Last Friday, I went to Charm City Run and had a mini-shopping spree for cold weather running gear. I kinda went hog wild. But, hey…I really needed new Winter gear! So, with the request of several readers, I’ll be reviewing some of the new gear that has come out for the 2013 Winter season over the next several weeks. I’ll also have a guest blogger review some of their favorite gear of the Season.

One of the purchases I made, which was recommended by Coach Marie, was the Patagonia Women’s Capliene 4 Expedition Weight 1/4 Zip Hoody.

When I first saw it on the hanger, I thought the hoody was adorable, but I was skeptical about it keeping me warm. The fabric felt very lightweight and you could sort of see through it like a chenille sweater. But, Coach Marie convinced me that it would keep me warm. And it did.

I’ve worn it twice, once with a vest and once with a jacket. While this is supposed to be a base layer, both times I’ve worn them as a second layer. I hate the cold, so I typically dress too warm. Wearing it as a second layer in 20 degree weather was perfect and I’m sure if it were a little warmer, say in the 40’s, I would be fine using this as a base layer with just a vest.

This was the first time I’ve worn this style hoody, so I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about it around my face. I can get a little claustrophobic with stuff around my face and I typically need quick access to my mouth when I have to suck on my asthma inhaler. The zipper allowed me to gradually lower the zipper as I warmed up and allowed for a quick puff on the inhaler when I needed it. The zipper sat just above my upper lip, which I thought was perfect. When you zip it all the way up, be sure not to let go of the zipper in mid-zip. You’ll get a nice spring back smack to the face from it. Trust me. I did it twice…ouch.

The brushed fleece underneath is SO comfortable and WARM! I can’t say enough about how comfortable this fabric is! Below is a picture of the hoody inside out. You know what else is great, it’s made from recycled polyester! Check out the specs below.

I also loved the elastic bands that strap around your thumbs to keep the sleeves in place. I love thumb holes, but my long gorilla harms sometimes causes thumb holes to rub the web of my thumb. The straps were not tight at all and I barely noticed hat they were there.

The slim fit is flattering and could be worn as an everyday piece. I typically wear a size 8 or 10, so I bought this in a Large. I like my clothes a little loose, but not baggy and the large fit great. There is a pocket in the front on your chest that’s roomy enough for your key, iPod, and tissues.  Patagonia offers this hoody in Nickle (which is the one I have), Black, and Ikat Purple. If I had it in my budget, I’d get all three colors. This is definitely a great item to invest in for winter running and I would recommend this to anyone.

So What? I run. Rating on a scale of 1 to 5 Soles:

Specs from the Manufacturer

Where to buy