[A genuine, self-funded review] The future is here! THE NORTH FACE Expedition Dry Dot Crew: Sweat-wicking, quick-drying, and smooth. A multi-purpose jacket

It's been a while since I've had such a good smile. This is what makes mountain gear so interesting

The base layer, which is equivalent to "underwear" in general clothing, is worn directly on the skin in mountaineering wear and is the most basic of all layers that must be covered for safe and comfortable clothing (layering). Its role is to absorb sweat from the body and evaporate it as quickly as possible, keeping the skin dry and at a constant temperature (not getting cold)

In the past, models made from synthetic fibers such as nylon and polyester appeared that excelled in "sweat absorption and quick-drying properties," and these remain the mainstream base layers for mountain climbing. In recent years, underwear worn under the base layer, variously called 0.5 layers or similar, that fit snugly against the skin, has taken over the market. This has accelerated the development of "functions that keep the skin dry."

It's been a few years since the 0.5 layer was introduced, but the latest base layer released by The North Face this spring is an amazing piece that feels like it's taken another step forward

Enough with the theory, let me share my impressions of wearing them for backcountry skiing and hiking this spring!

Key Features of THE NORTH FACE Expedition Dry Dot Crew

This double-faced base layer combines a water-repellent dry layer on the skin side with a moisture-wicking outer layer that quickly disperses and dries sweat. Sweat doesn't stay trapped in the dry layer on the skin side, but is instantly transferred to the fabric's surface via the dotted bonded surface, accelerating evaporation. The three-dimensional cut provides freedom of movement while still providing stretch, creating a slim fit that isn't too tight. The voluminous knit construction creates a subtle air gap for warmth. The cuffs feature thumbholes. The chest pocket has stretch fabric that can hold a smartphone. This technical piece is perfect for stop-and-go activities and high-altitude environments where temperatures and weather change drastically

Recommended points

• Excellent sweat absorption and quick drying
• A dry feeling that instantly returns even with heavy sweat
• The three-dimensional cut follows the contours of your body and provides just the right amount of stretch for a comfortable fit that's neither too tight nor too loose
• Lightweight considering it has the functionality of two pieces of clothing
• Gentle warmth

Points of interest

• Durability against abrasion and scratches
• Might be a little hot if you're riding in midsummer
• Antibacterial and deodorizing function (unconfirmed)
• expensive

Main specifications and evaluation

Detailed Review

I bought it in March and wore it in the backcountry in the Northern and Central Alps in April, and then twice while hiking in low mountains. I tried it out in a variety of layering patterns, from wearing it under a shell to wearing it bare on its own, and sweated a lot

Instantly relieves the discomfort of sweat and leaves you feeling dry and comfortable. Amazing sweat absorption, quick drying and dry feeling

I noticed something strange about the T-shirt while climbing back to Tsugaike from Renge Onsen, which was sunny and clear. The temperature wasn't that high that day, but there was no wind, and as soon as I started climbing, I was sweating profusely. I quickly took off my shell and continued hiking up in just that, but naturally, my base layer was soaked with sweat right after I took it off

With a traditional "regular" synthetic base layer, you can't avoid the discomfort of the fabric sticking to your skin until it dries, and the chill of body heat lost as sweat evaporates. Merino wool base layers, on the other hand, reduce the feeling of stickiness and chill, but are less quick-drying, so take longer to dry completely and feel fresh than synthetics

the Expedition Dry Dot different from other base layers is that it dries incredibly quickly, while still preventing you from feeling the discomfort and cold (or only for a very short time) that you might experience with conventional synthetic base layers.

If I were to somehow put this surprise into words, I would say that even when I sweat a lot, there are hardly any moments when I feel that uncomfortable dampness or stickiness, and yet before I know it, my clothing dries in an instant (or so it seems), and as a result, my body always feels dry even during mountain climbing sessions that involve heavy sweating

Of the various base layers available on the market, many are made primarily from synthetic fibers such as polyester and are particularly quick-drying, but the sweat absorption and quick-drying speeds of each model are all quite high, and it's no exaggeration to say that the differences are practically the same. However, despite the Expedition Dry Dot being made from 100% polyester, just like previous models, the dry speed felt different to the rest of the model.

I felt the effects not only on snowy mountains but also on hikes in low mountains in late April. The sweat I broke out in on the steep climb just below the peak dried up in just a few minutes (see photo below). I also didn't feel the unpleasant chill of sweat when I reached the ridgeline

What is the secret behind this garment being both breathable and quick-drying in one piece?

This magical function is undoubtedly made possible by the proprietary "Future Dot Fleece," and once you understand how it works, you will understand even more the amazing "power of science" that this base layer possesses

The material used in this model, "Future Dot Fleece," has a double-faced construction that combines a dry layer with a water-repellent finish on the skin side with a moisture-wicking outer layer that quickly disperses and dries sweat. Sweat doesn't stay in the dry layer on the skin side, but instead moves instantly to the fabric surface through the dotted bond, facilitating evaporation. The photo below shows a thin drop of water dropped on the water-repellent dry layer on the skin side. It certainly repels water well

Let's take a look at this video to see how this water-repellent and sweat-wicking system works at the same time. The first half shows water droplets being dropped onto the skin of a regular synthetic base layer that I've been wearing for about two years, and the second half shows the same water droplets being dropped onto the Expedition Dry Dot

The dry layer, which has been beautifully water-repellent, repels water droplets, while water droplets that come into contact with the streaky bonding surface that connects to the outer fabric of the absorbent layer are instantly absorbed and transferred to the outer fabric

By the way, the outer fabric is a slightly fluffy, three-dimensional knit, so naturally, when a drop of water falls on the outer fabric, it instantly absorbs and spreads. The difference in how water spreads between the front and back is obvious when you compare the photos below

This structure allows

1. Sweat does not remain in the dry layer on the skin but transfers to the outer fabric (moisture that transfers to the outer fabric quickly diffuses and evaporates)
2. The streaky (dot-like) bonding surface is slightly concave, so only the dry layer touches the skin
3. This dry layer repels moisture, so in theory the skin surface stays dry at all times

That's what it means

I say "in theory" here because in reality, if you sweat so much that the garment becomes filled with moisture that it can't diffuse it all, the dry layer won't be "completely" dry and will feel a bit sticky. This is something that is unavoidable no matter how dry a product claims to be, so I'm not particularly dissatisfied with it. On the contrary, I have to say that it's quite good, as I feel that the time it spends in this state is clearly shorter than with other base layers

The three-dimensional cut follows the contours of your body and provides just the right amount of stretch for a comfortable fit that's neither too tight nor too loose

While most typical 0.5 layer garments are tight-fitting with a strong compression effect, this model has an athletic fit that is neither too tight nor too loose, and is similar to the comfort of a regular base layer, or slightly tighter. This is one of the reasons I like this shirt

The raglan sleeves avoid the seams with the backpack shoulder straps and allow for unrestricted shoulder movement. Furthermore, the three-dimensional cut minimizes tightness and lifting even when moving your upper body vigorously, and combined with the moderate stretch, it is extremely comfortable to wear and easy to move in (see photo below). The opinions of many climbers (who are also featured in the promotional video) were surely incorporated during the development stage

While it does feel a bit rough, like synthetic fibers, the soft, three-dimensional feel of the fabric is not bad. It also provides a slight sense of warmth. It seems like it would be very useful for hiking in spring and autumn, or as a winter base layer. On the other hand, even if it's breathable and quick-drying, I felt that in midsummer, when this little bit of warmth is enough to make you sweat uncontrollably, a thinner model with a cooling effect might be better

The best seasons to wear this jacket are spring, fall, and winter for active activities, and summer for high altitudes. Its chest pocket is large enough to keep a 6-inch smartphone warm, and the thumbholes on the cuffs are convenient for chilly weather or layering, making it ideal for these occasions

Summary: Cutting-edge comfort for everyone who is interested in intense activities, not just professionals and athletes

I've tried dozens of base layers, each with a different material, thickness, and construction, but I'm still excited to see a new one emerge with new functionality and comfort. In addition to its excellent quick-drying and dry feel, combining all of these elements in one garment results in an extraordinary lightness, natural comfort, and ease of movement, making this a top-of-the-line piece I'll definitely be wearing often. It fits me better than ever, especially in the spring, when temperatures and body temperatures tend to be unbalanced. Of course, preferences for fit and comfort vary from person to person, so I can't give it unconditional praise, but even if you're not a professional or an athlete, you should be able to fully enjoy its practicality for high-tempo activities outside of midsummer or in environments with drastic temperature changes. In that sense, it was well worth the (expensive) price for me

In addition to the crew neck type introduced here, other variations include a zip-up model that allows for easier temperature regulation, and pants made from this fabric. Personally, I find the zip-up type hard to pass up if I were to wear it as a single layer. I'm also looking forward to seeing thicker and thinner derivative models emerge in the future, and I'm also excited to see if other brands will release new products to compete with it. For me, this is the first innovative piece in a long time that has me looking forward to new developments in base layers as a whole

   

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