ABOUT THE PATAGONIA CAPILENE THERMAL HOODY
Patagonia blends 92% recycled Polartec® Power Grid® polyester and 8% spandex for its Capilene Thermal Hoody. The hoodie breaths, wicks moisture, and helps regulate the body’s temp. The material also features HeiQ® Pure odor control, to help keep the stink away.
Movement was designed into the Capilene Thermal Hoody, with features such as gusseted armpits and offset seams to allow for a full range of motion and prevent chafing. The hoody also features a pass-through front pocket to keep your hands warm when you reach the top of the climb ahead of your buddies.
Sizes range from XS to 3XL, and there are five color options. Pricing comes in at $139.
THE DIRT
Patagonia’s Capilene Thermal Hoody was the only Patagonia item I tested lately that was not specified for mountain biking. However, many of Patagonia’s products easily cross from one discipline to another, and this thermal hoody was no exception.
The Capilene Thermal Hoody was perfect on those cold, blue-sky mornings when I needed one extra layer. It kept me warm enough that I wasn’t thinking about the chill, but it also breathed well and helped wick sweat away as the temperature climbed. If it got warm enough to lose the hoody, it packed down and stored well in a hip pack.
It was easy to reach for the Capilene Thermal on nearly every cold ride where it wasn’t raining or snowing. I did find the hoody’s limits on one ride where I got caught out in a rain/snow mix that ultimately equaled wet, which resulted in me finishing the ride fairly cold. However, I was impressed with how well the Capilene Thermal Hoody stood up to the elements at the beginning of the ride.
The Capilene Thermal Hoody impressed me on the colder days, but I will also be reaching for it on more moderate spring rides. I had quite a few warmer, late-winter days mixed in during my test time and found the hoody was perfect for taking that little bit of chill away from my body. However, as I started to ride and warm up, the Capilene Thermal breathed well, and I rarely found myself overheating. I found it was a solid performer in the 35°–55° F range.
I’ve also been impressed with how well the HeiQ Pure odor control works. I found that I needed to wash the hoodie due to mud and dirt from the trail, not from post-ride B.O. stank. For multi-day rides and for reducing the number of wash cycles, this is awesome.
While I would have loved the Capilene Thermal Hoody to have a hood that fit over my helmet, I can’t knock it because, again, it isn’t MTB-specific. But, hey, Patagonia, let’s add a few buttons at the collar, make it a henley, grow the hood to fit around a helmet…I’m thinking: “Dirt Roamer Hoody!”. A dropped hem is always nice to keep the dirt out the butt crack, too.
The Wolf’s Last Word
Despite the Patagonia Capilene Thermal Hoody not being in Patagonia’s mountain bike apparel lineup, it was still a solid performer on the bike. If the hood fit over my helmet, Patagonia might have made the perfect hoodie for me. 
Price: $139
Website: Patagonia.com
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ABOUT THE WOLF
The local boy — Travis was born and raised in Bend, OR. Skateboarding consumed his life until his high school years (yes, he can still kickflip), but was replaced by mountain biking…then rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and finally back to mountain biking. After a stint in the big city, Travis returned home, trading a teaching career to be an okay mountain biker and above-average journalist. He is an outspoken 90s grunge fan, cornering poor souls in conversations about the meaning behind the lyrics of Alice In Chains’ “Would.” Most days, Travis hopes to be outside, whether that is on an early morning ride or a hike with his family (the best days include both).
Rank: Contributing Writer
Size: 5’8” / 172cm | 195lbs / 88kg
Social: @travis_reill_writes
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