First Impressions

I stepped off the plane the other day and realized something. Fall is almost here. You could feel it. Breeze with a hint of crispness. Leaves rolling through the street. Sun a little low on the horizon. After almost two and a half weeks of travel, things in Northern California definitely changed. Time to start breaking out the fall workout gear.

Last spring, we parked a Sugoi Alpha Hybrid Jacket in the closet. We purchased it pretty late in the season and never really gave it a go. It compares to products like the Eddie Bauer IgniteLite and The North Face Animagi, both reviewed here. And Sugoi makes both a running and cycling friendly version.

Features

Our Sugoi Alpha Hybrid came in all black. Sugoi makes other combos including a red/black, blue/black and even a green called Berzerker. The Alpha Hybrid — like most products in the category — boasts a lightweight, synthetic stretch sleeve and shoulder for mobility and an insulated body to warm your core on a cool day. The company employs what they call MidZero fabric on the sleeve, back and sides which helps mobility. The body uses a Polartec brand synthetic insulation which delivers breathability and warmth.

Specs
Weight: 16 oz. (large)
Fabrics: Nylon, Polartec insulation

The front of the jacket presents a smooth, flat surface that’s wind and water resistant. Sugoi provides three pockets: one zippered chest pocket and two handwarmers also zippered. There’s also two interior pockets as well.

The collar stands up. The main zipper parks under a small protective garage for comfort. No thumb loops are provided.

Fit

The Sugoi Alpha Hybrid Jacket uses the company’s semi-fit approach. Not too tight and not too relaxed either. We did find it snug enough to size up one. Men’s large for us vs. our normal medium.

Final Verdict

The Sugoi Alpha Hybrid is one slick jacket. Nothing too fancy here, solid construction, fit and finish. The version we purchased was only $35, far below the normal retail price, and a definite bargain at that. If you can find one anywhere near that price, buy it.

Thanks for reading another outdoor gear review from GearGuide.