REVIEW: Carinthia G-LOFT ULTRA HOODIE

Summer is ending and it's time for jackets again. But not the thick ones yet, as they are still too warm. Carinthia has released the G-LOFT Ultra Hoodie, a new lightweight pullover jacket. The remarkable feature is the relatively thin insulation with G-LOFT 20g – an absolute novelty. This Superhoodie is also suitable for the hot months, at least during the night when it gets cool or in the mountains. We took a detailed look at the new G-LOFT Ultra Hoodie.

First, let's look at the technical and design details:

• Large kangaroo pocket
• Stretch inner pocket
• One-way zippers on the left and right
• Elastic cuffs
• Hood with elastic cords, individually adjustable
• Magnetic buttons for quick access
• Mesh inserts (ventilation)
• Insulation: G-LOFT® 20g, 100% polyester
• Outer & inner material: 100% polyester
• Arms: Techno Stretch 92% polyester, 8% elastane
• Body: 75% mesh, 25% elastane
• Weight: 450g (size M)

Three points will catch the attention of the observant reader. Firstly, the special insulation with only 20g of G-LOFT per m², secondly, the magnetic buttons, and thirdly, the light weight. The latter is achieved by the insulation and selected textiles.

The jacket has a very straight cut and is not playful, which we like. The torso is made of polyester and includes the insulation. The sleeves are not insulated and are made of elastic stretch material.

This stretch material is also used on the sides. This ensures a good fit, which is rather sporty. We tried on the G-LOFT Ultra Hoodie in size M and it fits perfectly. There is not much room for additional clothing underneath. Those who prefer their outerwear a bit looser should go up a size in the Carinthia Hoodie.

Now onto the details: Under the armpit, you will find a fine mesh fabric for ventilation.

The sleeves end in elastic cuffs. There is no width adjustment, but it is not necessary.

The hood fits well and serves its purpose. It is sewn from the same material as the torso, but without insulation. The cut is close-fitting around the head, so it won't fit over a helmet, but fits well underneath.

The perfect fit is achieved by an elastic strap at the back. A functional solution.

The hood protects you from wind and weather, at least if it's not too stormy and rainy. The hood of the G-LOFT Ultra Hoodie cannot be stored in the collar, but hangs freely down. Since it is made of thin material, it also doesn't stand out much.

At the front, the G-LOFT Ultra Hoodie has a zipper in the upper half. This is for ventilation and of course for hanging the hood. The collar is pleasantly wide and high. We never felt choked, even with a scarf underneath.

A special feature of the G-LOFT Ultra Hoodies is the use of magnetic buttons, as shown in the image. The hoodie has a 23 cm long zipper on each side, secured at the bottom by a magnetic button flap.

The security is rather relative. The flap is designed so that when the zipper is open, the two flaps do not flutter around too much. We find the zipped slits very useful, as they allow for the use of a holster or a belt-worn knife.

You can never have enough storage space. And as befits a hoodie, the G-LOFT Ultra Hoodie also has a large kangaroo pocket.

This pocket is also closed with magnetic buttons. We find this solution very practical, as the closure system is slim, silent to operate, and easy to close as it happens automatically.