Bontrager Commuting Jacket

Bontrager's Commuting Jacket raises the bar for three seasons street inspired performance clothing impressing in the saddle while cutting a dash around town. It does a great job whether lining up at the traffic light grand prix in Lycra, dropping by at the accountant or simply calling at a friend's for Sunday lunch. Style and practicality come close to top marks thanks to colour choice, discrete, yet plentiful pockets and razor sharp detailing. However, as might be expected there's some trade off between climate control and weather protection but it dries pretty fast following sharp showers while embedded charcoal neutralises nasty niffs between machine washes.

Nylon/polyester/elastane mixes won't set pulses racing but the fabric here strikes a very workable compromise between performance and durability while keeping the ticket price sensible. Thoughtfully Bontrager have introduced a charcoal layer to keep things fragrant between washes-perfect for those warmer spring rides and/or a spot of fair weather touring. Pockets (two breast, one large poacher and two internal cubby types) are better organised and more practical than most for stashing all manner of stuff while the zippered hip pockets provide somewhere for the hands when mooching around town.

Elsewhere the subtle dashes of Scotchlite don't feel like they've been lifted from existing garments and shows genuine thought to the design brief while a precisely tailored cut still entertained a base layer and race jersey beneath. Climate control is pretty good, with the mercury nudging the mid twenties I've bowled along at a steady 20mph with only the faintest hint of dampness around the pits and collar. Lowering the full-length zipper is easily managed on the fly and provides some additional cooling. To my surprise and Bontrager's credit, looser elastic in the cuffs and tail hasn't any negative implications in blustery headwinds, remaining gently, yet firmly in place, keeping rain and coastal chill from blowing inside. Odour control isn't quite on par with the likes of merino wool and Gore Tex but nonetheless keeps things very civilised, inspiring confidence whatever the occasion.

Verdict

Extremely stylish and practical fair-weather jacket for commuting and everyday riding