[A self-paying review without any consideration] Future is here! THE NORTH FACE Expedition Dry Dot Crew Sweat-absorbing, quick-drying, and smooth. A dangerous guy who can play multiple roles on just one card

It's been a while since I last saw it. This is why mountain tools are interesting.

The base layer, which is the term "underwear," is the basics of the basics that must be kept in mind when wearing safe and comfortable clothing (layering) that is worn directly on top of your skin, even among mountaineering. Its role is to absorb sweat from the body and spread (evaporate) it out as quickly as possible, keeping the skin dry and constant temperature (not cooling).

Models made of synthetic nylon and polyester with excellent sweat-absorbing and quick-drying functions have been introduced, and these are still the mainstream base layers for mountain climbing. In recent years, underwear, which is worn in various ways, has become dominated by 0.5 layers and is further underwear that is worn by sticking it to the skin even further below the base layer. This has accelerated the "function that keeps the skin dry."

A few years after the 0.5 layer was introduced, the latest base layer, which was newly released by the North Face this spring, was a surprising piece that gave us a sense of another step forward.

That's all I've done with Noh writing, and I'll be bringing you some impressions I wore on backcountry skiing and hiking this spring!

Main features of THE NORTH FACE Expedition Dry Dot Crew

A base layer with a double-faced structure that combines a dry layer with a water-repellent finish on the skin and an outer fabric with a water-absorbent layer that quickly diffuses and drys sweat. The sweat does not remain in the dry layer on the skin, but instantly transfers to the fabric surface through the junction surface on the dots, promoting evaporation. It has easy movement due to the three-dimensional cutting, yet stretchy, providing a moderate slim fit without excessively sticking to it. The bulky knit structure that produces slightly dead air also provides heat retention. The cuffs are thumb holes. The chest pocket has a stretch fabric that can also store smartphones. This is a technical piece that can be used in activities that require a lot of stops and gos, and in high places where temperatures and weather change dramatically.

Recommended points

• Excellent sweat absorption and a fast, powerful drying speed
• A smooth feel that instantly returns even with a lot of sweat
• Three-dimensional cutting along the body lines and moderate stretch give it a high fit that is not too tight or too loose
• It's light when you think it has the functionality of two
• Slightly heat-retaining

Points that interest me

• Durability to wear and scratching
• It may be a little hot if you run in the middle of summer
• Antibacterial and deodorizing function (unconfirmed)
• expensive

Main Specifications and ratings

Detailed review

I bought it in March, tried it out by sweating with a variety of layering patterns, including backcountry in the Northern and Central Alps in April, then wearing it twice for hiking in low mountains, and then using it as a bare piece from under the shell.

The discomfort of sweat instantly resolves and is smooth. Amazing sweat absorption, quick drying and drying

I noticed something strange about this cut-and-sew product when I was climbing back to Tsugaike from Pecan's Renge Onsen. Although the temperature wasn't that high that day, there was no wind, and as I started climbing, a lot of sweat started to burst into tears, and I quickly stripped off the shell I had been wearing and I had to hike up with this one piece, but of course the base layer right after I took it off was drenched in sweat.

Here, with traditional "general" synthetic base layers, the discomfort of the fabric sticking tightly to the skin until it dries to a certain extent, and the cold feeling of body temperature (sweat cooling) that is taken away as sweat evaporates. Alternatively, a merino wool base layer reduces the tightness and coldness, but it does not dry out quickly, so it takes longer to dry and smooth than synthetic fibers.

this Expedition Dry Dot different from other base layers is that it also offers incredible quick drying, despite the fact that it barely feels any discomfort or cold like traditional synthetic base layers (or feels very short).

To explain this surprise in words, even if you sweat a lot, there are few moments of discomfort such as "dampness and tightness," and before you know it, your clothing has dried out (it feels like it) in no time, and even when climbing mountains with intense sweating, your body will always be smooth.

Of the various base layers in the world, many models that mainly contain synthetic fibers such as polyester have excellent quick-drying performance, but all models have a fairly high sweat absorption and quick-drying speed, and in reality, the difference is not an exaggeration to say that it is a comparison of the acorns' backs. despite the same construction as before, this Expedition Dry Dot quick-drying speed was clearly different.

You can see the effects not only in snowy mountains but also in low mountain hikes in late April. The heavy sweat that drew from the steep climb just below the peak was smooth in less than a few minutes (photo below). It's also less likely to feel unpleasant sweat and cold when you go up to the ridgeline.

What is the secret to achieving both good skin distancing and sweat absorption and quick drying with just one piece?

The magical function is undoubtedly made possible by the proprietary Future Dot Fleece, but when you learn about its mechanism, you will be able to understand the amazing "power of science" that this base layer possesses.

The material used in this model, "Future Dot Fleece," has a double-faced structure that combines a dry layer with a water-repellent finish on the skin and an outer fabric with a water-absorbent layer that quickly diffuses and drys sweat. The sweat does not remain in the dry layer on the skin, but instantly transfers to the fabric surface through the junction surface on the dots, promoting evaporation. The photo below shows water droplets dropped on the water-repellent dry layer on the skin surface. It's certainly playing well.

Now let's take a look at this video to help both water repellent and sweat absorption at the same time. The first half shows water droplets being dropped on the skin of a typical synthetic base layer that I've worn for about two years, and the second half shows water droplets being dropped in the same way with Expedition Dry Dot

You can see that water droplets will be repelled in the dry layer, which has been beautifully water-repellent, while water droplets that come into contact with the streak-like contact surface leading to the outer fabric of the water-absorbing layer are instantly sucked in and transitioned to the outer fabric.

Incidentally, the outer fabric is a slightly fluffy, three-dimensional knit, and of course, when water droplets are dropped on the outer fabric, it absorbs water instantly and spreads. The difference in the way moisture spreads on the front and back is obvious when you compare it in the photo below.

This structure allows

1. The sweat that has been exposed does not remain in the dry layer on the skin, but rather moves to the outer fabric (water that has been transferred to the outer fabric rapidly diffuses and evaporates).
2. The streak-shaped (dot-shaped) joint surface is slightly concave, so only the dry layer is touching the skin surface.
3. The dry layer is repelled with moisture, so in theory the skin is always smooth.

That's what happens.

The reason I wrote "in theory" here is that, in reality, if the clothing is filled with enough moisture that cannot fully spread due to a large amount of sweat, the dry layer will not be "completely" dry, and a slight tingling sensation will occur. This is an unavoidable event even for products that currently claim to be dry, so I have no particular complaints about this point, and on the other hand, I feel that there is clearly less time to go into such a state compared to other base layers, so I have to say it is excellent enough.

Three-dimensional cutting along the body lines and moderate stretch give it a high fit that is not too tight or too loose

While most of the general 0.5 layers of clothing are compressed and perfect, one of my favorite things about this shirt is that it is the same comfortable fit as a regular base layer, or rather tight, not too tight or too loose.

Raglan sleeves avoid seams with the shoulder strap of your backpack, but do not interfere with shoulder movement. Furthermore, the three-dimensional cut is cut with little tension or hem even when you move your upper body a lot, and pair it with moderate stretch to make it comfortable to wear and easy to move around (photo below). I'm sure they're taking in the opinions of many climbers (which were also featured in the promotional footage) during the development stage.

The texture is undeniable for its rough texture, which is typical of a chemical fiber, but the fluffy texture with a subtle three-dimensional feel is not bad. It also has a slight heat retention. It seems to be quite easy to use as a base layer in spring and autumn mountain climbing or winter. On the other hand, no matter how easily it is, it dries quickly, but when this small heat retention keeps you sweat in the middle of summer, I also got the impression that a thinner model might be better with a cooling effect.

The best seasons in which this one-piece can be enjoyed are active in spring, autumn and winter, and high places in summer. It is fully anticipated that the chest pockets that can be placed and warmed up on a 6-inch smartphone, and the thumb holes on the cuffs, which are convenient for chilly or layering, will be used in such situations.

Summary: cutting-edge comfort that reaches not only professionals and athletes, but also all those keen on intense activities.

I have tried dozens of base layers with different materials, thickness and structure, but I am truly excited to see new items appearing with new features and feel of wear. In addition to its amazing quick-drying and dryness, it is sure to continue to be lighter than ever, as it combines these into one piece, and its natural comfort and ease of movement. This fits better than ever before in the outdoors in spring, when temperatures tend to be unbalanced. Of course, there are individual differences in preferences for fit and comfort, so I'm not going to give up on the rave reviews, but in high-tempo activities outside of summer or in environments where temperature changes rapidly, even professionals and athletes should be able to fully enjoy its high practicality. In that sense, it was a purchase that was well worth the price (high priced) for me.

In addition to the crew neck type introduced this time, there are also variations such as a zip-up model that makes it easier to regulate body temperature, and pants made from this fabric. Personally, if I were to wear it as a piece, I wouldn't be able to throw away the zip type. I'm also looking forward to the emergence of derivative models such as thick and thin from here in the future, and will other brands release new products that compete with this? That's also something I can't look forward to. For me, it was an innovative item that I hadn't seen in a long time, and I was looking forward to the new developments of the entire base layer in the future.