GEAR | Smartwool Women’s Active Ultralite Hoodie – Review

April 3, 2024 Shell Robshaw-Bryan

Homepage Feature, Outdoor Gear Reviews, Reviews, Sponsored Product/Stay

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I’m a big fan of Merino wool clothing, and when hiking, I will only wear merino socks. In terms of base layers too, nothing beats Merino and the Ultralite hoodie from Smartwool is a super versatile bit of active outdoor clothing. Read on for our full review.

Smartwool Women's Active Ultralite Hoodie - Review

What is it?

Smartwool Women’s Active Ultralite Hoodie £79.99

Overall Rating (4.5 / 5)

Stockists

Features

Ultra-lightweight, super-soft, blended Merino and TENCEL™ 53% Merino Wool, 47% Lyocell
Drop tail hem
Odour-resistant
Regular fit
Sizes XS (UK 2) to XL (UK 16-18)
Colours ultra violet or black

Smartwool Women’s Active Ultralite Hoodie in Fiji Flower Heather

Smartwool Women’s Active Ultralite Hoodie in Aqua Heather

Smartwool Women's Active Ultralite Hoodie in Deep Lake — Smartwool Women’s Active Ultralite Hoodie in Deep Lake

Smartwool Women's Active Ultralite Hoodie in Black — Smartwool Women’s Active Ultralite Hoodie in Black

I’m currently a size 16-18 and the XL was the perfect fit for me as I’m not a fan of clothing that hugs my squidgy bits. Worn frequently during a recent road trip to the Isle of Mull and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, the early April weather in Scotland provided the perfect opportunity to put the hoodie through its paces.

Firstly, let’s talk about the colour. There are a lot of mixed opinions in the outdoor community, with some women hating pretty or ‘girly’ colours and preferring standard or neutral colour palettes in outdoor gear, then there are those of us who enjoy dressing colourfully, and so outdoor gear being available in bright or bold colours is regarded as a positive.

I chose the gorgeous Ultra Violet colour because I adore bright or cute colours, and knew it would pair brilliantly with my lilac Keen hiking boots. The hoodie is exceptionally thin and light so it’s ideal for traveling as it takes up next to no space.

From a practical point of view, I was as comfortable wearing this hoodie on a short run as I was for hiking and generally exploring. As I already have Smartwool hiking socks and a fantastic Smartwool vest top that’s great for layering on chilly days, I found the Tencel and Merino mix in this top worked perfectly in terms of comfort and performance.

After a full day out and about in the hoodie, I took it off in the evening and gave the armpits a sniff and they were wonderfully pong-free, which meant I happily wore it another two times before I felt I needed to wash it.

It washed exceptionally well, and with it being so thin, it dries super fast too. Despite it being thin, after a chilly 6°C swim, putting it back on afterwards warmed me up considerably.

The top is quite see-through however, so anything worn underneath will show through a little and in the shot of me on the beach above, you can see the blue and white pattern of my long-sleeved spring surf suit underneath.

The verdict

Our Rating

Fit 5/5

Practicality 4.5/5

Looks 5/5

Value 4/5

Overall Rating (4.5 / 5)

Although I wouldn’t wear it on its own on a cold day as I might a regular hoodie, it’s a fantastic, versatile base layer and it’s also great when layered on top of something else on a warmer spring day and is best paired with a sports bra or vest top underneath.

This is an excellent top that I’d regard more as a long-sleeved t-shirt that’s styled like a hoodie, and it is perfect for almost any outdoor activity.

DISCLOSURE | Thank you to Smartwool who supplied the featured product to us to test. We were not paid to write this review.

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Shell Robshaw-Bryan

Editor & Owner at Camping with Style

Shell loves all things travel and outdoors and is a nature-loving, comfy-camping kinda girl. Shell started the Camping with Style blog after a serious snowboarding accident which left her with a broken back. Despite this she used the outdoors and healing power of nature to aid her recovery and she continues to spend time outdoors whenever she can.

From open water swimming, snowboarding and kayaking to hill walks and meditation, Shell shares her travels and microadventures here on the blog and in various publications she's written for, Shell has a particular interest in promoting wellbeing and the many benefits of nature therapy.

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