As with last time, this is the outer shell edition of Workman layering, with the theme of bringing out the performance of your gear
I tested this in a rural mountain area up to an altitude of 1,000 meters, where you can run safely even in winter. Outdoor brands' autumn/winter products are highly refined and comfortable, but they tend to be expensive. For example, you need a reliable product for overseas races that involve running through snowy mountains. However, for someone like me who does trail running but doesn't go to snowy mountains, it may be overkill. With Workman gear, which has a narrow target specification, I think you can enjoy trail running all year round with ease
table of contents
Workman's Running Outerwear Review: Running in the Cold
R007A Air Shell Jacket (Running Recommended Rating: ★★★★☆) 2,900 yen
Heat retention and moisture control ◯ Sweat absorption, quick drying × Stretch × Soft to the touch ◯ Breathable ◯ Water repellency ◎ Wind resistance ◎
Manufacturer Points
- Lightweight and compact (pocketable)
- Waterproof and breathable rain jacket
The Air Shell Jacket was released two years ago. It's well worth using as a light rain jacket in spring and summer. It doesn't stick to bare skin, making it suitable for summer mountain climbing. In autumn and winter, it doubles as a wind shell, making it a convenient piece for sudden rain showers. In cold rain, layering it with rainwear that has excellent water resistance will provide complete protection. The lining is seam-taped, but the zippers are only water-repellent, not waterproof, which is a shame. While the low breathability figures are concerning, the excellent balance with water resistance makes it soft to the touch and reduces stress caused by sweat
The cut from the armpits to the sleeves ensures a wide range of motion in the shoulders, making it easy to move around, and I didn't feel any stress when running with poles.The slim silhouette not only reduces flapping in the wind, but also reduces the risk of hitting branches and other objects, making it easier to run
The fabric is so thin and light that the zipper covers on both side pockets prevent damage. The drawcords are designed to be lightweight, but they are effective at blocking wind, so I'm happy with them. The Air Shell Jacket is a useful outerwear piece that can withstand light rain, is lightweight, and is easy to move in
2252 Durable Water-Repellent, Breathable, Windproof Stretch Jacket (Outdoor Recommended Rating: ★★☆☆☆) 2,900 yen
Heat retention and moisture control ◯ Sweat absorption and quick drying × Stretch ◎ Soft to the touch × Breathable × Water repellency ◯ Wind resistance ◎
Manufacturer Points
- Amazingly durable water repellency
- Made with stretchy, breathable and windproof material
This jacket comes in a wide variety of colors and has an impression that is different from traditional Workman products. I was curious to see if this outerwear, packed with features, was versatile
The lining, made with DIAMAGIC DIRECT, is dense and the areas that come into contact with the skin tend to breathe a little poorly, but it offers excellent wind resistance. Its breathability is impressive at 13,000 g/m² for 24 hours, but it's still not enough to control sweat production during trail running. Its long-lasting water-repellent properties make it easy to reuse without maintenance, but it doesn't feature seam tape or water-repellent zippers, so don't expect too much
Regarding the cut of the arms, I felt some resistance when swinging my arms while running. The stretchy polyurethane fabric tends to shrink after stretching, so it may not be suitable for some exercise environments. Because it's a mountain parka style, the length is a bit long. This model is not suitable for people who use waist pouches, but adjusting the drawcord doesn't affect running comfort
Although the weight is a concern as an outer layer for trail running, it is the perfect piece of clothing for enjoying sports such as city runs and hiking in style
R007P Air Shell Pants (Outdoor Recommended Rating ★★★★★) 2,500 yen
Heat retention and moisture control ◯ Sweat absorption and quick drying × Stretch × Soft to the touch ◯ Breathable ◯ Water repellency ◎ Wind resistance ◎
Manufacturer Points
- Manual insertion pocket + dot ventilation
- Lightweight waterproof and breathable fabric
I want windproof pants that are easy to wear even with shorts. Now we have windproof pants that can be worn all year round
The feel is somehow gentle on the skin, just like the Air Shell Jacket, so you can wear it with shorts without any hesitation. It's a joy to be able to get the same comfort as outdoor brand products for just 2,500 yen. This should be able to withstand even if you fall and tear it. It's even made with waterproof and breathable fabric with seam tape processing
The Field Core model's generous crotch area makes it easy to run in and perfect for trail running. The dot ventilation is a neat touch that helps prevent stuffiness
Once you try them on, you'll be amazed at how light they are and you'll be excited. Because they're thin and functional, they're easy to layer. The pockets are also packable, so they can be used for a variety of occasions, not just sports
One luxury request would be to change the buttons on the hem to waterproof zippers, which would prevent cold air from getting in, eliminate chafing caused by the buttons in the event of a fall, and improve wind resistance and safety. This would also help clear race regulations, so I would really like to see this changed
summary
Workman has not only placed emphasis on the functionality of outdoor wear, but has also enhanced the designs. Products with unique patterns and eye-catching colors may divide opinions, but this is probably a sign of evolution. Flashy designs are sometimes not suitable for layering, so I hope they will keep the basic colored products. The air shell series this time would definitely be around 6,000 yen if it were an outdoor brand. Both are pocketable, easy to fit into a backpack, and are highly functional, with a high level of finish and cost performance that makes them must-have items. I can't help but hope that these two products will continue to be cherished and updated
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