Isobaa claim this mid-weight hoodie "will soon become a staple in your wardrobe, whether you need an extra layer for hiking in the mountains or a casual top for the weekend." Simply put, it's difficult to argue.
As a casual hoodie, the trim fit and neat, stylish design will work in almost any situation. I particularly like the looped design of the pull cords on the hood - they remain tucked away so nothing is dangling which makes for a practical feature as well as a stylish one. A great choice of understated but still interesting colours is also a bonus in the versatility stakes.
The 260 Merino LS also works as a more technical piece of clothing, thanks in large part to the merino from which it is made. Incredibly odour resistant, soft and comfortable to the touch, warm in the cold and cooling on the warmer days - the standard benefits of merino are all present. But the construction includes a Terry loop backing, which makes all the difference.
The Terry loops inside make the absolute most of the thermal properties by trapping more warm air than a standard weave. The result is a mid-layer that punches above its (literal) weight; I tested this on frigid ski days in the Alps without the need for a thicker fleece.
But for me merino is all about second-skin comfort, and Isobaa have added a couple of features to maximise this. Flatlock stitching and offset seams prevent chafing in vital areas, and they've printed the care instruction straight onto the material so there's no need for a scratchy label either.
The price is comparable to some high-end synthetic fleeces, so value is already present, but Isobaa's connection with Sport Pursuit means discounts are regularly available, making this a highly recommended investment!
