Triple Aught Design, better known to most of us as TAD,  redesigned their "Ranger Hoodie" earlier this year.  With the change in weather coming upon us, and our never ending search for quality items to review, we took this one on along with some other upcoming outwear reviews to let you all know what works and what doesn't.  Its never to early to start thinking of Christmas, and its never to soon to own quality gear.

The TAD Ranger Hoodie is made of DWR-treated Polartec WindPro, which makes it rated to stop four times more wind than other fleece.  The DWR coating is a nice touch, but fleece is never going to be the first choice of anyone going out into wet weather.  At least with a DWR treatment, short trips or light rain isn't going to get you soaked.  Up here in the Pacific North West, its coming into six months or so of rain, and our long term testing is going to really be putting this to the test.  I have no doubt based on short term use that the Ranger Hoodie is great in chilly weather as a stand alone piece, but I think being up on Mount Rainier and out on the Carbon Glacier an outer shell is gong to be needed as well when the cold rain and snow kick in.  I'm willing to try layering up and just using the Ranger Hoodie, but I'll have a hard shell in my pack just case...

My initial thoughts on the TAD Ranger Hoodie is that someone really did their homework.  The fit of the size large (in loden green) is almost like it was tailored for me.  My extra long arms fit without any trouble, and the thumb holes make for a nice touch for if I'm doing a lot of reaching around and don't want to sleeve riding up.  Like most outerwear I own, this has pockets on the upper arm along with velcro.  The upper pockets are well sized, and not placed to far to the rear, which is a pet peeve of mine.  The chest pockets are fine, and along with the upper sleeve pockets both have media ports so your iPod won't get cold or wet.

Consider this a brief overview and a thumbs up from a first look.  This TAD Ranger Hoodie will hit the mountains in the next few days, and after we've spent enough time to really get to know it, we will let you know how it does.  Click the picture to see the product specs as given by TAD.

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Fit

  • Active

Material

  • Polartec® Wind Pro®
  • 100% Polyester (10 oz)
  • DWR Finish (Durable Water Repellent)

Patterning

  • Single Underarm Panels with Pit Vents

Hood Configuration

  • Aero Hood Design

Pocket Configuration

    • Two Large Chest Pockets with D-Ring and Media Ports
    • Two Upper Arm Pockets with D-Ring and Media Ports
    • Double Entry Hunter's Pocket
    • Left Forearm Pocket
    • All Pockets Feature Zipper Garages and Pull Tabs

Zipper Configuration

      • Full Front Double Coil Zipper with Beard Flap and Pull Tab
      • All Zippers are YKK® Zippers

Cuff & Sleeve Configuration

      • Thumb Hole Cuffs Integrated into the Seam
      • Two Optional Upper Arm, Die-Cut 3"x5" Loop Swatches for Accessory Patches

Hem Configuration

      • Drop Back Hem
      • Adjustable Locking Drawcord

Logos & Labels

      • One 1"x1" Loop Swatch with Logo Patch at Right Hip

 

Made in the USA

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