Joel W from United States, IL Public Profile

Have been trying to find a good wind resistant yet breathable jacket for cycling. I cycle with wool base layers and have a couple jackets with a nylon shell for the chest. In certain conditions with high output cycling and a strong head wind, my chest area overheats while my arms get chilled. This jacket protects the front side of the arms form the wind and has more breathable material on the back side of arms and back. First outing with it was a 3 hour fat tire fondo in around 30 F degree weather with sleet and drizzle in the latter half. Went with a long sleeve 150 wool base layer and this jacket (high exertion), and stayed comfortably warm. The hood does roll back and snap in place, but not very neatly in my opinion. With the ongoing drizzle and having the hood down, moisture entered from the neck area and absorbed a bit from the precipitation. As for fit, I'm 6'0 225 lbs, athletic build (lean torso/17" bis), and went with L size. Definitely an athletic fit on me. A bit snug in the arms, but not bad. I wanted a more fitted jacket and this fit the bill very well. Jacket is more geared for dry, cold, and windy days. Good breathability trades off with good rain resistance.

I've acquired a few of these 250 base layers now and its my go to piece in cool and cold weather. I use this layer for late fall/winter cycling. Learned my lesson the hard way wearing a cotton long sleeve shirt and a nylon jacket. It was around 20-25F and windy and I was sweating and freezing at the same time. Not fun at all when you're miles out from home base. No longer an issue with this 250 base layer and appropriate breathable/vented jacket. Does a great job keeping your core temp regulated. I'm 6'0" 220 lbs 38" waist, 44" chest, athletic build and a large fits well as intended for a base layer. The 250's run a bit larger/longer than the equivalent 150 base layers.

Good base layer to wear underneath jeans and pants if you are going to be outside for extended periods of time. I have 36" waist with muscular thighs and large has a nice form fit that fits under denim jeans nicely. I like the merino wool characteristics. No complaints from me.

Have used this a few times cycling in 20F to mid 30F degree weather. The nylon front is excellent for stopping the wind, while the rest of the panels allows it to breathe a bit. Should do well as an excellent mid layer for other activities. As for fit, I'm 6'0 225 lbs, athletic build (lean torso/17" bis), and went with L size. The torso is a good fit, not loose and not constricting. Jacket is a bit tight in the arms, but the material does stretch. Since the main purpose of this jacket for me was cold weather cycling, this fits the bill nicely and will be a primary piece with the temps get into the 20's with a 150 baselayer, or colder with thicker layer. In the low/mid 30's I overheated with a 150 base layer and left the jacket unzipped.