The REI Microtrek Insulated Hoodie is a lightweight, packable jacket that works across a wide range of outdoor activities. Positioned as a synthetic insulated jacket for cool to cold conditions, it targets hikers, travelers, and everyday users who need warmth without bulk.  It has five pockets (three zippered) and is surprisingly warm, making it perfect for shoulder season conditions when morning and evening temperatures dip well below freezing. This jacket has become my go-to for everyday wear, replacing an ultralight synthetic jacket I own because it does a such a better job at keeping my torso warm in single-digit weather.

• Gender: Men’s and Women’s
• Insulation: 60g Primaloft
• Weight in Size Men’s Large: 16.5 oz
• Pockets: 5 (one chest, two internal drop pockets. two zippered side pockets)
• Hood: Not adjustable
• Packable: Stuffs into a handwarmer pocket
• Sizing: Runs slightly large

Design and Materials

The Microtrek Insulated Hoodie uses a recycled polyester shell with a water-repellent (DWR) finish. The outer fabric feels smooth and reasonably tough for its weight, resisting light abrasion from backpack straps and branches. It is not intended for heavy bushwhacking, but it holds up well for hiking, travel, and daily wear. Inside, REI uses 60g Primaloft synthetic insulation rather than down. This reduces the jacket’s cost and makes it more reliable in humid or wet conditions.

The hood is large and non-adjustable, so be sure to wear a higher volume hat inside.

The hood is lightly insulated and fits loosely without restricting movement. It is not helmet-compatible, but that is all too often the case for a jacket in this category and at this pricepoint. Elastic binding around the hood, cuffs, and hem helps seal in warmth without adding unnecessary weight, though the amount of warmth retained will depend on your head size. It’s less of an issue if you wear a fleece or wool hat with the hood to fill out the extra volume. I have a small head, so I need to wear a thick fleece hat to fill up the space.

Fit and Comfort

The fit is best described as roomy. It allows for light layering underneath, such as a fleece or long-sleeve base layer, without feeling restrictive. The cut works well for active use, staying close to the body to reduce heat loss while still allowing a full range of motion in the shoulders and arms. Hem adjusters along the base of the jacket prevent drafts from chilling you from below, while stretch cuffs on the wrists help seal in warmth.

In terms of warmth, the Microtrek Insulated Hoodie performs best in cool to moderately cold temperatures. It works well as an outer layer in dry, chilly conditions or as a midlayer under a shell when temperatures drop further. It is not intended for deep winter use on its own, but for three-season activities, it provides reliable insulation.

Packability and Pockets

One of the Microtrek Hoodie’s biggest strengths is packability. It compresses down easily into a backpack or carry-on, taking up minimal space. This makes it an excellent option for travel or as an emergency warmth layer on day hikes. It’s also compact enough to stuff into one of its handwarmer pockets, which is a good indicator of the space it will displace in a backpack.

The jacket includes zippered hand pockets that are large enough to hold gloves, a phone, or snacks. The zippers operate smoothly and feel durable. There are two internal drop pockets and an external zippered chest pocket that can fit a large smartphone.

Final Thoughts

The REI Microtrek Insulated Hoodie is a well-rounded synthetic insulated jacket that excels in versatility, comfort, and packability. It is not built for extreme cold or harsh weather, but that’s not its purpose. Instead, it serves as a dependable layer for hiking, travel, and everyday wear in cool-to-cold conditions.

Disclosure: REI donated a jacket for review.

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