The Octa Fleece Tec Hoodie redefines fleece and embodies just the right fit for mountain use.
Ambassador Hiromichi Kuga wore a prototype sample of the Octa Fleece Tec Hoody, released this season, last season. He told us why he thinks it's the perfect mid-layer for backcountry skiing.
"Fleece is hot and it's hard to move in." The OCTA Fleece Tec Hoody completely overturned the preconceived notions I had about fleece.
The first time I wore it was in Hinoemata during the harsh winter.
I was amazed at how light and soft it felt in the clear air of the snowy morning, and immediately noticed the difference.
Even on a route with many ups and downs, the fabric naturally follows your movements without feeling tight. It doesn't get stuffy even during long periods of activity, and even when you sweat, it keeps you dry and comfortable.
When heavy, wet snow is falling, like in Myoko, where I'm based (an environment with high temperatures and humidity), I believe the key to comfort is "how to release heat and moisture and be able to move around without removing my shell as much as possible."
The TB Jacket, which uses "Täsmä" technology that prioritizes breathability, and the OCTA Fleece Tec Hoody, which has an excellent balance of warmth and breathability, are a perfect match.
The OCTA Fleece Tec Hoody's outer fabric is smooth, allowing for smooth movement even under the shell. When you open the shell's ventilation while hiking, you can feel the air escaping effortlessly.
The offset center zipper means that the zipper won't overlap around your neck when layering. The hood can also be used as a balaclava, so it gently wraps around your face and keeps the cold out, which is another reason why we like this cut.
The detailed functionality ensures comfort so you can keep moving while wearing the shell.
By combining the MOB Wool series or Axio 3D series as a base layer with the TB Jacket or Tsurugi Jacket as an outer layer, you can handle a wide range of conditions depending on the temperature and amount of activity.
The OCTA Fleece Tec Hoody redefines what I thought was the best fleece and embodies what is just right for mountain use.
