Sierra Designs Gnar Hoody Review

For someone who spends practically every moment of the fall and winter in a puffy jacket or vest (like me) the Gnar Hoody from Sierra Designs is a great addition to the arsenal. While testing this product around town and in the mountains, I couldn’t get the voice of Ned Flanders out of my head. “Feels like I’m wearing nothing at all…” Feather light and toasty, this jacket is extremely versatile. It makes my on-the-go lifestyle that much easier since I know it’ll deliver for most conditions – just grab it and go!

The Gnar has just enough 800 fill goose down to keep me comfortable in very chilly temps, but not so much that it ever feels bulky. The close horizontal stitching keeps the insulation even throughout the jacket. I know it wasn’t intended for this use, but I took it out for a few early season ski days and it kept me plenty warm at 12,000 feet with just a t-shirt underneath. For those who might need more, it also layers nicely under a shell.

The fit seems a tad roomier than most of my other jackets in the same size, but not so much that I would want to step it down. The fitted hood has come in handy on several breezy occasions, and I was glad to have the elastic hem keeping it tight. It also stays out of the way when not in use. My one real gripe is that it seems like the thumb holes on the sleeves aren’t in the right spot. It twists the sleeves a bit when I use them, making them still a very nice addition for casual uses but less than ideal for athletic pursuits.

Another plus is the ample pocket space. Two zippered pockets at the hips with integrated dump pockets on the inside make the Gnar feel cavernous without making you look like you have an abnormal growth going on underneath. The zippered chest pocket is big enough for even the biggest smartphones and keeps them easily accessible.

The zippers and pulls are on the smaller side of the spectrum, making them tricky but not impossible with gloves on. The trade off is that it gives a tight seal and flexes freely with your movement.

By far, the best feature of this item is its size and weight. At just 11.5 ounces, I sometimes forget that I have it on. It comes with an eight by ten inch stuff sack and actually stuffs easily without any origami folding. Something that unobtrusive goes into my gear bag every time I venture out. And why not bring it as a backup when it takes up about as much space as a pair of gloves?

Bottom line is that the Gnar Hoody just works. It’s as functional and comfortable around town as it is on a hut trip. With five tasteful color choices, you’re bound to find one that fits your style. I’d recommend this to anyone looking to dial down the bulk without sacrificing performance.