Flylow Pierogi Hoody Review

Though this fleece is similar to other lightweight hoodies, it does have some unique features. The reinforced elbows add durability to a high-wear area, and the adjustable hood has a brim to keep precipitation off of your face. We also appreciate the thumb loops, making pulling on a jacket over this layer much easier.

Performance Comparison

Warmth

This fleece is okay for a lightweight, but it isn't meant for really cold weather. It has a grid-pattern fabric that is relatively thin. In our insulation testing, it performed near the bottom of the pack. Having said that, the hood makes a big difference. It comes with a stiff brim that helps keep rain and snow out of your eyes, and the neck comes up pretty high as well, which we appreciated when we needed to bury our faces down in the jacket to avoid the wind. The hood and waist have adjustable toggles, so both can be cinched down tightly to keep in the heat. The zipper also has a liner that runs its entire length, so wind doesn't come through it as easily as it does in models without this feature.

Comfort

This jacket isn't uncomfortable, it just has some demerits relative to other models in the category. The arms are comparatively short with narrower openings, so they tend to bunch up a little more. We found that by using the thumb loops, we were stretching the fabric quite a bit, which we did not experience with any other model.

However, this fleece does have a fair amount of stretch (though, again, not as much as some other lightweight hoody models), so it is decent for mobility when reaching overhead. The zipper has a liner on the inside which we really appreciated because it kept us from having to touch a cold zipper to our lips.

Breathability

The Pierogi is solidly breathable. The grid-pattern fabric has low-density channels for sweat to escape, and the two hand warmer pockets and the chest pocket are also lined with loose-weave mesh. We loved opening up all of them and using them as vent points when we needed just a quick blast of cold air to cool down. And, of course, the full-length zipper makes it easy to air out in a few seconds if the sun comes out.

Layering Ability

This jacket is thin enough that it is easily layer-able with a heavier puffy. We also like the smooth elbow patches, which help reduce friction when pulling on another jacket over the top. The thumb holes also make it easy to keep the sleeves in place.

But as an overlayer itself, this model struggles just a bit. The sleeves feel narrower, and the inside fleece is high-friction, which made it more difficult than we expected for us to get the jacket on and off over a base layer.

Weight

At 14.9 ounces, this is one of the heavier hoodies that we have tested. We suspect the brim and adjustability toggles in the hood and waist contribute to the difference. Having said that, it is still a relatively light fleece compared to the rest of the fleet. The material is thin, and it packs down small, making it a good option to throw into a backpack on a daylong excursion, just in case it gets chilly.

Should You Buy the Flylow Pierogi Hoody?

We like the lightweight breathability of this jacket. The adjustability of the hood and the waist is super practical, and the polyester elbow patches add a layer of durability to a high-wear spot. Ultimately, this hoody is better suited for activity than hanging out at camp. It performs well, but we think other models do the same job slightly better and at a lower price point.

What Other Fleece Jackets Should You Consider?