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Outdoor Research Vigor Grid Full Zip Hoodie Review

A lightweight and breathable hoody with a lot of stretch for mobility and hard-to-beat value
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Outdoor Research Vigor Grid Full Zip Hoodie Review
Credit: Zach Lovell
Price:  $120 List
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Manufacturer:   Outdoor Research
By Zach Lovell, Ben Applebaum-Bauch, James Lucas, and Buck Yedor  ⋅  Apr 24, 2024
77
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#3 of 16
  • Warmth - 25% 7.0
  • Comfort - 25% 7.5
  • Breathability - 20% 8.5
  • Layering Ability - 15% 7.0
  • Weight - 15% 8.5

Our Verdict

The Outdoor Research Vigor Grid Full Zip Hoodie is a lightweight fleece built for action. Made from a highly breathable and sweat-wicking grid fleece fabric, it is both a great component of a winter layering system and a stand-alone outer layer on milder, high-intensity days. It's super thin and comfortable while climbing or hiking. The stretch fabric maintains mobility, even when reaching overhead or stretching for a hold. Though it's not the warmest jacket in the bunch, its lightweight breathability makes it an excellent piece if you want to stay comfortable in the cold. How does it compare to the competition? See our review of the best men's fleece jackets.
REASONS TO BUY
Highly breathable
Excellent weight
Inexpensive
Stretchy
REASONS TO AVOID
Average warmth
Odd hood shape
Editor's Note: We updated this review on April 24, 2024, after re-testing the latest version of the Vigor.

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Overall Score Sort Icon
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Star Rating
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Bottom Line This lightweight and breathable fleece with excellent performance at a price that's hard to beatA budget-friendly design that offers comfort and warmthA breathable fleece that’s several times cheaper than the competitionThis soft and comfortable fleece comes at a great price and is warm and decently cozyFor a decent all-purpose fleece at an exceptionally low price point, look no further than this full-zip model
Rating Categories Outdoor Research Vi... REI Co-op Trailmade Wrangler Authentics... Columbia Steens Mou... Amazon Essentials F...
Warmth (25%)
7.0
7.0
6.0
7.0
7.5
Comfort (25%)
7.5
7.0
6.0
6.5
5.5
Breathability (20%)
8.5
5.5
7.0
6.0
5.0
Layering Ability (15%)
7.0
6.0
5.5
5.5
7.0
Weight (15%)
8.5
8.2
7.4
6.0
6.0
Specs Outdoor Research Vi... REI Co-op Trailmade Wrangler Authentics... Columbia Steens Mou... Amazon Essentials F...
Measured Weight 13.2 oz 11.1 oz 12.5 oz 16.6 oz 16.5 oz
Type Lightweight Midweight Midweight Midweight Midweight
Main Material Body: 94% polyester, 6% spandex Body: 100% nylon
Accents: LYCRA spandex
Body: 100% polyester Body: 100% polyester Body: 100% polyester
Hood Option? Yes No No No No
# of Pockets 3 4 0 2 5
Features Thumb holes, UPF 30, 3-panel hood with binding Spandex binding along hem, cuff, and collar; double-layer collar Quarter-length zipper, double fleece layering on back None Zippered chest pocket

Our Analysis and Test Results

The unique fabric pattern and thermo-regulating ActiveTemp of the Vigor work together to make a breathable garment that wicks away moisture when you're battling up steep hills or working hard. It comes with two handwarmer pockets and a chest pocket for ample storage, and thumbholes keep the sleeves in place while layering up. The 7% spandex in the fabric keeps the jacket highly mobile. This feature-heavy, technical fleece is also one of the more affordable options in our lineup, making it a tester favorite for climbing, running, and skiing.

Performance Comparison


outdoor research vigor grid full zip hoodie - the or vigor offers high performance at a much cheaper price than...
The OR Vigor offers high performance at a much cheaper price than its competition.
Credit: Zach Lovell

Warmth


This fleece was never intended to protect from the deep chill of winter. Thin and well-featured, it is meant to retain body heat while on the move. The gridded fleece doesn't have a ton of loft but stays reasonably warm nonetheless. Ultimately, the jacket fits well against the body, and there weren't any significant 'cold spots.'


Though the Vigor doesn't have any adjustment toggles, the hood fits snugly around the head, keeping the ears and necks protected when the wind kicks up. Though it does an admirable job, we noted a couple of concerns about the head area. First, though the hood stays very secure around the head, the sides are concave, exposing the cheeks more than similar models. This may be an intentional design feature to help preserve peripheral vision, but in terms of warmth, it leaves a sensitive part of the face uncovered. Similarly, the neck is much shorter than other top hooded contenders. Though the reduced amount of fabric is comfortable, it's another weaker spot in the insulation profile of this jacket.

Consistent with similar competitors, the Vigor is much better as an outer layer during physical activity than as a true mid-layer in cold weather or when stationary. Concealed thumbholes also help keep the sleeves in place when in use and slide away discreetly when you need full use of both hands.

outdoor research vigor grid full zip hoodie - though a bit thin, the vigor offered good warmth for active use.
Though a bit thin, the Vigor offered good warmth for active use.
Credit: James Lucas

Comfort


The Vigor shines for its lightweight stretch. The 93% polyester and 7% spandex blend make for mobile comfort. Though the grid-patterned fleece is not the softest against the skin, we didn't experience any meaningful abrasion or discomfort during testing. We appreciate that the zipper has a garage at the top, which cannot be said of some other similar fleece hoodies, and that the inside of this piece of fabric is felted, which is far more comfortable than a cold zipper to the lip.


One note is that this garment fits taller and lankier bodies better, as the arms and torso are a bit longer. There are also some thoughtful technical comfort features that we really appreciate. The FlatSeam construction minimizes chafing along the shoulders, wrists, and ribs. In addition, the jacket flares out at the bottom, which allows it to more easily accommodate a harness underneath without riding up.

One issue we experienced, as we have with other hoodies, is that the hood is difficult to pull on and off when the zipper is fully zipped to the top. This keeps the hood in place when it's on, but it can also be annoying if you forget to unzip the neck a few inches and end up mushing the jacket into your face or pulling your hair.

outdoor research vigor grid full zip hoodie - our testers liked the mobility they had while in the vigor. they...
Our testers liked the mobility they had while in the Vigor. They were easily able to move around in the piece and the grid fleece felt comfortable against the skin.
Credit: James Lucas

Breathability


This jacket thrives on breathability. The thermoregulating ActiveTemp technology facilitates wicking, and the grid-patterned fleece creates a uniform area for releasing moisture. For this reason, it is a tester favorite for slogging up steep approaches.


An understated feature, the full-length zipper creates another opportunity for the wearer to air out. When our testers were charging up hills approaching climbs or trail running on brisk mornings, they could start off with the hood up and the jacket fully zipped and then transition to pushing up the sleeves and opening the zipper.

outdoor research vigor grid full zip hoodie - the grid pattern of the vigor leaves lots of channels for...
The grid pattern of the Vigor leaves lots of channels for breathability between fluffier fleece squares.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch

Layering Ability


This fleece moves smoothly under heavier jackets. The three pockets don't add much bulk to the garment, and the sleek zippers slide under another layer easily. This model also has some of the best thumb loops of any that we have reviewed. They are super practical for keeping the sleeves in place when putting on an outer layer but also stow away flat against the wrist when not in use.


As noted above, the Vigor is intentionally designed long toward the waist so it can be tucked in under a harness or backpack waist belt without riding up or causing abrasion. Not only does it accommodate an outer layer, but the sleeves are loose enough that it slides over a base layer fairly easily (though trying to get this on over another thin fleece proved to be too much of a hassle).

Though all jackets (and all clothing in general) offer inherent sun protection, this one boasts a 30 UPF rating. This explicit benefit in a lightweight hoody is especially welcome on late-season ski days when the ambient temperature still requires an outer layer, but the overhead sun might be blasting. This gives it a sun or wind shirt aspect, making it nice for alpine rock missions as well.

outdoor research vigor grid full zip hoodie - thumb loops in the cuffs make it easy to pull on a shell over this...
Thumb loops in the cuffs make it easy to pull on a shell over this fleece.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch

Weight


This fleece is lightweight and packs down small. At 13.2 ounces, it is one of the featheriest jackets we have reviewed. This piece stuffs down well into a pack to fill the nooks and crannies left by more rigid gear. It is also small enough to easily fit into a backpack brain for easy access. The low profile hood, streamlined zipper, two hand warmer pockets, and chest pocket all take up little space.


Should You Buy the Outdoor Research Vigor Full Zip Hoodie?


The Vigor Full Zip is best for the cool-weather outdoor adventurer who stays on the move. It is highly breathable, lightweight, and stretchy, making it ideal for staying in action. It is an easy jacket to layer, and for those looking for a technical garment at a bargain price, this piece delivers.

outdoor research vigor grid full zip hoodie - the vigor offers a ton of high-end features at an inexpensive price...
The Vigor offers a ton of high-end features at an inexpensive price making it a great choice.
Credit: James Lucas

What Other Fleece Jackets Should You Consider?


For those who want a comparable lightweight, breathable hoody, we recommend the Patagonia R1 Air Full Zip Hoody. It doesn't have thumbholes, but it has larger pockets and more robust neck protection. If you like the hoody style but want a slightly heavier, warmer layer, you might like the Arc'teryx Kyanite Hoody — just note that it's more expensive.

Zach Lovell, Ben Applebaum-Bauch, James Lucas, and Buck Yedor