December 04

CIMALP BLIZZARD 3H: THERMAL TRAIL RUNNING JACKET. REVIEW AND FIRST IMPRESSIONS.

Posted by Héctor Rubio on December 4, 2021 in trail running gear, trail running spain | Leave a comment

CIMALP BLIZZARD 3H: THERMAL TRAIL RUNNING JACKET. REVIEW AND FIRST IMPRESSIONS. Our TRAIL JACKETS section brings us today first impressions of this garment from the French from CIMALP.

Several #patroncarrerasdemontana are filming it already this winter, in a feminine and masculine version. An option for both mountain and trail running. Due to its weight, it will not be the one used by the elite for their races, but it can be an ideal jacket for the popular peloton. We go with technical analysis and impressions by Mayayo.

CIMALP BLIZZARD 3H: THERMAL TRAIL RUNNING JACKET.
REVIEW AND FIRST IMPRESSIONS.

Who is CIMALP? CIMALP is a mountain French brand created in 1964 by a mountaineer who has distinguished himself by trying to develop technical and reliable products, but at affordable prices. Established at the foot of the Alps between Vercors and Monts d’Ardéche, CIMALP designs material for all mountain sports: skiing, hiking, mountaineering and mainly Mountain Running, that in a few years become the star of the company within the French market. They are technical products at a contained and afordable price.

At trailrunningspain.com we have already tried a multitude of CIMALP garments, shoes and material and our team of testers has been quite happy with the different material taking into account the quality / price.

After trying the Cimalp 864 Drop Evolution, Cimalp 864 Drop Control, Cimalp Advanced 3H, Cimalp X Trail and the Cimalp Storm Por 3H. The Cimalp Blizzard is one of those thermal jackets that are becoming so popular for our winter mountain races: Garments that warm in the style of a fleece, but tighter. They provide a windbreaker effect, are quite breathable and also very elastic to run comfortably with them.

CIMALP BLIZZARD 3H: DATA SHEET

Price: 90€, now available for 70€
Insulation WARM
Fabrics CIMAFLEX POWER 250g/m2
UsageFast-Hiking, Cross-country skiing, Nordic walking, Trail Running
StretchabilityHigh
BreathabilityTotally breathable
Wind protectionGood, 60km/h
Key pointsUltra-resistant, Quick drying
Season Mid season, Winter
FittingClassic
Sizing adviceRegular – Choose your usual size
Eco-friendlyBluesign® preserves natural resources and reduces the impact on the environment, Oeko-Tex 100 certified safe for humans, the environment and animals

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CIMALP BLIZZARD 3H:

FIRST IMPRESSIONS BY MAYAYO

In this case, the Blizzard was born as a second intermediate layer, but in practice it allows you to not wear anything else and even use it as an outer top layer when it is cold, as long as it does not rain or snow heavily.

In my case, we have already shared several adventures. Some rain in the forest, in the area of the Fuenfría Valley (Madrid). Some other, of pure snow and blizzard, to crown Bola del Mundo at about -15ºC. And in between, one day of a gentle walk in the sun has not been lacking.

This particular model seemed to me to be of special interest because of its warmth and breathability. The combination comes from the fact that it includes details such as the Cimaflex fabric and the differentiated man / woman pattern.

It also provides details that make a difference, such as the high collar, the hidden hood, the pectoral pocket and the reflective ones.

Now it also adds in its favor, that starting from an official price of € 90, these days the brand’s own official website has a special offer at € 70, both for the male and female version.

Welcome to that savings, just when the snows hit majority of Europe, right?

CIMALP BLIZZARD 3H: CONCLUSIONS

In my case, it has turned out to be an ideal jacket to go out on the cold days of this autumn / winter in Guadarrama, which can take us here from October to March. Or even more …

There are many mornings or afternoons when you have to go out at zero degrees, below zero or with the threat of rain / snow. Sometimes jogging, others running, with the bike or skis, there is everything …

Total, that in the end this type of jacket is a fixed shot that you end up taking out often. And is that, even if the day goes wrong and the first flakes or some calabobos fall, combining two fabrics keeps me warm as long as I don’t stop until I get home.

Some things I really like:

Brushed on the inside, flexible and windproof on the outside: The CIMAFLEX fabric has served me well. It provides thermal insulation to the style of a lining (less than a feather, of course) but in return it allows total freedom of movement, due to its elasticity and fit.
The Cordura 6.6 reinforcements on the shoulders and back prevent scratches (backpack);
Reflective prints increase safety at night, and in these months half of the days I have to go out or come back without light, whether I want to or not.
The pattern makes it comfortable for me to wear, whether standing, walking or galloping. Something that is appreciated on days where you bet on it to spend many hours between 5ºC and -5ºC.

What would I change?

The weight of 380gr is somewhat high for me. In return, it is true that since the fabric has a body, the garment absorbs moisture quickly and I feel dry inside even during intense activity.