[Review] Doo-Bop Hoody: How the Great Shigaichi Changed My Feelings About Layering
■ I honestly thought that a hoodie was unnecessary as a base layer.
Actually, I was skeptical about the idea of a hoodie for a base layer, or rather, I thought it was unnecessary. Because wind shells and rainwear have hoods, that's enough, right? Rather, I felt that if the base layer had a hood, it would be cluttered and get in the way of layering.
But the two guys from milestone enthusiastically pushed me, saying, "This is seriously good." So I borrowed a sample of the Doo-Bop Hoody and went into the mountains.
I never thought I would use this piece as my base layer for the biggest challenge of my life, "The Great Shigaichi."
■ Shiga in May: Hot and cold at odds
When I challenged the "Dai Shigaichi" trail around Shiga Prefecture, I wore the Doo-Bop Hoody as a base layer during the colder times of the day. The mountains at this time of year are hot like summer during the day, chilly in the mornings and evenings, and sometimes the rain and wind are relentless. I used it in harsh conditions where the environment changes many times throughout the day.
■ Ventilated yet protective
The first thing you'll notice when wearing it is how breathable it is.
When I run, I can really feel the wind blowing over my skin.
It's long-sleeved and light, so you can feel the breeze better than with a regular T-shirt.
It blocks the sun but doesn't heat up too much.
It achieves the contradiction of having long sleeves yet not being hot.
And the food. Honestly, I didn't think I'd find it so useful.
■ Functions as the center of layering
The Doo-Bop Hoody was excellent not only on its own, but also as the core of a layering outfit.
When it's hot, you can roll up your sleeves and it will feel like a T-shirt, letting in a cool breeze.
When it's cold, you can layer an Alpha Direct hoodie on top to keep you warm,
If it got colder, I could wear the Alpha under the Doo-Bop for extra warmth.
Both materials are thin and light, so they can be easily put on and taken off while on the move.
In addition, even if it gets wet with sweat while you're on the move, it dries faster than other polyester materials, so you're less likely to feel cold from sweat.
I realized that this flexibility in layering is a huge advantage when traveling for long periods of time.
*This layering was also useful on another mountain trip, although it wasn't a big one.
Doo-Bop hood, Alpha hood, and Rain hood.
By simply layering the three layers and adjusting what you put on and take off depending on the situation, I was able to adapt to a fairly wide range of temperatures.
■ The comfort of not having to take it off
Another important point is that you can keep wearing it . Even if the weather changes, you can keep wearing the same clothes without having to take off your backpack or stop walking.
This not only helps me conserve my energy, but it also makes me feel better mentally. If I stop, my rhythm gets disrupted. My pace gets worse. I felt that being able to keep it on was more than just comfortable.
■ Great for bushwhacking
The most memorable part was when I had to wade through the bush. The sun was strong and it was too hot to wear a wind shell. But short sleeves would hurt my skin. In that situation, the breathable long-sleeved Doo-Bop Hoody was the right choice.
I plunged straight into the bush, went out onto the ridge to catch the wind, then went down again, and climbed up again. With just this one sheet, I was able to climb and descend.
■ Design and details
The fabric is thin and light, so it doesn't feel stiff even when layered.
It also has a thumb hole, so it can protect the back of your hand, which is a big plus.
However, the arm area is a little tight. There were times when it felt difficult to roll up my sleeves, so I hope they will improve that in the future.
■What situations is it recommended for?
The performance of this hoodie will come in handy especially in sunny, high altitude environments such as the Alps in summer.
Can be used as a base layer for three season hiking or as stream fishing wear.
And for those who enjoy both trail running and hiking, this will definitely be a piece that can be worn all year round.
■ Summary
A selfie taken by myself over time
At first, I thought that a hood was unnecessary for a base layer, but now, depending on the situation, I even think that it would be a problem if I didn't have one. The Doo-Bop Hoody is a piece that has changed my concept of layering for me.
It's not just a base. It lets you feel the wind, wicks away sweat, and protects you. By keeping you in shape, you can keep moving forward without stopping your challenges. I want to keep wearing it.
PROFILE
