KUHL Engineered Hoodie Review
KUHL Engineered hoodie is one of many outdoor sun hoodies offered by the outdoor apparel company based in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Kuhl Engineered hoodie comes in five different colors and sizes S – XXXL. I tested a XL version in black.
Background
KUHL sent me this hoody to test out and I used it for several months in a variety of different conditions. I have taken these on casual hikes, trail runs and day long treks and in hot and cold environments.
Kuhl Engineered Hoody Specs:
- $85 MSRP Price point
- Hoodie Comes in Multiple Colors and Sizes
- 100% KUHLDry Polyester
- UPF 20+ Sun Protection – Some areas are UPF 30+
- Moisture Wicking
- Odor Resistant
- Breathable
- KUHL signature thumb loops
Pros
- This hoodie is a great mid or outer layer depending on the day. Its breathability and moisture wicking fabric make it perfect for a hike or trail run where the morning may start a bit chilly OR you just need some extra protection from the sun.
- The Engineered Hoodie is very packable and fits easily into a running vest or backpack.
- I know thumb loops are hit or miss depending on the person but I am a huge fan and the KUHL style for these are excellent.
- The design is great and makes the hoodie easy to wear on a hike but also to the brewery for a drink after your day in the mountains is over. Generally speaking, the hoodie has a very form flattering fit.
- Although I have not tested it over multiple days, I can say that the odor resistant nature of the fabric is very good. I have worn this hoodie for long trail runs and have not had a problem with smelling like death afterwards.
- UPF and water resistant fabric allows the hoody to be used in a variety of hiking scenarios.
Cons
- At $85 it is not the cheapest sun hoodie on the market.
- The KUHL Engineered Hoodie is not the warmest hoodie. I tend to run VERY warm so its perfect for me. However, if you tend to get cold easily, I would recommend additional layers when the temperature gets below 60 degrees.
- Generally speaking, I do like the fit of the hoodie but it does tend to have an athletic fit. I am about 6’0, 190lbs and the XL fits fairly snug. If you did need to add extra layers underneath, I would recommend sizing up a bit.
- KUHL tends to have a somewhat muted color palette to choose from which for some is great. However, I do wish they offered a few more brightly colored options.
KUHL Engineered Hoodie Summary
Layering on any trail run or hike is absolutely vital. Even in Summer months having a lightweight hoodie is a staple of my mountain or desert packing list. With any layer what is so important to me is: breathability, moisture wicking and how easily it can fit into my vest or backpack once I am done wearing it. The KUHL Engineered hoodie checks all of those boxes and also offers UPF protection on top.
I have worn this hoodie in a variety of environments including scrambles in the Wasatch range of Utah and a 50 mile ultra run in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. It’s versatile and for my body type is the perfect outer layer for those chillier Summer mornings in the mountains. At first, I was not a huge fan of the “black” colorway as it does give dark heathered gray vibes but the color has grown on me.
Over the past several outings in the mountains I have found myself moving away from my other sun hoodies and wearing the KUHL Engineered more and more. If you are someone who spends a lot of time outdoors or in the mountains and are looking for an athletic fit, breathable midlayer – I would highly recommend investing in this hoodie.
*KUHL did provide me with this hoodie to test out but all thoughts are my own and I was not compensated for this review.
