Sometimes the simplest things can bring such pleasure. A fleece. A warm, cuddly fleece. Every company has a fleece sweater of some sort, right? So what’s the big deal? This new Calluna fleece line, featuring the ExOfficio Calluna Fleece Hoody, launched in late 2014 has such snuggly goodness.
I snagged an Calluna Fleece Hoody to try out on a trip to Scandinavia in November 2014. It was hard to believe that one fleece would work so well in so many conditions: stand-alone sweater for cool afternoons, a mid-layer under an insulated jacket for truly cold evenings, or even an extra layer for active pursuits – one that could be washed out and march right back into action the next day for a dinner out even.
The ExOfficio Calluna Fleece Hoody ($95) is made of a moisture-wicking polyester that has a great look too. It is “space-dyed,” giving it a slightly multi-colored effect for more texture. The hoody – I ended up with black, which was a great do-it-all color, frankly – had a tall zip and snap collar that I could bury my chin and nose in for extra wind and chill protection. The hood pulled up snugly around my head when the breeze really picked up – also serving as yet another under layer for a down jacket on truly cold late fall Norwegian nights. It even protected my head for a run – and dog sledding!
Therese all warm and cozy with the ExOfficio Calluna Fleece Hoody under her musher’s coat.
Two front pockets were superbly placed to tuck hands; thumb loops on the longer sleeves also said nothing but warmth. An inner zip pocket could hold small personal items securely, such as ID or a hotel key or even a smartphone. Good thing too, since one drawback was the lack of a zipper on the two front hand pockets – don’t trust anything in them since they aren’t that deep!
And now I’m back to the fleece material – it’s such a cozy, thick, plushy fleece that I just love its feel. Plus, seaming helps it look good – not just like some baggy sweater. And he agrees: “Love seeing her in the ExOfficio Calluna Fleece Hoody … sexy and cuddly at the same time.”
Also available, but not tested yet, is a vest ($80) that has a front-zip with a longer fold-over snap-front closure. Coming out in 2015 is a Calluna Fleece Wrap ($90) that looks appealing too – I can imagine it’s warm goodness on a long trans-Atlantic flight or in a chilly hotel room or hostel.
I may end up with a Calluna wardrobe – and it may be in my bag for a lot of trips to come. The HITT Seal of Approval for the ExOfficio Calluna Fleece Hoody is well deserved.
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