NAME: Kaleeka
AGE: 18
LOCATION: Comox Valley, British Columbia
OCCUPATION: Student
INSTAGRAM: @kaleekapather
WHAT GARMENT ARE YOU FIELD TESTING?
The 400 Pullover.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST IMPRESSION OF THE GARMENT?
I was super stoked about the hoodie when I first saw it, it felt heavy and solid. I love it overall, it was crazy soft. The waistband felt snug on the hips so it always gradually rose up to my waist. This isn't a bad thing at all, could be just a sizing thing depending on style preference.
DESCRIBE A TIME WHEN YOU WORE THIS GARMENT OUTSIDE.
HOW DID IT PERFORM?
I've worn the hoodie to school on multiple occasions, as well as camping/day hiking and to sports events. The hoodie was always warm, I could just throw a jean jacket over top and be well equipped for a walk with my dogs. It is perfect when you're sleeping in your sleeping bag, super cosy, no frozen ears.
HOW DOES THIS PRODUCT MAKE YOU FEEL?
It felt great, loved the weight of the fabric. Only con was that it didn't fully fit my frame well, I found it hard to wear such a slouchy garment without it feeling like I was sort of getting lost in it. If I was going to wear it, it was always in a super casual setting, ie. sweats, blankets, at home. It is a hoodie, can't expect a formal vibe by any means. I'd love this sweater as a crew neck (that would cut some of the bulk) in this same heavy fabric, that would be PERFECT!
HOW OFTEN HAVE YOU WORN IT?
During the first month or so the hoodie was in my weekly rotation, always in the back of my car just in case. But as the weather gets warmer I've noticed it's becoming less of a staple. I would say it was best for me as a go-to throw on hoodie when it was chilly at night. When I was studying for exams I practically lived in it.
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE FABRIC?
Love the hoodie fabric - great for our West Coast fall, winter, and early spring. Super warm though.
DID YOU FOLLOW THE WASHING/DRYING INSTRUCTIONS WHEN CLEANING THE GARMENT? IF NOT, HOW DID YOU CLEAN IT?
Nope, I washed the hoodie with the rest of my cotton clothing in cold water in my washer. Dried either on the clothesline (but that took forever even on a sunny day) or in the dryer.
DID THE GARMENT CHANGE AFTER USE?
The colour and stiffness never changed which is nice, I haven't really gotten any hard stains on either item so I haven't had to scrub them or wear them out too much. The hoodie did, however, hold onto the smokey campfire smell for a very long time.
DID THE GARMENT MEET YOUR NEEDS?
Yes! Everybody needs at least one go to basic hoodie in their closet as a go-to for chilly days and nights!
HOW WOULD YOU IMPROVE THIS PRODUCT?
The length of the hoodie could be shortened, it tends to fold under and rise. A crew neck in this fabric would be lovely too.
TELL US A STORY ABOUT YOU IN THIS GARMENT.
When I was shooting with my photographer friend, Ali, in my ecologyst gear we ran and chased flocks of seagulls for fun. I was covered in herring roe afterwards... I fell. T'was gross!
HOW DO YOU LIKE TO SPEND YOUR WEEKEND?
A typical weekend for me looks like a night out Friday night with friends, maybe having a beach fire or going for a drive. At least one day of my weekend is spent at the coffee shop where I work. Then after a long shift, I'd usually go home and study. This is typically where I'd clean up and throw on my hoodie. Ideally, I'd spend the weekend going somewhere, camping out of my car. Either out to Tofino for a quick solo surf trip, or maybe to Qualicum Beach for a hike to the caves there.
WHAT'S ONE WAY THAT YOU LEAVE THINGS BETTER?
I try to put my dollar into sustainable consumer goods. I compost and recycle at home, school, and work. I volunteer with a local organization to clean up our estuary. As well as pick up trash on the river banks while kayaking or paddle boarding. I'm also a member of my communities young environmentalists club.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO TELL US?
Thanks so much, this was great I'd love to do it again!!!
