Our blog this week brings a product review of the Johnson QuikDri tracksuit that we have been giving a thorough testing over the last few weeks during our regular pool visits. It felt like perfect timing for such a product as we all start to warm up to the concept of some open water action which given recent temperatures is likely to be a chilly affair and very much one for the wetsuits. The Johnson QuikDri tracksuit provides the answer to body temp recovery as you exit your neoprene.
Introduction to the Johnson Quikdri tracksuit
So what are we talking about here? The Tracksuit we were testing arrived in a flattering black finish with red trim so was a close match to our Trivelo colours with plenty of black! The “skin” of the tracksuit has a soft feel to it using some clever microfibre technology which is nothing unique in itself but the genius lies on the inside, I’m sure there is a good life lesson in there somewhere.
The lining uses a soft toweling material that absorbs water away from the body permitting you to dress near straight from the wet stuff. Both top and bottom include full length zips on the arms and legs that allow for airflow as your body temperature rises. The combination of a waterproof and windproof outer skin mean you can quickly recover lost body heat and minimise drying time. The jacket includes decent sized pockets for all your clobber but we had to adjust our mindset to having trousers minus pockets, it was a shock at first but something we quickly forgot.
Testing the tracksuit
Johnson QuikDri Tracksuit
Testing the product we have been regularly using it straight from the pool after evening and early morning swim sessions where time is often of the essence. While you could get away with the zero towel option when we tried this while still wearing our jammer swim shorts it didn’t result in the best end product so would recommend some level of drying before jumping into the tracksuit post swimming session. Plus pulling this over a swimming costume is a bit of a challenge for any product as they tend to retain their own water content.
We found that taking the time to head through the changing rooms and removing your swim suit was enough to naturally dry enough to let the QuikDri tracksuit do the rest. Conducting this test through February and March meant that this included heading out into the outside world where temperatures were around freezing and any wet body parts would soon notice. Pleased to report that even in these temperatures we didn’t have any issues and the jacket & trousers provided sufficient shielding from the cold and had drawn the water away from your body. Being the right side of 6ft 3 inches it was also welcoming to find that the trousers catered for someone my height not resulting in some ankle swingers inviting any cold air.
Further testing of the product
We are yet to give this a trial in open water but will be keen to as soon as the lakes start opening and also for those summer surf trips we sneak in when the race season allows. While it certainly offers a great solution for swimmers heading poolside you can easily see how it could really benefit activities in the great outdoors. The company itself are a pleasure do deal with based in the UK and genuinely working to support triathletes and all atheletes with their range of tracksuits. Been a great pleasure testing their tracksuits and hope to see more of their gear at events throughout the year.
Johnson QuikDri tracksuit website for more info – www.quikdri.co.uk
BILLY
About the author – Billy is the founder of Trivelo Bikes and a big fan of the swim. Still to master the bike leg although with his running form dropping off a cliff it could be the bike leg that gives him any chance of a competitive finish this season.
