What to Wear for Winter Rides – A Comparison of Active Insulation –

Hello, everyone! It’s Chan-Mai.

It’s gotten much colder since the start of the year, but are you all still out riding your bikes? When the cold really sinks in, it makes it a struggle just to head outside. On top of that, winter clothing selection is tricky because you can’t just bundle up—you also have to think about "sweat management."

One item that solves this problem is "active insulation." I've introduced a few pieces in previous blogs, so if you're not familiar with them yet, be sure to check them out!

And for this post, I decided to compare the active insulation pieces I've introduced so far! Since the choice of which one to pick comes down to each individual wearer, I hope this serves as a helpful reference for finding that perfect piece for yourself.

First, let’s review the features of each!

PATAGONIA M’s R1 Air Jacket

At first glance, the Patagonia M’s R1 Air Jacket looks like a fleece, but it’s a super long-selling product that many of our staff members swear by. It’s characterized by its zigzag pattern structure, and the hollow fibers used in the material are special, with straw-like voids in the center. This makes it lighter and more breathable than standard fibers of the same thickness. It also provides excellent insulation by trapping air within those hollow sections.

HOUDINI Ms / Ws Lykan Half Zip

Beyond its performance as active insulation, it looks so cute and casual that it could be worn as everyday clothing. It is incredibly warm and has a great feel against the skin, with a structure designed to prevent shedding. The half-zip design makes it easy to regulate temperature by letting air in, making it well-suited for rides.

Yamatomichi Active Pullover

Specializing in UL (ultralight) gear, Yamatomichi's products are, above all, lightweight. It is shockingly light. Not only is it light, but it also features excellent quick-drying capabilities, making it an item you'll want to take not just on rides, but on your travels too. The wide variety of available colors is another major draw.

BRING Wunderwear Half Zip Hoodie

Actually, we haven't introduced this one yet... a masterpiece from BRING is now in stock! The Wunderwear Half Zip Hoodie is a base layer that uses an exquisite blend of merino wool and recycled polyester. Its seamless construction makes it gentle against the skin, and it boasts outstanding stretch and comfort. The uneven texture of the weave retains body heat while balancing breathability and moisture control. The hood, which covers up to the face, offers high cold protection, and the fact that it can be machine washed is a great convenience. With a zip for easy temperature adjustment, this piece combines comfort and functionality.

The Comparison

To compare quick-drying performance, I measured how many hours it took for each item to dry after being washed.

First, the initial state. Please don't pay too much attention to the initial weight as the sizes and wear history are different. Also, please treat these numbers as just a rough guide.

From the left: PATAGONIA M’s R1 Air Jacket (245g), HOUDINI Ms/Ws Lykan Crew (same material as the Half Zip) (252g), Yamatomichi Active Pullover (141g), and BRING Wunderwear Seamless Hoodie (291g).

Here is what they look like after running them through the washing machine and finishing the spin cycle:

-PATAGONIA M’s R1 Air Jacket: 245g→348g (142%)
-HOUDINI Ms/Ws Lykan Crew (same material): 252g→397g (157%)
-Yamatomichi Active Pullover: 141g→216g (153%)
-BRING Wunderwear Seamless Hoodie: 291g→435g (149%)

What we can see here is water retention capacity. As expected, the HOUDINI knit has a higher capacity for holding water.

((15 minutes later))

-PATAGONIA M’s R1 Air Jacket: 348g→303g (124%)
-HOUDINI Ms/Ws Lykan Crew (same material): 397g→352g (140%)
-Yamatomichi Active Pullover: 216g→176g (125%)
-BRING Wunderwear Seamless Hoodie: 435g→389g (134%)

Each piece released enough moisture to equal over 10% of its weight, but the breathability of the Yamatomichi piece really stands out. This means it has excellent airflow.

((Another 15 minutes later))

-PATAGONIA M’s R1 Air Jacket: 303g→266g (109%)
-HOUDINI Ms/Ws Lykan Crew (same material): 352g→306g (121%)
-Yamatomichi Active Pullover: 176g→146g (104%)
-BRING Wunderwear Seamless Hoodie: 389g→341g (117%)

BRING is a bit slower as it is the only wool product, but it is steadily drying.

((Yet another 15 minutes later))

-PATAGONIA M’s R1 Air Jacket: 266g→244g (100%)
-HOUDINI Ms/Ws Lykan Crew (same material): 306g→280g (111%)
-Yamatomichi Active Pullover: 146g→142g (100%)
-BRING Wunderwear Seamless Hoodie: 341g→316g (108%)

The results are as follows! *The weights in the table below are based on a standard size (the median size in the product range).

When it comes to quick-drying properties, the Yamatomichi Active Pullover is the clear winner, thanks in part to its lightness. It is already light the moment it comes out of the washing machine, which highlights its low water absorption.

For those who prioritize lightness or tend to sweat easily, we recommend the Yamatomichi Active Pullover. Conversely, for those who don't sweat much and prioritize heat retention, we suggest the BRING Wunderwear Seamless Hoodie. For those who care about style and want something to wear in daily life, the HOUDINI Ms / Ws Lykan Half Zip is a great choice, and for a balanced option, the PATAGONIA M’s R1 Air Jacket is your go-to.

Of course, I’d love to share our staff’s authentic reviews, but this time I’ve dared to evaluate them based on numerical data. When it comes to active insulation, it’s not just about warmth—"airflow" and "quick-drying" are also key selection points.

Whether you are a heavy sweater or someone prone to feeling cold, find the gear that fits your body type and enjoy comfortable rides all through winter!

#11 Chan-Mai’s Break Room

Winter rides are actually quite fun.
If you ride through the cold air, get your body warmed from the inside, and maintain just the right body temperature, you feel like you can ride forever.

At the beginning of last winter, I rode all night from Circles to Kyoto with the rest of the staff.
I was able to maintain the "perfect body temperature" during that ride, making it very comfortable. It felt like I had finally found the optimal solution for my own body type and gear, and it was a real relief.

I wrote this blog because I wanted everyone else to have that same experience. What works best is different for everyone, so let’s explore your personal optimal solution together!

Winter riding is so much fun!!!!!