We have certainly been lucky with nicer weather this year but that has meant that moving into the autumn and winter months has left me feeling colder than usual. With events already planned for 2019 I want to ensure I keep up my training through the winter months and so with cooler weather comes some kit changes – you are only cold if you’re standing still after all! This is where the Craft Fuseknit Jersey comes in handy…
I get hot pretty quickly and so as I transition I find a good baselayer to be an essential part of my kit. I tend to start with this as the weather cools under a cycling jersey or running top. I don’t want one that is too hot or too cold – I am like goldilocks and I want one that is just right. The purpose of a base layer is to fit snug against the skin and should be designed to ensure you keep layer of warm air against the body. There are different materials available for these sorts of garments with most being either merino wool, bamboo or a synthetic material such as polyester, which is what the Fuseknit is comprised of. I try to avoid cotton for a base layer, in actual fact I try to avoid cotton for any of my training mostly because when cotton gets wet (I mentioned I sweat a lot) it stays wet and that actually leaves you feeling cold. Being a recycled polyster that the Fuseknit is made of means it is hard wearing and quick drying, which in turn means moisture will evaporate quicker thus keeping your temperature regular and providing more comfort.
The Craft Fuseknit jersey couldn’t have come at a better time – I had returned from Italy where we had 30-degree heat to a rather chilly UK but gave me the perfect opportunity to test it out.
I like that it is a jersey that I can wear for both running and cycling and even in the gym. It is lightweight, super comfy and the material is not too thick or thin.
I first tried the jersey on a cycle ride and whilst it has not got pockets like a normal cycling jersey it was perfect. I used it for a short 27-mile ride early evening and it was exactly the right item. I’ve used it since with a gillet over the top and again was great. I find getting the right layers for cycling is often harder than running as the weather temp whilst riding, especially if you add some wind, can drop much quicker and often feel cooler than it is so now having this added to my kit list is great. In the colder months this will be perfect for under my cycling jacket also.
The real test was Beachy Head Marathon – what better way to test a jersey than over 26.2 miles with ridiculous elevation in very open spaces and with the final 6-mile section being along Seven Sisters cliffs on the seafront. Usually when I run I get hot really quickly and often regret putting on a base layer, however, knowing the elevation in this event meant the majority would be walking I was hoping this would be a good choice. And it was. I wore the jersey under a technical t-shirt and I am so pleased I did. It was not too hot for the parts I could run and was great along the seafront especially as the wind was bitter and much like a slap in the face. I also wore a hydration vest for this event and it worked great with the clothing – was worried using the vest about chaffing but no issues whatsoever.
The jersey itself, as I mentioned, earlier was super comfy – really soft and lightweight, and I am sure the flatlock seams helped with the use of the hydration vest too to avoid any chaffing. The yarn used is to optimise thermoregulation and testing over 26.2 miles definitely gave me the opportunity to see how it felt when hot and sweaty and also cooler and I was dry and comfortable the entire time.
Next test will be an OCR to see how the jersey deals with more of the elements though I am hoping not to rip it as I am seriously impressed and need this kit in my wardrobe for the coming months. If you are interested you can see the jersey here and you will be pleased to hear it is also reasonably priced at £30.
I was gifted the jersey, but all opinions are my own.
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