Gear Review: Tern Ultralight Wool Hoodie By Outdoor Vitals
Looking for the ultimate lightweight merino hoodie? The Tern Ultralight Wool Hoodie by Outdoor Vitals blends breathability, sun protection, and odor control into a 5.9 oz layer you’ll wear all season.
If you’ve been hunting for a base layer that works hard without weighing you down, the Tern Ultralight Wool Hoodie by Outdoor Vitals might just be your next favorite trail companion. Designed with thru-hikers, backcountry skiers, and fast-packers in mind, this hoodie takes everything we love about merino wool and makes it ultralight, breathable, and ready for the long haul.
It’s worth noting that the Tern Ultralight Wool Hoodie is a unisex-fit piece, designed to work for a wide range of body types. While the cut is streamlined and athletic, it’s not overly boxy or tight! Just be sure to check the size chart before ordering to dial in your best fit.
Be sure to check out the Tern Hoodie on our Best Wool Sunshirts guide!
Why I Reached for the Tern
In my lineup of wool layers, the Tern immediately stood out for its weight—or lack thereof. At just 5.9 oz for a women’s small, it’s one of the lightest long sleeve hoodies I’ve ever worn, and somehow it still provides that magic mix of warmth, breathability, and stink-resistance we all count on from high-quality merino.
Whether I’m on a sweaty uphill climb or layered up for a chilly sunrise start, the Tern adjusts with me. It never feels clammy, and it dries impressively fast after a high-output push or an afternoon sprinkle.
Standout Features
- Ultralight 115 GSM NuYarn® wool blend: Made with 85% merino wool spun around a performance core for better durability and dry times.
- Full coverage scuba hood: Offers excellent sun protection and a little extra warmth when the wind kicks up.
- Drop hem: Gives nice lower-back coverage under a backpack, and stays tucked during movement.
- Raglan sleeves + flatlock seams: Keeps things comfy under shoulder straps with zero chafing.
Fit Notes
The Tern is designed with a slightly athletic fit; close to the body but not compression-tight. I found it true to size, with enough room to move without it bunching up under layers. It’s long enough to tuck in when needed, which I appreciate on cold, windy ridgelines.
Field Tested: Hiking & Backpacking
I’ve worn the Tern everywhere from spring desert hikes to snowy alpine approaches. It’s breathable enough to wear as a sun shirt in mild weather, yet it layers well under puffies and shells when things get cold. I especially love it on early season backpacking trips when temperatures swing 40 degrees in a day.
Unlike some ultralight wool layers that get saggy or holey fast, this one’s holding up well so far—no threadbare spots, no stretched-out seams. Just reliable, comfortable performance.
Tern Ultralight Wool Hoodie by Outdoor Vitals: Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extremely lightweight at 5.9 oz | Pricey for an ultralight layer |
| Excellent thermoregulation & odor control | No thumb holes or zip pocket |
| Durable NuYarn blend dries fast | Slim fit may feel snug for some |
| Great sun coverage with fitted hood | Limited color options |
Wrapping It Up
If you’re building out a high-performance layering system that keeps weight low and comfort high, the Tern Ultralight Wool Hoodie is well worth the investment. It checks every box for ultralight hikers, alpine climbers, and backpackers who live in their gear and want it to go the distance. Durable, breathable, and beautifully simple. It’s the kind of piece that earns its place in your pack.
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.
