This website is made possible by readers. I may earn a small commission when you buy through the links in this article at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

Details

  • Price $248 $173.60 at westernrise.com
    Use code ALEXKWA15 for 15% off your first order.
  • Material
    • Exterior 100% Primeflex® 50d 102gsm Polyester
    • Insulation 40g 3DeFX+™ Polyester
    • Interior 100% Polyester

Overview

I have been using Western Rise's products for awhile now, and quite honestly, they are hit and miss. While I have not been let down by the quality of their products, the design has always been mediocre, lacking that extra oomph that would grab my attention, like that of Outlier clothing.

I am not talking about the basic style, which I would actually give points for. I am a fan of normcore styling like that of Uniqlo. But it is more the attention to details that results in refinement.

But when it comes to versatility and reliability, they have never let me down. They are pieces I would have no problem packing on a round-the-world trip. And it seems like the AirLoft Hooded Jacket has the potential to be one of those key pieces.

Style

If you are a fan of Uniqlo or COS, you'll find the AirLoft Hooded Jacket right up your alley. I have been a long-time fan of the normcore style, which consists of basic pieces that are distinctively non-distinct; pieces that, quite simply, let me fade into the background.

The jacket comes in four colors: blue gray, black, olive, and navy. No prizes for guessing which color I went for. The entire piece is true black, with the exception of red drawstrings for the hood and waist. I wish Western Rise would keep them black as well, but I am not too bothered since it is hard to notice.

With quite a bit of experience with Western Rise sizing, I got a size large. For reference, I am 6 ft and 205 lbs. It fit me perfectly since I was intending to wear it without a mid-layer but might be tight with one.

My recommendation is to go true to size. If you intend to wear it with a mid-layer, then size up only if you are leaning towards the next size up.

The hood is also a good size; it covers my head completely and looks like it will even accommodate a hat.

With the Western Rise AirLoft Hooded Jacket, and the AusAir Airweave Merino Mask.

One thing I did notice is that the exterior fabric tends to scrunch up or crease along the stitching down the arm. This causes an unstructured look on the otherwise clean-looking jacket.

The Western Rise AirLoft Hooded Jacket is an authentic piece that rejects extravagance and subverts any notion of edginess.

This used to be an ad.

But no one likes ads, so I got rid of them. If my articles helped you, I ask for your support so I can continue to provide unbiased reviews and recommendations. Every cent donated through Patreon will go into improving the quality of this site.

or buy me coffee

Material

Techwear brands love branding their fabrics, but it is actually just clever marketing. Fabrics are rarely made exclusive, and most of the so-called “special” fabrics are actually just combinations of materials or technology.

The AirLoft is no exception. It uses Toray’s new 40g 3DeFX+® hollow-core as the insulation material. In case you don't know, Toray is one of the most famous synthetic fabric makers in the world, responsible for the ubiquitous Uniqlo's Airism.

With the Western Rise AirLoft Hooded Jacket, Outlier Slim Dungarees, and the AusAir Airweave Merino Mask.

3DeFX+ has something Toray calls “anti-fiber migration”, which prevents the insulation material from sticking out from the exterior fabric, even if the exterior fabric isn't high-density.

This allows the use of highly breathable fabric instead, which results in the magic combination of warmth, breathability, and flexibility.

Primeflex® is the exterior fabric that Western Rise chose, which comes with 4-way stretch, self-cleaning properties, and given a C6 DWR for dirt, stain, and weather resistance. Note that DWR is a coating and would wear off in time and use and would need refreshing with something like Nikwax Waterproofing.

The interior is 100% polyester.

Interestingly, the zippers don't seem to be YKK. They are hollow, which is unique but does come across as less sturdy.

Usage

The technical properties were not lost on me when I put it on. It felt warm, yet wasn't stuffy. With just a t-shirt underneath, I felt comfortable in temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C). The breathability should even allow you to do some light sports.

I designed a thing.
Responsive image

I found a 100 year old company that would create these heirloom quality canisters for me. They are handmade and will keep your tea leaves, coffee beans or anything that you need dry for years to come.

or read review

A packing mishap left me with a sleeveless t-shirt after the gym one day, but luckily the jacket was there to save the day. It felt incredibly comfortable on my bare skin. They weren't exaggerating when they said, “You’ll forget you’re wearing it.” It somehow feels even lighter than a long-sleeved cotton t-shirt.

With the Western Rise AirLoft Hooded Jacket, Outlier Slim Dungarees, and the AusAir Airweave Merino Mask.

I liked that I was able to zip the jacket up to cover my neck for extra warmth. There was even a piece of fabric that covered the top of the zipper to prevent it from stabbing into your chin.

Conclusion

Western Rise has consistently produced quality products for a reasonable price, and the Western Rise AirLoft Hooded Jacket is no exception. While you won't get the polish of Outlier jackets, you also won't have to pay a premium of $500-1000, when you are just looking to stay warm.

The biggest draw of the jacket would be the fabric. The comfort you get from the trinity of warmth, stretch, and breathability is hard to beat.

Additional Images

With the Western Rise AirLoft Hooded Jacket, and the Vaer C5 Tactical Field Solar
With the Western Rise AirLoft Hooded Jacket, and the AusAir Airweave Merino Mask.
With the Western Rise AirLoft Hooded Jacket, Outlier Slim Dungarees, and the AusAir Airweave Merino Mask.
With the Western Rise AirLoft Hooded Jacket, Outlier Slim Dungarees, and the AusAir Airweave Merino Mask.
With the Western Rise AirLoft Hooded Jacket, Outlier Slim Dungarees, and the AusAir Airweave Merino Mask.
With the Western Rise AirLoft Hooded Jacket, Outlier Slim Dungarees, and the AusAir Airweave Merino Mask.
With the Western Rise AirLoft Hooded Jacket, Outlier Slim Dungarees, and the AusAir Airweave Merino Mask.
With the AusAir Airweave Merino Mask, Western Rise AirLoft Hooded Jacket, Minimul Travel Backpack, Outlier Slim Dungarees, and GORUCK MACV-2.
With the Western Rise AirLoft Hooded Jacket, Minimul Travel Backpack, Outlier Slim Dungarees, and GORUCK MACV-2.
With the AusAir Airweave Merino Mask, Western Rise AirLoft Hooded Jacket, Minimul Travel Backpack, and Outlier Slim Dungarees.
With the Western Rise AirLoft Hooded Jacket, Minimul Travel Backpack, Outlier Slim Dungarees, and GORUCK MACV-2.
With the Western Rise AirLoft Hooded Jacket, Minimul Travel Backpack, Outlier Slim Dungarees, and GORUCK MACV-2.

Like this review? See all of my in-depth reviews.
Also, consider supporting me by being a Patreon. Every cent given will go back into improving the content of this website.

Tagged airloft jacket review western rise