Jakub Merle: TEST OF THE LIGHT SOFTSHELL KILPI BALANS-M JACKET

14. 09. 2021

Jakub Merle prepared a review of the light outdoor Kilpi BALANS-M jacket.

Test of the Kilpi BALANS-M lightweight softshell jacket

I see the jacket as JOSHUA-M's successor! For me personally, the Joshua has long been a TOP jacket for all outdoor pleasure and I basically spent 70% of all activities in it! I was impressed by the cut, workmanship and high durability of the material with sufficient strength and elasticity!

The BALANS-M is a little under the shadow of its big brother but do not worry about it failing in the market!

Craftsmanship at a glance:

  • Precision and high-quality
  • Solid material
  • Extended zipper puller in the neck area
  • Great sleeve cuffs with thumb holes
  • Adequately large zippered pockets

The jacket under a microscope:

  • On the first wear I was surprised by the chest area, size M is quite narrow
  • The sleeves are long enough for cycling or cross-country skiing when a really large range of movement is needed
  • The zipper slider in the neck area is protected and does not scratch
  • The locks on the lower elastic (at the waist) = insufficient - instead of silicone I would opt for a classic, with a spring = better maintains the setting and adjustability
  • The hood with a visor is a cool thing! I managed to get my ski helmet into it, too!

DURING RUNNING:

  • The jacket is solid, it doesn't bounce when running and the feeling of the jacket on during movement is fine!
  • No movement restrictions.
  • Pocket ventilation works.
  • The only problem I have when I run is the collar after the zipper is fully zipped on the jacket. This often irritates me, the bumping of the zipper into my larynx and so I have to open the zipper so it can be tolerated.

DURING CYCLING:

  • Very solid range of motion!
  • The back extended length covers well.
  • Riding my MTB in the forest (thick growth), there are nil defects on the material and when passing through thorns no tears!
  • Material durability and stability 100%

DURING CLIMBING:

  • Movement without restriction.
  • High material endurance thus no abrasion on sandstone.
  • The only limit of the jacket is the hood - it is dangerous when climbing - but it is not a climbing jacket - just an observation I have made.

HIKING:

  • All good, no problem.


The jacket surprised me with how well it resists water! I didn't expect it to withstand such a load during three hours of heavy rain, but it eventually began to be drenched, which didn't bother me, since I know how SIBERIUM SRC WB works! Even so, I am not afraid to place the waterproof values around 3000!

CONCLUSION:

The Kilpi BALANS-M jacket is unquestionably a super companion for all outdoor activities!

The feedback from the sale of this jacket is clear: it is a very good item of clothing and its value is greatly under rated for the money paid!

Jakub Merle

Jakub Merle