A functional hoodie is exactly the kind of piece that quietly becomes one of the most useful items in your wardrobe. You may not plan it as the most important part of your outfit, but when the wind picks up, the temperature drops, a few raindrops appear, or you simply need something comfortable over a T-shirt, you suddenly realise you reach for it again and again.
That is exactly how the women’s functional hoodie Kilpi MEMPHIS-W became my personal go-to piece. I tested it while cycling and hiking in the Dolomites, the High Tatras, and the Austrian Alps. We went through heat, wind, and a few drops of rain together. And even though nothing is perfect, this hoodie has definitely earned its place in my outdoor wardrobe.
I am 165 cm tall, weigh 64 kg, and usually wear size 38. I tested the MEMPHIS-W in size 38. And because functional clothing is not only about how it looks in a photo, but mainly about how it performs when you move, I took it straight to the place where such pieces show their real value – into the mountains.
Quick test summary:
Product: women’s functional hoodie MEMPHIS-W
Tested size: 38
Tested during: hiking, cycling, mountain trips, and active travel
Where: Dolomites, High Tatras, and Austrian Alps
Biggest plus: comfort, hood, spacious pockets, low weight, and versatile use.
First impression: will it stay in place or ride up?
When I first unpacked the hoodie, I was slightly worried about the narrower elastic bottom hem. With my slightly more generous hips, I was afraid that the hoodie might ride up during movement.
Luckily, that did not happen during our first test together. The hoodie stayed in place, did not ride up, and I did not have to keep adjusting it while walking or cycling. For me, that is very important with sportswear. Once I have to keep pulling something down during movement, it gets annoying very quickly.
The upper part fits me very well, even with a fuller bust. The cut feels feminine, but it does not restrict movement. If I could change one thing, I would appreciate about 1–2 cm more room around the hips. I think the hoodie would feel even more comfortable for me. But at least now I have a little extra motivation to work on losing a few centimetres around the hips.
How did the functional hoodie MEMPHIS-W perform?
What I like most about it is its versatility. It really is a go-to piece with many uses. Depending on the weather, you can wear it almost like a long-sleeved top, add it as an extra layer, or use the pleasantly fitted lower part almost like a light “kidney belt” that keeps your back nicely covered.
The material feels very pleasant, lightweight, and barely noticeable on the body. It did not restrict me during movement, and while cycling or hiking I never felt that it was pulling, twisting, or getting in the way. It simply works without reminding you of itself at every step.
MEMPHIS-W was also great in warmer weather, when it worked as the main layer over a T-shirt, but also in moments when it got colder higher up and I needed to add something light. It does not take up much space in a backpack, it does not add much weight, and it is easy to reach for when the weather starts looking less friendly.
That is also why it worked well for me on the bike. Not as a pure cycling jersey, but as a comfortable layer you can wear in the morning, in the evening, or when the weather changes during the day. For active movement, I especially like that you do not feel overdressed in it.
When the wind picked up higher in the mountains
One of the moments when I appreciated the hood and the cut of the hoodie the most was during stronger wind on a two-thousand-metre summit. While the weather was pleasant lower down, higher up it showed a completely different side. I simply put on the hood and the hoodie immediately made me feel more protected.
The hood is a big plus. It did not blow off even in stronger wind, which is exactly the moment when you appreciate that some details are not just for looks. In a hoodie I take to the mountains, I do not want a hood just because it looks nice. I want it to stay on my head when I actually need it.
Moments like this show the difference between clothing that only looks good and clothing that really works. The MEMPHIS-W managed to be comfortable, flattering, and practical at the same time. And that is exactly the combination I like.
Pockets like a bottomless handbag
And the pockets? They are really spacious. Almost like Hermione’s bottomless handbag from Harry Potter. You can fit a surprising amount of things inside, so when you do not want to put everything into your backpack, you have an easy place to reach.
On a hike, they are useful for small items you want to keep close at hand. On the bike, you will appreciate not having to stop every time you need something from your backpack. Of course, that does not mean you can carry half your home in them, but for everyday essentials, they are more than enough.
Nobody is perfect. Not even my go-to piece
As they say, nobody is perfect. And my go-to MEMPHIS-W is no exception. In stronger wind, it lets a little air through, so in the mountains I would rather pack a lightweight windbreaker as well. For everyday wear, hiking in milder weather, or as a light layer, it is great, but if you know you are heading for a truly windy ridge, the hoodie alone may not be enough.
Around the hips, I would personally appreciate 1–2 cm more space. It was not something that bothered me enough to stop wearing it, but I would simply feel even more comfortable. And if it came in blue? Then it would be my absolute favourite.
On the other hand, the fact that I am only mentioning small details shows that the hoodie works very well overall. I wore it repeatedly, in different conditions, and during different activities. And I kept reaching for it again.
What I like most
Pleasant and lightweight material. The hoodie feels comfortable on the body, does not feel heavy, and does not restrict movement during activity. It works well as a layer for hiking, cycling, trips, and everyday wear.
Fit in the upper part. It sits nicely, feels feminine, and does not get in the way when moving. I appreciate this especially during cycling and hiking, when I do not want to deal with anything pulling or restricting me.
Well-fitting hood. The hood holds better than I expected. It did not blow off even in stronger wind on a two-thousand-metre summit, which is a big plus in real use.
Spacious pockets. The pockets fit a surprising amount of small items. They are practical, easy to access, and you will probably use them more often than expected.
Good back coverage. The lower part keeps the back nicely covered. It did not ride up during movement, so I did not feel the need to adjust it all the time.
Low weight and easy packing. The MEMPHIS-W fits easily into a backpack, so you can keep it with you whenever you are not sure what the weather will do.
What could be improved?
In stronger wind, the hoodie lets a little air through, so in the mountains I would combine it with a light windbreaker. I do not see this as a major problem, more as something to keep in mind. The MEMPHIS-W is a pleasant functional hoodie, not a full windproof jacket.
The second thing is the space around the hips. Personally, I would appreciate about 1–2 cm more room. But this depends on body shape and preference. If you like a closer fit, it may suit you exactly as it is. If you prefer a looser feel around the hips, keep this in mind when choosing your size.
And the third thing? Blue colour. That is not a technical criticism, just my personal wish. If the MEMPHIS-W came in blue, I would probably love it even more.
On the bike
On the bike, I once again appreciated that the hoodie is not heavy and feels natural to wear. It works especially well when you do not want to dress purely in cycling gear, but still need a comfortable layer for active movement.
Who is the functional hoodie MEMPHIS-W for?
In my opinion, the MEMPHIS-W is ideal for women looking for a lightweight, comfortable, and flattering functional hoodie for different activities. It works well for hiking, cycling, mountain trips, travel, and everyday wear.
It is not a heavy insulated hoodie for freezing temperatures, and it is not a jacket for strong wind. It is more of a versatile layer you can keep close at hand when it gets colder, the wind picks up, or you simply need something pleasant over a T-shirt.
That is where its biggest strength lies. You can take it almost anywhere, it does not take up much space in a backpack, and it does not add much weight. At the same time, it also works outside the mountains because it looks sporty, comfortable, and feminine.
My overall rating
I had the chance to test the MEMPHIS-W in the Dolomites, the High Tatras, and the Austrian Alps, and so far I really cannot complain. It has become the hoodie I automatically pack for a trip, the mountains, or an active weekend.
I like that it is lightweight, comfortable, and fits well in the upper part. It also has a practical hood and spacious pockets. Yes, I would appreciate a little more space around the hips, and in stronger wind I would pack a windbreaker with it. But as a versatile functional hoodie for cycling, hiking, and everyday wear, I really enjoy it.
And now I am looking forward to introducing it to winter weather and cross-country skiing. That will be the next chapter of our relationship.
Frequently asked questions about the functional hoodie MEMPHIS-W
What is the Kilpi MEMPHIS-W functional hoodie suitable for?
The Kilpi MEMPHIS-W functional hoodie is suitable for hiking, cycling, trips, travel, and everyday wear. It works best as a light and comfortable layer over a T-shirt or under a jacket.
Is MEMPHIS-W suitable for windy weather?
In milder wind, the hoodie gives a pleasant feeling of protection, mainly thanks to the hood and the fit. In stronger wind, it can let a little air through, so it is better to pack a windbreaker as well.
How does MEMPHIS-W fit?
At 165 cm, 64 kg, and usual size 38, size 38 was tested. The upper part fitted very well, while around the hips the author would appreciate 1–2 cm more space.
Can MEMPHIS-W be packed into a backpack?
Yes, the hoodie is lightweight and easy to pack, so it does not take up much space in a backpack. That makes it a useful spare layer for trips, hikes, and active travel.
Is MEMPHIS-W suitable for everyday wear?
Yes, apart from sports and outdoor activities, it is also suitable for everyday wear. It looks sporty, comfortable, and feminine at the same time.
