Kuiu Peloton 97 Fleece Zip-Off Bottom

Very lightweight fleece base/mid-layers—dry quickly and a lot of warmth for the weight.

Kuiu is probably a name a lot of folks aren't familiar with. They are a brand that focuses on backcountry hunting, but they make a lot of really good outdoor clothing suitable for any outdoor pursuit.

I'm reviewing both the Peloton 97 zip hoody and zip-off bottoms, same material.

I've had the Peloton 97 zip hoody for three years now and it has seen a lot of use (read my review of the Peloton 97 Fleece Zip-T Hoodie). When I saw they made bottoms as well, I knew I better pick up a pair.

The bottoms in size medium weigh 4.5 ounces (with full length zippers!). The bottoms are full zip and marketed as being able to be removed without taking your shoes/boots off.

Frankly, I thought this was hype, but I knew the fabric would perform well. After a particular cold night in the spring, I didn't want to take them off before starting hiking that morning. It was nice to enjoy the warmth of the bottoms, but eventually it (and I) warmed up and they needed to go. I figured I'd try the full zip off feature. To my astonishment it worked, worked well as a matter a fact! It's not hype, it works.

These two pieces have seen numerous days and nights of use and multiple machine washings; I can't see any noticeable wear. Not overly surprising as fleece wears extremely well, even at this light weight.

At 9.5 ounces for the pair, I have hard time not throwing them in—even if I suspect I'll only use them for sleepwear on an outing.

They aren't cheap, but for the performance and quality, reasonable in my opinion.

Background

Multiple trips, lots of miles and nights. From shoulder seasons to the dead of winter.