Asics FujiTrail Hoodie
Reviewed by
Jakuchu
+1,066
October 11, 2014 (original Oct 2, 2014)
Great mid layer for high aerobic activities. Great coverage and comfort, for the times that a fleece is too much, but a base layer alone is too little.
Pros
- Perfect warmth
- Great fit
- Thumb loops
- Good hood
Cons
- Nice if it were lighter
The Asics Fuji Trail Hoodie, or Asics Fuji Hoody as they seem to call it in Europe, is a great mid layer. I often run hot and find no need for many of the otherwise very nice grid layers on the market, until it is around -10˚C.
This hoody seems to fall between a thick base layer and a thin fleece. So perfect for running or otherwise high aerobic activities in colder weather where a fleece would be too warm. The main fabric consists of 92% polyester and 8% elastene.
Adjustability:
I've worn it with a thin base layer under it, and a thin wind shirt over it, in a wide variety of temperatures. Around freezing and active it was plenty warm. After climbing coming back it was around 20˚C and I was quite hot, but not sweating so much that I was drenched. Opening the zipper and raising the cuffs will provide quite a lot of heat release (mine is not full zip as the image seems to suggest).
Fit:
The fit is great. Slim, but not body hugging, with a very nice fitting hood that covers your forehead well if you want it to. There are also thumb loops, which I find make a world of difference when it does get cold, and a small pocket to stash a gel or two, or some keys.
Zip closes nice and high to provide good neck coverage if you want, and the hem comes down low, keeping your lower back well covered.
It does require a bit of work to pull the sleeves over my underarms. The fabric is elastic enough, but a stitch that runs there to extend the sleeve to thumb loop is not as flexible.
Durability:
My cuffs have some pilling, but this is because I had to jam my arms in granite cracks over and over. Overall I think this piece will be more durable than the grid fleeces.
Overall:
Although not from a traditional mountain/outdoor brand, I think this mid layer works great for high aerobic activities. It is not the lightest thing you can throw in your pack, but chances are you'll be wearing it the whole day. Great coverage and comfort, for the times that a fleece is too much, but a base layer alone is too little.
