India, Feb. 18 -- As a travel writer, I'm constantly on the go. In 2024, I traveled to all seven continents, and in 2025, I traveled to five, but wherever I go, a Smartwool base layer is always with me. I've worn these base layers while soaring high in a hot air balloon in Turkey, on safari in Botswana, and sailing to Antarctica, just to name a few places. I've been traveling with Smartwool products for well over a decade, and I've amassed a collection of hoodies over the years-they always have a spot in my suitcase.

While my original favorite Smartwool hoodie is now discontinued, the brand has two equally worthy options that have taken its place on my travels: the Women's Classic Thermal Merino Half-zip Hoodie (which is quite similar to...