Outdoor Research Vigor Grid Fleece Pullover Hoodie – Ideal for Winter Recreation

Outdoor Research Vigor Grid Fleece Pullover Hoodie Review

My hands-down favorite feature is the built-in balaclava. I almost always cover my face during prolonged winter outdoor activities, and not having to wear an additional layer such as a buff was nice. I also appreciated that it stayed in place without letting cold air in- no more wasting time with adjustments!

Other features that I found useful: pony port at the rear of the hood to prevent weird bundling underneath, and the chafe-free design (I chafe easily in all kinds of weather, but especially during winter) with flat-seam construction.

But wait! There’s even more features such as a hidden zip pocket at the right hip (I didn’t really use it because I wore the Vigor Grid Fleece Pullover Hoodie as a mid layer, but I can absolutely see runners or someone wearing it as the only layer finding it useful) and ergonomic fit thumb holes that keep your hands warm and prevent cold air from seeping in.

Keep in mind that the Vigor Grid Fleece Pullover Hoodie is a trim fit. I was surprised that it hugged so closely to the body because I had based it on some of the stock photos where it appeared to drape differently on the model.

Despite the trim fit, I did not feel constricted; probably due to the movement-mirroring stretch in the fabric.

Constructed from a Bluesign® approved polyester/spandex, the Vigor Grid Fleece features Thermo-Regulating ActiveTemp™ Treatment, UPF 30, and wicking properties for quick drying. One day, I wore this in a variety of conditions where it started out cold and then steadily warmed up as the day progressed. Consequently, I was very grateful for the hoodie’s technology.

The Vigor Grid Fleece Pullover Hoodie is available in six sizes (XS to XXL) and four colors (Black, Snow, Calcite, and Sulphur). The Snow is somewhat transparent, so if you plan on wearing it as an outer layer, consider wearing a camisole.

The bottom line? The Vigor Grid Fleece Pullover Hoodie is ideal for all winter outdoor recreational activities: running, biking, snowshoeing, and skiing. For me, I know it will most likely get the most use from the hoodie while nordic skiing this winter.

Kate Agathon

Dr. Of Stoke

Freelance writer, bicyclist, outdoor recreation enthusiast, social justice advocate, and mom to her furbaby, Sansa.

A Colorado native, Kate considers the outdoors her mother ship. She brings her passion for bicycling, the environment, and issues of diversity to her writing. Her primary outdoor recreation activities are mountain biking, road biking, nordic skiing, alpine skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, and peak bagging Colorado’s 14ers.

Kate earned a bachelor’s degree in History from Colorado State University and later an MSEd and Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Purdue University. In addition to her education, Kate’s background serving on the Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory Committee and experience working for non-profits and bicycle sales well position her to bring depth and understanding to the complex changes currently taking place in the outdoor recreation industry.