Cotopaxi Pacaya 2.0 Hooded Review

Warmth

On its own, the Cotopaxi Pacaya 2.0 Hooded is not warm for fall, winter, or spring. However, it's very easy to wear under or over other layers, and its lighter insulation remains comfortable in warmer temperatures, while heavier insulated models can only be used for half the year.

We tested the Cotopaxi Pacaya 2.0 Hooded on some artic chilly mornings, and we loved having it against our base layers. On days we could see our breath as we stepped out of the car, the Pacaya's hood felt welcome against our ears, and on windy days, the drawstring adjusters formed a tight seal around our head and hips. Just make no mistake, you will turn into a popsicle if you wear this as your main jacket while hanging at the base of a ski area or at a winter campsite.

Comfort

This is a layer that's as inviting as a sweater or fleece, and gave us some at-home comfort while wearing it in the backcountry. Around the house, some of our team got in the routine of putting it on first thing in the morning, and taking it off just before bed, or (as we shared previously) sometimes even sleeping in it. The Pacaya is so comfy, you'll almost wish it were cold out so you could have an excuse to wear it.

Cotopaxi made the Pacaya 2.0 with a Goldilocks cut that's just right: roomy enough that we had our full range of motion but not so baggy that the fabric bunches while sitting or putting layers over it. Whether you're a rock climber, ice climber, fly fisher, or simply reaching overhead to trim your backyard branches, this is a jacket that'll let you do whatever you need in cool temperatures.

Weather Resistance

If you rely on the Pacaya 2.0 as your only storm protection, you will get wet if the snow or rain lasts more than a few minutes. If you need encouragement to keep up the pace on your trail runs, by all means, rely on the Pacaya. Once you get wet you won't want to stop running til you get back to the car or camp. Cotopaxi did put a DWR finish on the Pacaya to encourage some water beading, but it's not enough to offer true protection. This layer does do a decent job in the wind.

Plain and simple, the Pacaya 2.0 will not keep you dry in a real storm. However, it's more effective against cold, dry snow and can handle a quick “out of nowhere” drizzle that has caught all of us by surprise above the tree line. If you're experiencing high winds on your next adventure, you still might want to throw a shell jacket on, but we wore the Pacaya in winds up to about 35 miles an hour and were happy, or at least happy enough.

Breathability

Drumroll for the Pacaya here… If you're tired of getting sweaty and pit-staining your jackets, this jacket might be the answer. It's one of the most breathable jackets we've tested, and you're less likely to feel like ripping it off mid-hike due to overheating. In cooler temperatures, this became a go-to against our base shirts. This layer will keep you from getting as sweaty as a groom writing his vows the morning of the wedding.

The Pacaya 2.0 has fleece panels that run all the way from the wrist, up to the armpit, and then back down the torso to the middle of the ribs. This dumps heat relatively easily for an insulated jacket. The Pacaya is also very thin, so its lack of insulation helps its case in breathability. During our testing season, we made some special memories pushing the Pacaya, most notably wearing it during an incredible granite rock climb in the alpine that was over 1,000 feet high. We didn't have to take it off all day, even when we were working hard.

Everyday Versatility

Depending on the aesthetic you like, the Pacaya 2.0 has some excellent colors, and some are muted enough that you can wear the Pacaya to a casual workplace. For recreation, the Pacaya is incredibly versatile and can handle anything you throw at it — whether you wear it curling, snowshoeing, skiing, or warm-weather backpacking.

Where a lighter jacket like the Pacaya 2.0 shines brightest is in its layering capabilities. It can't provide as much protection from the elements as a heftier jacket, but it's easy to bolster warmth or rain protection by simply slipping more layers on top. It can also fit a thinner fleece underneath, making the Pacaya a key part of your layering system when the thermometer reading gets abrasive.

As is often the case with jackets, the Pacaya 2.0 has hand pockets that get blocked when wearing a backpack hip belt. There is a large chest pocket that remains useful, and even doubles as a storage sack, but if Cotopaxi put the hand pockets slighlty higher, we could get our whole hand inside.

Should You Buy the Cotopaxi Pacaya 2.0 Hooded?

If you believe in the philosophy that “light is right”, the Pacaya 2.0 should be considered. But it's just as “right” if you want something as comfy as possible to wear on chilly fall mornings. You're in for some rough adventures if you use the Pacaya by itself for winter warmth or storm protection, but it's a fantastic mid-layer jacket.

What Other Insulated Jackets Should You Consider?