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Description
Orion Merino Hoodie FZOrion [noun]: 1) Classical Mythology. A giant hunter who pursued the Pleiades, was eventually slain by Artemis, and was then placed in the sky as a constellation. The Orion Merino Hoodie FZ is a full zip merino wool hoodie made in Italy, built to the same standard PDW applies to everything it makes. No shortcuts, no compromises, and no use of materials that won't outperform what you paid for them. Purpose built as a technical mid layer: a low profile
1) Classical Mythology. A giant hunter who pursued the Pleiades, was eventually slain by Artemis, and was then placed in the sky as a constellation.
The Orion Merino Hoodie FZ is a full zip merino wool hoodie made in Italy, built to the same standard PDW applies to everything it makes. No shortcuts, no compromises, and no use of materials that won't outperform what you paid for them. Purpose-built as a technical mid-layer: a low-profile 3-panel hood structured for use under a helmet or hard shell, thumbhole cuffs to lock the sleeve in place under a pack strap or glove, a full-length YKK zipper for precise temperature regulation, double-reinforced elbows, and zippered hand pockets positioned for access when a pack hipbelt is cinched. A knit merino construction in a relaxed fit, sized to layer cleanly over a base layer and under a shell, in an agile 3-season weight. Available in Hunter Green, Jager Blue, and Pursuit Black.
The cut is relaxed, sized to layer over a base layer without restricting movement, with enough room across the shoulders to reach, climb, and carry. Size down for a closer fit if preferred. The 3-panel hood is low-profile and structured for use under a helmet or hard shell, without the volume of a casual hooded sweatshirt. Thumbhole cuffs keep the sleeve anchored under gloves or pack straps. The signature PDW hiviz dummy cords secure your EDC tools and keep them accessible. Double-reinforced elbows extend the life of the garment where it takes the most wear.
Merino thermoregulates actively. It warms when you're cold and vents when you're hot, which is why it is the preferred natural fiber for military, expedition, and backcountry use across conditions. The Orion FZ performs at camp, on trail, at the range, and in a city, without looking like it was designed for any of those places specifically.
Specifications:
Materials:- Extra-Fine Italian Merino
- #3 YKK Nylon Reverse Coil Zippers
- 27.04oz / 766.6g
- Relaxed Fit, Size Down for Closer Fit if Desired
- S, M, L, XL, XXL
- Extra-Fine Italian Merino Yarns
- 2-Way YKK Center Front Zipper
- Double Layer Elbows
- Integrated Thumbhole Cuffs
- 3-Panel Low Profile Hood
- 2 Zippered Hand Pockets
- 2 Hiviz Internal Dummy Cords to Secure EDC Items
- Italy
What is the Orion Merino Hoodie FZ made from?
The Orion Merino Hoodie FZ is constructed from Extra-Fine Italian Merino and made in Italy. Merino wool is selected over synthetic mid-layer materials for its natural temperature regulation, multi-day odor resistance, and next-to-skin softness. The zipper hardware is #3 YKK Nylon Reverse Coil throughout, the same standard PDW applies across its apparel line.
How does the Orion FZ compare to Arc'teryx, Smartwool, or Icebreaker merino hoodies?
Most merino wool full zip hoodies in this category are made in China or Bangladesh regardless of price. The PDW Orion FZ is made in Italy, which represents a different standard of construction and quality control. At $369 it is priced above Smartwool and Icebreaker full-zip offerings and comparable to the Arc'teryx Ionia Merino Hoody. The differentiator is construction: a 2-way YKK center front zipper, integrated thumbhole cuffs, a low-profile 3-panel hood designed after technical garment styles, and hiviz dummy cords for EDC tool retention. Details absent from lifestyle-oriented merino hoodies at any price.
Is the Orion FZ a base layer or a mid-layer?
It is cut and specified as a mid-layer, sized to layer cleanly over a base layer without restricting movement and under a shell without bunching. Its merino construction also makes it functional as a standalone top on cool-weather travel days, at camp, or in any environment where you want temperature regulation without synthetic odor buildup across multiple days of wear.
What is thumbhole cuff construction and why does it matter?
Thumbhole cuffs anchor the sleeve to the back of the hand. Under gloves, they prevent the sleeve from riding up and exposing your wrist. Under a shell, they keep the hem in place when you raise your arms. In a pack setup, they prevent the sleeve from bunching under a shoulder strap. It is a functional detail, not a styling choice.
What is the hood construction on the Orion FZ?
The Orion FZ features a 3-panel hood designed to drape comfortably over the head and provide warmth. It is not patterned to fit over a bump helmet or hard shell. The 3-panel construction gives it a clean, low-profile shape without the excess volume of a casual hooded sweatshirt.
What are the hiviz dummy cords for?
The two internal hiviz dummy cords are retention points for EDC tools. A knife, light, or multi-tool can be clipped to them and kept accessible inside the pocket without rattling loose or falling out. It is a PDW signature detail that crosses over from the brand's EDC tool line into its apparel.
Does merino wool shrink? How should I wash the Orion FZ?
Merino wool should be washed in cool water on a gentle cycle and air-dried or machine-dried on lowest heat or NO heat seating. High heat will cause shrinkage and can permanently damage the wool fibers. Follow the care label instructions on your garment for best results.
Where is the Orion Merino Hoodie FZ made?
Italy. PDW uses Italian manufacturing for the Orion FZ for the same reason Italian mills are the reference standard for merino wool knit construction: tighter tolerances, better finishing, and longer-lasting garments. Made in Italy is a specification decision.
What sizes does the Orion FZ come in?
Small through XXL. The Orion FZ cuts in a relaxed fit, so size down if you prefer a closer mid-layer fit. Refer to the size chart for body measurements before ordering.
Shipping Notes
- Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
- Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
- Delivery to the USA:
- Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
- If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
- We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
- Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
- To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
- Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy