In Minnesota we are on the verge of winter. There may not be a better month on the calendar that September in Minnesota. The days are full of high heat warm weather during the day, yet they cool off quickly in the evening. This leaves little room for messing up your wardrobe. You may want those shorts at 4pm when it’s still over 70 degrees. When sunset hits – you’ll be shivering with deep regret. This is why Cotopaxi is my new favorite outfitter for the outdoors. The comfortable and stylish outdoor gear from Cotopaxi is perfection for days like these. In this review, I put Cotopaxi’s Sombra Sun Hoodie, Fuego Down Jacket, and Cada Dia 5-panel hat to the ultimate test – the great outdoors and Minnesota weather.
Comfort and Fit
Before I dive into each item let’s get the big win out of the way. When the items initially arrive to my house, I have to smile right away. My priority of comfort and fit for clothing is gratified immediately. I find myself taking selfies in the outfits and sending the pics to a few friends, which if you know me is hilarious. I’m not a known as being super into style, but dang these clothes make me look good. This is due in large part to the bold yet tasteful colors and the fit. Each item fits to perfection. For reference, I’m 5’8″, 175lbs. and the medium sizes fit like a glove.
Both the Cotopaxi hoodie and jacket give me serious drip, combining bold colors with a sleek, adventurous vibe. Honestly, I’m having trouble wanting to wear anything else when I get out of bed. If I wear a hat it’s usually a trucker style baseball cap, but the Cada Dia 5-Panel hat enhances my whole look, giving me a new style altogether. When I wear it, I get complements. No lie, after letting a few others try it on, they are sold as and ready to give their money to Cotopaxi.
Now, let’s take a look at each item individually.
Sombra Sun Hoodie
It’s hard to pick a favorite. The Sombra Sun Hoodie just might be mine. Ugh, I love the other items too though. Okay, I’ll try to stay focused here. This Hoodie is simply the best. Let me emphasize this: SIMPLY THE BEST. It is absolutely perfect for a cool morning, evening, or afternoon. As someone who always carries a hoodie for fear of being cold, the Sombra Sun Hoodie is my daily carry. It isn’t meant for pure warmth as it is on the thinner side. It’s meant to look amazing while taking the edge of a brisk breeze. Hence, Sun Hoodie.
The Sombra Sun Hoodie is the perfect example of what stylish outdoor gear is all about. It looks fantastic and it serves its purpose in comfort. I use it fishing and raise the scuba hood to block the chill wind in the air. The hood doesn’t leave my head due to its secure fit. I know I’m blocking harmful rays as it features UPF 50+ protection, and I can put my thumbs through the included thumbholes for a bit more coverage. There is a tiny hidden pocket at the back seam that may or may not be used but enhances the contrast in style. Again, this may be my favorite of the three, but either way, it’s my new favorite light hoodie.
Cada Dia 5-Panel Hat
I’ve said it once. When people try on this hat they want it. Just looking at the hat online, I never would have purchased it. I would normally say, “Eh, not my style”. It begs to be tried on. I now know two additional people who own one after trying mine on. I wear the Cada Dia 5-Panel Hat to baseball games. I wear it to the store and I wear it on hikes. I get comments on it regardless of where I am.
It serves its purpose to keep the sun out of my eyes without a giant bill. It features a woven Cotopaxi patch graphic and an adjustable nylon strap in the back. It looks great on men and women, and I can’t recommend it enough. It’s comfortable and crazy cool. Oh, and as it is with almost all of Cotopaxi’s stylish outdoor gear, it’s made from sustainable recycled products.
Fuego Down Jacket
Maybe the Fuego Down Jacket is my favorite. Still deciding. Regardless, wearing this jacket breaks a boring style mold many men fit into. In colder states, I see far too many giant ugly Columbia (or you name the brand) jackets. Don’t get me wrong, sometimes there’s a place for those, and in Minnesota they can come in handy. However, for cold days where I’m heading out for a walk or brief hike, I can count on the Fuego Down Jacket to make me look good and keep me warm.
What makes this jacket amazing is the water-resistant material which is essential for snowy (or rainy) days. The zipper pockets are great, and I can fit my hands into just the right amount of space. I can’t wait to try this out on my next adventure to the Rocky Mountains as it allows for just the right amount of movement, keeps me warm, and isn’t a bulky mess. For now, in Minnesota, I’m loving evening walks through the woods and tossing a football in the backyard on cold fall evenings. What a great product. Again, this lightweight down jacket is sourced responsibly per Cotopaxi’s website.
Summary
Fall in Minnesota brings warm days and cool evenings, making it tough to dress right, but Cotopaxi’s outdoor gear is my new solution for this tricky season. Their Sombra Sun Hoodie, Fuego Down Jacket, and Cada Dia 5-Panel Hat not only fit perfectly but also deliver on both style and comfort. I’m not usually one to care much about fashion, but I found myself loving the bold colors and sleek fits. The hoodie keeps the breeze off, the jacket’s warm without being bulky, and the hat has earned me compliments wherever I go. Cotopaxi’s stylish outdoor gear makes me look good and feel ready for whatever the weather brings.
