FootJoy has a whole bunch of new midlayers out for 2023. One of these is the Cloud Camo Print. Did it stand out in the crowded midlayer jungle? Read on to find out.

FootJoy Cloud Camo Print Midlayer Review: NCG Summary

NCG SUMMARY

You’ll certainly stand out from the crowd in this midlayer – especially in the lighter colours. There’s the usual good fit and quality construction that we associate with FootJoy.

PROS

Striking design.
Easy to care for.
Good range of colours.

CONS

Irritating collar.

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FootJoy Cloud Camo Print Midlayer

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First Impressions

The camo design has been around in golf for a while and shows no sign of abating. I’ve certainly enjoyed wearing shoes with a dash of camo on the sole. However, when a piece of camo clothing arrives at HQ for review, my usual tactic is to pass it on to a younger (that’s everyone in the office) or more athletic (hmm, about 40%) member of the review team.

However, on this occasion, the Cloud Camo Print midlayer arrived with a couple of other really nice-looking performance midlayers from FootJoy as part of their Spring/Summer 2023 collection. So it was time for me to take the plunge and check out camo. It even gives me the opportunity to share a favourite camo-themed joke.

Depending on pattern and colour, a camo design can range from the incredibly bold to barely noticeable. I would say that this version from FootJoy strikes a middle ground. The version we tested was navy which is one of four colour options available.

I did feel that it had a slightly edgy appearance which may not suit everyone. The softer looking ‘maui blue’ colourway might be a good alternative, particularly in the summer months.

Having just tested the Space Dye Chill-Out from Footjoy, I was a little underwhelmed by this model. Although it is badged as having a pretty similar fabric , it just didn’t look and feel as premium as the Space Dye midlayer. The Space Dye has a lovely soft brushed inner. The Cloud Camo does not have the same soft lining.

In fact there’s a pretty ordinary looking white inside of the garment, which doesn’t feel particularly comfortable next to the skin. Otherwise, the construction is pretty simple and straightforward with a half-zip. The stretch jersey knit fabric in this model is made from 83% nylon and 17% Spandex which means the stretch material is quick-drying and offers a free range of motion.

On The Course

I’m about 173 cm tall and weigh 74 kg with an average (ie non-athletic) shape. FootJoy describe the fit as athletic. That’s often a sign that I need to go up a size. But the medium size fitted comfortably with the length of the sleeves and body being just right.

I have generally tested this over a polo shirt and, if the weather is cooler, beneath a gilet. Layering is straightforward as it adapts to changing weather conditions. There was no sense of restriction of motion throughout the golf swing, even when I had to put on a waterproof jacket. As with all FootJoy midlayers, this comes with moisture-wicking technology that draws moisture away from the skin to keep the core warm.

Breathability seemed to be ok, but the ‘next to the skin’ feeling from this garment did rather detract from the enjoyment of wearing it. Another gripe was that the collar felt pretty stiff. It was ok when fully zipped up. But when the zip was partly open, the collar interfered with my (double) chin, which was a bit frustrating.

On the plus side, the easy care fabric means you can stuff it in your golf bag, and there’s no wrinkling when you come to retrieve it. Furthermore, I invariably carry my golf bag, and I haven’t experienced any of the ‘pilling’ at the back of the garment that can occur with other similar-weight midlayers.

The 19th hole

Sergeant: “Smith! I didn’t see you at camouflage practice this morning!” Private Smith: “Thank you Sir!”

As you’ve probably gathered, if you’ve got this far, my first foray into camo apparel has not been an unqualified success.

Because this is a FootJoy garment, I take the construction and fit as a given. But there are aspects of the Cloud Camo that mean it’s not for me. I much prefer the Space Dye Chill-Out and the Colour Block midlayer from the latest FJ collection.

That said, I showed the Cloud Camo to my 30 year old son whose eyes lit up and it’s mysteriously vanished. I suspect he’ll be even happier when he gets around to washing it and finds that the easy care fabric doesn’t need ironing.

FootJoy Cloud Camo Print Midlayer Review

So in future, all camo apparel will pass straight to my younger, more athletic colleagues in the office. I hope you enjoyed the joke.

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Fit: True to Size/Small/Large
Comfort: 8/10
Value for Money: 7/10
Sizes: UK S-XXL
Colour options: Navy, Red, Black, Maui Blue