[Practical Review] SALOMON Radiant Full-Zip Mid & Transition Full-Zip Mid: High-performance fleece with all the winter midlayer functionality you need
Fleece has continued to evolve over the nearly 40 years since its invention. At the time, fleece was intended to be an alternative to wool and cotton, being lightweight yet warm and comfortable and still functioning even when wet. Today, we can easily find fleece that fulfills its role and performs as expected in every aspect of our lives, from hard expeditions to casual everyday life, and for everyone from babies to the elderly
Among these, the one I introduced the other day was a lightweight model that is practical for high-intensity activities, even among the many types of I'd like to review two SALOMON fleeces the Radiant Full Zip Mid and Transition Full Zip Mid provide solid warmth while also offering performance and functionality suitable for layering under outerwear in the mountains, all at an affordable price point, making them highly satisfying models. I'd like to compare the features of each and look at recommended uses.
table of contents
- Key Features of the Radiant Full Zip Mid and Transition Full Zip Mid
- Main specifications and evaluation
- Detailed Review: Radiant Full Zip Mid
- Detailed Review: Transition Full Zip Mid
- Summary: A practical and comfortable jacket that can be used as a mid-layer for serious winter outdoor activities
- SALOMON Radiant Full Zip Mid & Transition Full Zip Mid details and purchase information
Key Features of the Radiant Full Zip Mid and Transition Full Zip Mid
Radiant Full Zip Mid
This versatile mid-weight fleece jacket is perfect as a mid-layer under your outer layer during active winter outdoor activities, or as a layer to relax before or after activities. The hollow fiber fabric, which has hollow spaces inside, is lighter than it appears, and combines excellent warmth, breathability, moisture absorption, and quick-drying properties. Handwarmer pockets are located on both sides of the body. This highly versatile model combines the complex functionality of a mid-layer with the comfort and ease of use of an outer layer
Favorite points
- Excellent heat retention yet lighter than it looks
- The comfortable fit is neither too loose nor too tight, and the stretchy material makes it comfortable to wear
- Well-balanced and easy to use as both an outer layer and a mid-layer
Points of interest
- Difficult to compress and bulky to carry
Transition Full Zip Mid
This lightweight, flexible, warm, and easy-to-layer fleece jacket is ideal as a mid-layer for a wide range of winter outdoor activities. Its Active fit minimizes bagginess, smooth outer fabric allows for easy movement of the sleeves, and minimal yet ample chest pockets provide all the essential elements of a mid-layer. The soft, comfortable brushed fleece lining provides excellent insulation despite its thinness, while the stand-up collar keeps warmth in while efficiently evaporating sweat during activity. It's perfect for any winter activity that requires layering, such as mountaineering, climbing, skiing, or touring in the snowy season
Favorite points
- Lightweight and easy to store without burdening you
- A comfortable fit that hugs your body lines and a soft, supple lining
- Details suitable for layering as a mid-layer in winter
Points of interest
- I feel a slight stiffness when I raise my arms
- The thumbholes make it even more winter-resistant and easier to layer
Main specifications and evaluation
| item | Specifications and reviews | |
|---|---|---|
| item | Radiant Full Zip Mid | Transition Full Zip Mid |
| image | | |
| Reference price | ￥10,560 (tax included) | ￥9,790 (tax included) |
| Actual weight | 360g (medium size) | 300g (medium size) |
| material |
|
|
|
| |
| Heat retention | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Comfort | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Ease of movement | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Ease of layering | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Breathable and quick-drying | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| weight | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
Detailed Review: Radiant Full Zip Mid
Excellent heat retention yet lighter than it looks
the Radiant Full Zip Mid (hereafter referred to as Radiant) , you'll be surprised by the contrast between its solid volume and how light it feels when you hold (or wear) it.
The secret lies in the fabric. hollow fiber inside, this fleece jacket is lighter than a regular fleece jacket with the same appearance due to the amount of space inside the fiber. This is why it feels lighter than it looks. Furthermore, the fiber with this space not only makes the jacket lighter, but also adds many other excellent functions to the jacket.
The high insulating properties of the hollow fiber make it warmer than it looks
One of the benefits is that these spaces can be used to store more air in the fabric itself, improving its insulating properties (while maintaining the natural breathability of regular fleece). As heat " emitted by the body. Of course, it's not as warm as a fluffy fleece with a long pile, but considering how light it is, it does a pretty good job.
The soft brushed fleece lining makes you want to wear it all the time
The soft, brushed fleece lining extends to the underside of the stand-up collar, locking in warmth and providing cozy comfort
Stand collar keeps your neck warm
Furthermore, by being able to retain a certain amount of moisture in these tiny gaps, polyester fibers, which are normally unable to absorb moisture, are able to . This helps to mitigate the sudden changes in perceived temperature, such as the "too hot" feeling you get before and after sweating, and the "too cold" feeling you get as the sweat evaporates. At first glance, it may look like an ordinary fleece, but it is packed with useful features for outdoor activities and sports.
The comfortable fit is neither too loose nor too tight, and the stretchy material makes it comfortable to wear
The overall slim silhouette fits the body just right, but it doesn't feel too tight when you put it on, so you won't feel any stress when wearing it
There are several reasons behind this comfort, but the most obvious is the three-dimensional patterning that takes into account the movement of the body. For example, if you check the armpits, you will see that the front and back are not simply glued together, but have side panels placed between them, creating a more three-dimensional design
Three-dimensional cut reduces restriction of movement and tightness
Another advantage is its outstanding stretchability. It stretches in all four directions (despite not using polyurethane-based elastic fibers!). The powerful kick back after stretching is also very comfortable
It stretches more than I expected and bounces back nicely
Well-balanced and easy to use as both an outer layer and a mid-layer
The slim yet comfortable fit means you can wear it as an outer layer over a shirt or cut-and-sew top in your everyday life, and it's perfect for both the field and the city
It's not too tight, so it's useful in relaxed situations too
It's light, warm, and easy to layer. Its breathability, quick-drying properties, and moisture-controlling properties make it a perfect mid-layer layer to wear under a hard shell in cold weather. Unfortunately, I tested it on a November hike when there was no snow, but its excellent balance means it's sure to be even more useful in the snowy season
If you wear a waterproof and breathable outer layer over it, it will act as a mid-layer, effectively trapping heat and expelling moisture
I quietly love the voluminous cuffs. They feel soft against the skin while gently keeping out the cold. Warm hand-warming zip pockets with brushed fleece linings are conveniently placed on both sides of the body. Opinions are divided on this point, but the unique feature of this fleece is its good balance of being comfortable for everyday use and when you return to town, without being too focused on field use. The taped hem also gives a slim and sophisticated impression
From the left: comfortable cuffs, hand warmer pockets, and elasticated hem
...However, the only drawback is that it is a bit bulky
However, there's nothing that can be done about the weakness of all warm fleeces: low compressibility. Also, it's not weatherproof, so it's best to keep in mind that it's only comfortable to wear as an outer layer in the city or in the foothills
Although not as compressible as fluffy fleece, it is still not very compressible
Detailed Review: Transition Full Zip Mid
Lightweight and easy to store without burdening you
The next fleece I tried the Transition Full Zip Mid (hereafter referred to as Transition) , which is a relatively thin mid-weight fleece with a voluminous feel. It feels soft to the touch, and my first impression was that it's more about its lightness than its warmth. It's lightweight and compact enough to slip into a backpack without becoming a burden.
It's relatively thin and compact, yet still warm
A comfortable fit that hugs your body lines and a soft, supple lining
However, once you try it on, you realize that it's not that simple. It's thin and compact, but the soft brushed fleece lining fits snugly against your body. Its excellent heat retention is not to be underestimated. To be honest, I prefer the comfortable feel to the Radiant
Brushed fleece lining is slightly fine and comfortable against the skin
The overall slim silhouette not only looks sophisticated, but also prevents cold air from entering through gaps
Details suitable for layering as a mid-layer in winter
The heathered outer material has a slight sheen and is less prone to friction, allowing you to put it on and take it off smoothly and without stress, even when wearing a jacket over it
The slim silhouette and smooth outer material make it comfortable to layer
In terms of layering, this jacket is a full-zip type, but the usual left and right pockets have been boldly cut out to eliminate unnecessary elements. In fact, when wearing outerwear for long periods outdoors in winter, there are few opportunities to access inner pockets, so this decision is not a bad one if you are considering optimizing it as a mid-layer. Instead, the chest pocket is large enough (it can even fit a 6-inch smartphone), has an inconspicuous zipper, and the design is cool. Overall, the Radiant , the use and purpose are clearer, and the appeal of this model is that it is designed very logically to meet that expectation.
The only chest pocket is perfectly designed and sized, making it extremely easy to use
There is a sense of stiffness when performing large movements such as raising your arms
However, one thing that bothered me, and was quite noticeable, was the comfort around the shoulders and sides. the Radiant , is a little stronger with this one. If you actually raise your arms as shown in the photo below, you can see that the hemline rises quite a bit. The garment moves up and down easily with arm movements, which is a concern as I often use it for active activities.
When you raise your arms, the hem tends to lift up quite a bit
However, the fabric itself is stretchy enough that you won't feel any discomfort when moving
It has enough stretch to be comfortable to wear in active situations
Summary: A practical and comfortable jacket that can be used as a mid-layer for serious winter outdoor activities
When considering wear during the snowy season, fleece jackets without special treatments like windproof or water-repellent coatings are inevitably required to function as midlayers, working well with other layers. In that sense, both of the two jackets introduced here are not primarily intended for everyday wear, but are optimized to function as midlayers for a wide range of active activities, such as hiking, climbing, skiing, and touring, even in the coldest of conditions. The Radiant Full Zip Mid, in particular, offers a perfect balance of lightness, warmth, breathability, and sweat management, while remaining comfortable throughout the day and easy to wear for everyday wear. It definitely felt like it would fit my style (and, of course, my upcoming trips to the snowy mountains), and it's become a firm favorite. While the past few years have focused on the increasing functionality of synthetic fiber padding, I'm once again amazed by the quiet and steady evolution of fleece.
Fleece jackets have long been a staple of outdoor thermal layers, and there's sure to be at least one in everyone's closet. While this fleece might not look much different from your favorite one, which has been worn many times and is now pilling and showing signs of wear, the insides of the jacket may be completely different. Why not try on the latest model?
SALOMON Radiant Full Zip Mid & Transition Full Zip Mid details and purchase information
For more product details, please also check out the official online stores for the Radiant Full Zip Mid and Transition Full Zip Mid
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