Stio Dawner Hooded Jacket

Review by Kate Agathon

Here in Summit County, unpredictable weather is a hallmark of shoulder season. One day it is snowing, and two days later it is sunny and dry as if the snow never happened.

With its Octa™ breathable insulation and water-repellent finish, the Stio Dawner Hooded Jacket is the ideal jacket for shoulder season.

Look and Fit

There is a certain je ne sais quoi about Stio apparel that makes it stylish and not overly trendy; a feat that is tough to nail.

I know cycling isn’t a fashion show, but I’m definitely making a case for it today.

The minimalist Stio Dawner Hooded Jacket’s modern lines somehow give off a sophisticated vibe, even though the jacket is designed for recreating outdoors and not a runway.

I liked how the cuffs were just the right width and kept my wrists protected. I don’t think I have ever worn a jacket with such exacting cuffs that required no adjustment.

The dropped hem provided extra coverage and provided an elongated, flattering look, while the contrasting zipper pulls and heat transfer logo and trademark pinecone details add to its visual appeal.

The Boundless color is best described as a deep green teal that is a trending color carried over from this winter and finding its way into wardrobes this spring and summer.

I normally don’t go for the color du jour, but the Boundless color is one of my personal favorites similar to what I’ve worn for years. I typically prefer to wear darker, jewel tones against my darker skin.

Even though it is described as a regular fit, I was in between sizes (Small and Medium) and chose to size up so that I could wear layers underneath.

The adjustable hem and peripheral adjustable hood (which fit nicely over my mountain bike helmet) also allowed for an even more customized fit; which came in handy while mountain biking.

Features:

• Articulated fit through sleeves for mobility
• Hanger loop on center back neck
• YKK Vislon center front zipper
• Fixed hood with peripheral adjust
• Dropped hem for extra coverage
• Stretchy cuffs and hood
• Zippered chest and hand warmer pockets
• Jacket stuffs into zippered pocket

Overall Performance

It kept me warm while I was moving. Despite my concerns about the fuzzy interior (which also lined the hood’s interior), I didn’t overheat. In fact, I found that it ventilated well.

Additionally, the fabric was nice and didn’t bunch up underneath my hydration pack. I know this will be the hoody I reach for during mud season and beyond.

The Stio Dawner Hooded Jacket is available in five sizes (XS to XL) and five colors (Stormy Weather, Boundless, Neon Bloom, Boundary Black and Horizon).

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.