Reviews > Clothing > Base Layers and Undies > Airblaster Ninja Suit > Owner Review by Michael Pearl

AIRBLASTER CLASSIC NINJA SUIT
BY MIKE PEARL
OWNER REVIEW

May 17, 2019

TESTER INFORMATION

I have a great appreciation for the outdoors and get out at every opportunity. I am a three-season, learning to be a four-season backpacker and year-round hiker. Currently, my trips are two to three days long as well as an annual week-long trip. I utilize the abundant trail shelters in my locale and pack a backup tarp-tent. I like to cover big distances while still taking in the views. I have lightweight leanings but function and reliability are the priority. I mostly travel woodland mountain terrain but enjoy hiking beautiful trails anywhere.

PRODUCT INFORMATION

Manufacturer: Airblaster LLC
Year of Manufacture: 2017
Made in: Vietnam
Manufacturer's Website: www.myairblaster.com
MSRP: US$109.99

Listed Weight: Not Listed
Measured Weight: 1 lb 2 oz (504 g)

Sizes Available: XS - XXL
My Size: M

Colors Available: Black, Camo, Pizza, Olive Moose and Modern Athlete
My Color: Black (guess I'm boring)

Material: 94% Polyester / 6% Spandex

Features:
7-panel form-fitting hood
4-way stretch Air Tech fabric
Thumb loops at cuff
Full length front chest zip
350 degree waist zip for easy #2 access

FIELD USE

I have used the Airblaster Classic Ninja Suit for two winter seasons. I have worn the suit on approximately twenty hikes, six nights backpacking, two days snowboarding and one day cross country skiing. As a special bonus wear I even used it as a Halloween costume, which was a big hit! Well maybe not with my kids but all us parents had a good laugh.

The Ninja Suit and I saw a fair range of conditions. But I quickly learned I like the suit best for the colder conditions. While warm moving at a slow pace in 20 F (-7 C) temperatures if I exerted myself I would overheat and sweat heavily. I have hiked in -15 F (-26 C) with the Ninja Suit under a wool midlayer, down jacket and thick wool pants and been very warm. I had a comfortable night in a tent sleeping in a 0 F (-18 C) down bag at -5 F (-21 C) wearing the suit as my sleeping clothes and two pairs of wool socks. The outing that impressed me the most was snowboarding in the Ninja Suit in -20 F (-29 F) wind chill factor conditions. I was able to tolerate riding the chairlift up and then warmed up on the ride down. The Ninja Suit helped block the bone chilling wind and retained the heat I generated boarding.

I think the key to the Ninja Suit is being one piece. There's no break for heat to escape or cold air to sneak in. I think the heat moves through the suit to and/or from the upper and lower body. This is further complimented by the hood and thumb loops. They seem like minor features to me but really make a big difference in level of warmth. On one overnight backpacking we did some steep pitch snow and ice climbs. My hands stayed warmer using the thumb loops the few times I removed my gloves to work the ropes. The hood and chest zip were quick and easy changes to help regulate warmth between climbing and belaying. Additionally with the thumb loops on putting layers over the Ninja suit prevents the sleeves from bunching up. This makes layering much easier and more comfortable for me.

The Ninja suit has a traditional undergarment fly on the front which to the male wearer makes relieving oneself quick and easy. This might lead one to ask about what Airblaster refers to as #2 access. #2 access is via the new to me 350 degree zip on the back of the waist. Additionally there is a drawstring around the waist above the 350 zip. The drawstring helps keep the suit in place and more comfortable while moving around. But maybe more importantly and relative to the 350 zip, it keeps the suit in place when opening the zip. The zip when fully open allows the back of the Ninja suit to open. It remains attached just at the front of the suit. The 350 zip fully open allows the wearer #2 relieving access. It is somewhat awkward at first but is much more convenient and comfortable than removing the whole suit.

The Ninja Suit is fun and comfortable to wear. It feels good as a against-the-skin baselayer. The suit is compatible and works well with my layering system. The hood, zip chest and thumb loops are nice for body heat management. The suit has laundered well with no damage to the fabric or other materials and remains odor free. I enjoy wearing the Ninja Suit so much that sometimes I wish the coldest part of winter would last a little longer.

SUMMARY

The Airblaster Classic Ninja Suit is super comfortable and very warm. It is an excellent winter baselayer. The Ninja Suit makes a smooth and easy transition from sleeping bag PJs to below freezing winter baselayer and back to PJ's. The hood, zip chest and thumb loops are very useful for regulating body temperature. If I am hiking or backpacking in temperatures at 15 F (-9 C) or lower I am wearing the Ninja Suit.

THINGS I LIKE

- Super warm
- Hood and thumb loops keep suit in place and drafts out
- 350 degree zipper makes nature call easier
- Can double as a Halloween costume

THINGS I DON'T LIKE

There really isn't anything I don't like but if I have to say something, the Ninja Suit is on the heavier side.
- Weight

Reviews > Clothing > Base Layers and Undies > Airblaster Ninja Suit > Owner Review by Michael Pearl