Gear review -Zengjo grid fleece hoodie

The grid fleece pullover, popularized by Melazna, makes a functional piece of clothing for outdoor use and, more pointedly, a bit of a fashion item.

This pullover style works best for a comfy layer around camp or extended use during cold weather, especially when I am concerned about brush, rocks, or other items that can scrape up Alpha fleece.

As the arc for many garments of this type, the original Melly style became a cult item, with other businesses making similar garments for even close facsimiles.

As predicted, manufacturers started coming out with inexpensive versions similar to the more well-known brands; it is not as well made but good enough for many cases.

As my “town fleeces” look a little worn (and got repurposed for my camping or stashed in a day pack), and my outdoor fleeces don’t look presentable for everyday use, the Zengjo Workout Hoodies for $20 caught my attention. I feel I can give it at least a functional review for the light hiking, family visits, and town use from this past November.

The overview

At the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area near Newport, OR.

It’s a grid fleece hoodie with no front pocket and a drawstring cinch for the hood, and rather than thumb holes for warmth, it has a thicker cuff.

The fleece weave is reminiscent of the Squak but with a baggier cut. I sized up to a men’s large (12.5 oz / 355 g) as my intended use as a “comfy town layer” that could also work for the occasional hike when traveling.   For active use, I prefer the more athletic cut vs. the baggier cut, but the Zengjo one worked fine for its intended use. It’s slightly heavier at 1oz / 28g than other grid fleece hoodies if you consider that there’s no front pocket.  The heavier cuffs and more oversized hood account for the weight differences.

Joan with her Squak.

The overall look and feel reminded me of the Lightheart Gear Fleece Joan likes to use for colder weather, around camp, or traveling herself.

Joan with the Lightheart Gear fleece.

However, the weave is not as warm at these Melly-style fleeces and does breathe more (if, with, again, a baggier cut).   I also found some loose threads more so than the others. It is minor but worth noting.

Joan wanted me to add that there’s no women’s version currently.

In use

With my sister-in-law.   I am using another stalwart of all-purpose use – my 2014 Gossamer Gear Rukus. I take it camping and traveling all the time.

When we visited Joan’s family on the Oregon Coast, we did some fantastic hikes mixed in with moderate strolls every day. We found sunny weather, much to our surprise, with some cold snaps in the 30F or so range. The humidity made it seem colder than similar temps in our desert home and reminiscent of my Rhode Island upbringing. In other words, it is damp and cold even with the sun.

Joan with a Squak. Note the less floppy and non-oversized hood that cinches down.

The fleece kept me warm, and breathed well enough. I did miss the thumbholes that I’ve grown to enjoy in recent years, which make a great adjunct to my wool liners.   I found the hood more reminiscent of a classic sweatshirt than modern outdoor clothing and found it floppy. I missed the drawstring closure. The front pocket is something I don’t miss for active hiking, but some prefer it as an option.

However, my ball cap of choice paired with the hood did keep me warm enough without getting too distracting. Although it was not my first choice of a hoodie, it bridged the use of outdoor and town hoodies.

Overall?

Depending on your needs, you can get lighter, better-made, and more technical clothing.

However, much like my corporate schwag puffy, it’s an inexpensive kit for different uses. The Zengjo Workout (grid fleece) Hoodies fit the bill well enough for someone needing a “Jack of All trades” kit but does not necessarily need dedicated outdoor-only clothing or is on a budget.

It’s cozy for camping, looks good enough (if with some functional penalties), and works fine for hiking. And it’s only $20.

It works well for delicious craft beer tasting, too!

Disclosure – I paid for the Zengjo Workout (grid fleece) Hoodie with my funds.