We all love life in the mountains and on the trail. But for most, the reality is that while an outdoors life is our passion, it’s not the entirety of our existence. Daily reality revolves around routine; getting the kids to school, getting to work and running errands. When the moment is right, we break away from our urban dwellings and head for the blue skies and fresh air of the open trail. That’s when Pop Outerwear comes into play.
On Performance and Design…
The San Francisco based brand sent out their men’s Full Zip Fleece and women’s Full Zip Grid Fleece for our crew to put through the paces. Both pieces of apparel are a prime example of Pop Outerwear’s primary goal: take technical fabrics and create classic, figure-flattering apparel that blends into a downtown environment but is still capable of performing in the outdoors.
Both garments feature an innovative take on the classic fleece with an athletic fit and super stretchy fabric that never hinders or restricts movement. A heavy-weight this fleece is not, and as such they wouldn’t be ideal for those currently suffering through the polar vortex. But for milder winter climates and Spring weather, they both deliver the warmth without the weight in a stylistic and comfortable package.
For our test team, both the Full Zip Fleece for men and the women’s Full Zip Grid Fleece were the perfect fit for navigating California’s mild winter landscapes. From cruising the Pacific Coastline, to relaxing in the tasting rooms of Napa’s famous vineyards, both jackets offered the style our crew appreciated with a prime level of comfort.
For the moments weather turned, these fleece layers easily slipped under a puffy or shell for added warmth and weather-busting protection. Specifically our gumption gal loved the women’s Full Zip Grid Fleece for offering a feminine fit that provides a close-to-body cut that respects the women’s figure while still allowing enough room for twisting, climbing and hiking down the road less traveled.
Notes from the Field…
With a greater focus on the actual day-to-day lifestyle of the average consumer, the entire outdoor industry is slowly integrating more ‘street-savvy’ style into their apparel lines. That being said, there still aren’t many brands that have managed to blend style and performance as effortlessly as Pop Outerwear.
As always, it’s difficult to be all things to all people. Neither the men’s Full Zip Fleece nor the women’s Full Zip Grid Fleece are the most technically advanced fleece layers that we’ve ever worn. Nor would they be our primary choice for hiking or climbing excursions into the backcountry. But at the end of the day, that’s not the niche Pop Outerwear is looking to fill. When it comes to their fleece layers, they’ve set out to design a line that offers low-key urban styling that can easily transition to your low-key mountain excursions.
Bottom Line…
Looking for a little urban friendly style without forsaking your outdoorsy roots, then Pop Outerwear has got your back.
*Gumption Gear Review received a product sample of the item featured in this review from Pop Outerwear at no cost, and receives no monetary compensation for this or any related review. The item featured was provided solely in return for our honest views and opinions.