
Climbing with Workman! A thorough review of the popular model for Spring/Summer 2020 ~Rainwear and outerwear edition~
A review of the annual Workman Spring/Summer 2020 model actually used for mountain climbing and outdoor activities. This time, the rainy season was approaching, so we decided to dig into rainwear and outerwear that could be used for low mountain hiking, light mountain climbing, and trail running.
table of contents
- About review ratings
- Pick-up items
- Review results & spec comparison table
- Impressions of each model
- ACTIVE shell jacket Recommended climbing level (as a water-repellent jacket): ★★★★☆
- 2.5 layer hard shell jacket mountaineering recommendation level: ★★★☆☆
- DiALiGHT Cut Rain Jacket Recommended for Mountain Climbing (as a water-repellent jacket): ★★★☆☆
- 3-layer breathable stretch rain suit Mountain climbing recommendation level: ★★★★☆
About review ratings
Recently, many workman item review information has been collected, from text sites to YouTube. However, it is also true that the content is currently mixed and difficult to receive useful and useful information for readers, such as "who and what" that is good (or bad). On this site, I don't want to provide information that I think I've lost reading because I was a reader. So I want to properly convey the information I really want, that is, whether it's okay to use it in the actual field or not. So I would like to share with you the ratings of this site in advance.
Unless otherwise specified, this review will provide you with a review of useful workman items from the perspective of how to use them mainly for outdoor activities such as mountain climbing and trail running What you can use here is simply outdoor activities such as hiking and light mountain climbing. Conversely, even if the rating is low, there may be no problem if it is light outdoors such as camping or motorcycle touring, so please read this information again.
Pick-up items
This time we chose four models, including windshells and rainwear, from the perspective that they could be used for light mountain climbing and trail running. Of course, this is not a genuine clothing made with the concept of being sufficient for harsh mountain climbing, but it is just workwear that can be used for outdoor activities. Conversely, as long as it is not a harsh activity, there is a good chance that it will be fully utilized, and we evaluate it from that perspective.
Also, as this is a hot topic for the Spring/Summer 2020 model, we have not selected the classic rainwear " R006 Breathable Rain Suit STRETCH " and the windshell jacket " R007A Air Shell Jacket " which we have been checking since the beginning of this project, as we already know that it can be used to some extent.
- ACTIVE Shell Jacket
- 2.5 Layer Hard Shell Jacket
- DiALiGHT Cut Rain Jacket
- 3-layer breathable stretch rain suit
Review results & spec comparison table
If you find it difficult to see the table because it is lightweight for smartphones, click here
Recommendation level | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
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item | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
kinds | Water-repellent jacket | Waterproof rain jacket | Windproof and water-repellent jacket | Waterproof rain suit |
This is ◎ |
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This is △ |
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Windproof and waterproof | × | ◎ | △ | ◎ |
Breathable (breathable) | ◎ | △ | ◎ | ◯ |
Comfortable and stretchy | ◎ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ |
Functionality and usability | ◎ | ◯ | △ | ◯ |
Specs | ||||
Reference price (excluding tax) | \2,900 | \3,900 | \3,900 | \4,900 |
Actual measured weight | 99g(M) | 266g(M) | 315g(M) | 636g (L size top 422g/bottom 214g) |
material | 100% polyester | 100% nylon (polyurethane breathable coating) | 100% polyester | 100% polyester (polyurethane laminate) - Back side: Polyester |
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| |
Ventilation | ◎ | ◯ | △ | △ |
Packable specification | ◯ | |||
Reflective material | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ |
Product number | S014 | R013 | F20 | R1300 |
Impressions of each model
ACTIVE shell jacket Recommended climbing level (as a water-repellent jacket): ★★★★☆
Recommended points
- Highly breathable
- Ease of movement
- Water repellent
- Lightweight and comfortable to wear
- Pocketable specification
This is △
- Pocketable zippers are difficult to open and close because they are not installed.
A new ACTIVE shell jacket has been released from Spring 2020 Field Core! The <Field Core> airshell jacket, which has waterproof and breathable properties, was reviewed last year, is an outerwear. Personally, I'm excited because I was looking for a midshell jacket that's easy to move in and waterproof, windproof, and lightweight, and can be used in spring and summer. Will the new shell, which combines innovative features typical of Workman, be one that completes Workman only layering? I tried to explore the warm spring mountains.
Its biggest feature is the ventilation under the armpits, which can expel hot air from the shell. The dot type is used instead of a zipper opening and closing type, which maintains breathability. I was worried about whether it was innovative or not, but I was able to reduce the number of times I put on and take off my clothes. This seems to be an advantage in layering. However, although it is basically a windbreaker, it has a highly breathable shell so it feels like the wind can pass through to some extent. I would like to recommend the company's R007A airshell jacket as an outerwear that emphasizes wind resistance.
Despite being made of 100% polyester, there are some tips under the arms to make it easier to raise and lower your arms. By creating a single panel from the hem of the armpits to the wrists, a large gusset is created under the armpits. This gave me some room around my shoulders and no matter what direction my arm was extended, the shell wouldn't move up uncomfortably. It has a stress-free shell that allows you to move freely.
Regarding water-repellent functions, Teflon processing is a technology with reliable quality that produces excellent water-repellent and oil-repellent properties by coating Chemers's fluororesin. Not only does it improve weather performance against rain and other factors, it is also less likely to get dirty and easy to maintain. Another advantage is that it does not compromise the original texture and flexibility of the fabric.
Thanks to the Teflon design, the texture is soft and gentle without a crunching sound. The sheer fabric keeps you dry and smooth even when worn over short sleeves. Additionally, the thin fabric allows sweat to quickly soak onto the surface of the clothing. The Teflon-treated water-repellent function dries quickly as it spreads sweat. By combining it with a base layer with excellent sweat absorption, it was possible to use it without worrying about the amount of exercise.
Pocketable design makes it easy to pack and lightweight. (M size 99g) The unfortunate point is that the Pocketable Zipper is difficult to open and close because it is poorly installed. Also, the only pocket is for both pocketable items, so you need to be careful when storing the shell while keeping things in your pocket. Also, the position of the reflector must be improved so that it can be seen even when carrying a backpack. It would have been nice if there were no hood models to consider layering.
It may not be suitable for serious mountain climbing, but it is a windshell that can be used infinitely in situations such as light mountain climbing and hiking. It is useful when you want to layer it, such as a windshell just right in the hot season, or a middle layer just right in the cold season. The slim silhouette is short, making it less likely to flutter due to the wind, allowing you to move comfortably. It was truly worthy of the product name of ACTIVE Shell. This time, we have reviewed this time for fast packing through trail running, but it is easy to use as a layering outfit, so one piece from spring to autumn will definitely be useful as a small jacket when you feel chilly.
2.5 layer hard shell jacket mountaineering recommendation level: ★★★☆☆
Recommended points
- Waterproof
- Ease of movement
This is △
- Breathability
AEGIS 2.5-layer hardshell jacket has been undergoing repeated model changes. If the model has improved its level of perfection, it will be useful in the outdoor field as well. I used Workman <AEGIS> rainwear, which has excellent water resistance, toppled hard.
Manufacturer specs
- Water pressure resistant: 15,000mm
- Breathability: 3,000g/m24h
During the 10k running test in rainy weather with 9°C outside air, the high water resistance of <AEGIS> was not flooded. However, the inside of the shell was thoroughly wet due to moisture and steam, just by raising and lowering the front zipper and ventilation on the side zipper. The shirt was moist while the outside air was 24°C, but I was able to continue my activities while letting the humidity go away. Given the specs of moisture permeability, we should not expect anything, but we also found it easy to use for activities that require little exercise.

Ventilation holes inside the pockets are carefully designed. I would have liked more ventilation if possible.
The tough 100% nylon material, which is also used for fishing line, is resistant to tear and abrasion, and it never tears after being caught on branches. The fabric is not stretchy, but the gusset under the armpits makes it easy to approach the backpack and move around easily, whether you run or walk. The long cycle cut with the back is also suitable for trekking, where it tends to lean forward. Furthermore, the silhouette is slim, with little flapping and Velcro on the cuffs, making it safe even in the wind.

A tough shell made of nylon material that is resistant to tearing. The cycle cut that prevents the back from sticking out is also great for trekking
The fabric is 2.5 layers, and the first layer on the surface is water-repellent. The second layer on the back is waterproof laminated, and the part that touches the skin has a uneven print to prevent stickiness. Since there is no lining, it is called 2.5 layers. This unevenness protects the waterproof laminate from sweat and sebum, making it waterproof for a long time. If you put the shell on it after use, it will drain well and dry very easily. The uneven print didn't feel very good on the skin, and it only reduced the stickiness (I didn't notice it if I wore long sleeves or arm covers).
Compared to typical 3-layer rainwear, it was lighter than 2.5 layers. It's a shame that the moisture permeability is low, but if there is a zipper ventilation under the armpits like in previous models, it will add breathability and make it more comfortable. At the moment, running is perfect for city runs during cooler months. It seems to be useful outdoors for fishing with relatively little exercise, light cycling, and hiking.
DiALiGHT Cut Rain Jacket Recommended for Mountain Climbing (as a water-repellent jacket): ★★★☆☆
Recommended points
- Breathability
- Windproof
This is △
- weight
FindOut, one of Workman's PBs, has a large lineup of sports-only models, but there are few rainwear. This Deer Light Cut Rain Jacket does not have high water resistance to rainwear for mountain climbing, so waterproofing is a bonus, and although it can basically be considered a water-repellent jacket, it feels like a different approach from conventional products, with its high breathability. We tested the possibilities of sports utility.
Manufacturer specs
- Water pressure resistant: 5,000mm
- Breathability: 10,000g/m24h
Mitsubishi Corporation Fashion's Dear Light is a composite functional material that combines excellent waterproofness and breathability, with high performance and durable water-repellent finish that is suitable for sports use, and also lamination and coating the back of the fabric. We measured the true value in this 10k running test with rain in the outside air at 9°C. Despite its low water resistance, the seam tape was also sturdy and the seams did not get flooded through the seams. It was also windproof and did not allow wind to pass through.
However, despite its high moisture permeability, I couldn't control the moisture and steam, and my shirt got wet and I was soaked that I was soothed that I was soothed that I was sweating. The ventilation of the side zippers has become less breathable as the amount of exercise increases. Although the moisture permeability is high, I still found it difficult to keep running comfortably wearing it in warm seasons, rather than using high-performance materials for authentic outdoor use. It is made of 100% polyester, which stretches both vertically and horizontally, and has a stretch rate of around 130%. When it comes to dynamic arm movements like running, it is desirable to follow both stretch and contraction slowly, but the strong stretching force prevented the smooth arm swing.

Active cut makes it easier to lift your arms, but if you raise them above level, your stomach will become bulging out.
The difference in stretching force is similar to the difference between hard rubber and soft rubber. It is not suitable for sports wear that moves the shoulders widely, but for normal use it is made of stretch material and comfortable to wear.
Although it is a type with no lining, it is short sleeves and is comfortable even when worn with little stickiness. However, because it is made of stretch material, the relatively heavy 313g (size M) was not suitable for long periods of exercise. It doesn't seem like a serious sports utility model. However, this is a piece that can be used for a wide range of purposes, from town use to light trekking. This is a relatively thick jacket, so it's a great outdoor jacket with excellent windproof and water-repellent properties that can be used in spring and autumn.
3-layer breathable stretch rain suit Mountain climbing recommendation level: ★★★★☆
Recommended points
- Waterproof
- Durability
- Thermal insulation
- Cost performance of top and bottom sets
- The feel of the lining
This is △
- weight
- Breathability
- Slurp
This rainwear uses three-layer fabric (3 layers) that is called a genuine outdoor design from the AEGIS series, which boasts robust and reliable waterproofness that symbolizes the former Workman. It also seems to incorporate a lot of outdoor taste in terms of design, so I tried using it while hoping to see how much it would be usable.
Manufacturer specs
- Water pressure resistant: 20,000mm
- Breathability: 3,000g/m24h
The specs show that the water pressure is 20,000mm, which is the same waterproof performance as full-scale mountain climbing rainwear. The fabric is three layers, so it is slightly thick, and as soon as you put it on, you will feel a gentle warmth. In that respect, this may be a bit exaggerated to carry it around for day hiking in the middle of summer or trail running, but I felt a sense of security that it would work well if you were bringing it with you as rainwear for traditional mountain climbing or hiking.
The three-layer lining is made of fabric rather than a light coating, so the fine fuzziness is comfortable to the touch, and even if the lining gets wet due to stuffiness inside the clothing, it will absorb a little, so even if you wear it on short sleeves it won't get directly wet, and despite its low breathability, it may not cause any discomfort when you get stuffy.
It feels like it's worn, and the fabric is relatively thick, so it definitely feels a bit stiff. However, the subtle stretching makes the stiffness less noticeable when moving. This stretchy effect, especially with pants, is very comfortable to walk in.
Looking at the finer parts, the deep hood is sufficient, but the adjustment is only on the left and right sides of the jaw, so the angle of the brim cannot be adjusted. I think if I could adjust the angle with Velcro or something similar to the back of my head, I could have adjusted my vision more subtle. The cuffs are elastic + velcro, which is enough to provide a comfortable fit and seal. I was impressed that the left and right pockets are waterproof zippers, and the position is also high, just like for regular mountain climbing purposes, so it does not interfere with the backpack's waist belt, which is also well thought out.

The front zipper is securely protected by a flap, and the cuffs are made of convenient elastic elastic + velcro. The waterproof zipper pockets on the left and right are placed high, making them very considerate.
It is sturdy waterproof and durable, and even though the small parts are not a full-fledged outdoor rainwear, it is so sturdy that it can't compare to what is known as a home improvement store's kappa. However, the breathability of 3,000g/m24h is somewhat unstable, and since it is made of thick fabric, you must be prepared for sweating inside the clothes in high altitudes, long-term mountain climbing, high temperatures, or for activities that involve a lot of sweating. Conversely, if you don't sweat too much during the cold season, it can be said to be a very cost-effective piece.
In addition, since fall 2019, this website has been providing tools that reviewers have been interested in as a Workman Ambassador. However, the content of the review article is created in accordance with the regular review policy of this site, and we have not checked it in advance, and we have not received any financial compensation other than providing goods.