Mid and Base Layers

Outdoor Research Trail Mix Snap Pullover | Review

When Outdoor Research do a fleece, you better believe it’s more advanced than most

Why We Chose The Outdoor Research Trail Mix Snap Pullover: Temperature regulating and quick drying tech

Outdoor Research are like that really quiet kid you went to school with who, it later transpired, was actually a prodigious and extremely talented individual. There’s nothing flashy about OR, and they don’t really make much of a song and dance about their kit like some of the more “Hollywood” brands out there do, but they are without question one of the best in the business when it comes to elevating outdoor kit through innovation. Take a look at their Mix Trail Snap Pullover, for example. It might look like a pretty standard fleece, but it’s actually so much more.

Who Is The Outdoor Research Trail Mix Snap Pullover For?

In short, this pullover is for anyone who wants a self-proclaimed “smart” fleece that hides its thermo-regulating technology beneath a layer of cozy, irresistible, warmth. Breaking this down further, it’s a great all-rounder number that’s perfect for people who live for getting out amongst it regularly. It’s as home on the hiking trails as it is in the beer garden, so whether you’re a weekend warrior or a never-not-outdoors type we reckon you’ll like this item. Hiking, climbing, chilling by the campfire; whatever you’re into here, you’re covered here.

Materials

The Men’s Trail Mix Snap Pullover from Outdoor Research is made from 100% polyester. The fabric is wicking, quick drying, breathable, and is thermo-regulating thanks to its clever ActiveTemp treatment. This is basically an embedded polymer that dynamically adjusts to your temperature as things change around it, meaning its rate of moisture management is completely dependent on how you’re using – or wearing – it. While most other fluids become solids when chilled (think: water), ActiveTemp’s polymer does the opposite, so long story short, when your hot, it’ll help the fabric to cool you and when you’re cool, it’ll help the fabric to warm you. It sounds crazy, but it works.

We should also mention the the grid-style weave construction here. This works in the same way as Polartec’s Powergrid, offering efficient insulation, breathability and with minimal bulk – ideal stuff for a mid layer then.

Features

As well as the impressive thermo-regulating stuff, the Trail Mix Snap Pullover also has thumb holes, a nifty kangaroo pocket for your storage needs, raglan sleeves and a 4-snap woven placket with stand-up collar. It’s not a rocket ship we’re talking about here but the features it does have are impressively well implemented. On top of all that, the fabric offers a UPF rating of 30.

It’s worth bearing in mind that there are loads of variations available in the Trail Mix collection, including hooded and hoodless ones, zipped collars, popped collars and pull overs – and all in a wide array of colour options.

The Trail Mix Snap Pullover has thermo-regulating technology. Photo: Mike Brindley

There's a kangaroo pocket for your storage needs. Photo: Mike Brindley

There's a hood for when you really want to keep the cold out. It'll fit snuggly under a climbing helmet. Photo: Mike Brindley

The beauty of Polyester fabric is that it’s super fast drying as well. Stick this in the wash with all the rest of your laundry and we can pretty much guarantee that it’ll come out drier than everything else. Obviously then, that aspect will come in very handy on any outdoor excursions in damp weather.

Conclusion

If you’re the type of outdoor enthusiast who likes to keep things simple in the wardrobe department, you’re going to love this versatile piece of activity-focused clothing. Whether you’re doing a Sunday afternoon in the South Downs or marching a multi-day stretch of the Appalachian Trail, the Trail Mix Snap Pullover, in our eyes, is a performance mid layer that should serve you very well.