ProView – Cotopaxi Otero Fleece Half-Zip Pullover Review

I tested the Cotopaxi Otero half-zip fleece pullover while backcountry skiing and hiking this spring in Colorado. While spring skiing we ventured out on a windy, low-30s degree day. Usually I wear a lightweight sun shirt but because of the wind I wore the Otero and it was perfect! It kept me at the right temperature during the gusts and was impressively wicking so I didn’t get too damp while skinning. It has a great blend of soft fleece and just a little bit of wind protection to take the edge off.

I also got to test the Otero on some unseasonably cool June days hiking and again it felt like the perfect layer. It is soft on the skin, comfortable and is overall just a solid performance fleece layer. The fit of the Otero is just loose enough to fit well over other layers but not so loose that it looks baggy and oversized. I also like that the chest pocket fits small essentials like chapstick or a sunscreen stick but can also easily fit a standard sized iPhone if you want it handy while on the move. 

Features

I love layers that have thumb holes and Cotopaxi made sure to include these in the design. It makes putting layers on top of the fleece so much easier because the sleeves don’t ride up and I love the extra protection and warmth on my hands and wrists. I also like bright, fun colored gear and Cotopaxi always does a great job with color blocking and color varieties. The Otero comes in 5 different colors from a more muted navy to a light blue and orange combo – I think this makes it appealing to a lot of different preferences. 

Friendliness to the Earth

Cotopaxi’s slogan is “Gear for Good” and that extends to their environmental impact. Cotopaxi is both part of 1% For The Planet and is Climate Neutral Certified. Their commitment to reducing their impact is a great reason to consider Cotopaxi over some other brands with similar products when purchasing new gear. 

Room for Improvement

One initial frustration I had with this fleece is that the thumb holes are a little smaller than I would have liked. Fortunately the fleece is stretchy so it doesn’t restrict or cause discomfort while wearing it for a long period of time, but a few extra cm would make it even more comfortable. 

Final Thoughts

The Otero half zip is my new go-to fleece midlayer for my outdoor pursuits year round. It fits great, provides warmth and a bit of wind protection and I feel great about using products from Cotopaxi because of their environmental conscience and actions. I’d recommend the Otero to anyone looking for a new fleece layer for anything from hiking to skiing to canyoneering and more. 

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