Tern Ultralight Merino Wool Hoodie

Fit is great, love the long arms and while it was itchy at first that went away really fast.
It was warm when wet which was awesome as my previous attempt at layering was awful.
Unfortunately I’ve only been able to use it once for 2.5 hours.
I wore it under a Craft moisture wicking running shirt with a Rab hydration vest and there are significant signs of wear. I like it a lot but because it’s already starting to fail I can’t give more than 2 stars because it doesn’t feel like it will be reliable or a good value. I’ve initiated a return and hopefully that goes smoothly.

I just completed a PCT section hike from Campo to San Jacinto turnoff with this wool blend hoodie. I never took it off for ten days. It was great sun protection and a base layer when more layers were required. It dries fast and was surprisingly odor resistant. The hood is a bit small but other than that almost a perfect piece of gear.

I received my Tern Ultralight Merino Wool Hoodie just before setting out on a 114-mile backpacking adventure through Carlsbad National Park, Lincoln National Forest, and Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Initially, I tossed it in my car, assuming the temps would still be near freezing. Since I never test new gear on major trips—only locally—I didn’t expect to use it.

Big mistake.

The Guads decided to throw me a curveball with temperatures soaring into the high 80s. Totally unprepared, I had to rely on what I had. And let me tell you—this hoodie saved me.

I wore it every single day of the trip—as a standalone layer during the day and a base layer at night. If you’ve ever hiked in the Guads, you know the brutal sun and lack of shade can be relentless. But this hoodie delivered on every promise.

Moisture-wicking? Absolutely—kept me dry even through sweat-heavy climbs.

Quick-drying? Without a doubt—never felt clammy, even after strenuous hikes.

Sun protection? Shockingly good. Despite full days of exposure, I never felt the burn.

I was so impressed that I immediately bought a second one when I got back. The Tern Ultralight Merino Wool Hoodie went from a last-minute throw-in to an absolute must-have in my gear lineup. If you hike in harsh sun, unpredictable temps, or just love ultralight performance gear, this hoodie is worth every penny.

I ordered the Outdoor Vitals Tern Ultralight Merino Wool Hoodie for my Colorado Trail trip this month. After I pulled it out of the box, I removed the neck tag and tried it on. I immediately noticed a thumb size hole in the center of the chest, so I contacted Guidefitter about a replacement. Guidefitter staff were very helpful but Outdoor Vitals informed them not to replace or refund the poor quality product because the neck tag was removed. I contacted Outdoor Vitals about them sending me a shirt with a hole in it. They replyed stating since I removed the tag they wouldn't warranty the product. If I wanted to pay and mail it to them I can have it repaired for a possible $20 charge. I paid full price, I should receive the entire shirt. Tayson Whittaker and Outdoor Vitals only want your money!

I was super excited to get my hoodie. I love the color and feel of it! I purchased it as a base layer for my upcoming through hike this summer. I wore my tern one time around town running errands and it already has a large snag in the chest. I’m so sad. I immediately contacted their warranty department and sent a photo hoping they would at least contact me. That was over two weeks ago and I still have not heard back. My husband has two of these hoodies and has never had this problem. I know sometimes one item can have a flaw (which I’m assuming was the case with this shirt) and I would have given a great review if someone would have at least reached out to me to remedy the problem.

Got this hoodie for a bike packing trip and I think it will be perfect. In testing it out I took it on a family hiking trip. Basically an easy 6 mile hike with a super light backpack holding 2 water bottles and a bottle of suntan lotion. The amount of pilling was very disappointing. I know in the description they say that it "may" show some pilling if used with a backpack but wow I was really surprised at how much there was. Fortunately for my use I won't have a anything on my back during my trip.

I’ve tried, smartwool, REI, Woolly, Meriwool, and ones from Costco but nothing is a good as this Ultralight Hoodie. I wear it all summer long because of my fair skin. It keeps me cool in the heat and is great for layering because it is so thin. The hood works great when it is windy or cold. They are delicate but much better than the other ones I’ve tried in Ultralight. I love the weave of the material because it stretches just enough and is so soft. I have the gray and the blue. I prefer the gray-looks light blue to me because it is the coolest in the sun.

Photos from Timberline Trail around Mt. Hood.

This is a very nice looking hoodie. I like the textured appearance. It fits well. I am female but I think the sizing is male. I got my usual size in mens tops, Large, which fits like a large tall with a bit of extra length (which is fine for me). I think the price is fair for a wool garment. It is thinner than my Smartwool shirt but I like it better due to the comfort of the lightweight wool. It does appear fragile so I will make a point to protect it in hopes it lasts multiple years. Best of all it was warmer than I expected. I mostly use it as a mid layer and it is as warm for me as a fleece without the bulk. Very good and I hope to get another one someday.

This shirt is delicate Not made for hiking or real use Snags very easily then there’s”runs” in the fabric It’s like wearing pantyhose hiking! Major amount of pilling with use of a backpack. OV considers the pilling normal. I do NOT recommend this shirt

I was hesitant to try out this hoodie as a woman since it only comes in unisex sizing. The fit of the XS is actually quite good, with the exception of the hood. This is the smallest hood I’ve ever encountered on a hoodie. It doesn’t even cover my hair fully, let alone my forehead or side of my cheeks for sun coverage. It also has oddly low coverage on the neck. The fabric is really nice and comfortable but I can’t get over the oddly fit hood.

Love this lightweight hoodie. Great as a base layer or as a top layer on a cool summer morning or evening while camping. I wear a size 4-6 women’s and bought XS men’s—fitted but not tight.

My Tern just arrived and it is a beauty. Lightweight, merino wool…it is what I have come to expect from OV…a super lightweight high performance product. Best of all I paid with it from my membership dollars!

This is currently my favorite sun hoodie for multiday backpacking trips. It’s comfortable in a broad range of temperatures, dries quickly, and doesnt get as stinky as my synthetic hoodies.

Does not feel like it would hold up. Soft material and does seem to keep you dry, but could snag easily.

I’ve been on a quest to find the ultimate sun hoodie and the tern merino is it. I now own 4 of these and basically I live/sleep/work in them year round. I use them for outdoor pursuits but have also work year round as a parks maintenance worker where I have absolutely put them through everything for an year including construction, trail and forest/riparian restoration. They are very durable, full stop. Super comfortable. Great hood that isn’t too big and blowing off or too restrictive. Keep the sun off and keep me cool. Dries nearly instantly. Requires little washing and stays fresh. Underrated as a winter base layer too.

Bought this hoodie expecting it to be much softer than it is. It’s tolerable when wearing it around town or the house but on my recent backpacking trip it really caused discomfort, especially on my shoulders and lower back where straps hold things securely.

Lightweight but warm. Perfect layer

Very light, perfect fit, will definitely be buying more

I have worn this hoodie a lot and it shows it, it has been very comfortable and it is also very breathable but the fabric catches on branches if you get off the trail a lot. It is still very comfortable to wear, but just showing its age. If you stay on the trail all the time though this is the perfect hoodie, and even if you don't I still recommend it. A very good hoodie.

Fit recommendations were spot on! Weight is light, perfect for packing, great under layer with your pullover.

This is great for a base layer or wearing over at short around the house. The fact it is a hoodie really helps with controlling wind/breeze

Fits well. Waiting to try it out in cooler weather. I Florida right now Highs are 80 and Lows are 65 so I haven’t used it as intended just yet.

The hoodie is thin but mighty. Keeps me warm, fits well, looks great. The hood is generous and fits without pulling when turning your head. I haven’t had a chance to wear it during an outdoor adventure, can’t wait!

I immediately loved this hoodie and sized up for a looser fit (it's an athletic fit).

I can see this working as a base layer for cooler weather or a lightweight sun hoodie.

It's fair to say I find this as true to size, but size up one for a slightly more casual fit.

I love this hoodie! Very nice!