Winter trail: what Raidlight outfit?

Made In Chartreuse: the stamp of the French Raidlight is famous, a precursor in terms of trail textiles. Benoit Laval's (large) small company advocated local R&D and solidarity values ​​long before others. Among its lightweight products, aimed at compressibility and waterproof/breathability, the WINTERTRAIL range is aimed at activities in cold weather. We were curious? we tried. When one day, we discovered the Revolutiv MP+ jacket...almost everything. Verdict 3, even 4 seasons!

RAIDLIGHT ULTRALIGHT REVOLUTIV MP+ 25/60 jacket: a Swiss army knife …to preserve.

FEATURES

WEIGHT: 100g

PRICE PUBLIC: 279.90 EUROS

COMPOSITION: Membrane: MP+. 100% Polyamide, Oeko-Tex certified, thickness 7 microns.

We like: Impressive waterproof-breathability (25K/60K). Attention to detail. Thought for action.

We don't like: General fragility, extreme lightness: some reduced finishes. Take care of it!

Why present an Ultralight jacket, when winter is approaching? Because this RAIDLIGHT REVOLUTIV MP+ makes a strong impression. By announcing a staggering waterproof/breathability ratio, we could only be intrigued: 25,000 Schmerbers* (waterproof), 60,000 MVTR** (hyper breathable, and even 65,000 announced on the reverse), where the competition prefers round numbers (10/10, 20/20…). This jacket plays the game, both in tropical rain and during winter sessions; we will have been able to test it from Reunion to autumnal Scotland (SIC). Finally, the attention to detail is clear, and we feel a worked product... in action.

Highlights:

When donning:

If its size is simple, this one is visibly refined. No dolman sleeves or badly cut ribs, only the slightly “cheap” cuffs only have a thumb loop; fairly recurring point at Raidlight. A bit of a shame, and at the limit of the short when you have to stretch your arms. Nevertheless, this is about the only downside that we will note. Waterproof? the seams are, basic in appearance, but playing the game. But you can't expect a 100g jacket to be an oilcloth. The bindings of the yokes are slightly visible from the outside, and it is clear that the product will have to be taken care of. Finally, 7 microns thick, it's (very) thin, and the 1^st hitch in the undergrowth confirms it...from the 2^th outing.

In action:

Freedom of movement is confirmed: this REVOLUTIV MP+ does not confine the athlete. Apart from a low rigidity of the textile, which sticks rather to the bust when it rains (caution: no piercing noted, rather a strong softening); our two summer/winter protocols do not identify any weak points. Shoulders, overload of rain or snow on the collar, or lumbar level, etc: nothing, quite rare and even among renowned competitors. The impermeability of the membrane is therefore very good. First symptoms of weaknesses? after 6 hours of continuous downpour on the trail, appeared between bag and backpack. We will push the jacket on an effort by -8°C (ascent of a summit), strong wind and snow: the REVOLUTIV reaches a limit of comfort, but the membrane will remain waterproof. Finally, in hot conditions, the breathability is excellent – ​​undoubtedly the real strong point of this jacket, apart from its versatility. Certainly, the price is substantial: but compared to the market, it remains suitable, which more in view of the values ​​of the jacket. Rare, and super complete. A bit flimsy...

*Schmerbers: impermeability measurement value, i.e. 1 Schmerber = 1 mm of water column. 10000 representing resistance to 10000 mm, i.e. 10m, of continuous water column (shower).

** MVTR: water vapor transmission rate, i.e. the amount of water that the fabric lets through in 24 hours. The value is therefore expressed in gr/m2/24h.

RAIDLIGHT WINTERTRAIL jersey: great comfort, great versatility

FEATURES

WEIGHT: 350g

PRICE PUBLIC: 89.90 EUROS

COMPOSITION: 88% recycled polyester, 12% elastane. Stretch knit, brushed interior.

We like: Overall comfort: stretch, flat seams, brushed interior. Hot.

We don't like: Moderately useful mitts, abrasion resistance.

Highlights:

When donning:

With its WINTERTRAIL jersey, RAIDLIGHT aims for thermal insulation and comfort on the move. All-purpose long-sleeved top, this top is suitable for both dry winter trail running, Nordic skiing and even cycling sessions under a jacket. We will especially remember a smart cut, associated with a stretch construction and flat seams: the comfort is real, and is confirmed during aerobic activities.

In action:

Heat preservation is very correct (Thermofleece®, brushed interior), in a single layer in cold and dry weather. If the integrated mittens are not very insulating, they provide an interesting supplement. In case of extreme cold or humidity, keep in mind that the WINTERTRAIL is not windproof and that it must be accompanied by a protective layer. On the other hand and this condition, the thermal insulation provided is really durable, and the breathability excellent. A very versatile top, whose external resistance will again have to be monitored somewhat – just avoid any brambles!

RAIDLIGHT WINTERTRAIL tights: maximum warmth and freedom of movement

FEATURES

WEIGHT: 300g

PRICE PUBLIC: 89.90 EUROS

COMPOSITION: 88% recycled polyester, 12% elastane. Stretch knit, brushed interior.

We like: Balanced muscle support, balanced warmth, freedom of movement.

We don't like: Superfluous pockets, areas with little compression.

Highlights:

When donning:

Warm tights that can even hold two 300ml flasks? RAIDLIGHT's WINTERTRAIL is promising. One certainty: its stretch knit is flexible, and adapts immediately to body types (tested on 3 quadriceps sizes). The compressive zones are (very) weakly felt, and rather assert themselves as a guarantee of overall support. But due to their lightness, the uniformity of the tights is good, without a “very flexible here/very tight there” effect or the reverse. The feeling of heat is immediate and pleasant.

In action:

No compressive bonus, but a general fit, we are first reassured by the thermal contribution of the tights: insulated leggings are often too insulated? it is balanced and breathable. No more legs locked in 10mm of excessive fleece, this WINTERTRAIL frees the stride or glide. The absence of a windproof membrane is consistent, and is not noticeable even in very cold weather. On the other hand, if the 3 pockets are a very interesting bonus, 2 or even 1 single flask lodged laterally, produces a slight tremor to be controlled. You have to get used to it, or find your own setting.