The Radavist

In his 1973 book Coast to Coast, Alfred Wainwright wrote, “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing”. Well, perhaps Alfred never experienced being blasted by sideways rain while desperately trying to gain traction on a rutted, sloppy trail! Let’s just face it, sometimes the weather can be crappy and when it is, a good jacket can be the difference between damp fun and fuckin’ drenched and dangerous.

In this review, we’re looking at the newly redesigned, Copilot Jacket from the good folks at 7Mesh. Based in Squamish, Canada, the 7Mesh crew definitely get bad weather. Afterall, Squamish regularly gets all four seasons in a day and has an average rainfall of over 220cm per year. That’s hella wet. Even by this Englishman’s standards.

Like a repair kit, a packable, just-in-case layer is something we always throw on the bike before setting off, but like many things bike-related, we felt we needed to tweak the standard to achieve our ideal iteration. In collaboration with California-based cycling apparel manufacturer, Voler, our new Feldspar Ride Jacket ($119.99) hits the mark. This super breathable, minimal, USA-made layer packs up to burrito size and provides the sweet spot in protection for most three-season riding. After thorough testing and design back-and-forth with Voler, the unisex Feldspar jacket is finally on our digital shelves, ready to ship to you today IRL. Let’s take a long exposure look at them below…

Our Radar Roundup compiles products and videos from the ‘net in an easy-to-digest format. Read on below for today’s findings…

Our Radar Roundup compiles products and videos from the ‘net in an easy-to-digest format. Read on below for today’s findings…

Acre, Mission Workshop’s cycling brand, just dropped a new, packable jacket that features a Pertex shell and 40g of PrimaLoft Gold insulation. The Acre Series Jacket comes in either brey or olive drab, in size small through extra large and retails for $235. Head to Mission Workshop to see more.

Now through December 19th, get 20% off the Acre Series Jacket and take advantage of our free 2nd day air shipping to get it by Christmas. Use code ASJ21 at checkout.

Specs:
-Packable into the front pocket for easy transport Large rear stow pocket
-Handwarmer pockets
-Two internal open pockets
-Two-way separating YKK front zip
-Reflective details
-Soft microfiber collar for comfort
-Performance fit – Size up if you are in-between sizes

Lightweight, warm, packable, the the Mirai Alpha® Cycling Jacket is the latest windproof winter riding jacket by PEdALED. This jacket keeps the rider warm via Alpha® Direct insulating fabric by Polartec® and when combined with the entire Alpha lineup, is designed to keep your rides warm this winter. See the Mirai and the Alpha lineup at PEdALED today.

Albion continues its rollout of 2021 apparel with a major drop, just before the holiday season. Its new ZOA lineup tackles warm and dry on-the-bike apparel with the bright orange ZOA Rain Shell, which uses a 100% recycled Pertex® Shield Air main fabric with an air-permeable nanofibre membrane and the ZOA Insulated Jacket which utilizes Pertex® Quantum outer fabric and Primaloft Gold Eco breathable insulation to deliver a lightweight but warm riding jacket. Both of these new items are shipping today from Albioncycling.com.

Inclement weather isn’t stopping MAAP’s designers this year with its new MTA collection. This lifestyle-leaning drop includes garments made from tech fabrics like Primaloft®, Polartec®, Drirelease®, and runs the gamut from down jackets to baselayers and rain jackets. MAAP’s hope is to offer clothing that is comfortable during the harsh winter months, no matter where you live. Head to MAAP to see the full MTA collection.

PNW Components, makers of bars, stems, dropper posts, and more have entered the realm of bike apparel. The best part about this move into apparel is PNW has carried over its approach to making affordable goods. The Lander jacket is only $149 and features a hood that will fit a helmet, along with a massive back pocket, eliminating the need for a backpack or hip bag. Like all PNWC products, the Lander jacket comes with a lifetime warranty, meaning they will cover any failure due to a manufacturing defect and will repair or replace it, at their discretion, without charge to the original owner.

See more details of the Lander Jacket at PNW Components.

My old S1-J (from 2015!) was a staple for road and dirt road riding back in the day. I used that jacket on just about every ride, tossing it in a handlebar or hip bag, any time I pedaled into the unknown microclimates of the coastal California mountain ranges and beyond. Then, one day at a bike event, it went missing. It’s been a while since Search and State have made the S1-J but it’s back this year after a two-year hiatus. Take it from someone who let one get away, don’t miss this opportunity if you’re shopping for a new jacket…

Specs:
Durability: Ultra High
Fabric: Synthetic Blend with an Active Climate Membrane for all-season performance.
Care: Easy
Fit: True to Size – refined, slimming, and plenty aero.
Best For: All riding in all seasons.
Temperature Range: 32’F-65’F
Retail: $275.00

See more at Search and State.

Big Agnes’ ultralight, insulated apparel is legendary and the brand’s new UL pullover down jackets are here, just in time for cooler weather. The men’s Danvers pullover and women’s Cora pullover are designed with technical offset quilting using bluesign® certified materials and insulated with 850 Fill Power DownTek™ water-repellent down.

The best thing about these pullovers is the medium only weighs 7oz / 198g.

Retail is $249.95 with sizes XS-XXL and in stock now at Big Agnes.

Albion is known for its minimally-branded performance cyclewear. The latest update from the brand is a new color in the Ultralight Insulated Jacket. This jacket weighs just 99 grams (size small), utilizes Clo’s Eco Vivo breathable recycled insulation concept in externally baffled panels to supply ample breathability, and comes with its own stuff sack to pack it away in a handlebar bag or jersey pocket.

Features:
Engineered fit – insulated and lightweight panels combined to optimise warmth and breathability
Ultralightweight, breathable micro ripstop fabric with C0 Durable Water Repellency (DWR) coating
Clo™ Eco Vivo recycled insulation
YKK Vislon 2-way zip with cord pullers
Stuff sack for high packability
Weight – 99 grams (size S)
Adjustable draw-cord hem with internal rear gripper
On bike fit – shorter front and dropped rear
Reflective logo trim at the rear
Fabric – 100% bluesign® approved recycled nylon
Made in Italy
Retail – $183

See more at Albion.

Available for men and women, in a variety of colors, the new Ibex Wool Shak Lite bomber jackets aren’t cycling-specific per se but they offer warmth and comfort in a naturally wicking and odor-free 100% merino Ponte wool construction in a classic bomber silhouette. Perfect for bicycle touring in shoulder seasons or riding in winter months. Ibex’ clothing is bombproof, designed to look great off the bike, at a bar, or cafe, while keeping you warm and protected from temperature fluctuations.  This garment is classified as a Midlayer piece, with 19.5 micron wool, and 300 gm2 weight. The full-zip front allows for venting and the zippered pockets will keep your goods safe-n-secure. See more at Ibex.

In an effort to make the ultimate packable riding jacket, ORNOT might be onto something. This new Micro Climate Jacket features a strong lightweight fabric custom milled especially for ORNOT. Designed for riding in micro-climates, areas where 20º temperature swings are the norm, this stretchy, water-resistant jacket packs into its rear pocket, weighs only 155grams, and will keep you comfortable in 40-67º degree weather.

Specs:
-Reversible rear pocket doubles as a stash bag.
-Water-resistant and quick-drying due to patented thread treatment.
-2-way zipper for venting and pocket access.
-155 grams (size small) – Temp range ; 40 – 67 degrees.
-Sewn by hand in California

Priced at $210 and shipping now from ORNOT.

Weighing just 99 grams in size small, the newest piece of apparel in Albion’s kit is an ultralight, insulated jacket that combines warmth, breathability and packability. This new jacket uses Clo’s Eco Vivo recycled insulation and utilizes 100% recycled nylon ultralight ripstop face fabric with a C0 DWR coating to provide some shower resistance. Made in Italy.

Pricing: Jacket – £145, Bag – £35, Bundle – £170

See more at Albion.

Search and State has produced some real gems in the outerwear world over the years. Their newest development is the Technosailor jacket. This new garment features a stashable hood and drawstrings, 6-cargo pockets, an internal climate membrane, Riri Zippers, and the entire jacket also packs down into itself by way of a stuffable rear pocket for easy stowing. This jacket has a lot going on, is made in the USA, and carries a retail price of $395.

See more from this beautiful piece at Search and State.

The S1-J riding jacket is an award-winning piece of riding gear from the team at Search and State. These made in NYC jackets are lightweight, durable, sleek, and are rated for four-seasons. The team just restocked the S1-J in a limited edition olive drab, so if you’ve been waiting on one, now’s your time! Head to Search and State for more.

Whether you like it or not, cold weather is coming, and when it comes to layering, Search and State has you covered. With their new Schoeller C-Change fabric Colorblock Jackets ($275) and Merino Wool Jerseys ($205). While these pieces are not cheap by any means (they are made in NYC,) Search and State has proven their products will last a lifetime and are made to withstand the rigors of back-to-back rides. Check out all the details at Search and State.