Outeredge Sport Jacket

The Outeredge Sport jacket has stirred mixed, sometimes conflicting emotions. It certainly won't win any awards for originality and its wicking prowess feels distinctly pedestrian alongside more sophisticated technical wear but ours has proved comfortable enough on twelve mile commutes at a steady 17mph.

Essentially this is a cheap but surprisingly cheery rip stop polyester outer with taped seams (also available in inoffensive two-tone alternatives should safety yellow prove too uncouth) and a mesh liner. Theoretically at least, the liner contributes to efficient moisture transfer while protecting the shell from premature wear.

Usually anything in a nominal medium size dictates holding my breath while drawing the zipper closed and feeling distinctly constricted when assuming a semi aero crouch. The Outeredge Sport is one of those notable exceptions, offering ample room for winter layers but without billowing builder's tarp stylee on long, blustery descents. Its generous proportions haven't required drop tail deployment either, though is easily achieved single-handedly.

Rides of varying length, pace and temperature lead me to conclude it's broadly on par with similarly priced garments, though consistently riding 15 miles at 20mph left me distinctly clammy around the mid and lower back, in spite of the ventilation channel, pit zips and decent base/mid layers let alone rider-mounted luggage. Cooler outings with periodic crosswinds were relatively pleasant, boding well for the sort of temperatures you'd expect from November through to March.

A huge poacher's pocket will manage two huge tubes, wallet, midi pump, keys; banana etc, though it nudged me like a playful puppy when nearing capacity. Draw cords and Velcro closures at the hem, collar and cuffs respectively enable fine-tuning, preventing the elements from sneaking inside. Spanish inquisition-esque garden hose torture testing revealed some superficial penetration, though driving rain and gusty winds haven't taxed it, neither has speeding through overgrown singletrack.

Reflective piping and logo brings the outline to life 'Ready Brek' fashion after dusk when hit by vehicle lighting. Theis visibility aid is effective to around 100 metres in semi rural contexts, and the retina tickling day glow burns through rush hour gloom, registering on most folk's radar at 300 metres, less round town on account of competing illumination.

The fabric gets dirty with surprising haste, cultivating a faintly grimy patina within two weeks. Thankfully machine washing's no hassle, though you should stick to 30-degree settings, non-biological detergents and allow two hours at room temperature before heading out.

Verdict

Capable entry-level jacket best suited to winter and early season riding