All Arround MTB

Scott consistently produce well-designed kit and the Trail MTN doesn’t disappoint, even though it’s not bike-specific. If you’re tall you’ll appreciate the long sleeves and extra body length, which, combined with the roomy (but not baggy) fit, make it supremely comfortable. The lightweight waterproof and windproof fabric has a high degree of stretch and is very warm but breathes well too – we never felt like we were in danger of overheating. The generous peaked hood goes over a helmet but is so well shaped it moves with your head and doesn’t obscure your vision. Other details include underarm perforations, welded seams, zipped hand-warmer pockets and usefully long zip-pulls. The Trail MTN Dryo 30 isn’t cheap but the quality and comfort make it worth the investment. Weight 406g Price $255

Essentially a technical hoody, the SingleTrack is light and comfy, with a relaxed cut that’s all casual style off the bike but, thanks to a longer back hem and plenty of movement through the shoulders, works well on it too. The DWR finish will keep a shower off but it’s not waterproof, and if you ride hard it gets warm, though not to the point where you overheat. To aid breathability it has ventilation holes under the arms, but we’re not sure these make a lot of difference. Despite its simple styling it has two zipped hand-warmer pockets, an internal chest pocket (with media port) and useful inner stash pockets that are perfect for keeping gloves in. The taped back neck is a quality construction detail. In case you don’t love colour blocking, the SingleTrack comes in an understated black finish as well. Weight 428g Price $150

The front of the Agravic is Polartec Alpha, to provide warmth at an incredibly light, barely-there weight, while the outer is windproof and water-resistant Pertex Quantum. It packs down into itself, making it hard to believe that it could keep you warm, but it does. Not only that, but once you start to work hard it breathes exceptionally well. It does feel quite delicate, so it’s not one for bashing through thorns in, and the thin sleeves get cold when wet. The cut isn’t bike-specific but the back and arms are sufficiently long, and gripper on the rear hem keeps it in place. There are two zipped hand pockets, and the hood (which flaps around when riding) and hem are adjustable. It’s well-insulated and good for cold but dry rides. On damp days you’ll want to stick a waterproof over the top. Weight 151g Price $180

Vaude have a commitment to creating environmentally-friendly products, and the Larrau features ‘Eco Finish’, a water-repellent treatment that’s PFC free. We can’t attest to its long-term durability, but from new it works well. This smart jacket feels nice and light, and the inner face of the fabric contains a touch of merino wool, giving it a comfortable balance of warmth and breathability. We liked the cut, with its tall collar and long body, but found the top of the sleeves snug compared to the rest of the jacket, which restricted movement on the bike. If you have a swimmer’s build you may need to size up. There are two zipped chest pockets that double as vents, plus one rear side pocket. The well-designed cuffs extend over your hands, and the zip garage and reflective trim are welcome features. Weight 410g Price $255

This casual hoody-style jacket has slouchy appeal off the bike, but enough functional detail that it won’t let you down on it. The DWR-coated, windproof softshell fabric has four-way stretch, which enhances the easy cut so that you get good freedom of movement on the bike, and the relaxed fit means you can easily layer up underneath. It’s reasonably waterproof and breathes well but isn’t super-warm. The hood is especially good – it’s generous enough to go over a helmet and easy to adjust with one hand for a non-restrictive fit. There’s a single chest pocket and two hand-warmer pockets, one with a pull-out lens wipe. Other features include a slight dropped hem and Velcro adjusters on the cuffs. Our main gripe is that the sleeves come up a bit short when you’re in the riding position. Weight 457g Price $180

Madison’s softshell has some well-designed details that usually come on more expensive styles, such as gripper print on the shoulders to keep pack straps in place and a fastening for the adjustable over/under peaked hood so that you can roll it up when not in use. We liked the fabric too – it’s so lightweight you don’t feel like you’re wearing it, but adds the right amount of warmth and windproofing, and is pretty breathable. Longer at the back, the jacket keeps you well covered and the fit is relaxed enough for layering but not overly baggy. There are underarm vent holes and two zipped chest pockets. The water-resistant main zip is heavy in relation to the fabric, though, and makes the front of the jacket sag down when you’re in the riding position. Weight 240g Price $195