The hood allows you to sleep without worrying too much about your surroundings. It also uses Thermotron Radipoka, a heat-retaining and insulating material from Unitika, providing excellent warmth. The hood can be stored away. I used it once or twice for travel and have stored it in a dark place since. There is some black color transfer on the neck pillow, but it's inside the cover, so I don't think it will be noticeable. Please check the photos for the condition.