REASONS TO BUY
Works great against a base layer
Effortless to fit layers over
Among the best in packability
REASONS TO AVOID
Not super warm
Average weight to performance ratio
Mountain Hardwear Summit Grid Hoody Review
Pullover fleece jackets like this are hard to beat, with a low weight and high comfort when worn close to the body
Credit: Mark Lovell
By Zach Lovell ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ October 30, 2025
RELATED: The Best Fleece Jackets for Men
Our Verdict
Full-length zippered fleece jackets can be a great choice, but pullovers like the Mountain Hardwear Summit Grid Hoody are lighter and more comfortable than much of the competition. This pullover is quite light, weighing an impressive 10.9 ounces, yet it still offers a hood with drawstring adjustability. The kangaroo pouch came in handy for warming hands, but it's the only pocket on the Summit Grid, and it doesn't zip shut. The interior grid pattern helped with breathability, and we were able to huff uphill in it without sweating too much. It's not the warmest fleece in our lineup, but it feels great against the skin and it's easy to add layers over for any season's adventure.
Our Analysis and Test Results
After rocking the Mountain Hardwear Summit Grid Hoody for multiple seasons, we've determined it to be an incredible fleece in the pullover category. When used by itself, it's great for moderate temperatures, and in more arctic conditions, we loved it as a base layer or at least close to the body.
This pullover fleece won us over, offering a great fit that we wanted to wear all day long.
Credit: Mark Lovell
Warmth
The Summit Grid Hoody is a fairly warm fleece, but it really shines as a layer that's worn closer to you, and can easily fit layers overtop for warmth.
In our objective heat retention test, the Summit Grid kept a bottle of boiling water above 150°F for one hour and three minutes. In our wind examination, we found this to also land in the middle of the pack. In field testing, the Summit Grid offered much more heat retention than some of its competition in the lightweight category, thanks to its well-made and adjustable hood. This hood hugs the head, and we could really create a tight seal by using its drawstrings on the left and right sides. The Summit Grid is ultimately a fleece that'll certainly keep you warm; just remember to keep some more layers with you outside of the summer season.
While this wasn't the warmest layer, the adjustable hood greatly improved its heat retention.
Credit: Mark Lovell
Comfort
Comfort is where the Summit Grid Hoody shines. This became a fleece our testing team inherently kept reaching for in chillier seasons when a fleece was likely to be worn all day. Its polyester construction was softer and more inviting than some of the other fleeces we tested that used similar construction and materials.
We were able to move any way we wanted in the Summit Grid, thanks to its fairly relaxed fit and fabric that didn't bunch too much. While there was some tension with our arms crossed, the stretchier fabric didn't inhibit any of our movement, further making this a very comfy layer. The hood was equally supple and was easy to fit directly onto our heads or (more tightly) over a hat. The drawstrings on the sides were effective at adjusting the hood just how we wanted it.
Mobility was no issue in this layer.
Breathability
The grid pattern of the aptly named Summit Grid made for a notably breathable fleece, with the space between the squares offering an escape path for body moisture. While there are a few more breathable models, the Summit Grid came in towards the top.
Outside of its grid pattern, the Summit Grid is also a lighter-weight fleece, making it easier to keep wearing during heart-pumping activities outdoors. We were able to continue wearing this fleece for a variety of activities, from casual hikes and town strolls to lengthy alpine climbs above treeline. While jackets like softshells offer better breathability, this fleece finds a great balance between insulation and ventilation.
We loved being able to go on extended hikes without shedding the Summit Grid, though in warmer temperatures you might start sweating.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Layering Ability
While some models can fit layers both over and under, the Summit Grid works best as an underlayer. It's not a particularly slim-fitting fleece, but it's a close enough fit that we only recommend a low-profile baselayer underneath it.
The Summit Grid should be considered a partner to your base layers, and we think that's where this layer shines anyway. To make the most of its comfort and heat retention, we loved wearing it closer to our body, and its lack of heat retention is an easy fix: just toss a warmer jacket over it.
We loved being able to layer more insulation or weather protection over the Summit Grid.
Credit: Mark Lovell
Weight
This was one of the lightest fleece jackets we tested. If weight is a priority to you, this model should be at the top of your list.
The Summit Grid weighs only 10.9 ounces and offers excellent packability. There are lighter fleeces out there, but most are pricier than the Summit Grid. We were able to justify bringing this fleece with us virtually anywhere, and loved being able to squeeze it into an already crammed backpack.
This is one of the lighter fleeces in the whole lineup, and is easy to stuff into a bag.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Should You Buy the Mountain Hardwear Summit Grid Hoody?
If you're in the market for a technical pullover, the Summit Grid Hoody has a do-it-all scorecard, and we found it to be a worthy companion for casual or more serious outdoor quests. It's a lightweight and moderately warm jacket, so if you're hunting for a heat-retention king, we might look elsewhere, but this is an easy jacket to fit puffies over and looks great if socializing in cold places.
You'll be happy with the Summit Grid if you want a lightweight and versatile pullover.
Credit: Mark Lovell
What Other Fleece Jackets Should You Consider?
If you're liking the sound of a lightweight fleece, check out the Patagonia Micro D Fleece Pullover, which weighs 30% less than the Summit Grid and is even cheaper. It isn't as warm as the Summit Grid and doesn't have a hood (or pockets), but if you want a lightweight layer and are on a budget, we'd strongly recommend it. If you're looking for a higher-performing lightweight fleece, The North Face Summit Series FutureFleece Full-Zip Hoodie is a top-scoring model that's lower weight than the Summit Grid, but it'll cost you a pretty penny.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare Mountain Hardwear Summit Grid Hoody versus top competing products:
—Zach Lovell
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