Ridge Merino Solstice Pro Hoodie Review

The Ridge Merino Solstice Pro Hoodie is a slightly modified version of my favorite wool hoodie, the Ridge Merino Solstice (and trust me, I’ve used a lot of wool hoodies). The word “Pro” is perhaps a bit of a misnomer, as the original Solstice and the Pro version both have their merits. But more on that below.

Features of the Solstice Pro include a low-profile hood, zippered chest pocket, and a half zip for airflow. Like the original Solstice, it is still breathable, offers odor resistance, thumbholes, UPF 30+ sun protection, and soft Merino wool. I’ve been wearing one for a while now and can confidently say that it delivers as well as I would hope a follow-up hoodie to the Solstice would be able to.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Ridge Merino Solstice Pro.

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Pros and Cons

The Specs

The Ridge Merino Solstice Pro comes in both men’s and women’s versions. The information below reflects the Solstice Pro in a men’s large. The version I used for this review (i.e., the one I have been wearing) was also a men’s large.

• Weight: 9 oz / 255 g
• Zipper: Half zip
• Materials: 87% Merino wool, 13% nylon
• Pocket material: 100% nylon (59 GSM)
• Sleeve length: Long
• UPF: 30+
• Pockets: 1 zippered chest
• Hood: Yes
• Elastic drawbord hood: Yes
• Thumb holes: Yes
• Hanger loop: Yes
• Elastic drawcord hem: No
• Colors: Sierra Cement (Grey), Vintage Indigo (Blue), Driftwood (Beige)
• Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
• MSRP: $99

Solstice and Solstice Pro Differences

Here’s a look at the differences between the Ridge Merino Solstice and the Solstice Pro:

• The Solstice Pro has a zippered chest pocket; the original Solstice had no pockets
• The Solstice Pro has a low-profile fitted hood; the hood on the original Solstice is larger, more airy, and can fit over a large helmet.
• The hood drawstring on the Solstice Pro is adjustable with line locks, while the original Solstice has a fabric (but stretchy) hood string that cannot be locked in place.
• The Solstice Pro has a half zip in the front; there is no zipper on the original Solstice.
• The Solstice has a better selection of colors than the Solstice Pro (currently).

Testing Conditions

I’ve used the Ridge Merino Solstice Pro for three months straight, taking it out for runs, workouts, and long days of skiing and snowboarding. I’ve used it as a base layer, mid-layer, and outer (only) layer. I am 5’10” / 179 cm tall and weigh 185 lbs / 84 kg. Like my original Solstice, the Solstice Pro has stretched out a bit since I got it, and I think a large would have ended up too big. Even when using a thick base layer, the medium still fits well.

Photo Gallery

The Good

The Comfort

The Ridge Merino Solstice Pro Hoodie fits exceptionally well and is incredibly comfortable. I’ve worn it hiking, biking, running, snowboarding, skiing, at the gym, casually—even sleeping in it—and it’s never let me down. There is no itchiness, annoying seams, or scratchy tags (not even the zipper or pocket). Too hot? Pull up the sleeve or zip down the half zip. Too cold? Put on the hood, zip the front to the hood, and cinch the hood’s drawstring down. It’s been a go-to layer for just about everything.

The Hood

The hood on the Solstice Pro Hoodie is one of the most significant differences from the original Solstice Hoodie. It’s a much tighter fit designed to stay on during vigorous (i.e., bouncy or windy) activity, and the drawstring for tightening it has a small plastic line lock (is that what those things are called?) so that it doesn’t loosen up over time. Its hood also fits comfortably under a helmet, which is excellent for winter sports. I still prefer the original Solstice (modified with a bit of Velcro) for use with a bicycle helmet (in warmer months). Still, in cooler temperatures, the Pro’s hood fits excellently under a snowsport or bicycle helmet (or a climbing helmet, although I have yet to do any climbing in it).

The Thumb Holes

The Ridge Merino Solstice Hoodie Pro includes reinforced thumb holes, which I love. Honestly, I don’t know that I would consider a hoodie without thumb holes at this point. Too often, brands either make their thumb holes too tight or not large enough, which causes uncomfortable pressure between your fingers. Either that or they over-engineer them instead of sticking with a classic design. The Solstice Pro takes a lesson from the original Solstice and gets thumb holes right: simple, no-fuss, and comfortable (even under gloves).

The Zipper

I tried to find things I did not like about the Solstice Pro, and I can tell you the zipper (for the half-zip front) was not that thing. It never got stuck, didn’t chafe my chest (my biggest concern), and provided plenty of ventilation when simply pulling up the sleeves and removing the hood didn’t meet my heat-expulsion needs. One thing that could maybe be improved is the zipper pull. Instead of the current small metal one, it could be one of those more rectangular, slightly larger plastic ones (so that it would be easier to grip/use with larger gloves on), but I never had any issues with it (but I also never needed to dump heat while wearing thick gloves).

The Smell

The Solstice Pro does what Merino wool does best: It has impressive odor resistance, even after prolonged use in sweaty and dirty conditions. Thanks to the fabric’s natural antimicrobial properties, this hoodie minimizes stink by preventing the growth of odor-causing bacteria. Don’t get me wrong, this won’t keep you smelling like flowers, but it also won’t have you smelling like rotten patchouli. It’s an excellent choice for extended wear outdoors while sweating (or just having fun, which could also involve sweating), as it stays fresher longer, especially compared to synthetic fabrics.

The Shipping+Returns

Ridge Merino is a small company based in Mammoth Lakes, California. They’re not like many Merino wool apparel companies you may have heard of, like Smartwool or Icebreaker (owned by the same company, VF Corporation – a publicly traded “global apparel and footwear company founded in 1899”). Small, local companies are awesome, but sometimes the lack of local availability can be an issue, and many (understandably) charge for shipping (and sometimes returns). However, Ridge Merino offers free shipping and returns on orders (over $49, which includes the Solstice Pro), which means you won’t have to visit Mammoth Lakes, California (but you should) to see if you like the fit and feel (but you will)

The Okay

The Pocket

There’s one zippered chest pocket on the Ridge Merino Solstice Pro. It’s okay. How big is it? Big enough for some credit cards, some cash (why are you carrying around cash?) and an ID, but not big enough for a phone. Even if it was big enough for a phone, because the garment is so light, I don’t know I would want it in there (at least not while running). It’s noticeably warmer on the side of the chest with the pocket (your left side), especially if you have something in it. With such a small pocket, it may be better placed on a sleeve (especially if all you will put in it is your ID, credit card, and maybe a bar/gel). But then, how would I access it with a jacket on?! I don’t know, I’m not a product designer. Like I said, it’s okay. I don’t love it, but I suppose I’m glad it’s there.

The Name

I don’t love the name of the Solstice Pro as it implies that this is an improved version of the original Solstice (which I now have to call the original Solstice, which also bothers me). However, the Solstice and the Solstice Pro both have their own strengths. There are activities and conditions where I would prefer the (original) Solstice, and other situations where I would prefer the Solstice Pro. It’s not the case that I would always choose the Solstice Pro over the Solstice. Again, I feel that “Pro” implies “better,” and that’s not the case here. But this is just me being pedantic. Naming conventions have never been a strength of the outdoor industry.

The Cost

I consider Ridge Merino’s apparel reasonably and competitively priced, but at over $100 after tax (at least shipping is free), the Solstice Pro isn’t nothing—particularly if you are hellbent on destroying it with a thru-hike or by not employing any other tops in your rotations. That said, since everything is getting more expensive, I’ve got to remember that this isn’t the 2013 thru-hiking season I’m living in any longer; the Solstice Pro is still a fairly priced piece of gear, especially when you consider that this isn’t a massive company bringing it to us.

The Bad

The Colors

No matter how much I plead with Ridge Merino, they won’t make me a rainbow tie-dye Solstice, let alone a Solstice Pro. But how about a bright orange one at least? What if I need to be seen by hunters or located by SAR/ski patrol?! The launch colors for the Solstice Pro are blue, gray, and beige for men; they’re a bit more fun – pink, a lighter blue/almost teal, and pink for the women’s version. Ridge Merino has been getting a little more playful with the original Solstice Hoodie colors lately (there’s even a not-solid colored version). Since Ridge releases new colors annually (or something like that), I hope the same flair also makes its way to the Solstice Pro (please, a Blaze Orange, it’ll look great with the contrasting pocket – probably).

The Availability

One drawback to Ridge Merino being a small brand that produces quality products is that they don’t have thousands of pieces of inventory sitting around at all times. Ridge apparel is frequently sold out online (and in-store), so if you plan to pick up a piece, it would behoove you to order while stock is available. If you wait around for a sale or waste time reading (other) reviews, you may have thrown away your shot. At the time of publication, all colors of the Solstice Pro are in stock. You should probably jump on it now.

Alternatives

Hoody	Weight	Price	Fabric Weight	Materials	UPF	Thumbholes	Hood Closure
Ridge Merino Solstice	8.7 oz / 247 g	$85	145 GSM	87% Merino, 13% Nylon	30+	Yes	Drawstring
Ridge Merino Solstice Pro	9 oz / 255 g	$99	150 GSM	87% Merino, 13% Nylon	30+	Yes	Drawstring
Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily	6.3 oz / 179 g	$65	N/A	100% Recycled Polyester	20+	Yes	None
Free Fly Elevate	N/A	$88	175 GSM	83% Recycled Polyester, 11% Lyocell, 6% Spandex	30+	Yes	None
Voormi River Run	7 oz / 186 g	$139	100 GSM	Blended Wool	30+	Yes	Button
Smartwool Hoodie	8.1 oz / 230 g	$100	N/A	50% Merino, 50% Cotton	40+	Yes	None
Smartwool Active Mesh Hoodie	N/A	$100	N/A	53% Merino, 47% Lyocell	N/A	No	None
Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake	4.2 oz / 119 g	$70	N/A	88% Polyester, 12% Elastane	50	Yes	None
Patagonia Tropic Comfort Natural UPF	9.35 oz / 265 g	$99	N/A	96% Modal Sun, 4% Spandex	40+	Yes	Button
Backcountry Tahoe	7.2 oz / 204 g	$69	N/A	74% Polyester, 14% Cationic Polyester, 12% Spandex	50+	Yes	None
REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie	8.8 oz / 250 g	$50	N/A	92% Polyester. 8% Spandex	50+	Yes	None
NRS H2Core Silkweight	11 oz / 312 g	$75	N/A	85% Recycled Polyester, 15% Recycled Spandex Blend	50+	Yes	Button
Kuiu Gila LS	6.7 oz / 190 g	$79	135 GSM	92% Polyester 8% Spandex	50+	No	None
éclipse 37.5 Hoodie Shirt	7.9 oz / 224 g	$93	N/A	87% 37.5 Polyester, 13% Spandex	50+	Yes	None
Town Shirt Sun Hoodie	8.5 oz / 241 g	$85	N/A	88% Polyester 12% Spandex	50+	Yes	None
Beyond Clothing Geo-T LS	8.2 oz / 233 g	$30	N/A	84% Polyester, 8% Ionic, 8% Elastane	50	Yes	None
Western Rise Session Sun Hoody	5.2 oz / 147 g	$88	N/A	100% Polyester	50+	No	None

Wrap Up

The Ridge Merino Solstice Pro is versatile, high-performance outdoor apparel offering comfort and functionality. Its lightweight Merino wool blend provides excellent breathability, temperature regulation, and odor resistance, making it ideal for multi-day adventures or epic pushes in the mountains.

It’s got everything you need for a technical piece or year-round gear, including UPF 30+ sun protection, a fitted hood that wears well under a helmet (and stays on when you want it to), and thumbholes. You can’t go wrong with either the Solstice or the Solstice Pro.

Do you have questions, comments, or personal experience with the Solstice Pro? Leave a comment below or get in touch, and let me know! Check out the Ridge Merino Solstice Pro here.