When I started hiking almost 20 years ago I didn’t own many clothes made for being active in the outdoors. I remember what a glorious day it was when I discovered polypropolene and synthetic fabrics.
It was always a love-hate relationship though. I liked not feeling soggy the whole hike and enjoyed fun perks like a lower risk of hypothermia (since cotton offers zero warmth when damp). I disliked how un-stretchy it was and how much it continued to smell like sweat after washing.
I continued that relationship for years though until I discovered a new breed of technical fabrics – wool. The new wool was not only not itchy, but it wicked better and didn’t smell, even after hiking in it for a few days.
Over the last year I have been replacing many of my technical, and even lounging-around-the-house, clothes with wool versions.
I was super excited when the Sierra Trading Post, who I have been writing for monthly, offered to send me a goody to review. I looked up some of my favorite wool brands and requested the Icebreaker Cascade Hooded Jacket (sweatshirt).
I always have a hard time selecting a size when I am ordering clothes online. Every clothing line is so different. A lot of reviews I found online said that the Cascade Hooded Jacket ran a little small so I took a chance and ordered an extra large. The size was perfect. The sleeves were a tad long (which the reviews also mentioned) but it’s not a big deal if you just scrunch the arms up a bit.
I actually ordered the jacket earlier this summer and have been *trying* to wear it since then. We’ve had an unusually warm summer in Seattle this year so it’s was way to warm most of the time.
Now that the weather has turned, we’re having chilly evenings and mornings. II don’t want to let go of summer so we’re still camping and having barbecues though. The Cascade Jacket has been great to wear on those chilly times.
I practically lived in it when we went camping this weekend.
Yes. Yes, those are socks with sandals and I am not ashamed.
What I like about the Icebreaker Cascade Hooded Jacket:
- Icebreaker harvests merino wool exclusively from sheep grown in the Southern Alps of New Zealand
- It’s temperature regulating and moisture wicking
- The wool doesn’t itch and it has lat-lock seams so there is no chafing
- It doesn’t have to be washed often – it gets dirty before it starts to smell
- It’s warm and cozy – It’s warm enough to take me well into fall and I am looking forward to wearing it under by down jacket this winter
- The outside of the jacket has a smooth finish so it’s not a dirt magnet
Things I wasn’t so happy with:
- It’s not true to size – it’s a good thing I listened to the reviews or I would have ended up with one that was too small
- The surface of the inside of the jacket is fuzzy and starts to “felt” like traditional wool (just an aesthetic dislike)
- I wish the hood was a little snugger fitting because I don’t feel like it keeps my head that warm when I wear it (it’s more for blocking wind)
Sierra Trading Post has generously offered me 3- $50 gift cards I can give away to our readers (three different winners). If you win, you can use it toward one of their thousands of discounted products. They don’t just carry outdoor clothing and gear either – they have a lot professional, dress, and designer clothes and shoes.
Through September 30th, EVERYONE can get 30% off at the Sierra Trading Post by entering the code SHUB914 at checkout.
To enter the giveaway, just complete one (or all) items in the Rafflecopter widget below. The “tweet about this giveaway” option is something that you can do every day so don’t forget to come back and earn your extra points.
Terms and conditions: Must be 18 years of age or older and have a US address to win. Winners will be notified by email and have 48 hours to claim their prize before another winner is chosen.
Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by the Sierra Trading Post. I received the Icebreaker Cascade Hooded Jacket in exchange for my honest review. Here at YouDidWhatWithYourWeiner, free does not equal good so everything we say is really how we feel about the product. The Sierra Trading Post is not responsible for the content of this article.
Lara Elizabeth says
I love wool. My goal is to one day have only SmartWool socks.
Jessica Rhae says
Oh…that ship sailed for me about 10 years ago 🙂 I only wear Smartwool socks for everything. I have Smartwool tights too 🙂 I’ve tried other wool brands and haven’t liked any as much until recently. I have a couple of pairs from Icebreaker now that I like.
Check out the Sierra Trading Post for Smartwool socks. They have a lot of them and they are all half off of better! That’s pretty much where I get all of mine now. Silly to pay full price.
Lara Elizabeth says
Thanks for the tip!
Jessica says
Icebreaker’s sizing is INFURIATING. I have XS, S, and M in things from them, and in all three sizes some are a little loose and some are a little tight. I have given up these days and mostly buy Ibex, which fits me better and is more consistent, but I’m not as fond of their aesthetic. My husband has better luck with the men’s sizing, but it’s still variable.
I feel the same way about Icebreaker now that I started feeling about Patagonia a few years ago, when they suddenly resized their entire women’s line to be for people over 5’7.”
Jessica Rhae says
I have several icebreaker shirts in large and they all seem to fir similarly for me. I don’t see why I wouldn’t have also taken a Large in this. The Large shirts are all a little lose and this jacket is on the snug side at a size bigger. I can understand why a “baselayer” in the same size would fit more snugly but all of the casual wear should fit the same.
I’ve started buying Ibex also. I like their casual, daily-wear styles. I agree about the aesthetic though. I like the fit but am a little unhappy with how the fabric wears. I was it in cold and hang dry it but the surface pills up a little.
Pamela | Something Wagging This Way Comes says
Yes, I’ve also developed a love of wool. Cotton stays wet forever so it’s a bad choice for boating (or snow activities).
If I won, I’d want a Smart Wool top. My husband keeps wearing mine and it’s time I got one just for me.
Tenacious Little Terrier says
I could use a new raincoat for fall hikes. Do you not have an Icebreaker store there? There’s one in Portland.
Jessica Rhae says
Nope. No Icebreaker. REI and some other outdoor stores carry a few things but mostly just long underwear.
Jodi says
I went to check out a possible and jacket and saw they had shoes, I might be hard pressed to decide what to spend the money on!!
Wil C says
An Alps Mountaineering UltraLight Series Sleeping Pad would be great.
Jessica Shipman | Beagles and Bargains says
That jacket sure looks comfy. I can always use more outerwear! I definitely would look for something to keep me warm during fall hikes and camping trips!
Erin says
I’d love an outdoorsy jacket like this! I could also use some nice lightweight gloves and headbands or hats for running this winter.
houndstooth says
Wow! It’s a tough call between several of the jackets and the Smart Wool stuff for me! They have a lot of cool gear!
Paulina says
You can NEVER have too much merino wool 🙂
Mary says
Cute cute! I haven’t tried anything wool, seems like something I would like to try.
John Soltys says
With $50 at Sierra I’d buy an ice axe for my daughter.
Jessica Rhae says
Awesome 🙂
Juli says
Oh, that’s a toughie – I’m obsessed with the Birkenstock Gizeh sandals, or a cozy new northface… or those nice warm smartwool leggings…so many options!
Z says
Anything good for walking ‘the boys’ (two standard poodles) here in Western Washington, is always great. I like fleece, although it doesn’t combat the rain very well!
Leah Garcia says
I am going to NYC in January and as I live in S. Central Texas I own nothing for cold wintry weather. I am sure the $50 gift card would be a big help in purchasing a jacket to make the trip more comfortable and warmer.
Amy@GoPetFriendly says
I absolutely adore wool, and I just wore a hole through my Icebreaker 3/4 zip pull-over. You’re timing couldn’t be more perfect, Jessica! Here’s hoping I win! =)
Heather Burt says
I was so happy to learn about SmartWool socks and now I’m slowly building up my wool wardrobe for hiking. Hope I win!
Ashley Wetmore says
I would get a new rain jacket! I have had mine for ways to long!
Sarah says
I would get some new trail shoes for my hubby, who likes to wear his out prematurely by wearing them ALL THE TIME
Caren Gittleman says
would love to get the Dansko Pro XP Leather Clogs (For Women)
Christina Berry says
I want! I love all their stuff, and although I really don’t need new outerwear (I’m a little bit of a junkie when it comes to that stuff), I’d happily add it all to my collection! 🙂
Jenna,Mark “HuskyCrazed” Drady says
Nice jacket!
ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!
Linda Szymoniak says
Actually, I would likely buy the very jacket you reviewed here. It’s just what I need, and I love the color. Either that or I’d let one of my daughters look and pick something out. Daughter #2 has issues with her body not regulating body temperature. She doesn’t sweat when it’s hot and her body reacts by her hands and feet swelling up when she gets cold (and cold for her is not cold for some people – it can be in the ’50’s and her Pernio acts up). Plus, she and my oldest have birthdays between now and Christmas.
Dolly the Doxie says
We thought this was going to be for dogs! Whew, I thought mom was going to get me another coat! She loves these so she’s entering the giveaway! Love Dolly
Jenny Marie says
This looks so snuggly, would love to have one for fall hiking in the mountians this year
KimT says
Love that jacket! They’ve got some fabulous-looking winter jackets, too. All the cold and snow are soon to be here, could use a warm one. And the pet gear – awesome!
Sarah Oswald says
I would love to get the Teva Forge Pro Mid eVent® LTR Trail Shoes – Waterproof (For Women) if I won thanks for the chance to win.
Ryan says
That jacket looks great! That’s the sort of thing I live in for 8 months out of the year.
Vera K says
I would use this gift card towards a Neve Electra Sweater.
Catherine Smith says
I would buy a pair of hiking boots…..I lost mine on a cross country road trip this summer and sorely miss them!
Miriam Hughes says
great review – I would be miffed about the size to, but i love Sierra Trading Post
Nicole says
I think I would look into a new winter jacket! I told myself this year I would update, and since we’re having our first baby in a week or two it will make me feel slightly less blobby (or at least that’s my plan) to have something new to wear!
KateV says
On Pet Gear of course! Actually, I need new sneakers for agility that could hold up to outdoor trials, and a new jacket would be nice.
Shannon F says
I would put it toward some new duffel bags. I feel like we never have enough in my house! lol
bn100 says
SmartWool Hiking Socks – Merino Wool (For Men and Women)