Holiday Gift Guide: Men’s Active Midlayers
Between the skin and brisk winds is the midlayer. This new selection from Active Junky includes styles that move between base layer and legitimate outerwear. All with weight-saving, movement-loving designs that are programmed for cold weather performance.
Duluth Trading Kamishak Sweatshirt
One selection from the new Alaskan Hardgear collection from Duluth Trading, testers had never seen a sweatshirt this rugged, snow-fighting and well-featured as this one. Anchored by windproof, 7.9oz polyester, the Kamishak Sweatshirt puts 7.2oz softshell fabric where flexibility is essential (including extended side panels, neck back and the back panel). Hang out at breakfast with a Yukon-sized mug of coffee, then plunge immediately into the day backed by soft, bonded grid fleece inside the Sweatshirt. Hood design is more expedition that urbanista and pockets, zippered compartments and a cell phone sleeve make this $100 workhorse a pure value in an uncertain weather world.
Best For: Three-season deployment as part of a total approach to hike, paddle and camp – and the perfect pairing for the Kamishak Midlayer Pants
Smartwool Men’s NTS Mid 250 Hoody Sport
Active Junky is in pursuit of those singular pieces that create innovative, functional categories of outdoor performance gear. Here’s one, a hoody with a base of 100% Merino wool supplemented by capable all-polyester hood and shoulder panels replete with DWR finish. Testers valued the “move with me” flow of the piece along with deep-dish pockets, street-smart hood pulls and a premium YKK zipper. There’s little stopping Smartwool’s Hoody Sport from running the table (or ridge or mountain) across three seasons. Priced more as investment than fast fashion, the piece works at home or on the road as a replacement for two to three less-capable pieces. But only for individuals willing to rethink what it takes to equip the adventurous life.
Best For: Multi-sport, multi-season temperature management in changing weather scenarios
Swix Men’s RaceX Warm Midlayer
Other styles in the Swix line made the cut at Active Junky recently, many centered on warmer weather training. RaceX is a midlayer for when the temperature drops, the trail tilts up and maximum performance can’t give way to brutal weather. A high collar tops off a longer, drop-tail top that (rightfully) relies on Polartec Therma Pro. Sleeves are a free-swinging joy held in position by well-sewed thumb loops centered in the Lycra cuffs. Side panels change up the 100% polyester body fabric to put balanced weight, weather-proofing and temperature management on your back. If this season’s about longer and faster, this season’s got to include Swix in the mix.
Best For: Cold-weather aerobic activities including run, Nordic and snowshoe
RYU Midlayr Hoodie
We get it. The strange spelling of common words that’s more hip hop than on-belay. This long sleeve performance hoodie works and the somewhat-efforted marketing gets forgotten even before the first hill run, kettle-bell or speed-bag session comes to a heart-pumping end. The four-way stretch fabric is what makes it work, with testers preferring it as a base layer to get the most movement, temperature and moisture management out of the Hoodie. Don’t forget to employ the lower back disappearing pocket or experiment with the right-hem zip that “aids layering” (while we prefer it to vent excess heat). Through it all, the polyester (plus recycled polyester) and Spandex blend stands up to frequent washing to keep looking good. Yes, even on the gritty streets of America.
Best For: Indoor and outdoor workouts, part of an adventure travel kit to handle SUP, cycling and trail running duties
Shop Now!
All Products in this Article
Related Articles
CATEGORIES
