Stellar Equipment Primaloft Hood 2.0

Review by Kate Agathon

Thanks to its PrimaLoft® synthetic insulation, Stellar Equipment’s Primaloft Hood 2.0 is one of my favorite jackets for high-output activities such as nordic skiing or mountain biking.

The extremely lightweight and packable Primaloft Hood 2.0 is breathable and allows me to ski or bike without overheating.

While down fill provides superior insulation, synthetic insulation allows moisture vapor to pass through- making it breathable, stretchable, and compressible.

Look and Fit

Overall, I was pleased with the way the Primaloft Hood 2.0 looked and fit. Compared to similar jackets, the jacket presented a slimming silhouette and visually seemed to elongate my torso.

Although the Primaloft Hood 2.0 is described as a regular fit, I opted for a size medium based on reviews that suggested to size up. This recommendation was surprising to me because I typically wear a size small in Stellar Equipment.

The reviews weren’t wrong.

The Primaloft Hood 2.0 size medium was the ideal size to wear as an outer layer and allowed for a greater range of motion. Furthermore, I was happy to discover that neither the arms or body were too wide, despite me being a petite woman wearing a larger size than normal.

True to its name -red- the jacket color was a true red with no orange overtones. The striking color looked good on me and the color popped, making it easier to stand out among the trees.

Incidentally, I love how Stellar Equipment sticks to basic color names in their descriptions rather than coming up with some elaborate name that leaves consumers guessing. Even their most adventurous color -blublack- looks exactly the way it is described.

Finally, the hood is spacious enough to accommodate a helmet underneath when needed.

Features

• Breathable insulation for demanding activities.
• Lightweight, wind resistant, water resistant and extremely packable.
• 60g PrimaLoft® Gold Active ECO is recyclable and contains 55 percent recycled materials.
• Zippered chest and hand pockets.
• Stellar EQ logo on pulls and hood.

Final Thoughts

I most recently wore the Primaloft Hood 2.0 while nordic skiing and was extremely pleased with its performance. It was breathable and stretchy enough to accommodate the poling motion my arms were doing to help propel me forward and uphill.

Also, it was light and I didn’t overheat. In fact, it did what a jacket is supposed to- work so well you forget you’re wearing it so you can focus on other things- like pushing up a hill while nordic skiing.

The Swedish company has long been one of my favorites for their commitment to producing quality gear without bending to the fashion trend du jour.

There is something quietly comforting about a brand that stands firmly behind the quality of their apparel that they don’t need to advertise to get consumers to buy.

While some brands are constantly updating their apparel, Stellar Equipment rarely does. So confident of their design, construction and colors, they are known for providing the same apparel year after year.

I absolutely love the Stellar Equipment Primaloft Hood 2.0 for its performance and style. It is available in six colors (Aqua, Blublack, Dark Grey, Red, Olive, and Orange) and four sizes (S to XL).

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.