Smartwool TML Mid Full-Zip Hoody Review

For over 17 years, the engineers at Smartwool have been innovating and finding ways to integrate their amazing Merino wool blends into performance apparel that can be used across a wide variety of sports and activities. Socks have always anchored SmartWool’s main product lines, but in recent years they have steadily expanded to a wide variety of other performance apparel. This now includes base layers, mid-layers, and jackets, as well as scarfs, hats, sweaters, and gloves.

I had the opportunity to test the Smartwool TML Mid Full-Zip Hoody during a day out on my snowboard. This jacket is from the Thermal Midlayer Collection, and can be worn as a mid-layer on a cold Winter day or as an outer layer on a cool Spring or Fall day. The design for this high-tech hoody is actually quite unique in that the hood is form-fitted on the head and it wraps the face with a zipper that extends all the way up past the chin area. This front flap and chin guard provides excellent draft protection and, when used while skiing, this feature can replace other wind- and powder-management accessories like a neck gaiter or baklava. The hood is thin enough to fit under a ski helmet, so you can leave your other head cover accessories, like a hat or beanie, at home.

I was initially concerned that I would be irritated by the high cut of the hood, but it was actually quite comfortable. The front flap was just high enough to protect my neck and chin, but not so high that it obstructed my breathing or caused fogging of my goggles.  The zip is slightly off center at the top, and padded to prevent chin chafe.  The zip chest pocket is well-placed for practical use; when this jacket is used as a midlayer, this pocket provides an additional easy access spot for a wallet or phone or camera. I also appreciated the engineered thumbholes at each sleeve opening. The sleeves fit well under my gloves and really helped to keep the jacket sleeves in place and to keep the wind and snow out.