There was a time when as a woman if you wanted biking gear you ended up getting mens clothes in small sizes. Thankfully those days are long gone and we live in a world where bike clothing manufacturers have realised that women deserve good quality kit just as much as the boys do. It’s about time.
Rev'it! is one such company and a quick look at their website will show you a wide range of garments designed for us girls. I’m not a bike rider more of a pillion however I despair at the times I see men and women riding pillion in little more than shorts and T-Shirts. What I’m looking for is a jacket I can wear on and off the bike, provides protection, is warm and if I’m caught out in the rain will keep me dry.
With all that in mind a Textile Jacket is what I wear when on the back of a bike and I was very pleased when I was asked to test the Pearl Jacket from Rev'It!’s Urban Motorcycle Apparel Range. On first inspection the jacket is well made with lots of attention to detail. Mine was a black one which suited me fine. It’s discreet enough to wear off the bike without it looking to much like a bike jacket as it’s not bulky or heavy to wear.
The outside of the jacket has a nice soft feel and as I said, is quite understated in style. Underneath the waterproof-outer there’s a removable thermal lining. The lining feels nice and comfortable when it’s attached; it’s a bit like wearing a sleeping bag and certainly keeps the chill out. With the lining out there’s plenty of room to move about in and there are vents to allow cooler air in.
On ‘normal summer days’ when the sun does shine, the vents do cool you down and when it rains it’s not a fiddle to close them up again. However when it’s really hot the vents struggle to cope, however this is no different to any other textile jacket and bearing in mind the dark colour, I may be being a little picky. Saying that it’s not too bad.
There are plenty of pockets to stash things in and the main zip is sturdy and easy to use with gloves on. When it’s zipped up the jacket has a nice fitted feel. I like the stretch panels at the back of the jacket and at the sides. There is plenty of adjustment around the waist and sides and all this means I can adjust it to fit as well as it can be and when the weather is bad I can keep the worst of it out.
Protection is in the form of Rev'it!’s ‘Pro Life’ armour – and again it’s women specific (sized for girls rather than small man size apparently) and is placed in the usual places – elbows and shoulders. One thing that does annoy me is the lack of a decent back protector – you can upgrade it, however the standard one is a simple foam affair. Of course it will do a job it’s designed to do but I can’t get over wondering why not just add the better quality item in the first place.
So overall a nice jacket. It’s well made and in the ten months I’ve worn it, it’s stood up well in all the weather I’ve been out in it in. I must admit I’ve not been out in the worst of the winter weather, however I’ve been caught out in the odd downpour and the jacket’s come through it well. I chose the black one however it does come in a light grey, although I’m sure by now that colour would be showing its age by now.
Protection Features
Outershell: Nylon Balistic, Polyamide stretch, Lorica leather
Isolation: detachable thermo lining
Protection: KNOX® CE protection, Temperfoamback padding
Waterproofing: REV’IT! Hydratex® membrane
Breathability: REV’IT! Hydratex® membrane
Visibility: laminated reflection at upper arms
Ergonomic Featurs
Fit: pre-shaped ladies fit
Adjustability: adjustable collar, waist and hem
Ventilation: ventilation zippers at the shoulder and back
Features: short connection zipper
Pockets: waterproof pockets, inner pockets
Cost: £165.
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