SALOMON OUTERPATH PRO 2.5L Jacket & Pants Review: High-performance rainwear with exceptional breathability and ventilation for exceptional comfort

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Salomon, which offers a wide range of shoes and other items for light outdoor activities, has released some truly captivating rainwear this season. The OUTERPATH PRO 2.5L Jacket and OUTERPATH 2.5L WATERPROOF Pants are waterproof and breathable shells perfect for active hikers, focusing on comfort and resistance to stuffiness, a major trend in recent years.

This rainwear, which is the true essence of Salomon and has a proven track record in high-tempo activities such as trail running and speed hiking, was tested on a sunny day in March and on a rainy hike, so this time I will review its performance and situations in which it can be used

Key Features of the SALOMON OUTERPATH PRO 2.5L Jacket & OUTERPATH 2.5L WATERPROOF Pants

Favorite points

• 40,000mm high breathability and pit zips for exceptional moisture control
• Lightweight and supple to wear
• Ease of movement thanks to draping and subtle stretch
• Smart and ample pockets
• Double front zipper that can be opened from both the top and bottom
• Lightweight despite its rich functionality
• Affordable

Points of concern

• The sticky feel of the 2.5-layer lining can be bothersome for some people when worn over short sleeves
• Water repellency is not very high (like many current PFC-free water repellent finishes)
• The waist is elastic and cannot be worn with a belt
• Because the fabric is thin, be careful of extreme rubbing and snagging

Main specifications and evaluation

Detailed Review

Waterproof and breathable: The fabric has excellent breathability and excellent ventilation, so it's perfect for preventing stuffiness

The waterproofness required for outdoor rainwear is generally said to be "water resistance of 10,000mm or more," and the OUTERPATH PRO meets that basic standard. Naturally, all the seams are securely sealed with thin, highly flexible seam tape, making it a completely waterproof rain jacket that completely blocks out rain. Although it doesn't have outstanding waterproof performance, I found it to be at a level that I could wear outdoors on a rainy day with confidence.

Water resistance equivalent to that of a full-scale outdoor jacket and seam tape on the lining completely prevents water from entering from the outside

While this model offers average waterproofing, the most eye-catching feature is its breathability, which is one indicator of sweat resistance. Salomon's proprietary membrane, featuring AdvancedSkin Dry technology, boasts an outstanding water vapor transmission rate of 40,000 g/m² 24hrs. Experience has shown that a value of 20,000 or more is considered high breathability, but the OUTERPATH PRO far exceeds that level, and looking at the numbers alone, it's clear that it offers exceptional sweat resistance.

Of course, these specifications are based on laboratory measurements under certain conditions, and actual performance in the field may not match these figures. The breathability rating of rainwear is not just a number, so you need to keep this in mind when considering it

With that in mind, I tried wearing it on a warm hike in late March, and it turned out to be more comfortable than I expected. I felt a bit sweaty as I hiked up, but it was still comfortable enough to keep me going, while still providing a nice balance of protection from the cold wind, making it a very practical piece of gear. Even on rainy days, it still didn't get stuffy, and the pants in particular stayed dry throughout the day, with almost no buildup of sweat or stuffiness. This isn't just because the jacket's breathability is actually excellent, but also because it has convenient "pit zips" under the armpits

These ventilation zippers located under the armpits create vents for air to escape under the armpits when opened, making it easier to expel moisture from inside the garment and reducing the buildup of heat caused by sweating. Personally, I think this function has a greater impact on how well you stay cool while moving than the breathability specs

Furthermore, this jacket has a "double zip" design that allows the front zipper to be opened from both the top and bottom, and the left and right pockets have mesh linings that can be opened to provide ventilation, allowing a large amount of air to be taken in from every part of the garment (while preventing rain from getting in). This means that even when wearing the jacket, it is so breathable that it's almost like you're not wearing anything, and by adjusting these according to the situation, I didn't have to worry about it getting too stuffy even while wearing it

Care must be taken to prevent deterioration of water repellency (frequent maintenance is required)

The outer fabric is made of 40 denier ripstop nylon, which is thick enough for rainwear, and is coated with an environmentally friendly PFC-free DWR coating.This water-repellent agent allows water droplets that fall on the surface to slide off the fabric without soaking in

However, after wearing it for a while in rainy weather, water droplets tended to soak into the outer fabric more easily in the wrinkled areas of the fabric and in the areas rubbed by the shoulder straps, and it seemed like this happened quite quickly

However, it's important to note that this isn't limited to this jacket, but applies to most current PFC-free DWR coatings. The PFC-free water-repellent treatments that outdoor manufacturers around the world have been forced to adopt in recent years are still not technically very durable, and the water-repellent properties tend to wear off more quickly than before due to continued rain and friction, and this jacket is no exception

Of course, this doesn't affect the waterproofness, but it is a factor that cannot be ignored when it comes to breathability, so it goes without saying that more frequent maintenance (cleaning and water-repellent restoration treatment) is essential for this jacket as well

After wearing it for a while, the water-repellent properties will decrease and it will inevitably become easier for water droplets to soak in

Comfort and ease of movement: Soft and supple texture and careful three-dimensional cutting ensure stable movement

OUTERPATH PRO with its attractive matte texture and subdued coloring, is designed with a versatile silhouette that fits a wide range of outdoor activities.It is not particularly tight, but has a standard fit, so it will not feel tight even if you wear a mid-layer underneath.

On the other hand, the pants have a loose straight fit, designed to be worn over trekking pants as overpants, while still maintaining a stable, clean and neat silhouette

The fabric is very soft and supple, making it extremely comfortable to wear. The three-dimensional cut doesn't restrict movement, and the fabric has a subtle mechanical stretch (even though the fibers themselves aren't stretchy), ensuring comfort and ease of wear even while on the move. It's quite different from the typical rain jackets made of stiff, shiny, and crinkly fabric, so it might even feel good to wear on a sunny day like a wind shell or soft shell. However, the fabric isn't thick and is quite slippery, which raises some concerns about its durability, so care should be taken when handling it

The three-dimensional cut and subtle stretch allow you to bend and stretch your legs, knees, and elbows without feeling constricted

Functionality: Lightweight yet packed with useful features

When evaluating rainwear for outdoor activities, there are several features that are always checked, regardless of waterproofness, breathability, or comfort. These include the presence or absence of pit zips mentioned earlier, the adjustability of the hood, the number and quality of pockets, and the presence or absence of Velcro or elastic at the hem and cuffs. These are all features that are beneficial for protecting you from bad weather, keeping you comfortable, reducing stress while on the move, and supporting speedy movement. From this perspective, the OUTERPATH PRO Jacket & Pants cover most of these criteria, making them lightweight rainwear with excellent versatility and overall performance.

First of all, in terms of pockets and other storage, in addition to hand pockets on both sides, it also has a flap-equipped chest zip pocket with a unique organizer, ensuring sufficient convenience whether you're wearing a backpack or not

The cuffs are longer at the top to help prevent rain from getting in, and the Velcro closure makes them easy to operate even when wearing gloves, ensuring a good fit and ease of use

The large, helmet-compatible hood has a drawcord at the back that allows for subtle adjustments regardless of head size. The cord stopper is easy to press

The pants can be fully opened at both sides, from the waist and hem, so you can put them on and take them off while wearing heavy trekking boots

The only thing to be aware of when it comes to pants is the waist specifications. There is elastic in the back, so it can accommodate a certain size, but there is no belt or loop to thread it through, so you need to be careful about the fit. If the length and waist size just don't fit, you can use suspenders or something similar

Summary: It's surprising how affordable it is, given its high specs and practicality

The OUTERPATH PRO 2.5L Jacket and OUTERPATH 2.5L WATERPROOF Pants are not only impressive in appearance but also offer practical comfort, and their design and ease of use make them suitable for a wide range of activities.In addition to their versatility, they are also very attractive at a reasonable price, which is a blessing in this day and age.

While models specialized for specific activities certainly have their own unique advantages, the OUTERPATH PRO can be used for any purpose or use, is suitable all year round from spring to winter, and has enough functionality to satisfy a wide range of riders, from beginners to veterans. It is the perfect choice for enthusiasts who are accustomed to a variety of outdoor activities throughout the year, as their first piece of gear, or as a piece to have when they're in a pinch.

For beginners and light outdoor enthusiasts, there is also the OUTERPATH 2.5L WATERPROOF, which offers simpler features and a lower price

The OUTERPATH PRO 2.5L jacket reviewed here is a high-end model that prioritizes breathability and functionality, but a more affordable version, the OUTERPATH 2.5L WATERPROOF, has also been released, with a more simplified selection of features. This version is also recommended for casual outdoor enthusiasts and entry-level users.

Details and purchase of the "OUTERPATH Rainwear Series"

Please check the official online store for information on the latest model arrivals and product details

   

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