Salomon Fast Wing Windproof Jacket Review
By Dave Roberts
on May 18, 2016 No ratings yet.
Salomon Fast Wing Windproof Jacket Review
Dave Roberts takes a look at the Salomon Fast Wing Wind-proof Jacket that’s been on a thorough review over the last two months from coastal running to the summits of Snowdonia.
I’ve always raved about wind-proof jackets. They’re by far the unsung heroes of the outdoors, with the waterproof for far too long having muscled it’s way into wind-proof territory. Essential in cooler weather for eliminating wind chill without over insulating and causing you to sweat like most waterproofs.
The Fast Wing doesn’t disappoint in that respect. It’s ultra-thin, and only 85g in weight, despite having the full length zip. That makes a huge difference in how useful this jacket is, as you can just open the jacket when you warm up rather than having to remove it. With the chilly spring we’ve had, that’s proven invaluable as you warm up in the sheltered areas and need all the protection you can get once you’re back battling the wind. The vents under the arms help to prevent you from overheating and the fabric dries quickly. It’s compact, packing conveniently into it’s own chest pocket.
Did we really say pocket? Yes, even at 85g, Salomon have squeezed in a small chest pocket. We’ve squeezed a smartphone in there on a few runs, so its plenty big enough for most uses. Anything heavier and it starts to move about uncomfortably.
The fit, despite being ‘active’ isn’t designed for the scrawny like some trail running kit we’ve tried out. I found the fit and sizing about right for me (XL in this instance) without any nasty surprises! Neither did we notice it while running, which is always good! The only strangeness we found was that the front zip closed on the wrong side. This doesn’t bother me (traditionally this was the side that female clothing closed) but does leave me searching for a zip that isn’t there!
It’s a well made and tough jacket, as we’d expect from Salomon. We’ve used it for a lightweight backpacking as well as running, but it was just what I needed to cut out the worst of the chill sea breeze on the Wales Coastal Path. It didn’t seem any the worse for wear, despite the abrasive pack straps.
Overall the Fast Wing is a quality lightweight performance wind-proof that’s designed for the trail runner but might also find itself on many ultra-lightweight camper’s wish list.
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