Reviewed by: CAPT. MIKE SCHOONVELD

Rapala actually calls it a “Fleece Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt Royal.” Royal refers to the brilliant “royal” blue color and that’s what caught my attention when I first spotted it. What should have caught my attention is the “fleece” in the name indicating it’s not just another cotton hoodie with a company logo printed on the chest.

In keeping with my ABC (Anything But Cotton) mantra when recommending what to wear when fishing, the inside of the sweatshirt is a moisture wicking fleece which moves moisture out through the cloth, keeping the wearer more comfortable all day long. Cotton hoodies (or any garment) tends to get wetter either from moisture from the inside or random spray or splashes from the outside and cotton, once wet, tends to stay wet. Thus, ABC. 

The outside is a tight weave polyester soft, slick and slightly stretchy. It’s not waterproof, but the unlike cotton that will absorb any bit of spray, small drops often just bead up and run off. That helps the hoodie ward off fish blood, as well.

Though it’s handsome, I got it as a fishing shirt. I like hoodies for fishing since they are warm and since I use the kangaroo pouch on them as a catch all as well as a tool holder. This one is unique, it’s divided into left and right pockets – each zippered – so I put things like keys, coins, perhaps my cell phone in the left side and zip it shut for security. The right pocket holds clippers, folding knife or other items that I’ll likely use several times.

What more could anyone ask of a sweatshirt?  Looks, quality, comfort, stylish and useful. Check them out and purchase them at: www.RAPALA.com.