ProView – HIMALI Women’s Ascent Hoodie

The Women’s Ascent Stretch Hoodie has quickly and easily become my go-to jacket for winter adventures. Instead of bringing 3 layers out for my ice climbs, now I bring just one. The warmth and breathability of this jacket allow it to be used on both the uphill and downhill of backcountry skiing, hiking, climbing, or any other winter excursion.

My adventure partner/boyfriend has worn and loved the Men’s Ascent Stretch Hoodie the past 2 years, and I have been incredibly jealous there wasn’t a women’s version, so I was stoked to be given the chance to test out the Women’s Ascent Stretch Hoodie! After using this jacket on all of my climbing and skiing adventures the past couple of months, I can say my jealousy was justified, women rejoice, finally a jacket that will keep you dry, warm, and comfortable as you deal with the snow, wind, and cold that comes with winter activities. I tested this jacket out on warm ice climbing days in Colorado (15-20 Fahrenheit degree temps with low wind), to one of the coldest days in Montana (-15 degrees Fahrenheit, with moderate wind), and for both circumstances my HIMALI jacket was the gold standard.

Fit

I tested a size small, even though I normally wear an extra small (5’2, 112 lbs).  I found the extra small to be a bit too snug for me, and the sleeves were too short. The small size jacket fit me beautifully. It is an athletic fit, but I was able to wear a thick long sleeve underneath the jacket without feeling bulky. The torso is long enough to fit comfortably under my harness, and the sleeves do well to stretch when lifting my arms up. I appreciate that HIMALI added elastic to the ends of the sleeves, so they stay in place over my gloves when climbing. The hood also has elastic so it stays in place over my helmet, reducing cold spots.

Performance

The Himali Ascent Stretch Hoodie uses Primaloft® Gold Active+ insulation and an Eco-DWR coating for wind and water resistance. This combination allowed me to hike up to ice climbs or ski lines without becoming overly sweaty, to turn around and climb or descend without adding any additional layers. Normally I have to approach in one layer, climb in one layer, and belay in additional layers, but the fabric wicks sweat away to keep me both warm and cool. The jacket was surprisingly water resistant as I climbed some wet ice routes in early season. In all instances the jacket dried quickly to keep my warmth intact. I also tried out this jacket rock climbing in Indian Creek in November. For cool mornings, on shaded walls, it was comfortable to rock climb in as well. Additionally, I commend the stretch in this jacket. Ice climbing requires an extended range of motion, and I appreciate that this jacket does not limit any swings or reaches. I can’t say enough positive things about this jacket’s performance!

Features

The Himali Ascent Stretch Hoodie is designed with all the bells and whistles. The elastic features on the sleeves and hood allow the fabric a four way stretch across your body, but stay in place where you want to prevent the cold from touching your skin. The jacket also has a bottom hem drawcord, which I used when climbing to keep the jacket from sliding as I reached my arms up to swing my tools. The chest pocket and two hip pockets have sleek and convenient zippers that never snagged and were easy to use while wearing gloves. The jacket also came with a stuff sack attached in the jacket pocket, however, I never found myself using the stuff sack, because I would rather adjust my other layers to be wearing the Himali full time. Additionally, the ‘Frosted Spruce’ color of the jacket is beautiful and a pleasure to wear.

Durability/Construction

The Toray® Primeflex shell material proved to be durable and comfortable. The outer fabric of the jacket felt more durable than others in my closet, and I was happy to not have to worry about puncture wounds from ice screws or picks. I have a feeling this jacket will last for many seasons to come.

Room for Improvement

There isn’t anything I would improve on the jacket. It has all of the features I have ever wanted or needed. My only criticism is the jacket runs small, so I recommend sizing up. 

Final Word

I would recommend this jacket to any women who goes out to play in the colder months. It’s a beautiful jacket, performs exceptionally, and makes packing for objectives a breeze.

Find HIMALI Women’s Ascent Hoodie on Outdoor Prolink. Not a member? Apply today!