This page details the specific criteria we use when reviewing travel hoodies. Each criterion has a weight that contributes to the overall score. Learn more about how our scoring system works.

Scoring Overview

Each criterion below is weighted as a percentage of the total score. We evaluate each product on a scale of 1 to 5 for every criterion, then multiply by the weight to calculate the final rating.

Comfort against skin (14%)

This is a top-tier criterion for travel layers. I’m evaluating interior texture, comparing brushed versus smooth finishes. I’m checking seam placement for irritation points at the neck, shoulders and underarms. Chafe resistance matters for hikes and long flights. The question is whether you can wear this all day without wanting to take it off.

Fit, mobility & sizing accuracy (12%)

I’m evaluating torsional fit across shoulders, chest and arm mobility. Length accuracy matters for both hem and sleeves. I’m testing layering compatibility to see if it fits over a tee and under a jacket. I’m also checking shrink behavior after washing. Since fit is personal, scoring reflects both accuracy to the sizing chart and ease of movement.

Materials, durability & easy care (10%)

Travel hoodies must tolerate rough wash routines. I’m evaluating odor resistance, which is key for multi-day travel. I’m testing dry time after washing, especially hotel sink behavior. I’m checking pilling resistance and colorfastness to see if it fades after heavy travel use. This should be a major score factor for performance-casual layers.

Breathability & moisture management (10%)

Breathability is a core differentiator for synthetics versus blends. I’m evaluating heat dump efficiency, especially in the pit area for airflow. I’m testing moisture management and checking whether the fabric feels sticky or glides smoothly in humidity. This matters during city walks and hikes when you’re moving.

Temperature regulation (12%)

Travel hoodies should shine in the 45 to 70 degree range. I’m evaluating comfort range from cool mornings to warm afternoons. I’m checking draft resistance by testing how well the hood and cuffs seal. I’m also assessing layering performance under shells and over tees.

Stretch & shape retention (8%)

I’m checking elbow bagging resistance and testing hem and cuff elasticity longevity. I’m evaluating how well it returns to shape after compressing in a backpack. This is great for evaluating technical knits and performance blends that need to hold up during long flights and travel days.

Pocket function & security (10%)

Security is a high-value differentiator for travel clothing. I’m evaluating zipper pocket placement and testing hidden pockets for passport and card sleeve storage. I’m checking drop pocket depth for phones and assessing bounce resistance when walking. Zipper pockets really shine here, but placement and depth matter as much as closure style.

Wrinkle resistance & packability (8%)

Travel garments must survive backpacks and packing cubes. I’m comparing fold versus roll performance and testing wrinkle recovery time. I’m evaluating compression tolerance and checking how well it handles being stuffed into luggage. Weight and packability matter more than people realize for travel layers.

Styling versatility (10%)

I’m evaluating travel to casual to smart casual adaptability. I’m testing how well it pairs with jeans, chinos and leggings. I’m checking airport to city readiness and assessing logo minimalism and silhouette. The question is whether this hoodie works across different travel scenarios without looking out of place.

Overall value for price (8%)

Where does this land on price versus what you’re actually getting? Build quality, durability, performance and ethics all factor into whether it’s worth the cost compared to competing options.

Here are our reviews of travel hoodies that use these scoring criteria:

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