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It is late fall and the weather is definitely moving towards the cool side of the thermometer, no, cold is actually a better choice of words. It definitely is getting cold! So that means it’s time to seriously think about adding an extra layer or two to keep warm up here in Maine. But the problem is that even though it is getting cold, as the day moves on, it does get warmer and the layers have to be removed.

Now I like being warm but I also want the ability to remove those extra layers easily. It’s just a personal preference, but I don’t like pull over sweatshirts or sweaters. I like a zipper, it easier and makes a lot of sense if you want to be warm, comfortable and have that extra added ability to adjust the fit.

Zippered hoodies have been around for quite a while, and while most are pretty good providing you with that comfort you want, no one ever gave that little extra thought to make it a little more versatile. That is until SCOTTEVEST decided to add one to their line of clothing. Now their first rendition was pretty good. It was light weight, more for late spring or early fall and had all that cool stuff like very versatile pockets, key holders and that ultra-slick TEC system that allowed for the wiring of your clothing.

But as time rolls on, so does SCOTTEVEST with an evolution of improvements that make the difference … the Ultimate difference!

Now we have the “Ultimate Hoodie Microfleece”, a comfortable and very stylish Hoodie made with a Microfleece fabric that is super soft and wonderfully warm. It makes a perfect layer for those cold days and serves you perfectly as a jacket replacement on those cool days. But what is even better is the design. For the person who likes to carry that extra device, cool accessory or even a set of keys, you have pockets that are made to hold them … easily and safely.

Most jackets have pockets and surprisingly, most clothing manufacturers don’t have a clue about the size that is needed. They make a pocket that will hold something small and it always makes for an unsightly bulge. Not SCOTTEVEST! They have developed a pocket system that is ergonomically designed to manage all of your gadgets and that extra “stuff” you need to carry with a unique system of balanced pockets. The result is that what you carry is balanced throughout the jacket and there are no, or at the very least, slight bulges. Comfort and versatility is foremost in the design and after you wear it the first time, you will see and appreciate just how good it is.

The Ultimate Hoodie is unique with its 11 hidden pockets and compartments. Each pocket is placed strategically to provide you the best experience in comfort. Of course, part of what has made SCOTTEVEST famous is the patented Personal Area Network (PAN) which provides you with a very unique wire management solution for your Windows Mobile device, Zune and any other device that requires wires.

The fabric of the Ultimate Hoodie is a very ultra-comfortable, soft, lightweight microfleece material that keeps you warm when it is cool and yet it is thin enough to allow you to control your devices from the outside. So let’s take a moment to go through the features you expect and maybe a few you will be surprised to see included in a “Hoodie”.

From the outside, as you look at the front of the Hoodie, there is a small SeV logo on the left breast and a TEC logo attached on the right front pocket. Like most hoodies, there are two pockets but unlike other hoodies, these two pockets are quite unique.

First, there are magnetic closures that easily open as you insert your hand and securely close, preventing loss of valuables, as you remove your hand. As nice as that feature is, this is pocket designed for a man. It’s large! I’ve found that most hoodie pockets are small, rarely (if ever) allowing your entire hand to fit inside. Not this SeV product! Taking full advantage of design techniques, SCOTTEVEST has not only added a little more room for your hand but has also incorporated into the pockets those extras that make a difference.

The right hand pocket has an elasticized loop to store a water bottle, a coiled spring for attaching keys and a secret pocket with Velcro for storing a key, change or other small, yet important item. The left pocket has another “pocket in a pocket” for storage. It’s a perfect size for an extra SD card or thumb drive. Both pockets are ‘bordered” with a jersey type material eliminating the fear of wear on the outer portion of the pockets.

Integrated into the seam, between the front right panel and the rear panel, is a hidden zipper providing you with yet another pocket that is another “two in one”. Two pockets, one in front of the zipper and one in the rear providing you room for more devices, keys or even your wallet. I’ve been using it to store my glass and have found it to be a great place to keep them. These pockets have the slit near the top to allow routing of wires although I don’t think these pockets would be used for devices because of their size and location.

Both sleeves have the same jersey material where your hands come through providing a snug fit as well as protection at the end of the sleeve. The left sleeve has a pocket located slightly above the elbow area that has a Velcro fastener for safely securing your devices. And again, always thinking of what a pocket is for, SCOTTEVEST has designed the pocket for multipurpose use. Not only will it hold my Palm 750 perfectly, there is an elastic type band sewn inside to slide your device into. It gives that extra means of protection as well as stability for your device. If you’re an active person, this feature will be greatly appreciated.  I really like the function of this pocket and wish there was a similar pocket on the right arm.

Each of these pockets incorporates the TEC design of allowing you to easily route wires from each pocket to the inside of the jacket and, in the case of wired headphones, neatly up to the head area for your listening pleasure. Usually the routing of wires on SCOTTEVEST jackets is hidden between layers but this fleece has only one layer. So how can you route wires to keep them secure from mishap and at the same time not allow them to “flap” around on the inside? Solutions … that is what SCOTTEVEST has and he solved this routing issue easily with unique Velcro interior tabs that you place and lock your wires into. When I first saw it I was impressed and after I used them, I knew it was just another great SeV idea. It works …. and works well!

So now that we are on the inside routing wires, let’s take some time to see what makes this fleece just better than anything else on the market. SCOTTEVEST has had an evolution over the years in perfecting the designs of his clothing.

In the left interior breast area, you will find 4 pockets; two pen/stylus holder pockets and one zippered pocket that is actually two pockets in one. The larger pocket is great for holding items like your wallet and the smaller pocket is great for placing credit cards, money or even a small MP3 player. What makes this pocket extra special is its design. Integrated into the front zipper seam, the shoulder seam and the arm hole, it provides you with a pocket that is balanced for carrying items and at the same time prevents that unsightly “bagging” that occurs with most pockets as items of weight are added. It is a very unique design that has been improved on to provide an ergonomic pocket with a perfect look. What was missing on this pocket was that “slit” that is usually found on most SeV pockets for routing your wires.

Routing wires is easy and in the hood area, there is a neat 3 part velcroed flap system to allow you to neatly and securely tuck your wires away. On either side, at the edge of the hood, are elastic loops for that final placement of your earbuds. It is a great system to use to quickly listen to your tunes as soon as you wear your Hoodie.

This hooded sweatshirt has a slew of features that make it the most versatile Hoodie you will ever own. DeepPockets, magnetic closures, a secret pocket, an extendible keychain, and a 2-way front zipper are some of the highlights that will make this the best Hoodie you will ever own and did I mention that it is Machine Washable? Well, it is and it came through the laundry perfectly!

I have had the privilege of reviewing several SCOTTEVEST products and am continually amazed at not only the quality of the craftsmanship and the versatility of the clothing for the mobile road warrior but the thought that goes into the design.  This isn’t a Hoodie that just looks good, it’s a Hoodie designed for a purpose … to make your ability to Experience Mobility a lot better.

This is a great gift for the holiday season and one that will last and last and last. Check out the SCOTTEVEST Ultimate Hoodie Microfleece here (http://www.scottevest.com/v3_store/40_hoodie.shtml).

Pros

Left Arm Pocket

Soft high quality Microfleece material

2-way front zipper

Very comfortable

Cons

No “slits” for wires in breast pocket

No Right Arm Pocket

You can get your The Ultimate Hoodie from SCOTTEVEST here

Jack Cook (2689 Posts) - Website | Twitter | Facebook