REVIEW: DNS ALPHA Light Insulation Hoody

Dosen verleihen Flügel, heißt es. Wir bezweifeln das. Also heißt es da bleiben. Und mit Flügeln kommen wir hier auch nicht weiter, wenn es kühl wird, aber mit Jacken. DNS ALPHA ist der neue Hochqualitätshersteller und das DNS ALPHA Light Insulation Hoody ist die erste Jacke gewesen, die gekommen ist. Sie hat uns nun gut ein Dreivierteljahr begleitet. Und das sollte sie auch … 

The Light Hoody on the man. The jacket is designed for use up to 10 degrees. Such information is always somewhat relative and depends on your temperature sensitivity and what else you have on. If we only had a thin layer underneath, we would now take off the Light and switch to the Heavy Insulation from DNS ALPHA. However, you can also wear fleece underneath and a hardshell on top and then get through the winter safely, but Light Stand Alone is designed for three seasons.

The Light has a very straight cut with clean lines, is extremely functional and well thought out. You can tell that the DNS part "Development never stops" means it and comes from a professional background in textile development. What we find extremely great and tactical at first glance: the jackets are matte. DNS ALPHA uses a mechanically textured polyamide 6.6, which is also flexible and feels smooth and dry.

Let's start from the top: "Hoody" means hood and it is essential on this jacket. This is how it looks when worn. It is not adjustable, but it has a good construction, so the hoody is comfortable to wear. It also works well with a helmet on top. There is no adjustment necessary, and it doesn't need to be.

If you take it off, you reach the collar. It is shaped in such a way that it ends at the lower edge of the jaw and head. This is extremely comfortable so you don't feel chilly.

The natural state of the hood is folded down. This is how it looks then. It is light, it is there, it doesn't bother.

Let's admit it, we all want to cuddle: the collar is lined with a fluffy material on the inside. Some people like that.

We said "Hoody". This is the second version of the jacket. And it isn't a Hoody. All features are identical, except for the hood. This DNS ALPHA Light Insulation Jacket has a stand-up collar. And a different color: DNS ALPHA comes in Black, Olive (here), and Gray.

This collar also sits high … 

... and protects the neck. Not everyone needs a hood. Ideal that this second version exists.

Also cuddly here. We almost believe DNS ALPHA wants to soften you up a bit. The material is definitely top-notch, the craftsmanship - see seam - first quality.

The hoody from the back. The cut is rather close to the body, which also helps keep you warm and looks good. The hood is attached here, you can see the gussets in the back that keep it in shape. Otherwise: beautifully matte black. After all, since the jacket can be packed very compactly, we are tempted to say "the little black one".

A view of the back can also be delightful, you can see the special cut. What you don't see is the filling. At the moment it's G-Loft, which in a thin mat ensures that the wearer feels comfortable.

Here the same spot in Olive - the many yellow leaves around make it look rather grayish, but trust us, it's a matte olive.

If you pay attention to the patterning of the RipStop material, you will see that the back and side panels are positioned differently. This creates the flexibility in the material that is ideal for your mobility in action.

When not needed, a uniform overall picture emerges. By the way: both jackets are the same size. If you want to wear your jacket a little looser, take one size larger.

DNS ALPHA can also be recognized by the Velcro areas on the sides. The triangle is not intended for the pen, it provides recognition.

Black on black, the Velcro is less noticeable. By the way, there will also be jackets without Velcro, which we - not in terms of wearing patches - think is great because Velcro areas in everyday life are "socially noticeable". They scream "tactical". Or simply "cop", "soldier" or "wannabe". And sometimes we just say: be inconspicuous, be a "Grey Man". The wonderful patch here, by the way, is from Forward Patch Control. Is socially noticeable, should be too... "Chasing eternal flames".

The end is near. And that on both sleeves. This is where the jacket ends at the hands.

The cuffs on the hands are made of flexible and abrasion-resistant Lycra. This results in a very flat finish, almost as comfortable as a tracksuit.

Here we are high-necked and show the two velcro areas.

The zipper is as strong as necessary and has a zipper pull with shrink tubing over it.

Using zippers can cause drafts, so a beam is placed behind it. At DNS ALPHA, it is also smoothly hemmed, preventing anything from getting stuck in the zipper. That's attention to detail.

Interior view of the light insulation. Here you will only find fabric, nothing else. You don't need more.

Relatively typical for DNS ALPHA is also this seam across the abdomen. The jacket is simply put on here, with pockets on the right and left.

These are also very practical for tucking your hands in if your fingers are cold.

Hidden inside is a string in one corner, which is part of the waist adjustment system. DNS ALPHA avoids unnecessary small parts.

In the hem, there is a clamping system that secures the waist adjustment. Another very clever solution, small, minimalist, practical.

The jacket is long enough to cover the backside. The important thing is the cross, it shouldn't be tight.

If you don't need the jacket, just pack it into this small stuff sack and store it within reach.

CONCLUSION: We are impressed. DNS ALPHA shows with its debut where they want to go: all the way to the top. "It's just a jacket" is true, but both the material and detail solutions are extremely appealing and practical. DNS ALPHA also thinks in layers that are meant to be combined. So the Light is a first step. A step in the right direction: DNS ALPHA wants to be mainly a LEAF provider and convince authorities with their high-quality solutions. Yet items like this jacket are also highly appealing to civilians. Stylish, innovative, practical. What more could you want... for us, the DNS ALPHA Light is the jacket for the whole year.

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