Habit Bowstring Sherpa Hoodie – Men’s Review

First Impressions of Habit Bowstring Sherpa Hoodie – Men’s

The Habit Bowstring Sherpa Hoodie – Men’s promises warmth and weather protection in a comfortable package. Marketed towards outdoor enthusiasts, particularly hunters, it boasts a soft fleece exterior, a plush Sherpa fleece interior, and water-repellent technology. Could this be the affordable and versatile layer I’ve been searching for to conquer those chilly mornings in the stand?

I’ve been on the hunt (pun intended) for a mid-layer hoodie that bridges the gap between a standard fleece and a dedicated waterproof jacket. The promise of warmth, water resistance, and a harness pass-through immediately piqued my interest. I was drawn to the hoodie’s potential as a versatile piece for early season hunts, late-season layering, and even casual wear around the campfire.

Upon receiving the Habit Bowstring Sherpa Hoodie – Men’s, I was initially pleased with the softness of both the outer fleece and the inner Sherpa lining. The weight felt substantial enough to provide warmth without being overly bulky, and the stitching appeared to be well-executed. The kangaroo pocket seemed generously sized, and the harness pass-through, while discreet, seemed strategically placed.

I considered the Bass Pro Shops Sherpa-Lined Fleece Hoodie and the Cabela’s Outfitter Series Fleece Hoodie before settling on the Habit Bowstring Sherpa Hoodie – Men’s. I ultimately chose the Habit offering due to its claimed water repellency and its lower price point, hoping to get similar warmth and comfort with added weather protection. The Habit Bowstring Sherpa Hoodie – Men’s appears to offer a better value proposition for my specific needs.

My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited to test its performance in the field and determine if it could truly live up to its promises of warmth, weather protection, and versatility. Only real-world testing would reveal if the Habit Bowstring Sherpa Hoodie – Men’s was a true bargain or just another piece of mediocre gear.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Habit Bowstring Sherpa Hoodie – Men’s to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Habit Bowstring Sherpa Hoodie – Men’s was during an early morning deer hunt in late October. The temperature was hovering around 40 degrees Fahrenheit with a light drizzle, providing an ideal test of its claimed weather resistance and insulating properties. I wore it as my primary outer layer over a base layer and light thermal shirt.

The hoodie performed admirably in the cool, damp conditions. The Sherpa lining provided excellent warmth, and the Rain-factor water repellent technology effectively shed the light drizzle for about an hour. I was comfortable and able to focus on the hunt. The kangaroo pocket proved useful for keeping my hands warm and storing small items like my rangefinder. No issues surfaced during this initial field test.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use, including multiple hunting trips, hikes, and casual wear around the house, the Habit Bowstring Sherpa Hoodie – Men’s has held up surprisingly well. There are no signs of excessive wear or tear, and the stitching remains intact. The fleece still feels soft, although the Sherpa lining has flattened slightly in high-friction areas like the elbows.

The water repellent finish has diminished somewhat with repeated use and washing. It still provides some protection against light rain, but it’s no longer as effective as it was initially. Machine washing on a gentle cycle and tumble drying on low heat seems to be the best way to maintain its condition, but reapplication of a durable water repellent (DWR) spray may be necessary to restore its water resistance over time.

Compared to other fleece hoodies I’ve owned, the Habit Bowstring Sherpa Hoodie – Men’s provides comparable warmth and comfort. Its added water repellency gives it a slight edge in damp conditions. The Habit Bowstring Sherpa Hoodie – Men’s has exceeded my initial expectations for a budget-friendly hunting hoodie.

Breaking Down the Features of Habit Bowstring Sherpa Hoodie – Men’s

Specifications

The Habit Bowstring Sherpa Hoodie – Men’s is constructed primarily from a soft polyester fleece exterior and a cozy Sherpa fleece interior. The “Apparel Fit” is specified as “Regular,” indicating a standard, non-restrictive cut. Habit lists the intended “Application” as “Outdoor,” suggesting its suitability for various outdoor activities.

The hoodie features Rain-factor water repellent technology, designed to shed light moisture. It also boasts an adjustable drawcord at the hood for a customized fit, a front kangaroo pocket for hand warming and storage, and a harness pass-through for safe use while hunting from elevated stands. The listing indicates that the material is “Moisture Wicking“, which helps to regulate body temperature during periods of exertion.

These specifications suggest a hoodie designed for comfort, warmth, and basic weather protection. The polyester fleece provides insulation, while the Sherpa lining enhances warmth and softness. The water-repellent finish adds a degree of weather resistance, and the harness pass-through caters specifically to hunters. The “Moisture Wicking” fabric indicates that it will draw perspiration away from the body to keep you comfortable.

Performance & Functionality

The Habit Bowstring Sherpa Hoodie – Men’s performs its intended job of providing warmth and basic weather protection reasonably well. The Sherpa lining offers excellent insulation in cool conditions, and the fleece exterior is comfortable against the skin. The kangaroo pocket is spacious and convenient for storing essential items.

The Rain-factor water repellent technology is effective in light rain or drizzle, but it’s not a substitute for a dedicated waterproof jacket. In heavier rain, the hoodie will eventually become saturated. The harness pass-through is a functional feature that allows hunters to safely wear a safety harness while maintaining full mobility. The hoodie is comfortable, warm, and functions as advertised for light weather conditions.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Habit Bowstring Sherpa Hoodie – Men’s is decent for its price point. The materials feel relatively durable, and the stitching appears to be well-executed. The hoodie is lightweight and comfortable to wear, although the Sherpa lining adds some bulk.

The design is simple and functional, with no unnecessary frills. The adjustable drawcord allows for a customized fit around the hood, and the kangaroo pocket is easily accessible. There is no significant learning curve. It fits true to size, layering over a t-shirt comfortably.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience so far, the Habit Bowstring Sherpa Hoodie – Men’s appears to be reasonably durable. There are no signs of significant wear and tear after several weeks of use and washing. However, the water repellent finish will likely require periodic reapplication to maintain its effectiveness.

The hoodie is easy to care for, as it can be machine washed and tumble dried. However, following the care instructions carefully is important to prevent shrinkage or damage to the fleece. Durability is good for the price, and maintenance is simple, provided care instructions are followed.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Habit Bowstring Sherpa Hoodie – Men’s does not come with any additional accessories. It is a standalone garment with no specific customization options available from Habit.

However, the hoodie’s basic design allows for some degree of personalization. The addition of patches or embroidery is possible, and the kangaroo pocket could be used to store small accessories like a knife or multi-tool. The lack of specific accessories or customization is typical for a budget-friendly garment like this one.

Pros and Cons of Habit Bowstring Sherpa Hoodie – Men’s