after weathering the storms a rainbow appears kailas mountain lightweight thermal fleece jacket review
Preface | First Encounter
With one rain and snowstorm after another hitting the Jiangsu-Zhejiang-Shanghai region, the cold winter has arrived in the free shipping zone.
I first encountered KAILAS at the 2018 Asia Outdoor Trade Show. Confirming with my eyes, I was immediately attracted by its design philosophy of being an 'Ultra Light Pioneer.'
Due to its unique brand culture, continuous support and organization of the 'China Folk Unclimbed Peak Movement' plan, and its commitment to promoting high-altitude mountaineering and global sport climbing, I couldn't wait to see it in person.
Foreword | Anticipation
First of all, I am very grateful to @Codoon Trendy Goods Store for their kindness, allowing me to receive warm memories from afar in this cold winter season.
In the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, where 'northern people freeze to death and southern people overheat,' the cold and damp winter has long become standard. Since applying for heating is not an option and air conditioning seems ineffective, 'tucking thermal underwear into thermal pants and thermal pants into socks' has become the only weapon against the cold winter.
When it gets cold, wearing thermal underwear is the minimum respect for the drop in temperature. Besides being lightweight, waterproof, and warm, will the KAILAS Mountain Ultra Light Thermal Jacket also be breathable, durable, and comfortable? Let's wait and see.
The Past and Present of KAILAS
KAILAS, named after Mount Kailash (KAILASH in Hindi), is a peak located in Tibet, China, with an elevation of 21,837 feet, part of the Kang-ti-ssu mountain range that stretches for thousands of miles and is covered in ice and snow year-round. It is a mountain of spirit and faith, considered the center of the world in no fewer than four religions (Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, and Bon). It is the source of four major Asian rivers: the Brahmaputra, Indus, Karnali, and Sutlej. The brand name KAILAS is derived from this.
Unlike general brands, outdoor sports brands focus more on extreme sports such as trail running, hiking, climbing, and skiing, thus having higher product requirements, such as more emphasis on cold resistance, warmth, and durability, rather than just price, style, and color.
Brand Story
As a well-known domestic brand, KAILAS has put a lot of effort into the research and development of professional products and the promotion of climbing sports. Its persistent pursuit of outdoor sports and its spirit of active exploration and innovation are trustworthy and admirable. Just like its slogan 'KAILAS, Made to Climb,' it has long been ingrained in people's hearts. Whether it's a jacket, quick-dry pants, trail running shoes, or the Mountain Ultra Light Thermal Jacket being reviewed this time, KAILAS can truly compete with international big brands.
In the second half of 2018, KAILAS launched a series of sports suits for urban and outdoor play, including five models of ultra-light/ultra-distant jackets (shell) and fashionable travel jackets (liner), with '2×3' free combinations. The shell is windproof and waterproof, and the liner is warm and comfortable, suitable for mountaineering, hiking, travel, and daily leisure.
The product being reviewed this time is the liner/Mountain Ultra Light Thermal Jacket in dark blue. Although it is called a liner, it can actually be worn alone, suitable for both outdoor travel and adventure.
Product Information
Brand: KAILAS
Product Name: Mountain Ultra Light Thermal Jacket (Men's)
Model Number: KG010101
Color: Dark Blue (10344)
Place of Origin: Zhanjiang, Guangdong
Size: 170/92B M size
Material: Fabric/Lining (100% Nylon) Filling (100% Polyester)
Weight: 320g
Technology Content: PrimaLoft/YKK
Tag Price: 1099 RMB
Unboxing | Reunion
The waiting process was quite long, with cold waves from the north continuously sweeping the south. The unintentional chill made me eager to put it on.
The packaging is as simple as ever, with the design philosophy of 'Ultra Light Revolution' printed on the outside. Just for this slogan, I have the urge to go outdoor climbing.
The dark blue is bright and fashionable, and the ink black is calm and atmospheric. The one I received this time is dark blue, with a delicate feel and unexpectedly light.
Details | Stunning
The attention to detail reflects KAILAS's consistent style. Whether in materials or craftsmanship, KAILAS has the strength to compete with international big brands.
△ Stand Collar
The low temperature in winter is not scary, but the biting cold wind can chill you to the bone. Fortunately, the stand collar design of the KAILAS Mountain Ultra Light Thermal Jacket is both warm and windproof, so there's no need to worry about windy and snowy days anymore.
The fleece-lined design is warm and comfortable, with a certain degree of tear resistance.
△ LOGO
The high-strength reflective print design makes the KAILAS LOGO clearly visible under strong light, with high recognition.
△ Cuffs
The elastic cuffs can effectively prevent the intrusion of cold wind, providing excellent insulation.
△ YKK Zipper
YKK is the pioneer in the zipper industry, representing the industry standard. Despite the high cost, all KAILAS outdoor clothing uses this technology, showing that KAILAS is willing to invest to make it a premium product.
The zipper position uses a structural waterproof design, effectively blocking the intrusion of rainwater.
△ Lining
The mesh design style prevents sweat from sticking to the skin during exercise, and with good breathability, it ensures comfort in any situation.
A slight regret is that there are no inner pockets or chest pockets, making it impossible to store some personal items.
△ PRIMALOFT
PRIMALOFT is an ultra-soft, water-repellent microfiber, a good alternative to down fibers. It is lightweight and has the same softness and warmth as down fibers.
Because it can dry quickly after getting wet and still feel warm when wet, the KAILAS Mountain Ultra Light Thermal Jacket, which uses PRIMALOFT, is not afraid of rain and snow.
△ Care Label
It indicates the fabric composition and correct washing methods of the clothing.
The KAILAS Mountain Ultra Light Thermal Jacket uses 100% nylon fabric/lining and 100% polyester filling. The washing temperature should not exceed 30°C, and the dry cleaning temperature should not exceed 60°C.
△ Weight
The overall weight is only 320g, which is a great boon for outdoor runners or hikers. Reducing weight means less physical exertion during outdoor activities, helping to improve performance.
△ Waterproof
Since it is for outdoor sports, encountering sudden heavy rain while trekking through the mountains is inevitable. Besides necessary protective measures, waterproofing is especially important for the KAILAS Mountain Ultra Light Thermal Jacket.
Experience | Insights
Lightweight, breathable, windproof, and water-repellent are my first impressions of the KAILAS Mountain Ultra Light Thermal Jacket.
In the cold northern nights, it feels like spring all year round!
In the sunny south, heavy snow is falling!
...
I originally thought I could only feel this in music, but reality gave me a surprise. In the past, people would greet each other by asking, 'Have you eaten?'... Now, it's 'Has your home turned blue?' All because of the continuous blue cold wave warnings issued by the meteorological station.
Recently, it was 'Wave your hand, don't take a pair of thermal pants,' but now it's 'Persuade you to wear cotton pants, the cold wave won't make you shiver.' It made me think, 'The cold wave is coming, where are my thermal pants?' Clearly, 'Thermal pants can no longer hold up, cotton pants are needed to keep warm.' Fortunately, with the thermal jacket on, I don't know what cold is.
▲ Wearing Experience
Wearing the KAILAS Mountain Ultra Light Thermal Jacket (M size), it still feels a bit loose, possibly because I only wore a thin long-sleeve shirt inside. It would fit perfectly if I added another layer. I didn't choose the L size because it is a liner, not a shell, but it varies from person to person.
Running while wearing the KAILAS Mountain Ultra Light Thermal Jacket may not be easy, but you can feel the comfort of warmth and breathability after exercise.
During this period, whether for daily commuting or outdoor sports, I truly felt its warmth, breathability, and waterproof effects. Recently, the temperature suddenly dropped, with intermittent rain and snow. 'To stay warm without shivering, you must have cotton pants.' With the thermal jacket, I completely got rid of the constraints of thermal underwear and pants. I no longer worry about sweating during exercise, and I don't hesitate to go out in light rain. My mom no longer worries about me forgetting to bring rain gear when I go out.
▲ Outdoor Sports Experience
Returning to nature is the best interpretation of the KAILAS Mountain Ultra Light Thermal Jacket.
△ Hiking
These days, it has been drizzling continuously, with cold air constantly invading the south, and the temperature dropping like autumn leaves. It's really time to wear a down jacket; thermal underwear and pants can no longer withstand the winter cold.
Taking advantage of the rare good weather on the weekend, I went out for a walk.
△ Climbing
The mountains in the south are different from the towering mountains in the north, clearly more graceful and charming like those in Jiangnan. The altitude is not high, the forest is dense, and walking in it doesn't feel tiring, while also allowing you to enjoy the scenery along the way.
Walking through the forest, it's inevitable that the clothes will rub against things, but there were no scratches.
△ Cycling
I was originally worried about sweating too much from cycling fast, but it seems I was overthinking. The breathability of the KAILAS Mountain Ultra Light Thermal Jacket is surprising; after cycling 10KM, I only sweat a little.
△ Traveling
It's been a long time since I went out for a walk, but there are still places worth visiting nearby.
As mentioned earlier, the KAILAS Mountain Ultra Light Thermal Jacket is not only suitable for outdoor sports but also great for daily leisure.
In addition, because it is an outdoor sports jacket, sports elements are everywhere.
Clearly, the transition between outdoor freedom and urban play is just a matter of seconds!
Evaluation | Objective
KAILAS, a top outdoor sports brand, is excellent because of its professionalism.
Therefore, whether entering the mountains or returning to the crowd, KAILAS traverses without boundaries.
Note: Each item is scored out of 10, with a total score of 100.
Advantages:
△ Whether in fabric selection, stitching methods, or warmth and breathability, it is top-notch.
△ Perfect craftsmanship, with details showing the style of a big brand.
△ Excellent windproof and waterproof performance.
△ Lightweight design, highlighting its sports features everywhere.
Disadvantages:
△ The color of the clothes is too monotonous; adding some bright colors could bring some vitality to the winter.
△ The color of the logo could be bolder, not only serving as decoration but also highlighting the brand effect.
△ For general outdoor sports enthusiasts, the price is slightly high, and the cost performance is average.
△ Providing a self-packing bag design would be more convenient for managing on the road.
△ Can inner pockets and chest pockets be added for storing personal items for easy access?
Recommendation Index: ★★★★☆
Postscript | Expectation
Human pursuit of nature stimulates the most primitive instincts: reverence for the sacred and exploration of the ultimate meaning of life. KAILAS, with the same philosophy and passion, helps climbers and adventurers fulfill their dreams.
Committed to rooting domestically and expanding internationally, KAILAS is one of the largest outdoor sports brands in China in terms of scale, reputation, sales channels, and technology research and development. We look forward to it leveraging its advantages to bring better and more affordable products to every outdoor sports enthusiast.
The difficulties faced on the road of life are like the mountains in front of us. Dare to climb, brave to challenge, and achieve your dreams to find your true self!
Winter has come, can spring be far behind?