Element Outdoors Prime Series Youth Light/Mid Hoodie Review

Let’s Talk About Element Outdoors Prime Series Youth Light/Mid Hoodie

The Element Outdoors Prime Series Youth Light/Mid Hoodie is designed to keep young hunters and outdoor enthusiasts comfortable in brisk conditions. Marketed as a thermal regulating, odor-free layer with hunting-specific features, it aims to be more than just another hoodie. I was looking for a reliable mid-layer for my nephew, who’s just getting into deer hunting, and I wanted something that would perform well in the unpredictable fall weather of the Midwest.

Upon unboxing, my initial reaction was positive; the camo pattern looked realistic, and the material felt soft. The build quality seemed decent for a youth garment, though I was initially skeptical of the “Neverwet” hydrophobic treatment’s longevity. Compared to a standard cotton hoodie and a cheaper fleece option, the Element Outdoors Prime Series Youth Light/Mid Hoodie appeared to offer a better balance of warmth, breathability, and hunter-friendly features. I was excited to see how the odor control and harness passthrough would perform in the field.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Element Outdoors Prime Series Youth Light/Mid Hoodie to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Element Outdoors Prime Series Youth Light/Mid Hoodie on a weekend deer hunt in early November. The temperatures ranged from the high 30s in the morning to the low 50s in the afternoon. The hoodie proved to be comfortable and warm enough during the cooler hours while still being breathable when the sun came out. The shoulder grips worked well to keep my nephew’s rifle sling in place, preventing it from slipping off his shoulder.

The wind was moderate, and the hoodie did a decent job of blocking it, although it wasn’t windproof. After a light drizzle, I noticed the “Neverwet” treatment worked initially, causing water to bead and roll off. However, the fabric eventually became saturated after prolonged exposure. My nephew didn’t complain about any discomfort, and the harness passthrough worked seamlessly with his safety harness.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a couple of months of use, including several hunting trips and some casual wear, the hoodie is holding up reasonably well. There are no significant signs of wear and tear, although the camo pattern is showing some slight fading in high-friction areas. The “Neverwet” treatment has noticeably diminished, and water now soaks into the fabric more readily. It’s still easy to clean; most dirt and stains come out with a regular wash, and the odor control seems to be holding its own after multiple uses.

Compared to the cheap fleece hoodie my nephew previously used, the Element Outdoors Prime Series Youth Light/Mid Hoodie is far superior in terms of comfort, features, and odor control. I’m confident it will last through at least another hunting season.

Breaking Down the Features of Element Outdoors Prime Series Youth Light/Mid Hoodie

Specifications

The Element Outdoors Prime Series Youth Light/Mid Hoodie boasts a quiet shell fabric bonded with an inner EO grid. It is constructed with thermal regulating grid fleece. Other notable specifications include:

• Two lower hand pockets for warming hands or storing small items.
• A waist cinch to seal out wind and drafts.
• A rear dovetail to provide extra coverage when sitting or bending.
• An integrated treestand harness passthrough for safe hunting from elevated positions.
• Treatment with Neverwet Hydrophobic Water/Stain Blocker.
• Treatment with Polygiene Odor Control and Odor Crunch.
• YKK zippers on the pockets.

These specifications are crucial for enhancing comfort and functionality during outdoor activities. The grid fleece offers a good balance of warmth and breathability, preventing overheating while still providing insulation. The odor control is essential for hunters who need to minimize their scent signature. The harness passthrough is a critical safety feature for tree stand hunting.

Performance & Functionality

The Element Outdoors Prime Series Youth Light/Mid Hoodie performs its intended job adequately. It provides a comfortable layer of warmth in cool to moderate conditions, and the features are genuinely useful for hunting. The hand pockets are conveniently placed and sized, and the waist cinch effectively seals out drafts. The harness passthrough is well-designed and doesn’t interfere with the fit or comfort of the hoodie.

However, the “Neverwet” treatment is a significant weakness; its effectiveness diminishes quickly, leaving the fabric susceptible to water absorption. The odor control seems to work well initially, but it’s difficult to gauge its long-term effectiveness. Overall, it meets expectations for a youth-oriented hunting hoodie but falls short of being exceptional.

Design & Ergonomics

The Element Outdoors Prime Series Youth Light/Mid Hoodie features a well-thought-out design with hunting in mind. The fit is generally comfortable and allows for a good range of motion. The quiet shell fabric is a major plus, reducing noise during movement. The weight is appropriate for a mid-layer garment. The shoulder grips are a nice touch that helps prevent sling slippage.

The hoodie is easy to put on and take off, and the pockets are easily accessible. There is no significant learning curve associated with using the hoodie. However, the hood itself could be improved; it is a bit bulky and doesn’t conform well to the head.

Durability & Maintenance

The Element Outdoors Prime Series Youth Light/Mid Hoodie seems reasonably durable for a youth garment. The stitching is well-done, and the materials appear to be of decent quality. With proper care, it should last for at least a couple of hunting seasons.

It is easy to maintain and clean; machine washing and drying are sufficient for most situations. Reapplying a hydrophobic spray treatment after washing can help restore some of the water resistance lost from the “Neverwet” treatment. The odor control is likely to degrade over time, but regular washing can help minimize odors.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Element Outdoors Prime Series Youth Light/Mid Hoodie does not come with any accessories. There are no specific customization options available from Element Outdoors. However, the hoodie can be paired with various hunting accessories, such as gloves, hats, and base layers. Adding a windproof or waterproof outer layer would significantly improve its performance in inclement weather.

Pros and Cons of Element Outdoors Prime Series Youth Light/Mid Hoodie