Review: Outdoor Vitals Pursuit Hybrid Fleece Hoody

Versatile, breathable layers always come in clutch. The Outdoor Vitals Hybrid Fleece Hoody is one of those layers that can be worn as a mid or outer layer — depending on conditions and activity. It has been my cold-weather trail running partner all winter and the Primaloft® Evolve Active insulation is cozy and allows supreme moisture management under active use.

Outdoor Vitals Pursuit Hybrid Fleece Features:

• Hybrid construction with Primaloft Evolve Active insulation and stretch-woven nylon for optimal warmth and breathability
• Body-mapped fabric construction for optimal temperature regulation and performance
• Features a YKK half-zipper for easy on and off and increased venting
• Form-following insulated hood allows for full range of motion without blocking vision
• DWR-treated nylon face fabric provides wind and precipitation protection without sacrificing breathability
• Athletic cut for optimal temperature and moisture management
• Grid fleece panels (91% Polyester / 9% Spandex) for high stretch and ventilation
• PFAS-free and backed by the Outdoor Vitals Performance Promise warranty
• Weighs 9.4 oz (size Medium) for lightweight protection
• Tall sizes available
• MSRP: $139.97

In pursuit of hybrid perfection

Not too long ago, the idea of a hybrid jacket wasn’t really a thing. It’s hard to believe that body-mapped materials really is a relatively new outerwear philosophy. Certainly, much of that has been due to more advanced fabrics and sewing methods that enable seamless transition between materials. And, it’s also been aided by more relaxed component brands — willing to work with other component brands in a more cooperative way.

With that, Outdoor Vitals has tapped both house-brand and Primaloft’s unfaced Evolve Active insulation for warmth and breathability. This combination places the Primaloft on key areas that matter (front, back, sleeves and hood) while adding grid fleece under the arms and lower panels to further amplify breathability and snug up the fit a little. Primaloft Evolve Active doesn’t offer any wind resistance (by design), so it is faced with DWR-treated nylon to block wind and light rain.

The overall fit of the Pursuit Hybrid Fleece is streamlined, but not aggressively so. Because of that, I still opted for a size large (compared to the medium in the Outdoor Vitals Vario Jacket). Honestly, I think having a little more room is nice and even more so with this one.

Depending on the weather conditions, I’ve worn the Pursuit with both long-sleeve and short-sleeve under layers. While the fuzzy fleece is superb in just about every area, where it really sucks (I’m not kidding) is pulling the sleeves on with a long-sleeve base layer underneath. If you’re inclined to swearing, this is the time to pull out some doozies. Not only do you have to hold onto the base layer’s sleeve cuff (hopefully yours has thumb loops), but it pulls and twists the jacket sleeves in such a way as to never feel quite right.

Shimmying and shaking, pulling, swearing and twisting are all necessary to get the layers to situate agreeably. None of that happens with a short-sleeve underneath. So… I’d say choose a base layer with the smoothest face so it doesn’t grab onto the fuzzy Primaloft Evolve Active like velcro.

Moving on from there, the rest of the jacket is a delightful experience that’s well worth any initial frustrations. The first thing I love about it is the deep front zipper. This not only makes pulling it on/off easier, it provides a ton of ventilation, when needed. While it does breathe well fully-zipped, blowing the doors off and getting maximum airflow obviously changes the game even further.

Outdoor Vitals has built this pullover with awesome breathability. I’ve used Primaloft Active insulation or knock-offs for several years and every single one of them showcases its amazing moisture-wicking properties. The exposed fibers draw moisture away and out of the jacket. And, the grid fleece does the same. After long runs, there isn’t much moisture to speak of and it dries in a hurry. As an added bonus, it also stays stink-free for days — even after repeated use.

The coverage provided by the Pursuit Hybrid Fleece is excellent. With a drop tail design, backside coverage is great and the sleeves are the perfect length to comfortably use the thumb loops for extended periods when used as a mid layer or for added hand warmth. The cuffs also extend well atop gloves to seal in the warmth.

As far as temperatures go, I’ve been comfortable between 30-55 degrees with a long-sleeve base when it’s cold and a short sleeve on warmer days. Anything below freezing is a little too chilly for the airflow this fleece allows. On those colder hikes or trail runs, I was able to pull on the hood, which is nice to have. However, it’s pretty floppy and has a tendency to drop in front of my eyes when I’m wearing a beanie. With a running cap, it stays clear (obviously).

We didn’t have much of a winter this year along the Wasatch, so I didn’t get a ton of bad-weather testing. But, I did get some snow and light rain testing. The DWR does shed light moisture, but a downpour or PNW-style snow will end up saturating the shell.

Fit: I’m 5’11” and 175 lbs. wearing the size large.

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