Gear Review: Microgrid Hoodie and Pants By SAMBOB
Looking for ultralight fleece layers that actually fit and feel amazing? SAMBOB’s Microgrid Hoodie and Pants are made with Polartec Power Grid™ and come in custom or off-the-shelf styles. Built for hikers by hikers—read the full review here.
SAMBOB Microgrid Hoodie and Pants Review: Ultra-Cozy, Ultralight Layers Made Custom for the Trail
If you’re the type of hiker who geeks out over dialed-in layering systems and gets excited about custom colors and fits, the SAMBOB Microgrid Hoodie and Pants might just be your dream base layers. These midweight fleece layers are made in the U.S. using Polartec® Power Grid™ fabric, known for being lightweight, warm, and breathable. And they’re designed by and for hikers who actually live in this stuff.
Whether you’re layering up for a chilly thru-hike morning or bundling into camp clothes after a long day on trail, these pieces hit that perfect sweet spot of cozy, functional, and ultralight. And the best part? You can either go full custom with your colors and fit, or grab an off-the-shelf option that ships fast.
What Makes Them Special
The Microgrid Hoodie and Pants are made with Polartec® Power Grid™, a technical fleece designed with a gridded interior that traps heat without adding bulk. It’s warm, stretchy, fast-drying, and breathable—perfect for high-output cold-weather movement or lounging at camp.
The option to create totally custom pieces is next-level-cool.
Both pieces pack down small, making them perfect for ultralight backpackers, desert campers, alpine hikers, or anyone who wants layers that pull double duty from basecamp to trail.
I find that the grid fleece itself is soft, but not overly so. It hits a very nice balance between durable and comfortable. It doesn't shed like so many other grid fleeces on the market. As far as fit goes, the custom pieces are amazing as you get to choose how you'd like them to fit. Off the shelf pieces offer an array of sizing and fits, so be sure to read the descriptions to make sure you're getting what you want.
Specs at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Polartec® Power Grid™ fleece (polyester/spandex blend) |
| Fit | Slim/athletic with plenty of stretch |
| Hoodie Weight | ~7 oz (depending on size and options) |
| Pants Weight | ~8 oz (depending on size and options) |
| Hoodie Features | Fitted hood, thumb holes, long torso, optional kangaroo pocket |
| Pants Features | Low-profile waistband, tapered fit, optional pockets |
| Sizing | Unisex fit, customizable size and measurements (custom orders) |
| Color Options | Fully customizable or limited colors for off-the-shelf options |
| Made In | The USA |
| MSRP | Varies depending on options; starts around $90–$120 per piece |
For my custom hoodie, I went with the wide size so it would feel extra comfy. I also selected the oversized hood choice so that my very big hair could fit comfortably under it. If you have a specific sizing in mind, you can enter your own sizing specs during the customizing process. Pretty neat!
Pros and Cons
SAMBOB Microgrid Hoodie and Pants: Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Polartec® Power Grid™ is warm, light, and breathable | Custom orders have a wait time |
| Custom sizing and colors for a perfect trail fit | Off-the-shelf sizing is set—check the chart before ordering |
| Super packable for ultralight layering systems | No wind protection—best as a midlayer or base |
| Made in the USA by a small hiker-owned company | Limited availability during peak season |
Wrapping it Up
The SAMBOB Microgrid Hoodie and Pants are cult favorites for a reason. They’re simple, functional, and cozy without adding bulk—and they’re built with intention by a small, hiker-run company that gets it.
If you want ultralight fleece layers that feel like they were made just for you (because they literally can be), these are a no-brainer. Whether you grab a custom set or go for a ready-to-ship option, they’re a killer addition to your cold-weather kit.
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.
