REI Co-op Hyperaxis 2.0 Review

The Polartec Power Stretch Pro polyester of the Hyperaxis 2.0 makes this a comfortable mid-layer for a variety of activities. A hood and thumb holes in the sleeves round out an overall cozy fleece.

Performance Comparison

Warmth

We were pleasantly surprised by how well the Hyperaxis retains heat. It somehow feels lighter weight than it actually is, giving off the initial impression that it won't stand up to cold weather. However, upon close inspection, the density of the weave means that wind doesn't cut through it nearly as easily as 'airier' models. It does a great job of keeping hands warm too — the thick material wards off the wind if you find yourself without gloves and need to use the pockets to keep the finger circulation going.

With a baselayer, the Hyperaxis 2.0, and a waterproof shell, we were good to go in 30-degree Fahrenheit weather so long as we stayed on the move. We also really enjoyed the high collar, which zips up almost to the nose and makes for a good hiding place in the wind while protecting the neck. In addition, it seals off the top and limits the body heat that can escape through the neck area.

Though the fabric itself is very warm, we have two issues with the performance of this jacket. First, the thumbholes in the sleeve do not come with the same double-layer flap that other models use to seal off the openings when you're not using them. As a result, each sleeve just has an open hole in the wrist, which is noticeable when the wind picks up. Second, the zipper has a limited wind flap that only covers the top portion, so the bottom 80% of the zipper is an entry point for a stiff breeze.

Comfort

Though the outside of this fleece feels like any other polyester garment, we love how soft the interior feels and how stretchy it is. In practice, it doesn't bunch up nearly as much as other models, making it easier to reach and move while hiking, climbing, or skiing.

The hood has a secure fit — not designed to accommodate a helmet, but it also stays put in the wind. The same soft fleece from the body is also in the hood, which is very cozy. We only have two small drawbacks to highlight from our testing. First, the collar can sometimes bunch up when this jacket is worn with a shell because of how much fabric there is to protect the neck. Second, we would also appreciate a swatch of felt or other soft material in the wind flap at the top of the zipper to minimize lip, chin, and nose rubbing. It's not uncomfortable, but we have seen this done better on other models.

Breathability

Breathability is not where the Hyperaxis 2.0 excels. It does have three mesh-lined pockets, including two hand warmers and one on the left chest. When we just wore the fleece (without a shell over it) with the pockets open, we did notice a decent cooling effect, so it's not entirely without merit.

However, most of the time, the dense-weave polyester of the main fleece body retained perspiration that looser fabrics would be able to release. On the plus side, the jacket holds in body heat as well, but working up a sweat outdoors in the winter can quickly turn the internal furnace of your core into a refrigerator as your body stays damp and cools down. With that in mind, this layer can certainly keep you warm, but you might be liable to overheat faster than in other fleece jackets.

Layering Ability

The Hyperaxis 2.0 is loose enough in the arms to slide over a base layer without feeling restrictive. Our only knock here is that the interior fleece is especially clingy. Some garments have smooth nylon sleeves or patches of fabric to help reduce friction when putting them on, but this is not one of them.

However, layering over the top of this fleece is a different story, as the exterior polyester is smooth. Additionally, most shells and winter coats are typically nylon-lined or Gore-tex, making pulling them over the top super simple. The process is made that much easier by the thumb loops, which you can hook over your digits to keep the arms from bunching as you pull up a heavier coat on top.

In addition, the moderate loft of the Hyperaxis makes it a good option to wear on its own over a base layer in milder temperatures or to use as a true mid-layer in winter months under a much heavier coat. The snug-fitting hood nests easily underneath the roomier head coverings on a raincoat, for example.

Weight

At 16.7 ounces, this is one of the heavier models in our lineup. To give it some credit, some of that weight is due to the hood, which is not the case for the heaviest contenders — they just have bulkier fabric. We also found that the Hyperaxis packs down at the bottom of a pack smaller than some lighter models in the category.

However, this jacket is not especially lightweight, so if keeping ounces to a minimum is essential to the success of your adventure, this likely won't be the best option. Though keep in mind that you're gaining some extra warmth and coziness for those additional ounces. For some folks and use cases, the trade-off may be more than worth it.

Should You Buy the REI Co-op Hyperaxis 2.0?

This fleece hoody is a fantastic option for anyone who needs a combination of comfort and mobility in their mid-layer. The fabric is some of the stretchiest we have come across while still remaining warm. This certainly isn't the most breathable jacket out there, so if cooling down quickly (or avoiding soaking your baselayer) is super important, you will want to look elsewhere. However, it's one of our favorites for a casual and super comfortable layer.

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