Gear Review: Merino Base Hoodie By Melanzana
Excerpt: The Merino Base Hoodie from Melanzana is a soft, breathable, ultralight base layer made in Colorado. A go-to for mountain lovers and ultralight hikers.
Handmade in Leadville, Colorado, Melanzana gear has earned legendary status in the outdoor world — and the Merino Base Hoodie is no exception. This is a premium ultralight wool layer designed for serious adventure, made with care in one of the highest towns in the Rockies. If you're chasing comfort, performance, and the hometown craftsmanship that only Melanzana delivers, this hoodie deserves a spot in your kit.
Standout Features
- Ultralight merino-poly blend: The hoodie is made from a 130 gsm merino/polyester knit that’s soft, breathable, and odor-resistant. It offers all the temperature regulation you expect from wool but with a quicker dry time thanks to the polyester.
- Simple but perfect cut: The fit is athletic but unrestrictive, with just enough length and stretch for movement-heavy pursuits.
- Scuba-style hood: Close-fitting and cozy, the hood adds warmth without flopping around — ideal under a helmet or as a base beneath a shell.
- Handmade in Colorado: Each hoodie is made with intention in Melanzana’s Leadville workshop, supporting local jobs and a unique gear-making philosophy.
Tested in the Wild
I tested the Merino Base Hoodie on a series of high-alpine hikes and backpacking trips in Colorado’s San Juans and Sangre de Cristos. This piece was perfect for early starts, high passes, and moving through sun and shadow. The merino blend handled sweat without stink, and the hoodie layered seamlessly under puffies and rain shells. I also wore it in warmer afternoon temps. It is breathable and never clammy. This is a base layer that can stay on from morning to night. It dries out super quick thanks to the nylon blend.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Incredibly soft and breathable | Limited color and size availability due to small-batch production |
| Odor-resistant for multi-day use | Lightweight fabric may not last many seasons with hard wear |
| Thoutful fit and cut | |
| Made in the USA with ethical practices |
Final Thoughts
The Merino Base Hoodie by Melanzana is a high-performance staple for hikers, climbers, and mountain wanderers who want comfort and conscience in one package. Melanzana gear is made in Leadville and Alamosa by locals. This piece is warm when you need it, cool when you don’t, and built with a care that’s increasingly rare. If you can make the pilgrimage to Leadville, it’s worth it, but you can also buy this hoodie online!
My review is independent of the supplier and reflects my own opinions. Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if purchases are made through those links at no additional cost to you.
