Comparative review: Perfect for walking around the ridge in spring and summer. We compared the latest lightweight fleece jackets
written by TAC
On the previous page, we introduced a ranking of the models we compared, a list of ratings and specs, and recommendations based on them. From here, we will explain what criteria were used to evaluate the evaluation, and why it was evaluated in that way.
table of contents
Detailed reviews of each item
Comfort and mobility
The method for evaluating comfort is evaluated from the perspective of comfort, such as texture, fit on the cuffs, and around the mouth. Mobility is mainly evaluated from the perspective of accuracy of cutting and ease of movement due to stretching.
Basically, each model is designed to improve mobility, and we have all the elasticity in addition to the combination, and none of the models felt stressed because they were tight while they were doing things.
As a result, the model that best suited both comfort and mobility was the HOUDINI Outright Houdi As mentioned above, the magical comfort is unforgettable once you experience it, and it is also highly elastic, so it is almost completely free from stress.
Furthermore, even when I tightened the front zipper, the zipper didn't touch my chin, and it was very pleasant to be wrapped in a soft fabric from my neck to my chin. This item will make you want to wear it forever. Also, regarding the feel of the Patagonia R1 the pile-like fabric is also quite comfortable and I recommend it.
Thermal insulation
Thinning the fabric will make it lighter, but on the other hand, the heat retention performance will inevitably deteriorate. As with all outdoor gear, this balance is extremely difficult.
This time, I was already surprised that all of them have a certain level of heat retention, even though they are under 500g, but the NORRONA falketind warm1 Jacket was the best. While the fleece material improves heat retention, stretch fabrics are used everywhere, providing an exquisite balance of heat retention and mobility. Thin and light, the original fleece brushed material still remains warm. Also, although it is quite heavy, the mont-bell trail action parka is one of the best models with excellent heat retention performance. I think it will be useful in early spring and autumn and winter.
Quick drying performance
Despite being quite a sweaty, I have neglected to select items and have experienced several times getting sweaty and getting a cold after getting sick. Sweat and cold during action can reduce physical strength and sometimes increase the risk of danger. It is extremely important to choose items that have excellent moisture absorption and quick drying performance, not only for base layers, but also for middle layers and outerwear, as much as possible, and will also improve comfort.
The one I found to be the most absorbent and quick-drying property this time was the MILLET Rocka Hoodie The 3D honeycomb fabric inside absorbs sweat more and more. At the same time, it also ensures breathability, dries the fastest speed, allowing even the author, who is sweaty, to act comfortably. The fabric itself is very thin, so it's understandable that it dries quickly. However, this tends to be inversely proportional to heat retention, so I think it depends on the user to decide which one to prioritize.
On the other hand, the Patagonia R1 has some heat retention, but was also excellent in moisture absorption and quick-drying performance. This shows that the Polartec® Power Grid™ used for the fabric has extremely high specs.
weight
The high specs of this model are already surprising at just under 500g, but what's even more surprising is the lightness of the MILLET Rocka Hoodie The catalog number is 390g, but the actual size is 298g, which is unexpectedly under 300g. Naturally, the storage size is small and there is no stress when packing.
The NORRONA falketind warm1 Jacket is also quite light at 319g for its heat retention performance, which is attractive. It's certainly light because it doesn't have a hood, but even so, when you pick it up on the balance between heat retention, durability and weight, you can see that it has quite high specs.
Easy to use
the NORRONA falketind warm1 Jacket have hoods, and when you close the zipper you can tighten it all the way to the mouth, making it perfect for use as a balaclava. It can handle sudden changes in weather, so I think it's best to have a hood. the HOUDINI Outright Houdi, which allows you to adjust the hood and hem with a drawstring, is highly rated for ease of use.
Regarding pockets, "Left and right hand pockets only <Left and right hand pockets + chest pockets" and it is better to have a zipper, so the MILLET Rocker Hoodie and the mont-bell trail action parka are the most convenient. the Patagonia R1 which do not have a zipper , are for warming your hands rather than storing things.
The NORRONA falketind warm1 Jacket felt a bit slippery when opening and closing the zipper
So, each model has its pros and cons in terms of fine details, but overall, the Patagonia R1 felt the easiest to use. Apart from storage, the combination of the hand warmer pocket and the chest pocket that can also be used as ventilation is quite adequate for me personally. In addition, the zipper has a smooth movement and a hood that can be used as a balaclava. As mentioned at the beginning, what captivated me this time is the comfort of wearing, but one of the main reasons is that it is easy to use.
summary
So, we've checked out some lightweight fleece that can be used at this time of year. Each model has a range of evaluation points, including comfort, mobility, heat retention, moisture absorption and quick drying, weight, and ease of use. Among these, each item is specialised in different items, so I think that by choosing the item that suits your purpose, you will be able to put your strength into the field. We hope this article will help you choose your items.
We also recommend this article about fleece jackets.
- 3 questions to choose insulation wear that won't make a mistake and 15 recommended items
- It's about time to summarize how to choose a middle layer
TAC
Lives in Hokkaido. When it's a holiday, I can't stay still at home, so I do some kind of activity. I immerse myself in mountain climbing, fishing, camping in the summer, snowboarding and smelt fishing in the winter. I'm also a fan of this site and am looking forward to sharing the appeal of gear. We would like to review this from the perspective of not only mountain climbing, but also from a variety of activities.
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