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REI Co-op Hyperaxis Hoody 2.0 - Women's Review

Warm and cozy but doesn't cut the mustard when it comes to breathability
REI Co-op Hyperaxis Hoody 2.0 - Women's
Photo: REI Co-op
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Price:  $129 List
Pros:  Cozy and comfortable, nice features, durable construction, very warm, roomy and long fit, good value
Cons:  Not incredibly breathable, not water resistant, not super stylish
Manufacturer:   REI Co-op
By Amber King ⋅ Senior Review Editor  ⋅  May 11, 2020
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71
OVERALL
SCORE

RANKED
#10 of 14
  • Warmth - 20% 7
  • Comfort and Fit - 20% 8
  • Breathability - 20% 6
  • Layering Ability - 20% 6
  • Ease of Movement - 15% 9
  • Weather Resistance - 5% 7

Our Verdict

The REI Hyperaxis delivers both comfort and warmth all year round. The thicker polyester fabrics and fleece lining are super cozy, making it an ideal companion for chilling out with friends or at home. It has some of the biggest and most comfortable thumb loops and pockets we've ever seen, making it easy to pull on and store even the largest of objects. While it's not our top choice for sweaty activities that require good breathability, it'll do everything you need while out on a day hike or a leisurely ski at the resort. Stay warm and cozy in this high-value contender.

Compare to Similar Products

(change comparison)
 
Awards  Editors' Choice Award Top Pick Award   
Price $129 List$169.00 at Backcountry
Compare at 2 sellers		$159 List$97.99 at Amazon$103.73 at REI
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Pros Cozy and comfortable, nice features, durable construction, very warm, roomy and long fit, good valueBreathable, durable, helmet compatible hood, awesome thermoregulation, high valueWarm, extremely breathable, cuts the wind, soft and cozy fabrics, stretchy and great mobilityLightweight, breathable, full-length zipper and a hoodSimple, super light and packable, fits well with harness and pack, breathable, loose but fitted, cute style
Cons Not incredibly breathable, not water resistant, not super stylishNot weather resistant, expensivePills after washing, style isn't for everybody, breast pocket is small and seemingly unfunctionalNot very warm, no weather resistancePoorly sized chest pocket, durability issues, expensive
Bottom Line A high value cozy fleece that is durable and warmThe perfect fleece that will take you from the grocery store to the mountain topsThis fleece is best when it comes to thermoregulationA lightweight piece to add to your layering systemThis packable and light fleece is designed for ladies that like to be on the move
Rating Categories Hyperaxis Hoody 2.0 R1 Full Zip Hoody R1 Air Hoody Rab Nucleus Hoody - Women's Type 2 Fun 3/4 Zip Hoody
Warmth (20%)
7
7
8
7
5
Comfort And Fit (20%)
8
8
8
7
7
Breathability (20%)
6
9
10
9
9
Layering Ability (20%)
6
9
6
9
9
Ease Of Movement (15%)
9
10
10
8
9
Weather Resistance (5%)
7
7
5
5
4
Specs Hyperaxis Hoody 2.0 R1 Full Zip Hoody R1 Air Hoody Rab Nucleus Hoody... Type 2 Fun 3/4 Zip...
Type Midweight Midweight Lightweight Lightweight Lightweight
Main Fabric Polartec Power Stretch Pro polyester Polartec PowerGrid(93% recycled polyester/7% spandex) 100% polyester Thermic fleece & Power Grid 55% Polypropylene, 45% Polyester
Unique Features Thumbhole loops, seam-free shoulders Hidden zippered pocket, balaclava hood fits under a helmet, brick-patterned insulation balances breathability and warmth Ultra breathable and windproof face material that is stretchy and comfortable Close fitting hood fits under a helmet 3/4 length zipper designed for use with climbing harness
Weight (ounces) 13.8 12.05 10.6 11.2 8.95
# of Pockets 2 hand, 1 chest 2 hand, 1 hidden zippered pocket (right hand) 1 small chest, 1 hand 2 hand 1 chest
Hood Option? Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Our Analysis and Test Results

The REI Hyperaxis 2 is a thicker, almost heavyweight polyester full-zip fleece. While it provides ample warmth and comfort, it's not the most breathable. It's just at home on the trail as it is relaxing on your couch. It comes in a full-zip style with two handwarming pockets and one chest pocket.

Performance Comparison


Claire enjoys the roomy and cozy nature of the REI Co-op Hyperaxis...
Claire enjoys the roomy and cozy nature of the REI Co-op Hyperaxis Hoody 2.
Photo: Amber King

Warmth


This jacket offers a good level of warmth that'll keep you toasty on even the coldest of days. The Hyperaxis 2 uses a thick layer of PolarTecPro polyester insulation that'll keep you warm, even if the jacket gets wet.

A fully protective balaclava style hood that comfortably fits over...
A fully protective balaclava style hood that comfortably fits over the helmet. We also appreciate the garaged zipper.
Photo: Amber King

The inside of it is layered with soft fleece that is soft on the skin, generating even more heat. What's more is it features a super cozy hood that fits nicely around the head, also keeping your noggin warm when the temperatures dip. This is one of the warmer jackets in this review, but far from the warmest.

The fleece is thick and cozy against the skin.
The fleece is thick and cozy against the skin.
Photo: Amber King

Comfort and Fit


Loaded with huge thumb loops, soft and mobile material, and a garaged zipper makes this a super cozy sweater. The fit is a little larger than you'd expect with super long arms and torso. It'll definitely work for those with a shorter and longer frame alike.

The chest pocket is massive, easily fitting a cased smartphone.
The chest pocket is massive, easily fitting a cased smartphone.
Photo: Amber King

These pockets are so big you can fit a water bottle inside of them!
These pockets are so big you can fit a water bottle inside of them!
Photo: Amber King

We love pulling the cuffs over our hands when temps begin to dip. The pockets are huge and fleece-lined, allowing you to store many items, including your cell phone and a few treats. If you're seeking a fleece that you can hunker down into when the weather gets cold or crummy, this one will keep you warm and comfortable — all day long.

The super long arms, torso, and massive thumb loops makes this is a...
The super long arms, torso, and massive thumb loops makes this is a great buy for those seeking extra room or length.
Photo: Amber King

Breathability


While this jacket is incredibly warm, it's not our first choice for super sweaty missions. Sure, it'll hold up on any hike or walk around town, but it's not suited for serious heat output or sweat. It regulates heat passively through the fabric and pockets. If you get hot, the best thing you can do is unzip the full-zip construction to offload heat quickly. It doesn't feature any fancy architecture or ventilation vents.

This jacket can handle a leisurely hike. However any high output...
This jacket can handle a leisurely hike. However any high output activities, and you'll be taking it off almost immediately.
Photo: Amber King

Layering Ability


You can easily layer this looser jacket over the top any base layer — thick or thin. The fabric on the interior doesn't catch but slides easily against other layers. When it comes to jackets, the thicker construction might have trouble fitting underneath a thinner or tighter jacket but will do fine under a roomy shell. The pockets are placed in the traditional location, so using them with a backpack or harness is a futile process.

While thick, the continuous fabrics still slide easily underneath a...
While thick, the continuous fabrics still slide easily underneath a jacket. It'll also accommodate a base layer without any trouble.
Photo: Amber King

Ease of Movement


Move easily and freely in this jacket. Since the fit is roomy with stretchy fabrics, this jacket moves easily with the body. While it does move a little up and down when lifting our arms, this is still a jacket we'd use for activities that require mobility; climbing, biking, and backpacking are just a few.

We appreciate the stretchy and mobile fabrics.
We appreciate the stretchy and mobile fabrics.
Photo: Amber King

Weather Resistance


While the thicker construction offers good protection from icy, blowing winds, this jacket is far from waterproof or even water-resistant for that matter. When it rains, the water drops onto the fabric and is almost immediately absorbed. As a result, we'd recommend wearing a shell with this contender, especially when the weather turns into crud.

While the continuous face material looks like it might offer decent...
While the continuous face material looks like it might offer decent water resistance, it doesn't. Water absorbs readily into the fabrics. However, it does provide good wind resistance with its thicker fabrics.
Photo: Amber King

Value


There is value in this jacket. While it doesn't score top marks, it offers one of the roomiest and comfiest fits. The cut isn't the most flattering, but for those that don't love a jacket that hugs every curve on your body, this one does a good job of concealing while remaining flattering. We also love the colors it's offered in. While it wasn't a contender for our Best Buy Award, there is value in this product, as the materials are durable and abrasion-resistant.

If you seek a cozy fleece for doing chores around the house...
If you seek a cozy fleece for doing chores around the house, lounging, or the odd hike, this high-value contender is one to consider.
Photo: Amber King

Conclusion


The REI Hyperaxis provides a high-value fleece jacket option that is roomy and warm. While it's not the most breathable or water resistant, it'll do fine while backpacking or hiking. We would just leave it at home for super sweaty missions.

— Amber King