Sierra Designs Women’s Cold Canyon Hoodie Review

Introducing The Sierra Designs Women’s Cold Canyon Hoodie. This hoodie is great for those looking for versatility, warmth, and packability in a hiking midlayer. It makes those brisk early mornings more comfortable, serving as both an outerwear piece and a midlayer for colder occasions.

Sierra Designs Cold Canyon Hoodie At-a-Glance:

  • MSRP: $149.95
  • Weight: 14 oz
  • Material:
    • Shell: Stretch grid fleece
    • Lining: Nylon

Best Use

The Cold Canyon Hoodie is best for those day hikers and backpackers looking to streamline their layers. This lightweight hoodie with a full-length front zipper is fit to act as an outer layer as well as a midlayer. 

Circumstance of Review

This hoodie was tested in Northern California on cool fall mornings and evening day hikes and bike rides. It acted as a great piece when warming up on bike rides and hikes before the sun fully came out. This hoodie comes in black as well as a multi-color option. The bright colors of the second option add a nice safety element when biking on roads that are shared with vehicles. 

Features

  • Thumb loops: For easy layering and full wrist coverage.
  • Nylon windbreak on chest: Cuts wind while moving and still vents throughout.
  • Fitted hood: Keeps the draft out on cold days.
  • Two zippered handwarmer pockets: Big enough for phone and keys.

Fit and Usage

I ordered my usual size (small). It fit snugly, as an active midlayer should. The arms ended a little past my wrists, providing comfort when using the thumb loops (no tugging feeling on the sleeves). This item does fit quite snugly, so I could not wear anything more than a thin shirt underneath.

With that in mind, if I had gone a size up I would have lost a bit of the jacket’s ability to retain heat. The ability of this layer to pack down is substantial, especially considering its versatility. While day hiking, I was able to fit it into my pack along with snacks and multiple water bottles.

Pros

Versatility: This hoodie was able to serve many purposes and I can only see more possibilities with the changing seasons. I will use this layer while skiing, hiking, backpacking, biking and just taking my dog out for a walk around the neighborhood.

Packability: The Cold Canyon Hoodie packs down quite nicely. I was able to fit it in my small running pack while out on the trail. It would take up minimal space in a backpacking pack, making this piece easily accessible in any size pack.

Heat Retention: I have not once been worried about being cold when I have this layer with me. The ability of this jacket to retain heat is fantastic and a key reason I love this product.

Cons

Breathability: Even on brisk fall mornings in Northern California, I found myself only needing this layer for around 15 minutes or less before I started to overheat. This layer is better suited for cold occasions or for warming up at the beginning/end of your adventure.

Cost: It’s worth considering that the price of the Cold Canyon hoodie is a bit steeper than some other midlayer products.

Performance and Overall Value

In addition to being a versatile item, this hoodie is extremely comfortable and allows for a level of breathability that many other midlayers do not have. I appreciate the full-length zipper for more airflow as well. The fitted hoodie and thumb loops also are great features, because they allowed me to stay warmer on colder occasions. Also, the nylon fabric on the chest allows for continued ventilation while still cutting wind. I would definitely recommend this piece of gear to anyone in the market for a new midlayer to add to your backpacking wardrobe.

Shop the Sierra Designs Cold Canyon Hoodie

Similar Products

Salomon Women’s Swift Midlayer II

  • MSRP: $120
  • Weight: 16 oz

The Salomon Swift Midlayer is similar to the Sierra Designs Cold Canyon Fleece Hoodie. However, it lacks the full-zip capability and front windbreak.

Outdoor Research Refuge Hybrid Hooded Jacket

  • MSRP: $159
  • 12.3 oz

The OR Refuge Hybrid jacket features synthetic insulation in the chest panel and thin, stretchy sleeves for maximum flexibility and temperature management. It weighs less than the Cold Canyon and is somewhat more expensive.

This product was donated for purpose of review.

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