I've gotten along quite well with the jacket. Ordered it as soon as it dropped. It is very comfortable and durable, and actually not that bad to sweat in a bit, and offers a good deal of protection in a variety of conditions. Its not a rain shell, but its not trying to be and I think that's a great thing. Its definitely on the warmer side for a riding jacket, but its breathable enough that it doesn't boil you like most all of the nylon hardshell types, and it is WAY more durable. It is definitely not an ultra packable jacket, and that made me a bit reluctant, but for the temps and rides it works for, I just keep it on anyway and its done a great job of keeping me comfortable. I've actually used the jacket quite a bit off the bike as well and its been great. I do wish the chest pocket was oriented vertically though and I would probably use that pocket more if it was. High and horizontal makes it a bit awkward to get things out of it. Some vents would be great, but I'd be hesitant to introduce more zippers and compromise anything about the fit and the simplicity, and more zippers would potentially add more bulk and remove flexibility as well as another point of failure. I could take or leave the dual way zipper personally, and think its a bit finicky and more delicate feeling when zipping it up or with the bottom open, but can see how some people really value this feature.
I haven't had cold enough temps to use the heavyweight pants yet, but they fit great like the DP4's. They are WARM. One thing I would Really like to see, especially in the heavyweights, is either a straight leg/bootcut option , or a zippered gusset at the ankle so it could be opened up, and fall over the outside of my shoes. This would make them way more useful off the bike as well for hiking/trail building/fatbiking/snowshoeing/other winter sports and just daily use. I'd honestly love that option in the DP4's as well, but maybe that's just me. The very tightly fitted ankle really limits their functionality since it funnels everything into your shoe. Maybe its an option, maybe its a whole different pant designed more around daily versatility but with the same fabrics and some of the design elements as the DP4/heavyweight pattern.
Jan. 24, 2023, 9:23 a.m. - Metacomet
I've gotten along quite well with the jacket. Ordered it as soon as it dropped. It is very comfortable and durable, and actually not that bad to sweat in a bit, and offers a good deal of protection in a variety of conditions. Its not a rain shell, but its not trying to be and I think that's a great thing. Its definitely on the warmer side for a riding jacket, but its breathable enough that it doesn't boil you like most all of the nylon hardshell types, and it is WAY more durable. It is definitely not an ultra packable jacket, and that made me a bit reluctant, but for the temps and rides it works for, I just keep it on anyway and its done a great job of keeping me comfortable. I've actually used the jacket quite a bit off the bike as well and its been great. I do wish the chest pocket was oriented vertically though and I would probably use that pocket more if it was. High and horizontal makes it a bit awkward to get things out of it. Some vents would be great, but I'd be hesitant to introduce more zippers and compromise anything about the fit and the simplicity, and more zippers would potentially add more bulk and remove flexibility as well as another point of failure. I could take or leave the dual way zipper personally, and think its a bit finicky and more delicate feeling when zipping it up or with the bottom open, but can see how some people really value this feature. I haven't had cold enough temps to use the heavyweight pants yet, but they fit great like the DP4's. They are WARM. One thing I would Really like to see, especially in the heavyweights, is either a straight leg/bootcut option , or a zippered gusset at the ankle so it could be opened up, and fall over the outside of my shoes. This would make them way more useful off the bike as well for hiking/trail building/fatbiking/snowshoeing/other winter sports and just daily use. I'd honestly love that option in the DP4's as well, but maybe that's just me. The very tightly fitted ankle really limits their functionality since it funnels everything into your shoe. Maybe its an option, maybe its a whole different pant designed more around daily versatility but with the same fabrics and some of the design elements as the DP4/heavyweight pattern.