Choose the Crew Hooded Jacket 2.0 for unpredictable rain or the Dubliner if you need genuine winter warmth. For lightweight style, the Crew Insulator and Softshell options win for city or light trail days.
A classic fleece that serves as the perfect mid-layer for your adventures. It is cozy, reliable, and looks sharp.
What We Liked 👍
Very comfortable fleece material
High collar for wind
Durable construction
What Could Be Better 👎
Not weather protective
No water resistance
Clash of the Elements: Shell vs Insulator
When you are standing on a rain-soaked pier or prepping for a brisk morning hike, the Crew 2.0 series shells are your first line of defense. The Hooded 2.0 and the standard Crew 2.0 are essentially the same beast with a different approach to head coverage. I have seen enough rain to know that if you are facing a downpour, that hood on the 2.0 is your best friend. Meanwhile, the Softshell and Insulator options are clearly meant for those days when the wind is biting but you do not want to be swaddled in a heavy raincoat.
The Dubliner stands apart from the Crew family by actually being a dedicated winter jacket. While the Crew gear is brilliant for sailing and spring/autumn transitions, the Dubliner has the insulation needed to survive a snowy commute. It is the difference between surviving a drizzle and actually thriving in a winter freeze. If you are trying to stay light, stick to the Crew series; if you need to survive a blizzard, bring the Dubliner.
What Really Matters on the Trail
Durability is the name of the game. The HELLY TECH construction across the 2.0 series and the Dubliner is time-tested, but you have to pay attention to your specific needs. The Softshell is your best friend for high-output activities because it breathes, but leave it at home if you expect a thunderstorm. The Insulator is amazing, but it is not a raincoat. Always choose your layer based on the worst-case scenario you might face that day.
The Final Send
If you live in a place where rain is a daily personality trait, grab the Crew Hooded 2.0 for maximum coverage or the Dubliner if your winters are actually cold. For the urban adventurer who wants a layering piece for mild travel, the Crew Insulator is the ultimate packable warmth hero.
Stick to the Dubliner for cold-weather reliability or the Crew Hooded 2.0 for all-around coastal weather protection.