User Review: TAD Men's Ranger Hoodie

I use this jacket at work in the desert mountains of the Southwest. (Yes, it actually snows in the mountains down here.) My job doesn't officially let me wear it, but the jackets/sweaters that are provided do not have anywhere close to the quality of craftsmanship or function that the Ranger Hoodie does.

It is warm in the cold—if you're looking for something for a little chill instead of cold, TAD has a lighter version—but I can still wear it while hiking in cold weather by unzipping and pulling up the sleeves. It is much more quiet than the Gore-Tex or soft shell jackets that I can use, which allows me to preform my job more efficiently. I also like having all of the pockets in places that I can access while wearing a vest or pack. 

I can attest to the wind-stopping claim. I have worn this many times under my leather jacket while riding a motorcycle in the low 30s and high 20s at high speeds. It kept the wind out where it covered, and I would usually only get cold if I didn't tuck the bottom into my pants and the wind came up the bottom. Not comfortable in these conditions, but I didn't freeze, either. 

I also took it along on a trip to Seattle. It kept me dry in a typical Seattle drizzle. While I was out at a bar, I overheard somebody tell his buddy, "check out that bada** hoodie that guy's wearing." It was also comfortable for an early spring Grand Canyon hike that started out dark with frost on the ground. 

Overall, this jacket is made for the people who will use and abuse their gear and need function, not just some name brand that will fall apart if you scrape it on a tree or rock while wearing it. To me it is worth the money to keep you as comfortable as possible in nasty environments.