Review topics: ["fit","size","weight","problem","weather","fabric","material","colour","looks","feel","improvement","packs","comfort","layer","top","features","warmth","hoodie","piece","icebreaker","stay","jacket","wind","peak","lasting","blend","pros","details","remains","biking"].
Reviews
My Go-To Hoodie for Shoulder Season
"This Descender Zip Hoodie has been the best. It is shoulder season in Utah right now, so the weather is all over the place. This hoodie has been my go-to on all my hikes. Great for the chilly starts, cold peaks, and when we had to tromp through the snow that we got blessed with mid April. Also, worked great to block from the sun on the warmer days without causing me to overheat. Very light and breathable. Material is quite thin but durable. Typically took it out on 5-10 miles hikes, from moderate to very steep. Temperatures ranging from 36-75º F. Fit true to size. I usual wore a tank top underneath and this top felt soft next to my skin, no itchy or scratchy feeling. I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review."
— Amber C. (5/5)
New favorite layer!
"The first time I wore this hiking uphill in the high 30s, I had to take it off pretty quickly because I was too hot. This is not a defect: it's amazingly warm for how lightweight it is. I have used it trail running, hiking a few 13ers, and mountain biking. Coming off a high Colorado peak in early spring, the cold 20+ mph wind required me to cover my face but my core stayed warm with just a sun shirt and the Descender. I kept in on most of a low 50s but windy 60 mile desert mountain bike ride and a 50 mile mountain bike ride at 10k and never felt clammy despite my synthetic next-to-skin layer being sweaty. I've also just worn it around town because it's cute and the right amount of warmth. And I can wear it a few more times before I have to wash it- not stinky yet! I am petite and it fit me great- it is a slim fit and won't accommodate bulky layers underneath. My only complaint is the chest pocket- seems useless and doesn't sit well on my body. Would love to see a vest version! I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review."
— Amanda (5/5)
Unique and Versatile Mid Layer
"icebreaker’s Women's Merino Blend 200 Realfleece™ Descender Long Sleeve Zip Hoodie is a fantastic mid-layer for alpine adventures and shoulder season activities. I’ve been wearing this layer for a variety of activities including ski touring, hiking, running, climbing and casual biking. The temperature regulation performed as great as other icebreaker layers. I felt warm when on top of windy saddles but I also didn’t overheat when getting blasted by the sun. I really enjoy the thinner material in the armpits to assist with staying cool and mobile. Just keep in mind it is still a fleece. I also never had an issue with moving around but I do recommend wearing a tank top or sport bra for the best comfort. The material is stretchy enough so that you can wear a thin long sleeve shirt - in my case, I layered it with a wool shirt. Because of the next-to-skin comfort, I do not recommend wearing short sleeves since they get bunched up in the armpit. Overall, it is very comfortable and generally flattering. I tested the hoodie’s durability to its fullest with climbing. Because it is so soft and lightweight, the material did eventually snag a hole. I think it is best I keep this layer for touring and hiking. I probably will also avoid wearing day packs with belts and buckles because it catches pretty easily. Additionally, unfortunately, during one of the first few times I was wearing it, the stitching along the cuff and sleeve ripped. I didn’t pull very hard and 75% of the cuff ripped off. I have since sewed it back on so it’s not an issue anymore but I am worried that the stitching in other places might rip later. I love this piece and only have a few complaints/modifications. Firstly, the stitching and durability as mentioned previously. Second, I wish the hood had a pony tail hole. Because this hoodie hugs your body all around, it would be nice to be able to stick my pony tail out so that my hair isn’t being pressed up against my head. I prefer to wear this layer without the hood. Last, because I am on the shorter side, the zipper doesn’t sit correctly on me. The middle of the jacket tends to jut out from riding up my torso over time. One unique feature I enjoy is the thumb holes and how you can turn the sleeves into little mittens. The best feature is the arm pit ventilation! The hoodie is a unique piece and I enjoy all of what it has to offer! I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review."
— Janet (4/5)
My new cold morning starter
"This layer was fantastic for cooler mornings doing higher output activities. I found myself picking it up for running/spending time outdoors before the sun came over the mountains with the thumb holes and hidden hand mittens! The breathability was great on this as it warmed up I felt like I could keep wearing without immediately feeling like I was in a sweat box. I am pregnant and found that the cut of this zipped up made me look very unpleasant but I felt great in it. It is a touch longer in the back than I would personally like. I am excited to break this out next backcountry ski season as my new go-to layer."
— Julia (5/5)
Nice and Light Hiking Hoodie
"I had the opportunity to test out the Icebreaker Descender Long Sleeve Zip Hoodie. I wore this hoodie over the last month whether I was hiking, horseback riding, or walking around town. It is a great all around layer! Below are my thoughts. Pros: - It's lightweight and soft, making it incredibly comfortable to wear. - After completing several challenging hikes, the hoodie didn't have any odor. Yay, for natural fibers! I prefer natural materials over synthetic any day. - It added extra warmth without adding excess bulk. For the start of the chilly morning hikes, it was perfect. Once the the temperature got to about 70 degrees, did I have to remove it. Cons: - It is very form fitting but was not true to size. I wear an XS (all my Icebreaker clothing is XS) and this was way too small. Zipping it up was too tight and caused weird lumps. Would recommend going up a size. - The fit feels more similar to my base layers rather than a mid layer. Anything I wear under it has to be form fitting, otherwise it's uncomfortable. I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review."
— Katherine (4/5)
The Angel in the Details
"Icebreaker is once again “breaking” expectations with their Merino Blend 200 Realfleece™ Descender Long Sleeve Zip Hoodie. It combines two of my favorite performance technologies: merino wool and a brushed fleece construction. The brushed interior pattern reduces unnecessary weight while improving breathability and temperature regulation, creating a layer that adapts well across a wide range of effort levels and conditions. During cooler shoulder-season hikes, trail runs, and ski touring outings in temperatures ranging from the mid-30s to high 50s °F, it balanced warmth and ventilation impressively well. Meanwhile, the merino blend effectively wicked moisture during higher-output efforts and dried quickly enough to remain comfortable during slower sections or descents. As someone with more sensitive skin, I was also pleased that the merino blend felt soft next-to-skin without any itchiness or irritation. The fit was true to size with a close-to-body feel that worked well both as a standalone layer and as part of a layering system, though I personally sized up once to comfortably fit additional layers underneath for colder outings. Mobility was excellent throughout testing, whether I was hiking with trekking poles, trail running on uneven terrain, or skinning uphill while ski touring. The full-length zipper made it easy to fine-tune ventilation on the move, while the underarm panels noticeably improved airflow during sustained climbs and harder efforts where body heat fluctuated quickly. I also appreciated the offset shoulder seams, which eliminated pressure points and rubbing while wearing a hiking pack or a running vest over longer distances. Smaller design details further elevated the experience: the thumb holes and integrated flip-sleeve “gloves” added extra versatility and warmth during colder starts or windy ridgelines without immediately needing heavier gloves. I tested the hoodie across a variety of New England conditions, including damp shoulder-season hikes, cool gravel-path and trail runs, and ski touring laps in variable mountain weather. Throughout repeated use, the fabric maintained its shape well, stitching remained durable, and the hoodie resisted odor noticeably better than many synthetic midlayers I’ve used during back-to-back activities. What ultimately makes the Descender stand out is how effectively it blends the natural comfort and odor resistance of merino with thoughtful technical design features that genuinely improve performance in motion. The result is a versatile, highly adaptable layer that excels both as a breathable standalone piece and as a reliable midlayer for changing mountain conditions. I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review."
— Emma (5/5)
A comfortable lightweight hoodie made 4 all!
"I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review. The reason I give this hoodie a 5 star Icebreaker review 1. Performance in motion: I used the descender fleece hoodie in 70 degree weather. I wore it for walks with my dog and on a few runs. I even wore it during my chemistry lab! I wanted to test it outside of just wearing it outdoors. The 60/40 merino blend really gave a nice breathable feel throughout the time I was being active. It never stuck to my body. Even when it got up to 74 degrees I didn’t feel overbearing hot I wouldn’t wear it for extreme heat. In the lab it kept me very warm and it’s a very flexible material. I can move around outside and indoors with no issues. It’s a very light fleece and you can definitely layer it as a base layer as well. 2. Temperature regulation: the side panels are known as the cool lite underarm mesh panels. These panels provided a lot of ventilation and breathability on my runs especially since that was the most high active workout I used the hoodie in. The inside of the hoodie has a light fleece providing warmth when needed and not too overpowering either which is nice since this is more of a lightweight option that’s what I really liked. 3. Fit and feel: I really like the fit it really snatches you in the right places making you look good but most importantly being able to be active in the hoodie comfortably and being able to move well on my adventures. 4. Durability: the quality of icebreaker is amazing and well long lasting. The material on the hoodie is tencel lyocell which is meant to be very durable and long last lasting. 5. Uniqueness: the material the fleece hoodie is made out of is really nice and lightweight. I like how it makes me feel and look it’s a really nice lightweight piece to have and to be able to wear it for multiple activities makes it great."
— Ir (5/5)
Cold Weather or Warm Weather, you can't go wrong!
"First off, I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review. I was so excited to receive this L/S zip hoodie to test because I love Icebreaker products! And this hoodie was no exception. It is an awesome top. I wore this hoodie during various hikes, the two most different being in the Olympics in Washington and in Yukon, Canada! It held up incredibly in both warm and cold conditions, it is the perfect layering hoodie. The sleeves were a little long but that is normal because I have short arms! The lengths of the sleeves and of the jacket itself did not detract from the layerability. I sometimes struggle with wool being too itchy against my skin, but I did not have a problem at all with this hoodie. It zipped easily, has a chest pocket (that fit my phone!), and felt comfortable in the various different environments I wore it in. It dried relatively quickly (wool doesn't usually dry fast anyway) and didn't hold any stink. The hood is tight up against the head when zipped up fully which did look a little silly when I had a beanie on, but I would rather look silly than be cold! I have used and worn MANY baselayers in the past, but none quite as functional as this one. It feels durable, which is also something other Baselayers (especially wool) struggle with. I see myself being able to use this many times throughout the year and in every season/weather condition. It functioned exactly as a baselayer should and as well as any baselayer can, and then some! Icebreaker does it again! Highly recommend!"
— SeattleSprints (5/5)
Stayed Warm and Comfy
"This hoodie fit perfectly from the get-go. I even ran it through the dryer, which went against what the tag instructs you to do, and it still fit well. I usually wear polyester blend shirts while running and this Icebreaker hoodie definitely felt more odor resistant and didn't rub or ride up against my back like the polyester shirts normally do. It was snug while also being lightweight and comfortable. I wore this while running in temperatures between 30 and 50 degrees F, and also used it for some walks/hikes and as a skiing base layer. It layers well with a ski or rain jacket. I was able to wear this while skiing right after wearing it on a run and never felt like there was sweat build-up or any discomfort. It kept me warm on runs in the rain and in very windy (40+ mph wind gusts with at least a 10 degree wind chill) conditions. It did feel a little too warm on nice sunny days that were above 40F but even after those runs I was able to wear this while doing some yoga or stretching and it never was all that uncomfortable or itchy. Overall I highly recommend this hoodie for people that want to run or hike in a wide variety of conditions, but especially for those who want to keep warm while outdoors in the winter and early spring months. This item was received for free in exchange for a review."
— Anna (5/5)
I am really stoked on this product
"I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review. Women's Merino Blend 200 Realfleece™ Descender Long Sleeve Zip Hoodie Size: Medium Height: 5'7" Weight: 140lbs I love this product. It is perfect for chilly days, 35-50°F. Personally, when I am hiking or running, I am warm, like sweaty. I am always stripping and end up on a hike in a lighter layer. But I have gone hiking and used this as a warm layer in the beginning when I am starting cold. Personally, it wouldn't be my bottom layer on a run because I get so hot, but it would be a sheddable one! BUT What I really loved this layer for is biking!! I wear this and a light windbreaker and stay so warm and feel so light. It is quite a warm layer, so the cold wind while biking and my generated heat has been keeping me at a perfect equilibrium. It packs down so small when you need to shed the warm layer. It is a slim fit for sure. I usually don't wear such form-fitting, but this hoodie has changed everything. It is almost invisible as a layer because it is so light - yet so effective. The fabric is durable, stretchy, and soft on the skin. The Zippers are strong. The sizing was very accurate. I am a size medium when I want an accurate fit. I also have been keeping this layer on for when I am doing my everyday things. It is such cute activewear. I am really stoked on this product. In comparison to other merino shirts I've used in the past, this one blows the others out of the water. It is so thin and warm. This hoodie is really great. What's awesome, too, is if you get hot, you can unzip to breathe before you get to the point of needing to take it all the way off. All in all, I highly recommend this in your hiking/biking/adventuring closet!"
— Belle G. (5/5)
