Tweet
Outdoor Technology - Arctic Yowi Product Review...
The cold, it’s one thing that that I know a lot about…While in the Navy, I’ve been above the arctic circle on multiple occasions. Let’s just say, I’ve seen polar bears with my own eyes, and not in a zoo. In the Navy, they call guys like us, “Blue Nose”. Now, while standing watch on the exterior of a ship in these extreme cold conditions, you’ll use every method you can think of to stay warm. The last trip I took I thought I’d try something new…the “Arctic Yowi” by Outdoor Technology. What is an Arctic Yowi? It’s a versatile peace of clothing that can be used as a hat, a scarf, a head band, or a women’s halter top if you really want…it’s very versatile (see attached picture). But, standing watch in the extreme cold, how did it hold up? Well, here’s the answer…
Structure – (Rating: 4 out of 10) Not what I expected, I think is the best way to describe the Arctic Yowi. It’s two separate pieces of stretchy micro fabric and micro fiber fleece, sewn together that form a long tube. My disappointment was not in the material used, but that the ends were not hymned-up, meaning, this thing is not going to make it through the washer and dryer…or so I thought. Surprisingly, it made it through without unraveling, but the ends did curl-up real bad making it harder to use after the washing.
Manipulation – (Rating: 6 to of 10) Not so bad, there’s not much for instructions. So you’re left trying to figure things out on your own…but it’s easy to figure out the uses that we would use it for. The scarf and face cover is easy, the beanie was easy. However, if you wash it, it got more difficult to manage because of the ends curling up.
In the Cold – (Rating: 10 out of 10) In our U.S. Navy Extreme weather gear, my neck and face stayed the most warm with use of the Arctic Yowi.
Style – (Rating 10 out of 10) You have several options of style that OT offers…pick your look. I actually called them and special ordered mine in all black, so I could use it in uniform and not get hassled by our Leadership.
Price – (8 out of 10) $11.95 retail price compared to a The North Face beanie for $25.00 retail that can only be used as a beanie, it’s affordable.
Over All – (7 out of 10) I found, that even with the curled-up ends making it difficult to manipulate, it was worth my money due to the warmth and versatility. By the time you buy a beanie and a scarf, you’ve paid more that if you buy the Arctic Yowi.
Structure – (Rating: 4 out of 10) Not what I expected, I think is the best way to describe the Arctic Yowi. It’s two separate pieces of stretchy micro fabric and micro fiber fleece, sewn together that form a long tube. My disappointment was not in the material used, but that the ends were not hymned-up, meaning, this thing is not going to make it through the washer and dryer…or so I thought. Surprisingly, it made it through without unraveling, but the ends did curl-up real bad making it harder to use after the washing.
Manipulation – (Rating: 6 to of 10) Not so bad, there’s not much for instructions. So you’re left trying to figure things out on your own…but it’s easy to figure out the uses that we would use it for. The scarf and face cover is easy, the beanie was easy. However, if you wash it, it got more difficult to manage because of the ends curling up.
In the Cold – (Rating: 10 out of 10) In our U.S. Navy Extreme weather gear, my neck and face stayed the most warm with use of the Arctic Yowi.
Style – (Rating 10 out of 10) You have several options of style that OT offers…pick your look. I actually called them and special ordered mine in all black, so I could use it in uniform and not get hassled by our Leadership.
Price – (8 out of 10) $11.95 retail price compared to a The North Face beanie for $25.00 retail that can only be used as a beanie, it’s affordable.
Over All – (7 out of 10) I found, that even with the curled-up ends making it difficult to manipulate, it was worth my money due to the warmth and versatility. By the time you buy a beanie and a scarf, you’ve paid more that if you buy the Arctic Yowi.
Comment