Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake LS Hoody – Women’s Extended Review

First Impressions of Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake LS Hoody – Women’s Extended

The Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake LS Hoody – Women’s Extended arrives promising serious sun protection without sacrificing style, a claim that immediately piqued my interest. As someone who spends countless hours outdoors, guiding backpacking trips and instructing wilderness survival courses, I’m constantly battling the sun’s harsh rays. The promise of UPF 50+ protection in a lightweight, breathable package had me eager to see if this hoody could become my go-to layer for sunny adventures.

My need for this product stemmed from years of accumulating sun damage, despite diligent sunscreen application. I needed a physical barrier, something that wouldn’t wash off or require constant reapplication, especially during strenuous activities. Opening the package, I was immediately drawn to the fabric – it felt incredibly soft and lightweight, a pleasant surprise considering the UPF rating.

I was initially considering a similar hoody from Patagonia, and another from Outdoor Research, but the Mountain Hardwear offering seemed to strike a better balance between sun protection features, weight, and overall aesthetics. My first impression was one of cautious optimism; the material felt great, but would it hold up to real-world abuse?

Check Best Price HERE

Real-World Testing: Putting Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake LS Hoody – Women’s Extended to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial test for the Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake LS Hoody – Women’s Extended was during a week-long backpacking trip in the Sierra Nevada. We experienced everything from scorching midday sun to chilly evenings, providing a perfect testing ground. The hoody performed admirably; the lightweight fabric kept me cool and comfortable during strenuous uphill climbs, and the UPF 50+ protection provided welcome relief from the intense alpine sun.

The hoody excelled in the dry, sunny conditions, wicking away moisture effectively. While hiking in the rain for a short period, I noticed it dried quickly once the sun reappeared. After a full day of hiking, I didn’t experience any chafing or discomfort, a testament to the soft, jersey knit fabric.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, including numerous hiking trips, rock climbing sessions, and even casual wear around town, the Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake LS Hoody – Women’s Extended has proven its worth. The fabric has held up remarkably well, showing no signs of pilling or snagging, even after being subjected to abrasive rock surfaces. Cleaning is a breeze; I simply toss it in the washing machine with my other activewear.

Compared to other sun shirts I’ve used in the past, this hoody truly shines in its breathability and comfort. While others felt stifling and restrictive, the Crater Lake offers a barely-there feel without compromising protection. The drawcord at the hem has also proven useful, allowing me to adjust the fit and seal out drafts on windy days.

Breaking Down the Features of Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake LS Hoody – Women’s Extended

Specifications

The Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake LS Hoody – Women’s Extended boasts impressive specifications designed for outdoor performance.

• The fabric composition is 88% Polyester and 12% Elastane, providing a comfortable stretch and excellent moisture-wicking properties. This blend allows for a full range of motion while keeping you dry and comfortable.
• The weight is a mere 4.2 oz, making it an incredibly lightweight layer that won’t weigh you down during long hikes or climbs. Its light weight makes it easily packable for any adventure.
• The UPF 50+ rating offers broad-spectrum protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays, a critical feature for extended sun exposure. This high level of protection makes it a Skin Cancer Foundation-approved product, offering peace of mind.

These specifications combine to create a garment that is both comfortable and protective, ideal for a variety of outdoor activities.

Performance & Functionality

The Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake LS Hoody – Women’s Extended performs its primary function – sun protection – exceptionally well. The hood provides ample coverage, shielding the neck, ears, and face from direct sunlight. The soft, jersey knit fabric feels comfortable against the skin, even during high-intensity activities.

The moisture-wicking properties keep you dry and comfortable, even when sweating profusely. One minor improvement would be to add a small loop at the back of the neck for hanging it to dry.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake LS Hoody – Women’s Extended is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The three-piece crossover hood provides a comfortable and secure fit, while the low-profile thumbholes keep the sleeves in place and offer additional sun protection for the hands. The drawcord adjustability at the bottom hem allows for a customized fit.

The cut is flattering without being overly tight, allowing for a full range of motion. The Mountain Hardwear heat transfer logo at the left cuff is subtle and understated.

Durability & Maintenance

The fabric of the Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake LS Hoody – Women’s Extended has proven to be surprisingly durable, withstanding abrasion from backpacks and rock surfaces without showing significant wear and tear. The seams are well-constructed and show no signs of unraveling. Maintenance is simple; the hoody is machine washable and dries quickly.

With proper care, this hoody should provide years of reliable performance.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake LS Hoody – Women’s Extended is designed as a standalone piece and doesn’t require additional accessories for its core function. The secure zip pocket at the right hip is a convenient feature for stashing small essentials like a credit card or key. While there aren’t many customization options available, the neutral design allows it to be easily paired with other outdoor gear.

You could potentially add reflective tape for increased visibility in low-light conditions, but the hoody is generally well-suited for its intended purpose as is.

Pros and Cons of Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake LS Hoody – Women’s Extended

Check Best Price HERE

Who Should Buy Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake LS Hoody – Women’s Extended?

The Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake LS Hoody – Women’s Extended is perfect for anyone who spends a significant amount of time outdoors and needs reliable sun protection. This includes hikers, backpackers, climbers, anglers, gardeners, and anyone with sensitive skin. It’s also ideal for travelers to sunny destinations.

This product may not be the best choice for those primarily engaged in activities where extreme durability is paramount (e.g., bushwhacking through dense forests). However, for most outdoor pursuits, it offers an excellent balance of protection, comfort, and performance.

Must-have accessories to complement the hoody include a wide-brimmed hat and high-quality sunglasses for complete sun protection.

Conclusion on Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake LS Hoody – Women’s Extended

The Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake LS Hoody – Women’s Extended is a highly effective and versatile piece of outdoor apparel. It delivers on its promise of serious sun protection without sacrificing comfort or style. The UPF 50+ rating, combined with the lightweight and breathable fabric, makes it an excellent choice for a wide range of activities.

At $72.00, the price is justified by the quality of materials, thoughtful design, and reliable performance. I would wholeheartedly recommend this hoody to anyone seeking a comfortable and effective way to shield themselves from the sun’s harmful rays. Don’t let the sun dictate your outdoor adventures; grab a Crater Lake LS Hoody and enjoy the freedom to explore with confidence!