Fjallraven Kaitum Fleece Zippered Hoody

Review by Kate Agathon

The Fjallraven Kaitum Fleece Zippered Hoody is hands down my favorite comfort item this season for its practical length and superior softness.

In a season where impractical fashion-forward cuts (i.e. cropped, boxy tops and jackets) continue to dominate casual wear and outerwear, it was so refreshing to discover the Fjallraven Kaitum Fleece Zippered Hoody.

The very first thing that attracted me to the hoody is its practical length. Not only was my midsection not exposed, but my butt was covered. As a middle-aged woman who lives in Colorado’s high country, keeping those areas of my body warm and protected from the elements is an absolute necessity.

The second attribute is the incredibly soft ZQ merino wool and polyester blend fabric. As soon as I put it on, it instantly reminded me of a favorite boiled wool sweater I had in the mid-1990s.

Notably, the website photos do not do the hoody justice – the texture in the photos give the appearance of heavy, itchy wool. It is, however, quite the opposite.

The traceable ZQ merino wool and recycled polyester blend offers a cozy warmth that can only be provided by wool. I was also half expecting it to be heavy, but as soon as I put it on, I was delighted to discover it was a pleasant mid weight.

Wearing the Fjallraven Kaitum is akin to wearing your favorite comfort blanket. On chilly mornings, it is the first thing I put on to sip my morning coffee. On my days off, it has the proud status of being my house fleece (cuddle approved by our dogs) because it is just that comfortable.

I can definitely see it being the fleece of choice for hut trips or camping. I don’t think I have ever worn anything so comfortable.

Features

Designed as a stand alone or a midlayer, the Fjallraven Kaitum zippered hoody epitomizes cozy warmth. Notable features include:

• Hood lined in microfleece made from the recycled polyester.
• High-loft exterior that traps lots of air pockets.
• Well-placed zippers along the front and pockets.

It’s all about the zippers! I appreciate how Fjallraven kept practicality in mind with roomy zippered hand pockets (keeps keys and lip balm easily and safely stashed) and the two-way front zipper is a must for layering.

I get hot and cold often, so I am frequently removing my mid layer. I prefer the uncomplicated ease of zippers as opposed to pulling it over my head and messing up my hair.

I wouldn’t claim that the Fjallraven Kaitum is officially windproof, but I recently wore it walking the dogs on a cold mountain morning and I was relieved the wind did not pierce through the material.

According to the Fjallraven website, the recommended activity for the Fjallraven Kaitum is trekking. I would also add drinking morning coffee, napping, camping, dog walking, hut tripping, book reading, and any other activity where an extra layer is needed. In short, this is your 7-day-a-week, do-anything-wear-anywhere hoody.

The Fjallraven Kaitum’s wool blend construction and leather details require a little extra care in cleaning, but it is worth the comfort.

Available in 6 sizes (XXS to XL) and five colors (Dark Grey, Dune Beige, Port, Dark Navy and Deep Forest) the Fjallraven Kaitum is the softest, comfiest hoody that you will find this season.

Kate Agathon

Dr. Of Stoke

Freelance writer, bicyclist, outdoor recreation enthusiast, and mom to her furbabies, Sansa and Benjen.

 

A Colorado native, Kate considers the outdoors her mother ship. She brings her passion for bicycling, the environment 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. She and her husband, Paul, live in Summit County with their dogs, Benjen and Sansa.

Kate earned a BA 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 two terms 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.

The Dr. of Stoke has been part of the Engearment team since 2016.