Kuhl’s Vara Hoody is a lightweight, super soft, and comfortable layering option.
I’d been meaning to get a light hoody with thumb thingies for awhile as it’s the one layering piece I didn’t have.
So when Kuhl offered something to review, I jumped on the Vara Hoody. They also provided a pair of Konfidant Air and an Interceptr Jacket for Tom.
Note: This particular style is no longer offered, but there are several other Kuhl hoodies that are similar.
Related: Kuhl’s Interceptr Jacket; Kuhl’s Renegade Pant; Kuhl’s Konfidant Air Pant; Kuhl’s Klash Pant
Appearance & Fit
This has a loose but flattering fit, and is soft and comfortable enough to wear on it’s own as it’s intended.
I went up one size since I planned to wear a tee under it – I layer all the time – but I’m not sure it was necessary.
The “atlantis” is a nice shade of blue with subtle grey stripes through it.
I was torn between this and the “ash” but decided something off-white was begging to have post-hike coffee or ice cream spilled on it.
The hood has a nice drape – it lays flat and doesn’t bunch up under my hair, and when it’s up it stays in place and doesn’t flop over your eyes.
Also perfect to pretend you’re a Jedi while using your trekking pole as a light saber. Not that I do that.
Related: Gifts for Hikers
The Specs
- Super soft, moisture wicking fabric
- Loose fit and a long bottom-covering hem
- Hood lays flat; drawstrings
- Thumb holes
I’m a big fan of thumb thingies for just that extra bit of warmth when you need it.
The only teeny negative to the Vara overall is that I find these to be tight and a little restrictive for my tastes. However, I have trouble finding women’s gloves that fit well so it could just be me.
I’ll chalk it up to all those years of endlessly playing Asteroids and Pitfall in the ’80s and lots of “Atari Thumb”…
Performance
The Vara Hoody works well on the trail as a light layering piece by itself, over a tee, or under a fleece or a jacket and will get use across the seasons.
The hood and thumb holes add a nice bit of temperature regulation. The hood is minimal enough that it doesn’t get in the way of a backpack.
My intention was to use this mainly as a hiking layer but it’s so comfortable that I haven’t stopped wearing it since it arrived… around the house, running errands, working at the computer.
My office tends to be freezing so I’ll even throw the hood up and use the thumb holes while tapping away at the computer.
Update 11/2022 – Annnnnnd I’m still wearing this all the time. Still as comfortable as the day it arrived.
Update 12/2020 – Yup still living in this thing. Wearing it as I type this.
I’ve managed to finally fade the intensity of the blue and grind a little dirt into the cuffs but other than that it’s solid.
They don’t make this style anymore but there are several hoodies on the site I wouldn’t mind having.
Update 12/2017 – I’m basically living in this thing now. Unless it’s hot out or it’s in the wash, I’ve got it on over a t-shirt.
After about eight months of nearly solid use, it still looks new.
Disclaimer: Kühl provided a complimentary hoody for review, but did not provide compensation or exercise control over the content of this post.
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Updated: 11/2023. Original review: 3/29/17.