damen Test (2023)

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ThroughTrish Matheny⋅ Review Editor ⋅ November 15, 2022

76

• Heat - 25%8,0

• Breathability - 25%8,0

• Comfort and fit - 20%9,0

• Shift Capacity - 20%6.0

• Durability - 10%6.0

ÖPatagonia Capilene Air Hoodystands out from the rest with a stylish and functional 3D knit design with high wool innovation. With a slim fit and anatomical hood to seal in heat generated during activity, this layer also wicks excess moisture through the breathable fabric. The Air Hoody has become one of our favorites in springtime in the Eastern Sierra due to its cozy feel against the skin thanks to the blend of merino wool and recycled polyester fabric. Perhaps best of all, it showed minimal wear and tear during our extensive testing period and held no odor from our many adventures. This was an easy choice for us as our preferred lightweight performance layer.

Editor's Note: We updated some sections in this review on November 15, 2022 to add advice on other options we recommend.

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ÖPatagonia Capilene Air HoodyIt's one of our favorite foundation layers that we've tested. Featuring a unique and innovative loft design made from 3D knitted merino wool and recycled polyester blend, this layer not only offers incredible warmth for a lightweight layer, but is also breathable and feels comfortable against your skin. Easily one of our favorite layers that scores well on all metrics, we have no hesitation in recommending this unique layer.

performance comparison

warmth

To gauge the heat of each individual base layer, we used it on everything from multi-rock climbs to big sierra ski missions throughout the spring. We expose ourselves to the successes and failures of each stage to help you choose the best stage for your next adventure. We were definitely impressed with the performance of theair hood🇧🇷 A slim fit and a fine merino wool blend nestle against our body and keep us warm during our activities.

As the wind picked up and heat became essential to performance, theCapilene Air-Hoodieit did not disappoint. The high collar and seamless, anatomical hood, which fits well under a climbing helmet, maximize warmth without adding bulk to the design. The base layer consists of 51% RWS-certified merino wool and 49% recycled polyester and offers a seamless zigzag knit with a gauge of 18.5 microns. While not windproof, this layer is one of our top picks for general warmth, especially when worn under a mid-layer or jacket.

breathability

It's important that your base layer retains heat while wicking excess moisture away from your body. Retained moisture is often synonymous with cold, and we're happy to report that it isCapilene Air-HoodieIt's one of the best layers we've tested in terms of efficient breathability and successful wicking of moisture from the body.

Fine New Zealand merino wool blended with Capilene recycled polyester creates the necessary warmth, improves moisture wicking and allows garments to dry faster than most when exposed to excessive moisture. The lofted wool design lets wind pass through the layer, while the merino wool traps body heat. Two thumbs up for superior breathability and excellent thermoregulation.

comfort and fit

When considering a new base layer, it's best to identify the type of conditions you want the garment to perform in, the level of warmth needed to stay comfortable, and the overall fit that allows for freedom of movement . Our testers love the perfect 3D construction of theCapilene Air-Hoodiethat stretches and eliminates chafing, conforms to the shape of the body and remains incredibly soft on the skin. The soft, stretchy stretch mesh that forms the garment's cuffs and hem provides added comfort while maintaining a firm barrier against the elements.

The adaptation ofair hoodis considered a tailored or body-hugging fit. So if you prefer a loose or regular fit, we recommend sizing up. However, the garment does not conform to the body as well and can dissipate the heat you generate during your activity. However, our lead tester usually wears a size S and loves the slim fit of this sweatshirt and the cozy against-the-skin feel of the fabric mix.

shift capacity

For this metric, we evaluated the ease of layering above and below each base layer in our analysis. The unique design ofCapilene Air-Hoodiefeatures an innovation of raised wool and 18.5 microgauge yarn - all very cozy. However, this loft fabric can cause small problems in terms of layering. While it's easy to slip on a sweater underneath or a vest or jacket over it, it might be a bit tricky if you want to layer this sweatshirt with another base layer underneath as the thin design should be your first layer.

Our testers love that this slim-fit sweatshirt stays in place and doesn't ride up during activity, whether worn alone or under a midlayer. That said, it's good to know that theair hoodIt can also embrace this middle layer as it hugs your body. No big deal; It's just better to point out that loft fabrics aren't as smooth as other options when it comes to layering.

durability

While our testing time is months rather than years, we still consider durability by looking at the overall construction, thickness, weight and odor control ability of each layer. Our testers were impressed with the overall durability of this lightweight blended fabric, but the fabric's raised 3D construction makes it prone to tearing and snagging, especially when navigating through deserts or terrain crowded with manzanita and ocotillo.

During our extensive testing period, this blend of merino wool and recycled polyester showed minimal signs of wear. We also love that the fabric doesn't cling to odors, even when we wear it for several days in a row while climbing via ferratas at different altitudes in the first warm days of spring. The combination of the strength of the 18.5 micron fabric and the lack of odor made it easy for us to attest to the durability of theair hood.

Should you buy the Capilene Air Hoody Patagonia?

If you're looking for a lightweight base layer that offers exceptional warmth and breathability, this is theair hooddoes not disappoint. Although it's more expensive than many other base layers we've tested, we believe your money won't be wasted on high-performance, eco-friendly fabrics that effectively boost warmth and offer excellent thermoregulation due to the innovative weave design. The price is reasonable for the value received and the piece is backed by Patagonia's lifetime warranty.

What other base layers should you consider?

ÖCapilene Air-HoodieIt's an excellent base layer option. A comfortable blend of merino wool and recycled polyester, this slim fit hugs the body while also wicking away excess moisture thanks to the raised fleece design. However, this technical layer does not come cheap. If you want to save some money and stick with a predominantly wool blend, this is theRidge Merino Aspect MiddleweightIt's excellent and costs half the price, although it packs a lot fewer features. For all the features and our favorite merino wool layer, check out theseBlack Diamond Solution 150 merino quarter zip.