Review: SALOMON Outline Full Zip Hoody & Outrack Full Zip Mid - The best for active travelers

Yasushi Hisatomi

5 years ago

In the not-too-distant past, outdoor enthusiasts' closets were filled with a variety of fleece jackets. From thin stretch fleeces for mountain hikes in cool climates, to windproof fleeces with windproof membranes for hiking along rocky ridges above the tree line, to thick fleeces that are comfortable and warm against the skin, fleece has evolved over the years, with a wide variety of options available. There's no doubt that fleece has always been at the heart of cold weather outdoor apparel

However, in recent years, Polartec and many other material manufacturers and outdoor brands have produced new breathable, padded insulated jackets (active insulation jackets), and it is true that fleece's position is no longer as solid as it once was.

However, if you look closely, it becomes clear that these new padding products are not necessarily better than fleece in all situations. No matter how easy it is to use active insulation, there are still countless cases where it is most "usable" depending on the purpose and situation

In that sense, the Outline Full Zip Hoody and Outrack Full Zip Mid released by SALOMON , have made us realize that they are still essential mid-layer layers for active activities in less cold weather like this time of year.

This time, we will be looking at the recommended ways to use these versatile fleece jackets, which each have their own slightly different personalities yet strike an exquisite balance, while comparing their features

table of contents

The perfect balance of warmth and breathability for those who stay active. Key Features of the Outline Full Zip Hoody and Outrack Full Zip Mid
- Outline Full Zip Hoodie
- Outrack Full Zip Mid
Main specifications and evaluation
Detailed Review
Summary: Whether it's warm or cold, this is the base for staying warm and comfortable
For details and to purchase the SALOMON Outline Full Zip Hoodie and Outrack Full Zip Mid, please see here

The perfect balance of warmth and breathability for those who stay active. Key Features of the Outline Full Zip Hoody and Outrack Full Zip Mid

Outline Full Zip Hoodie

This ultralight technical fleece is perfect for active outdoor enthusiasts, perfect for year-round adventures. Its lightweight, lightweight fabric, Active Fit cut, and stretchy Merrow® stitching allow for freedom of movement and easy layering. The lining, which is next to the skin, features quick-drying ribbing to wick away sweat and moisture. The Scuba Hood fits snugly under a helmet to keep out the cold air around your neck

Favorite points

Lightweight and compact
A balance of warmth and breathability when you're moving (not too hot, not too cold)
Highly stretchable in four directions
The active fit and smooth surface make it easy to layer and wear with outerwear
Balaclava-style scuba hood for added warmth around the neck when layering
Thumbhole

Points of interest

You can't expect warmth or wind protection when you're stationary
The edges of the balaclava hood are slightly loose

Outrack Full Zip Mid

This versatile technical fleece jacket boasts a lightweight feel and versatility that makes it perfect for everyday wear, from everyday activities to the field. Its lightweight, loosely ribbed lining provides moderate warmth and allows for airflow. Its flat-seam Merrow® stitching ensures a slim silhouette while providing a comfortable, non-restrictive fit. Its versatility makes it perfect for both outdoor activities and everyday wear, while also offering excellent value for money

Favorite points

Lightweight and compact
Slim yet comfortable to wear without stress
Excellent breathability without getting too warm
Handwarmer pockets
Cost performance

Points of interest

Ability to handle more demanding activities (ease of movement and moisture control)

Main specifications and evaluation

item	Specifications and reviews
item	Outline Full Zip Hoodie	Outrack Full Zip Mid
image
Actual weight	220g (medium size)	252g (measured size M)
material	Body: 93% polyester, 7% polyurethane Pocket: 100% polyester	100% polyester
pocket	Left chest zip pocket	Left and right hand warmer zip pockets
Heat retention	★★★☆☆	★★★☆☆
Comfort	★★★☆☆	★★★★☆
Ease of movement	★★★★★	★★★★☆
Ease of layering	★★★★★	★★★☆☆
Breathable and quick-drying	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆
weight	★★★★★	★★★★☆

Detailed Review

The perfect balance of heat insulation and breathability when you're moving feels great

the Outline Full Zip Hoody (hereafter referred to as Outline ) the Outrack Full Zip (hereafter referred to as Outrack ) have a lower loft (volume of the insulating layer) than other fleeces, so you can't expect much insulation. However, this type of fleece wasn't originally designed to provide high insulation to keep you warm when you're standing still in the cold, but rather to provide insulation (warmth) and ventilation (quick drying) while you're moving and sweating, so you can stay just warm (not cold) when you're active in cool weather.

This moderate breathability is made possible by the ribbed lining (see photo below). The Outline (see photo below, left) has a higher density and higher rib to accommodate higher sweat levels, while the Outrack (see photo below, right) has a shallower, wider rib that comes into contact with the skin more, designed for milder conditions

Fleece keeps you warm by trapping your body heat in tiny air pockets formed between the threads of the fabric. This keeps you warm where it touches your skin, while allowing air to flow through the grooves that don't touch your skin, reducing heat buildup and sweating and controlling humidity when hiking or running

Specific examples of when to wear it include as an outer layer in warm weather, letting in cool air from outside and keeping your body cooler. Also, in chilly environments, wearing it as a mid-layer under a windshell or hardshell can be useful as a layering piece to keep you warm while preventing stuffiness even during intense activity. The fabric is made of polyester, which doesn't absorb water at all, so it dries quickly

If you're planning on using it in an active situation like this, a thin, highly breathable technical fleece works perfectly to "maintain a good balance of warmth and dryness while you're on the move." For active activities like fastpacking, trail running, and backcountry climbing in the seasons from when there's still snow remaining until the rainy season, or from early autumn until the snow starts, there's no more convenient piece of clothing

This is true even for the latest breathable active insulation. We tested the Outline and a representative model of active insulation and used thermography to see how the comfort and discomfort felt when running in them

The photo above shows the temperatures inside and outside of a jacket measured with a thermograph immediately after running for a certain period of time in a field with a temperature of around 7°C using active insulation with an outline and breathable padding

In the outline on the left, you can see that body heat escapes when the jacket is worn (center left in the photo above. The temperature is close to body temperature), whereas in the jacket on the right, body heat does not escape to the outside of the jacket (center right in the photo above. The temperature is close to the outside temperature). In a sense, it can be said that it has heat retention properties, but conversely, it can also be said that heat is trapped inside (= hot)

No matter how breathable a jacket may be, the structure of a synthetic fiber jacket, which seals the insulating layer in with the outer fabric, means that there is a limit to the instantaneous ventilation speed (of course, this does not include Polartec Alpha Direct, which has no fabrics bonded together at all). For this reason, in seasons that are not too cold, a thin, highly breathable technical fleece is more suitable for wearing during high-intensity activities

The perfect fit and four-way stretch for ease of movement make it comfortable to wear all the time

Both models feature an Active Fit that prevents flapping or tightness while moving, and Merrow® stitching that allows for more dynamic stretch, but there are subtle differences in the silhouette and comfort when worn (see photo below)

The Outline (left photo above) feels like it fits snugly around the body around the waist and arms. That's because the fabric is a blend of polyester and a small amount of polyurethane, giving it exceptional stretch, and it fits snugly to the body when worn, making it feel even tighter. On the other hand, the Outrack (right photo above) is 100% polyester, so it has less stretch, and the silhouette and fit are slightly looser, which means it doesn't feel too tight and is more comfortable when you're not moving. It's not that one is better than the other, but rather that I really liked both fits, depending on whether you want to wear it while moving or just relaxing

The sleeves of the Outline jacket are slightly longer, but this is because they have convenient thumbholes hidden inside (see photo below). Not only do they help keep your hands warm, but they also make it easier to put on when layering

The torso length of the Outline is slightly shorter, and combined with its snug fit, slippery surface, and thumbholes, the Outline is designed to be easy to layer as a mid-layer, worn under rainwear, hard shells, or down jackets (see photo below)

On the other hand, the Outrack has a relatively longer length, making it easier to wear as an outer layer. The cuffs and hem are taped, which not only makes it lightweight and less likely to fray, but also seals in warmth and gives it an overall slimming impression (see photo below)

The details are designed to be consistent with the purpose and usage scenario

Outline's tight-fitting balaclava-style scuba hood provides a subtle but welcome protection from the cold by preventing cold air from entering around the neck when not worn, and even when worn it is thin so it doesn't take up much space and can be worn comfortably under a helmet (see photo below)

Both models are full-zip, so if you want to prevent excessive sweating, just roll up your sleeves and open the zipper all the way, and the heat will quickly dissipate (see photo below)

The pockets are designed primarily for aerobic exercise and layering, and include a chest pocket that is easily accessible even when wearing a backpack or harness. It is just large enough to fit a small 5.6-inch smartphone (see photo below)

On the other hand, the outer rack, which appears to have been designed with everyday convenience in mind, has hand warmer pockets on both sides that are convenient for placing your hands and keeping them warm (see photo below)

Lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry

The actual measurements for a medium size jacket are 220g at the outline and 252g at the outside rack, making it one of the lightest fleece jackets. Naturally, it can be compressed into a small size, so it won't take up much space in your packing when you carry it around (see photo below)

Don't expect protection from bad weather

While their high breathability makes them excellent for removing excess heat while you're active, it's also undeniable that neither model is effective against excessive cold, strong winds, or rain. For this reason, if you anticipate having to endure harsh conditions such as cold, strong winds, or rain, be sure to bring a wind shell, soft shell, rain shell, or hard shell as needed

Summary: Whether it's warm or cold, this is the base for staying warm and comfortable

With thick fleece jackets, you inevitably end up in situations where you're too hot when wearing them and it gets chilly when you take them off. In contrast, a thin, highly breathable technical fleece like this one has the potential to be used in a wide range of situations all year round, from high mountain climbing in the summer to active scenes in the winter, and in that sense it is still a very useful jacket

This particular Outline offers a good balance of moderate warmth, high breathability, and ease of movement, and if you put it on while you're active, it will release moisture at a moderate rate without cooling your body, making it a very useful piece of clothing for activities that require sustained high tempo, such as fastpacking in the cold, trail running, backcountry, and climbing.

Furthermore, if it gets too cold for this one piece to be enough, you can simply layer another suitable cold weather jacket on top of it, so there's no need to prepare heavy insulation just for the harsh winter. Another appealing feature is its versatility, which goes beyond its standalone use, and in that sense, it could be thought of as a basic "piece of basic clothing" when thinking about cold weather protection

On the other hand, Outrack is not specialized for a specific purpose, but its ease of wear in everyday life and high cost performance are hard to give up. It is a piece of clothing that is worth having not only for the current pre-winter season, but also as the cold weather approaches