TREKKING
Product 2019
Man
Tested over several months skiing and ski touring, we were able to get a very precise idea of the effectiveness of this Millet Elevation Airloft Hoodie in cold conditions. It is indeed a lightweight insulation layer that keeps the upper body warm, in action or bivouacking (it requires another layer of complementary insulation when static).
Designed for mountaineers, the Millet combines performance, durability, warmth and light weight. All these qualities are of course welcome for other outdoor activities. We’ll get back to the design and general comfort, but first we must talk about the insulation they used, the Polartec® Power Fill. Polyester yarns make up a hollow fiber structure that is like a pocket of air. Body heat is retained. You quickly feel the effectiveness of this protection, and it doesn’t take long to realize that this fiber does not absorb water or moisture, an essential quality, a guarantee of comfort and performance. The main mistake: is wearing a little down jacket at the same time that retains moisture from perspiration …
So the best solution is to wear a technical under garment, mid-layer and Millet Elevation Airloft Hoodie plus a protective jacket against the rain. And in the backpack, a thicker insulation layer for times when you remain static in the cold.
This fabric is soft, which promotes instant comfort. This cocoon comfort is total: from the head to the hips because the Millet Elevation Airloft Hoodie is fully equipped with Polartec® Power Wire. The hood fits under a helmet to keep your head warm (and also your neck …). It is very fitted so doesn’t let the gusts of wind pass through and allows a wide field of vision on the sides. The collar is high under the chin without irritating the skin. The only criticism of this jacket is the tip of the central zip slider. The small cord with a triangular plastic tip is very convenient for opening or closing the jacket with gloves (easy to grip and it does not slip), but it tends to catch the wind and hit your chin (except if you put it under a protective jacket). This tip is 100% effective on the breast pocket. The angle given to the zip by the designers keeps the contents of the pocket inside if the zip is half closed (common error), not the case with a vertical zip, for example.
The cuffs have fairly loose elastic, which allows you to pass a big watch type Suunto, Garmin, Casio … but also to put the jacket on with small gloves.
Even if Millet successfully clipped off grams in weight, we would have liked a small drawstring at the waist to adjust the jacket to the user’s size and prevent any possibility of drafts here.
Like any jacket, the cozy feel suggests that they are fragile to tearing. Ski edges, snagging on rocks and blows from technical gear (crampons, ice axe), are as many aggressions against the fabric that is supposed to protect the internal insulation. Bad luck can be greatly reduced by using a “Pertex® Quantum Pro” type textile on top which limits the effects of abrasion and the possibility of tearing. It has slight water repellency to the fabric. The Millet Elevation Airloft Hoodi is kitted out with this Pertex that protects the jacket within the limits of reasonable use.
We loved the design, which is both ample enough to be able to wear other layers and fitted enough not to interfere in the action. On the scales, it displays a weight of 355g size M.
The Millet Elevation Airloft Hoodi is an excellent insulation jacket in Polartec® Power Fill. Aimed 100% towards performance in the action, it combines lightness, comfort, warmth and protection. A bestseller for mountaineers, skiers, hikers, etc. It logically wins the Test4outside FIRST Award.
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
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