Guys… you’ve got to try one of these.
It’s been a while since I tried a new piece of gear that instantly became an essential. Now, anytime I run outside in the winter, I’m wearing Craft’s PRO Trail SubZ Padded Hood.
This thing is a super suit that legitimately makes it easier to go for a run no matter how cold it’s been (20-40 °F).
Peak Warmth
I don’t know what or how Craft made such a thing as the PRO Trail SubZ hoodie, but I’ve never gotten too warm on a 20 °F (-6 °C) run. Until now!
No joke ya’ll. Every time I run in it my upper half actually starts sweating mid-run. And this happens even when I wear a single long sleeve shirt underneath.
Compare this to my usual combo of two long sleeve compression shirts and a hoodie. Mid run I would be warming up. Aka not freezing and regretting my decision to go for a run every second.
With Craft’s hoodie though, in a quarter mile or less I’m good and settling into the run.
Exceptional Design + Materials
Clearly, I’m a fan of what Craft has done here, because I can go for a run and not freeze my butt off. However, there’s two reasons why the PRO Trail SubZ hoodie goes from a “nice-to-have” piece of gear, to a “need-to-have”.
First, the materials surpass reality. Seriously. I still pick this thing up and think, “Craft forgot to put the insulation in it.”
Aka, the hoodie is shockingly thin and light.
For context, I have a super nice Klim coat shell that makes exceptionally cold winter days bearable. It’s lighter than most winter coats by a fair margin. Yet the Craft hoodie has it beat.
Where the PRO Trail SubZ Hood is a dream to run in, the Klim coat feels bulky, heavy, and just more cumbersome to wear.
Second, Craft integrated genuinely thoughtful construction, so the whole thing isn’t just a sauna too.
The hoodie has a stretchy compression-like material under the arms and sides that contorts to your body while working as an exhaust. Controlling the buildup of hot air so that you don’t overheat while adding incredible comfort with the swinging motion of your arms.
(I love the half zip on the front too, so that you can get even more air flow if you’re beginning to sweat. Similarly, the hood is a superb wind breaker that holds warmth around your head and the back of your neck.)
Improvement Ideas
I love that there’s at least one pocket on the right side of the PRO Trail SubZ Padded Hood, but it would be nice to have a second one on the left side. Increasing its functionality.
Something my Klim coat has that I love and want on this hoodie, are these zipper vents on the lower back. They enable even more hot air to flow out from the inside when you open them up. Keeping you at your preferred temp.
I think those two updates would further enhance the other small parts on the hoodie that make it a joy to use. Parts like the thumb holes/wrist gaiters on the sleeves. Or the elastic on the bottom of the hoodie that keeps it all tight around your body and seals off cold air from sneaking in.
The Recap
I have to wear the Craft PRO Trail SubZ Padded Hood when running outside in the winter now.
It’s the difference between a torturous winter run and a pleasant one.
And remarkably, it’s on sale right now on Craft’s website as a “final sale item.”