Workman (praises) is a bug in his sense of money from prices that make him doubtful.
Recently, the design is high, and I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels that the gap between the clothing made by outdoor brands is narrowing.
This time, we'd like to introduce two tops that I found at Workman that would be perfect for hiking in autumn and winter, "THERMOLITE Eco Mode Thermal Crew Neck & Block Free Strekking Crew Neck."
Thermolite Eco Mode Thermal Crew Neck (left) and Block Free Strekking Crew Neck (right) are a great way to keep you warm when hiking in autumn and winter at an affordable price.
Both of these two are basically tops that play a "mid-layer" role, worn over underwear or base layers while you are on your actions, but these require breathability and quick drying to eliminate stuffiness and quickly evaporate the sweat while you are sweating. In a broad sense, this is called "active heat-retaining clothing" that is convenient for hiking in autumn and winter.
Although it is a high-performance layer that handles a variety of functions such as "heating up, breathing, sweat absorption, and quick-drying", both of which are astoundingly cheap as ever! ...What's really bothering you is the functionality and feel when used in the mountains. No matter how cheap it is, I don't want to pay a single yen for something that's poor.
To answer such questions, I have been using them thoroughly on the mountains this time. From early autumn to early winter, we have been thoroughly tested from Mt. Yatsugatake in early winter, where temperatures reach minus 10°C, to Okuchichibu, Tanzawa and Okutama, so we think we can make a useful review for those walking around the mountains during this time of year.
If you're interested in learning more about mid-layers in the first place, please take a look at the previously featured explanation.
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table of contents
THERMOLITE Main features of the eco-mode thermal crew neck
The simple, plain design of THERMO LITE Eco-Mode Thermal Crew Neck (hereafter referred to as the Thermo Lite®) is made from 100% recycled plastic bottles, and is a clothing used for "THERMO LITE®", developed by Invista, an American company.
THERMO LITE® is a hollow polyester fiber that is lightweight and has excellent heat retention.
Favorite points
- High breathability
- Lightness
- High heat retention when wearing a shell
- Highly quick drying
- Design and suppleness that is not unnatural even in everyday wear
What I was interested in
- Durability
- A tight fit around the neck
Main Specifications
| Item name | THERMOLITE Eco Mode Thermal Crew Neck |
|---|---|
| weight | LL size: 142.6g (actual measurement) |
| size | S, M, L, LL, 3L |
| material |
|
| Outdoor Gearzine Review | |
| Comfort | ★★★★☆ |
| Thermal insulation | ★★★☆☆ |
| Not easily stuffy | ★★★★★ |
| Breathable | ★★★★★ |
| Ease of movement | ★★★★☆ |
| Quick drying | ★★★★☆ |
| Durability | ★★☆☆☆ |
| weight | ★★★★☆ |
| Recommended scenes | Sweaty activities, such as hiking from spring to autumn and trail running during chilly seasons. |
High breathability
The thermal crew neck is made of a chemical fiber called THERMOLITE, which is not only excellent in heat retention, but also highly breathable.
The thermal crew neck is highly breathable, and the other side of the fabric is visible through the view. In other materials, the appearance and other aspects are similar to Alpha Direct.
When I actually wore it, I was able to feel more breathable than I imagined. The wind blows soothing. In scenes where people were sweating while in the forest, they were able to act without sweating too much or overheating due to their high breathability. It was comfortable to see the moderate breeze touching my body while I was on the move.
During long periods of time, you will not feel stuffy even when sweating, and the air dries quickly as it passes through, so it will not become sticky or uncomfortable.
Lightness
Another feature is that the thermolite material is light. The LL size I wear is, but it weighs 142.6g (actual measurements), making it lightweight. It's probably an attractive weight for UL-oriented hikers.
I tested it from early autumn to early winter, but it seems to be useful as a warming outfit from early summer to summer, and it is easy to keep it in my backpack, even when hiking in a low mountain mountain, when you are worried about the cold.
High heat retention when wearing a shell
The most recommended point about thermal crew necks is the balance between high breathability and heat retention. In my experience, these two are difficult to balance, and if one is given priority, one will often end up sacrificing one, which is a source of trouble when deciding on layering.
The thermal crew neck is compatible with a high level, and the thermal crew neck is most effective when combined with a shell jacket.
If you wear a shell jacket over a thermal crew neck, the thermolite material will maximize heat retention, and if you take off the shell jacket, it will be breathable.
When the wind blows, you may feel cold due to its high ventilation, so if you use it alone, rather than using it with a shell jacket, the thermal crew neck will provide high performance.
It is breathable, so even when worn, sweat dries quickly, reducing discomfort during activities.
When it comes to using it in snowy mountains during the harsh winter, I felt that I would prefer to choose a thicker clothing, but I felt that it would be useful all year round in relatively low-altitude mountains such as Tanzawa and Okutama.
Design and suppleness that is not unnatural even in everyday wear
It has a simple, plain design, and the fabric is supple, making it comfortable to wear, and the size is not too slim or too wide, so it's just right, so you can wear it without any discomfort even when wearing it everyday. I wear it 2-3 times a week. The high breathability and good balance of heat retention are useful when traveling between the warm train and the outside.
The points that caught my eye were durability and fit around the neck. It's partly because I use it frequently, but as soon as I start using it, the brushed fabric on the outer material will collapse from my back and elbows. There is no sign of any deterioration in performance, but it was a bit disappointing.
The neck area has a slightly tight fit, so it's a different taste. The tighter fits better, and I thought I'd wanted a little more roomy (I still like it because I wear it 2-3 times a week).
Main features of block-free strekking crew neck
A block-free srekking crew neck with heat-compression and sewn-free design, featuring a chest pocket that is less stiff and has a tight chest. It uses UV-blocking fabric, making it effective as a UV protection measure. The lining is a block structure, which combines heat retention and sweat removal. The mesh structure on both sides allows you to efficiently release sweat and heat, preventing overheating during activities.
The sleeves have thumb holes that allow you to pass your fingers through, allowing you to keep the back of your hand warm when you feel cold.
Favorite points
- High elasticity
- High breathability
- High heat retention as a single unit
- With thumb hole
What I was interested in
- The zipper on the chest pocket is stiff
Main Specifications
| Item name | Block Free Strekking Crew Neck |
|---|---|
| weight | LL size: 266.5g (actual measurement) |
| size | S, M, L, LL, 3L |
| material | Polyester, polyurethane |
| Outdoor Gearzine Review | |
| Comfort | ★★★★☆ |
| Thermal insulation | ★★★★☆ |
| Not easily stuffy | ★★★☆☆ |
| Breathable | ★★★★☆ |
| Ease of movement | ★★★★☆ |
| Quick drying | ★★★★★ |
| Durability | ★★★☆☆ |
| weight | ★★★☆☆ |
| Recommended scenes | Autumn trekking - low mountain hiking in winter, trail running in severe cold |
Detailed review
High elasticity
The first thing I was surprised when I put it through the sleeves was how elastic it was. Both the vertical and horizontal directions stretch well, so it does not interfere with body movement when worn.
Mid-layers are always worn when climbing or hiking in autumn and winter, so having high elasticity and comfort is a priority for being comfortable to behave.
High breathability and high heat retention
It has a block structure, so it has good heat retention and breathability (sweat drainage).
The most distinctive feature of the block-free sretting crew neck is the block-structured lining.
The block structure, reminiscent of the POLARTEC® power grid, was as good as it looks, and was very warm and breathable. Polartech® is a material that I have always used as a warming item in my outdoor activities. That's why this is something you shouldn't miss. In fact, this was the point that made me decide to buy it. Compared to Polartech, Polartech is the best overall advantage in terms of durability, but when you feel cold, the fleece fabric keeps you warm, and while you are on the move, the sweat-absorbing fleece vents through the block-structured grooves and dries quickly.
Furthermore, the sides that tend to accumulate heat and sweat are made of mesh fabric, which efficiently releases heat, allowing for high ventilation, combining it with the block structure's characteristics.
Both sides are made of mesh material, which quickly releases heat.
High heat retention as a single unit
The difference between the thermal crew neck introduced earlier is that the block-free sretting crew neck is more suitable for use alone. The outer material is firm, so it keeps the heat in moderately even when used alone (in other words, it is less breathable than a thermal crew neck).
Since UV protection fabric is used, it is also recommended for those who are thinking about protecting against UV rays (be careful as it can hurt if you lick UV rays in winter).
When worn at Mt. Yatsugatake in late autumn and Mt. Tsurumi in the Northern Alps, the temperature during the day was around 0-5°C, but I was able to operate with this block-free sretting crew neck alone. However, if you put on a shell jacket over the top in places where wind is prone to wind, such as on ridges, and shut out the wind thoroughly, you should be able to act without feeling cold.
With thumb hole
The block-free store crew neck has a thumb hole that allows you to pass through it, so you can keep it warm to the back of your hand when you feel cold.
Thumb holes also prevent the wrist area from being exposed while you are on the move, making it a great feature for outdoor activities in low temperature environments.
Chest pockets are difficult to open and close
The chest pocket, which also serves as an accent, is a shame because of the high elasticity of the fabric, and it is difficult to open and close. The fact that these pockets make me look sporty, I thought it would be better to wear it for everyday wear, even if it wasn't.
Summary: Great for hiking in low mountains in autumn and winter! Must buyware with high performance for the price!
We've introduced some recommended mid-layers from Workman.
The "THERMO LITE Eco Mode Thermal Crew Neck" is a great balance between lightness and heat retention and breathability, and I felt that it would be a common feature in the three seasons, spring to autumn.
For those who want to use a slightly more sturdy fabric and cover low mountains in winter, we recommend the "Block Free Strekking Crew Neck."
The Workman mid-layer introduced is soft and comfortable to wear, but the truth is that it is not as durable and performance as compared to outdoor brand clothing that has been commercialized after rigorous field testing, as it is intended for use in poor environments.
However, from a price point of view, I wonder if it's okay to put you on the same level. . After all, it's an outstanding value for money.
If there is a huge difference, the difference is small.
I feel that the day when I chose Workman's clothing with the feeling that "this is fine" is approaching.
Enjoy the outdoors comfortably with Workman's Merino series this winter!
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Yosuke
From spring to autumn, I chase after char deep in the mountains and go fishing in the mountain stream. We walked the mountains in search of spectacular views that cannot be seen from the ground. Camping to be healed by the bonfire. Snowboarding is a floating mountain with a mountain of silver.
A freelance writer who enjoys outdoor activities all year round. I share my own experiences and tools that I've been using.