First Impressions

This is a feature-rich jacket with a stylish look and lightweight warmth. I haven’t worn Sierra Designs products in the past and really liked both the quality of the jacket construction and the fashionable look and fit. This jacket performs in weather and works as a day-to-day option.

Features

The Sierra Designs jacket is constructed of Elevation™ 100% nylon DWR. The water repellency works well. The fabric feels nice and is durable.

Full of features!! This jacket has lots of pockets, thumb holes, a hood, and a stuff sack. Outside the jacket provides three pockets, two at the hip and one on the chest. The zippers move freely and the pockets are very roomy. Two open pockets and a zippered mesh pocket complete the interior of the jacket. Although the jacket comes with a stuff sack, it can also be stuffed into the mesh pocket. As with previous jackets, the pocket stuffed tightly and I was a little worried about stretching the zipper too far. In the end, the pocket worked as well as the separate sack.

The jacket’s hood is a great option, both for weather and for fashion. The hood looks great and keeps the weather off. I wore the jacket on several rainy days and the hood kept me warm and dry. Thumbholes add a rugged detail to the jacket and help to keep the sleeves in place and the weather out. The elastic cuffs are a nice, snug fit without being too tight. Additionally, the hem of the jacket contains a draw cord to customize the fit around the hip. A storm flap detailed with Sierra Designs’ “Seek Adventure” tagline under the front zipper keeps the wind away.

Fit

Nicely curved at the waist, the Gnar Hoody fits comfortably and allows for additional layers underneath. The sleeves are a perfect length and the shoulders are roomy, allowing for freedom of movement. The jacket length is good, falling to mid-hip.

Final Verdict

Sierra Designs’ Gnar Hoody is a great overall jacket loaded with features. The many pockets, thumbholes, hood, and waist draw cord make it useful in many conditions. The more fitted look of the jacket make it a great option for daily use, yet the performance of the fill and fabric provides suitability for heartier endeavors.

First Impressions:
[Rating:4.5/5] Features:
[Rating:5/5] Fit:
[Rating:5/5] Final Verdict:
[Rating:4.5/5]

Thanks for reading another outdoor gear review from GearGuide written by Cheryl K. And thanks to the folks at Sierra Designs and Pale Morning Media for providing product and information for this review.