But apart from similar name and material these two are very different pieces, with different intended use. Sure, there’s some overlap, but even if you know or own the original Woobie, just take your time and check what this one is all about and… why you actually may need it too.

The Technical Woobie is based on the same merino blend as the original one – ACM 600 Merino Wool, which is a US made 50/50 merino & polyester blend. And yes, together with the US manufacturing it means Technical Woobie is fully US-made and also meets the federal regulations of Berry Compliance, just as all First Spear gear.

ACM 600 blend is lighter weight than pure wool, it dries way faster, wicks better but is just as warm and even softer to skin than pure wool. And still keeps anti-odour properties of merino, which is an awesome feature for multi-day hikes, bushcrafting trips and adventure outings.

But unlike the classic Woobie there’s also nylon Cordura fabric in strategic areas, where most wear occurs under hard use: shoulders, chest, upper back and elbows. And that’s exactly where you can expect high-wear contact with a backpack plus yeah, elbows area, which always tend to wear first for some reasons.

So technically speaking, the Technical Woobie really is a darn tough piece of gear! Another obvious difference is that spacious hood… plus some extra features, which I’ll cover later.

I’m a classic Large (186cm tall and about 92kg) and it fits me great – not too trim, but also not oversized. So if you prefer a really loose oversized feel in your outer layer you may need to size up.

The biggest difference in fit verses the classic Woobie comes from the Cordura panels – it’s a bit more stiff in chest area and not so expanding in the elbows, but it’s not a regular mid-layer layer after all. It’s mainly an outer piece, worn just over a base layer in high output activities on chilly winter days, or as an active insulation on colder days or nights, any season actually.

I’m not talking about summer in sunny California of course, but believe me, August nights in central Europe (or even in Montana in the US) can be really cold sometimes. Plus the Cordura panels make it way more wind resistant than the classic Woobie.

Any pockets? Sure, two big hand-warmer pockets and a really spacious chest one for a mobile phone and extra valuables. This jacket also features cable pass through loops for easy headphones cord management, which can be connected to a smartphone located in one of the hand pockets.

Exploring backcountry, bushcrafting, some light mountaineering, walking through the forest with kids, or simply walking a dog around my country cabin. It’s a piece that I simply put on when I want to feel warm, but without a risk of overheating. And as I said I’m also going to use it during coldish August nights when sailing on lakes in northern Poland.

It also shines as a hiking or backpacking outer layer, with Cordura panels protecting wool from damage under a pack’s weight. But additionally that soft wool under the shoulder straps makes pack carrying even more comfortable. Actually the feeling of a cozy merino blend worn just over a t-shirt might make it the most satisfying of all the garments I own.