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Walking, Hiking & Trail Running

Outdoor Research Deviator Hoody | Review

Outdoor Research's Deviator Hoody can be used as a mid-layer or outer

When weight and space are limited, the best pieces of gear are the most versatile. The Deviator Hoodie from the folks at Outdoor Research certainly fits that bill. It’s equally as effective worn as a mid-layer, or as an outer. That’s already at least one less thing to fit in your backpack. Ideal. And at just 321 grams, you’ll hardly notice it in there at all.

It’s a cleverly designed hoody as well. The torso features Polartec Alpha insulation which regulates your body temperature, circulating air when you’re active, and keeping it locked in when you’re at rest. This ensures you stay warm when it’s cold, and cool when it’s hot.

And it doesn’t stop there. It also promotes increased air flow, which makes this an incredibly breathable hoodie. This is a real all-season piece of clothing. It also easily compressible, making it a low-volume essential. Polartec Alpha was originally designed for US Special Forces, so you know it’s going to withstand just about anything you can throw at it.

“The torso features Polartec Alpha insulation which regulates your body temperature, circulating air when you’re active, and keeping it locked in when you’re at rest.”

The hood, sleeves, and back panel of the Deviator meanwhile are made using Polartec’s Grid Fleece, which is less warm than Polartec Alpha but more breathable, and actively wicks moisture away from your body. This special fleece fabric also stretches with your body, so you’re not going to feel restricted when you’re bouldering, or running on a cold morning.

The rest of the shell is made from 100 per cent Nylon 7D Ripstop, so you know it’s going to be tough and durable, even when you’re scaling the most fearsome of climbs.

The hood, sleeves, and back panel are made using Polartec’s Grid Fleece, which is breathable and actively wicks moisture away. Photo: Chris Johnson.
The shell is made from 100 per cent Nylon 7D Ripstop, so you know it’s going to be tough. Photo: Chris Johnson.
It's a visually nice shell as well, so you'll be looking sharp. Photo: Chris Johnson.
The Polartec Alpha material was originally designed for US Special Forces. Photo: Chris Johnson.

The entire hoody is treated with Polygiene odour control, which is a really useful feature if you’re running on hot. If you want to roll this up and stow it away in a hurry while it’s still damp you’ll also be thankful for the tech – which uses natural chemistry to stop the growth of odour-causing bacteria on warm, sweaty garments. It also means it’ll keep your fresh even if you’re just wearing it for a walk to the Nag’s Head, or while watching a band you can tolerate at a festival.

While they’re not yet a household name in the UK, Outdoor Research are well-known in the States and this garment, one of their bestsellers, has won a lot of accolades down the years. If you’re looking for a lightweight, clever, low volume, do-it-all layer, the Outdoor Research Deviator Hoody is definitely one to consider.

Outdoor Research Deviator Hoody

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