Enlightened Equipment Hoodlum

IMG_20160520_120632794 — Top of Mt. Mitchell

At this point I own two Enlightened Equipment Revelation quilts that I love so it makes sense to purchase a Hoodlum to go with them. It goes especially well for my 20 degree revelation because chances are if I’m using this quilt it’s probably cold and I’ll need head insulation. It comes in two different temperature ranges, 20-40F and 0-20F so I chose the 0-20F because for me, anything more than a small skullcap in warmer temperatures is way too much.

Previous to the Hoodlum I was using a generic Fleece Windproof Ski Face Mask Hood (Black) that I had purchased from Amazon which served its purpose until I moved up to the Hoodlum. The Fleece Windproof Ski Face Mask Hood (Black) is warm but two or three times as heavy as the 2oz Hoodlum.

I had a chance to test my hoodlum out on an Appalachian Trail hike from Allen Gap to Hot Springs in somewhat cold temperatures and I loved it. It probably only got down to the mid 30’s so it wasn’t exactly freezing but definitely proved that it would be a valuable piece of gear at that temperature and anything lower. Just putting it on gives you the feeling of protection! It enveloped your head in a cocoon of warmth and comfort and at no time did it become clammy on my trip. It is sure to be a staple piece of gear on my winter hikes or high elevation hikes in shoulder seasons with temperatures below 35F.

I have used my Hoodlum on several occasions now and I really like it. It’s not too hot and very breathable! Now I want another one, only in the warmer version.

Below is information I obtained straight from the Enlightened Equipment website.

Enlightened Equipment Hoodlum

The Hoodlum is designed to be the perfect cold-weather accessory for your Enlightened Equipment top quilt, or used entirely on its own when out on an adventure. Using ultralight and very breathable Phantom 10D water resistant fabric, and insulated with Climashield Apex synthetic insulation, this will keep your head and face warm in all situations, wet or dry. Offered in two temperature ratings, you can choose a balaclava that’s best suited for shoulder season or high altitude chilly evenings, or full-on winter excursions.

The Hoodlum face enclosure can be left open or snapped closed, to leave more or less airflow as desired. A thin, light shock cord runs over the forehead and around to the back of the hood, which allows you to comfortably secure it to your head, allowing you full range of motion without obstructing visibility, and when you want the hood to cover your eyes to sleep, just pull the cord over the front of the hood and cinch it down tight.