"SALOMON MOUNTAIN FLEX HOODED" releases moisture when it moves and traps heat when it stops, and is a dark hose that is a must-see for active insulation this season [Practical Review]

As you know, active insulation, which prevents the cold of winter and quickly eliminates stuffiness inside clothes caused by heat, has been rapidly gaining popularity over the past few years. However, while many brands are currently introducing a variety of models, it is also true that there are a lot of products that are similar in functionality. It's not easy to identify products with solid practicality.

Meanwhile, the newly released active insulation jacket " MOUNTAIN FLEX HOODED SALOMON is a piece that "shows a difference" in both functionality and design, with its unique design, with its padding material that has achieved high performance, and its high design that crosses the field and the city. What makes it different from other models? I'll start a review right away.

Main features of SALOMON MOUNTAIN FLEX HOODED

The SALOMON MOUNTAIN FLEX HOODED is an action-retaining jacket that provides comfort and ease of movement in any active scene in low temperatures, from steep climbs to high-speed descents. It features a lightweight, windproof and water-repellent outer fabric with moderate stretchability, and a sweat-absorbent, quick-drying and breathable stretch knit liner, ensuring freedom of movement while keeping the skin dry at all times. The PrimaLoft padding, which has moderate heat retention and breathability, is equipped with a three-point star-shaped laser cut using ClimateSync Technology, naturally adjusting breathability and insulation to suit your activity level. From winter trail running to snow backcountry skiing, this mid-layer is perfect for those looking for comfort while keeping the cold away with high-tempo activities.

Recommended points

• PrimaLoft padding suitable for warmth and not too cold
• ClimateSync technology that regulates moisture and heat inside clothing according to activity levels
• Moderate elasticity that does not interfere with ease of movement in the mountains
• Outer fabric that moderately prevents wind and water droplets, but does not interfere with air flow
• Sweat-absorbing and quick-drying and stretchy knit lining
• Adjustable hood to fit your head shape
• Large inner zip pocket that can hold smartphones well

Points that interest me

• Weight and compactness

Main Specifications and ratings

Detailed review

High temperature and humidity adjustment power thanks to PrimaLoft Active padding that combines breathability and insulation × proprietary ClimateSync technology

I walked along the trail stretching out into the low mountains of Tanzawa in November, when frost finally began to fall early in the morning, wearing this jacket over a thin long-sleeved base layer.

When you walk, you will immediately feel the high heat retention. At first glance, it doesn't seem that fluffy, but the fever in the body is more confined to it than I thought.

The reason for its warmth is of course the PrimaLoft, the insulation material used in this mid-layer. It is one of the world's top brands of synthetic fiber padding, and of its extensive lineup, the series "Active Vent" is particularly focused on high breathability. Although the padding itself is thin, it felt just right on trails near freezing.

However, this is where the uniqueness and high performance of this insulation jacket shines through. In the usual way, even if it's cold when you start walking, it's hot after walking for a while and you'll soon get hot and want to take off your jacket. But on this day, there was no need to remove it to the peak (although I opened the zipper and ventilated it). In other words, it is incredibly difficult to get stuffy.

Of course, the PrimaLoft Active Vent padding itself is excellent for breathability, but this model doesn't end there. The unique ClimateSync Technology, which features a precision three-point star-shaped laser cut on the back, allows the greater the movement of your body and the higher the pace, the more this slit opens, making it easier for the moisture inside the clothing to be released. It cannot be seen from the outside, but when I tried to see it through the light, I can clearly see what it looks like (photo below).

Moreover, this slit, on the other hand, works to suppress ventilation inside the clothing when it stops moving, making it easier to trap heat, resulting in an exquisitely smart function that "will release moisture when it moves, and when it stops it locks in heat."

Sweat-absorbing, quick-drying and excellent elasticity × Outer fabric that prevents air flow while moderately preventing wind and water droplets

In this way, the MOUNTAIN FLEX HOODED padding combines both insulation and breathability in both the material and structure, but the calculated combination of the lining and outer fabric further supports this.

First of all, the lining is polyester knit mesh with a soft feel and elasticity, extremely absorbent, quick drying, and breathable. This surface absorbs the sweat that has been produced quickly and is passed immediately to the outer layer, so sweat won't leave behind and cause sweat to cool down.

The outer material is made of ripstop fabric that is stretchy, windproof and water-repellent. It has protection and durability as an outerwear, but does not interfere with air flow (photo below). The air-resistant padding is windproof, so it may be a little hot in the early autumn when the temperature is high, and stuffiness may not be able to be suppressed, but on the other hand, from early winter when the wind gets colder, it is not too airy and is just right for a convenient cold outerwear.

These combinations create a virtuous cycle in which the body temperature is moderately trapped, protecting yourself from the cold wind, while the sweat-absorbing, quick-drying lining keeps you coming out. On this day, when I felt sweaty and felt "hot," I simply opened the front zipper to slightly increase the airflow, but before I knew it, my clothes had been wet due to sweat, and I was able to move comfortably throughout the day. Of course, this may be limited depending on the outside temperature and the ease of sweating, but personally I think it's perfect for winter from around November to March, when temperatures are around 5-10 degrees Celsius during the day.

Moderate elasticity that does not interfere with ease of movement in the mountains

In addition to excellent temperature control, MOUNTAIN FLEX HOODED offers amazing comfort in active situations.

As for the size of the jacket, I, who was 176cm and 64kg, wore size M, and the silhouette was a slightly looser standard fit, and the sleeves were just right. I thought a size S would be fine if you wanted to wear it perfectly as a mid-layer, but personally I would like to wear it as an outerwear and everyday wear, so this size would be the best. By the way, the hem on the back is long enough to cover the buttocks, and the hem does not roll up even when bent over or moves, making it a careful construction to prevent cold air from entering.

Wearing size M at 176cm and 64kg.

Both the lining, outer material and padding have moderate stretchability. Naturally, the fabric is skillfully cut with movement in mind, so it is stress-free even when moving around in large numbers, and the fabric itself is flexible and soft, making it extremely comfortable to wear. The smooth outer material does not cause any shaking noises due to rubbing.

Adjustable hood to fit your head shape

Another thing I liked was the food making. The small, padded hood is a balaclava-type piece that fits the size of your head. Plus, the size can be adjusted with the cord lock. This type is great for wearing this hood when the wind on the ridge is severe, as it will alleviate the cold even if it is just too strong.

Large inner zip pocket that can hold smartphones well

The pockets have hand warmer zip pockets on the left and right, and an inner zip pocket on the left chest on the inside. It's a larger size than I expected, so I was able to put in not only a larger smartphone, but also gloves (photo below).

Summary: Thin yet firm, windproof, moderate breathability, and amazing quick drying, making it a versatile outerwear perfect for winter wear

Salomon is known as a top brand in footwear and snow gear, but with this one piece, it is actually never underestimated in the field of clothing. This work has been fully demonstrated by the highly technical skills of adding a touch of effort to achieve even higher functionality, and is a well-balanced active insulation that is typical of Salomon, with a high level of heat retention, windproofness, and air-drying properties that are necessary for use in intense winter activities such as trail running, fast packing, and skiing tours.

This versatile piece can be used widely as an outerwear to wear over a base layer depending on the season and activity level, as a mid-layer to wear under a hard shell in the harsh cold, and as a casual, everyday jacket that can be washed easily.Even in this genre, which is bustling with new rushes, it is not at all competing in terms of competence, making it the dark horse of the season.

Details and purchase of "SALOMON MOUNTAIN FLEX HOODED"

For product details, please check the official online store

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