As is our annual tradition, we review Workman's 2020 Spring/Summer collection after actually using them for hiking and other outdoor activities. With the rainy season fast approaching, we've dug around for rainwear and outerwear that can be used for low-altitude hiking, light mountain climbing, and trail running
table of contents
- About review ratings
- Featured Items
- Review results and spec comparison table
- Impressions of each model
- ACTIVE Shell Jacket Mountaineering Recommendation (Water-Repellent Jacket): ★★★★☆
- 2.5-layer hard shell jacket for mountain climbing. Recommended rating: ★★★☆☆
- DiALiGHT Cut Rain Jacket - Recommended for mountain climbing (as a water-repellent jacket): ★★★☆☆
- 3-layer breathable stretch rain suit. Recommended for mountain climbing: ★★★★☆
About review ratings
Recently, a large amount of Workman item review information has been collected, from text sites to YouTube. However, the current situation is that the content is a mixed bag, making it difficult for readers to find useful, practical information about "who and what" a product is good (or bad) for. This site does not want to deliver information that would make readers feel they have wasted their time reading it. Therefore, we want to provide the information you really want, that is, whether the product is good or bad when actually used in the field. Therefore, we would like to explain in advance the evaluation stance of this site
Unless otherwise noted, this review outdoor activities such as mountain climbing and trail running . By "usable," I mean outdoor activities such as hiking and light mountain climbing. On the other hand, even if a product receives a low rating here, it may be fine for light outdoor activities like camping or motorcycle touring, so please interpret it with that in mind.
Featured Items
This time, we've picked out four models, including windshells and rainwear, that are likely to be suitable for light mountain climbing and trail running. Of course, these aren't full-fledged wear designed to be suitable for even the most demanding mountain climbing, but rather workwear that can also be used outdoors. Conversely, we believe that they have plenty of potential for use as long as the activity isn't too demanding, and have evaluated them from that perspective
Also, since this time we are focusing on the 2020 Spring/Summer models, we have excluded from our selection the classic rainwear " R006 Breathable Rain Suit STRETCH " and wind shell jacket " R007A Air Shell Jacket ", which we have been checking out since the beginning of this project, as we already know that they are somewhat usable.
- ACTIVE Shell Jacket
- 2.5 layer hard shell jacket
- DiALiGHT Cut Rain Jacket
- 3-layer breathable stretch rain suit
Review results and spec comparison table
If you find it difficult to see the table on the lightweight display for smartphones, click here.
| Recommendation level | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| item |  |
 |
 |
 |
| kinds | Water-repellent jacket | waterproof rain jacket | Windproof and water-repellent jacket | Waterproof rain suit |
| Here is ◎ |
|
|
|
|
| Here is △ |
|
|
|
|
| Windproof/waterproof | × | ◎ | △ | ◎ |
| Breathability | ◎ | △ | ◎ | ◯ |
| Comfort and stretch | ◎ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ |
| Functionality and usability | ◎ | ◯ | △ | ◯ |
| Specifications | ||||
| Reference price (excluding tax) | \2,900 | \3,900 | \3,900 | \4,900 |
| Actual weight | 99g(M) | 266g(M) |
315g(M) |
636g (L size upper 422g / lower 214g) |
| material | 100% polyester | 100% nylon (polyurethane breathable coating) | 100% polyester | 100% polyester (polyurethane laminate) / Back: polyester |
|
|
|
|
|
| Ventilation | ◎ | ◯ | △ | △ |
| Packable | ◯ | |||
| reflective material | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ |
| Item number | S014 | R013 | F20 | R1300 |
Impressions of each model
ACTIVE Shell Jacket Mountaineering Recommendation (Water-Repellent Jacket): ★★★★☆
Recommended ◎ Points
- High breathability
- Ease of movement
- water repellency
- Lightweight and comfortable to wear
- Pocketable design
Here is △
- The zipper on the pocketable bag is installed in a bad position, making it difficult to open and close
The new ACTIVE shell jacket has been released from Field Core for Spring 2020! The waterproof and breathable Field Core Air Shell Jacket, which I reviewed last year, is an outerwear item. Personally, I was looking for a mid-shell jacket that was easy to move in, waterproof, windproof, and lightweight for spring and summer, so I'm excited about this new release. Combining Workman's signature innovative features, will this new shell be the piece that completes your Workman-only layering routine? I went to the warm spring mountains to find out
Lightweight, quick-drying, water-repellent fabric makes it suitable for trail running
Its greatest feature is the underarm ventilation, which allows hot air to escape from inside the shell. By using a dotted closure rather than a zipper, it maintains breathability. It's a novel idea, and I was a little worried about how it would work, but it has reduced the number of times I have to put on and take off my gear. This seems like it will be an advantage when layering. However, although it is basically a windbreaker, the shell is extremely breathable, so it feels like some wind still passes through. For an outer layer that prioritizes more wind resistance, I would recommend the company's R007A Air Shell Jacket
Underarm dot ventilation (hole diameter 3mm)
Despite being made of 100% polyester, the underarms have been designed to make it easy to raise and lower your arms. By creating a single panel from the underarm hem to the wrist, a large gusset is created under the armpits. This creates room around the shoulders, so the shell does not ride up uncomfortably, no matter how far you stretch your arms. This shell allows for free and stress-free movement
A single panel on the side provides a whole new level of ease of movement
Regarding water-repellent properties, Teflon processing is a high-quality technology that uses a fluororesin coating from Chemours, a US company, to create excellent water-repellent, oil-repellent, and stain-resistant properties. For outdoor items, it not only improves weather resistance, but also makes them stain-resistant and easy to care for. Another benefit is that it doesn't impair the original texture or flexibility of the fabric
Thanks to the Teflon coating, the garment feels soft and gentle against the skin, with no rustling noise. The sheer fabric keeps the garment feeling smooth and comfortable even when worn over short sleeves. The thin fabric also allows sweat to quickly soak through to the surface of the garment. The water-repellent properties of the Teflon coating also help disperse sweat, allowing it to dry quickly. Paired with a highly absorbent base layer, it can be worn without worrying about the amount of exercise
The pocketable pocket can hold light items
The pocketable design makes it easy to pack and lightweight (99g for size M). The zipper on the pocketable section is poorly positioned, making it difficult to open and close. The only pocket also serves as the pocketable section, so care must be taken when storing the shell with items in the pocket. The reflector's position could use some improvement so it's visible even when wearing a backpack. It would also be nice to see a model without a hood, considering layering options
While it may not be suitable for serious mountain climbing, this wind shell has limitless uses in situations ranging from light mountain climbing to hiking. It's handy when you want a little extra layer, serving as a perfect wind shell in hot weather and a perfect mid-layer in colder seasons. The slim silhouette and short length reduce flapping in the wind, allowing for comfortable movement. It truly lives up to its name, the ACTIVE shell. This review is geared towards fastpacking during trail running, but it's also easy to layer, so having one from spring to fall will definitely come in handy as a light jacket for when you feel chilly
2.5-layer hard shell jacket for mountain climbing. Recommended rating: ★★★☆☆
Recommended ◎ Points
- waterproof
- Ease of movement
Here is △
- Breathability
The AEGIS 2.5 layer hard shell jacket has undergone repeated model changes. This highly refined model is sure to be useful in outdoor fields. We put this Workman AEGIS rainwear, which boasts excellent water resistance, to the test
Manufacturer specifications
- Water resistance: 15,000 mm
- Moisture permeability 3,000g/㎡24h
During a 10k running test in the rain at 9°C, the AEGIS's high water resistance prevented water from seeping in. However, simply opening and closing the front zipper and using the side zipper ventilation meant that the inside of the shell became soaked with moisture and steam. During a hike in sunny weather at 24°C, the shirt got damp, but I was able to continue moving while still allowing moisture to escape. Given the breathability specs, I shouldn't have high expectations, but I found it easy to use for activities with low levels of movement
The ventilation holes inside the pockets are a design detail, but I would have liked more ventilation
The tough 100% nylon material, also used for fishing line, is resistant to tearing and abrasion, and even getting caught on a branch didn't tear it. While the fabric isn't stretchy, the underarm gussets provide ample room around the shoulders, making it easy to access the backpack and allowing for ease of movement while running or walking. The long back and cycle cut make it ideal for trekking, which tends to require a forward-leaning posture. The slim silhouette minimizes flapping, and the Velcro cuffs make it comfortable even in the wind
The tough shell is made of nylon and is tear-resistant. The cycle cut prevents back exposure and is suitable for trekking
The fabric is 2.5-layer, with the first layer, or the front, being water-repellent. The second layer, or the back, is waterproof laminated, with a textured print on the area that touches the skin to prevent stickiness. It's called 2.5-layer because it has no lining. This textured surface protects the waterproof laminate from sweat and sebum, ensuring long-lasting waterproofing. After use, simply shake off the shell and it dries very quickly. The textured print doesn't feel great against the skin, but the stickiness can be reduced (it wasn't a problem if I wore long sleeves or arm covers)
The slim silhouette made running easy (M size 256g / L size 280g)
Compared to typical 3-layer rainwear, this one has the lightness of a 2.5-layer. It's unfortunate that it has low breathability, but if there were zippered ventilation under the armpits like in previous models, it would likely be more breathable and comfortable. For running, it's currently best suited to city runs in cooler weather. It also seems like it would be great for outdoor activities like fishing, light cycling, and hiking, which require relatively little physical activity
DiALiGHT Cut Rain Jacket - Recommended for mountain climbing (as a water-repellent jacket): ★★★☆☆
Recommended ◎ Points
- Breathability
- Windproof
Here is △
- weight
FindOut, one of Workman's private brands, has a large lineup of sports-specific models, but only a small selection of rainwear. The Deer Light Cut Rain Jacket doesn't have the water resistance required for mountain climbing, so it's primarily a water-repellent jacket, with waterproofing merely being a bonus. However, it does have a different approach from conventional products, with high breathability, etc. We tested its potential for sports utility
Manufacturer specifications
- Water resistance: 5,000 mm
- Moisture permeability 10,000g/㎡24h
Mitsubishi Corporation Fashion's Dearlite is a multi-functional material that combines excellent waterproofness and breathability with a high-performance, durable water-repellent finish suitable for sports use, as well as lamination and coating on the back of the fabric. We tested its true value during a 10k run in the rain at 9°C. Despite its low water resistance, the seam tape was solid, preventing water from seeping in through the seams. It also provided excellent wind resistance, preventing wind from getting through
The seam tape prevents water from seeping in through the seams. It also provides excellent wind resistance
However, despite its high breathability, the shirt was unable to control moisture and steam, resulting in the shirt getting wet and causing chills from sweat. The side zipper ventilation became insufficient as the amount of exercise increased. Although it is highly breathable, it still cannot compare to high-performance materials for serious outdoor activities, and I found it difficult to continue running comfortably in this material in warm weather. The 100% polyester material stretches not only vertically and horizontally but also diagonally, with a stretch rate of around 130%. While a gradual expansion and contraction is desirable for dynamic arm movements like running, its strong elasticity interfered with smooth arm swings
The active cut makes it easy to raise your arms, but if you raise them above horizontal, your belly will stick out
The difference in stretch is similar to the difference between hard and soft rubber. It's not suitable for sports that require a lot of shoulder movement, but for normal wear, the stretch material is comfortable
Mitsubishi Corporation Fashion's Dearlight stretches in all directions
Although it is unlined, it is comfortable and not sticky even when worn with short sleeves, which is a good thing. However, because it is made of stretch material, it is relatively heavy at 313g (size M), making it unsuitable for long periods of exercise. It does not seem to be a full-fledged sports utility model. However, it is a piece that can be used for a wide range of purposes, from everyday use around town to light trekking. Because it is a relatively thick jacket, it can be considered an outdoor jacket with excellent wind and water repellency that is perfect for spring and autumn
3-layer breathable stretch rain suit. Recommended for mountain climbing: ★★★★☆
Recommended ◎ Points
- waterproof
- durability
- Heat retention
- Cost-effective top and bottom set
- Lining texture
Here is △
- weight
- Breathability
- Stiffness
From the AEGIS series, a symbol of Workman's past, boasting robustness and reliable waterproofing, comes this rainwear made with a three-layer fabric (3-layer) that is labeled as being for full outdoor use. The design also seems to incorporate many outdoor tastes, so I tried it out with high expectations to see how useful it would be
Manufacturer specifications
- Water resistance: 20,000 mm
- Moisture permeability 3,000g/㎡24h
In terms of specifications, it has a water resistance of 20,000mm, which means it has the same waterproof performance as full-scale mountaineering rainwear. The fabric is three-layered, so it's a little thick, but you'll feel a gentle warmth the moment you put it on. In that respect, it might be a bit too much to carry on a day hike in a low mountain or trail running in the middle of summer, but I felt it would function well as rainwear for traditional mountaineering or hiking, giving me a sense of security
The three-layer lining is made of fabric rather than a sticky coating, so the fine fuzz feels comfortable against the skin. Furthermore, even if the garment becomes damp due to humidity inside, the lining will absorb some of it, so even if you wear it over a short-sleeved shirt, you won't get soaked directly, and despite its low breathability, you may feel less uncomfortable when it gets damp
The lining is made of soft tricot
The fabric is relatively thick, so it feels a little stiff when you wear it. However, thanks to the subtle stretch, the stiffness isn't so great that it becomes uncomfortable when you move around. This stretchiness, especially in the pants, makes them easy to walk in and very comfortable
Looking at the finer details, the hood is deep enough, but it can only be adjusted on the sides of the chin, so the angle of the brim cannot be adjusted. It would have been nice if the angle could be adjusted with Velcro or something similar at the back of the head to allow for more subtle adjustments to the field of view. The cuffs are made with elastic and Velcro, which is sufficient to ensure a comfortable fit and a tight seal. The left and right pockets have waterproof zippers, and I was impressed by how they are positioned high enough, like typical mountaineering gear, so they don't interfere with the waist belt of a backpack when fastened
The front zipper is securely protected by a flap, the cuffs have convenient elastic and Velcro cuffs, and the waterproof zipper pockets on both sides are placed high up for added convenience
It has solid waterproofing and durability, and while the small parts aren't quite as good as those of full-fledged outdoor rainwear, it's still much more durable than the raincoats you'd find at a hardware store. That said, the breathability of 3,000g/m² 24h is a little unreliable, and the thick fabric means you should be prepared for stuffiness inside the garment if you're going on long, high-altitude mountain climbing trips, or activities that involve high temperatures or sweating a lot. On the other hand, if you live in a relatively mild climate or don't sweat much in cold seasons, this is a very cost-effective piece of clothing
As a Workman ambassador, this website has been receiving products from Workman that reviewers find interesting since the fall of 2019. However, the content of the reviews is written in accordance with our website's regular review policy, is not checked in advance, and no monetary compensation is received other than the provision of the products
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