REI Co-op Hyperaxis Hoody 2.0 - Women's Review
Cons: Not incredibly breathable, not water resistant, not super stylish
Manufacturer: REI Co-op
Our Verdict
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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