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The Drift Windbreaker jacket is designed to be whipped out of your pack when the weather takes a turn for the worse out in the hills.
It comes in five sizes (S-XXL) and is made from a ripstop fabric, coated in a Teflon EcoElite H20 finish and designed to keep out as much rain as possible.
The rear of the jacket drops down low in a bid to better protect your backside from rear-wheel spray, while the hem is fully adjustable so you can ensure it fits nice and snug once on.
A high collar helps provide a little more protection against the elements and there’s a hood that’ll fit underneath a helmet and can be adjusted.
Despite the minimalist design, TLD includes a single zipped chest pocket, which will comfortably fit a smartphone.
Troy Lee Designs Drift Windbreaker performance
Compared to Rapha’s Lightweight Trail Jacket, which weighs 190g and is designed to do a similar job, the Drift is heavier, at 260g, and won’t pack down quite as small.
That doesn’t worry me, though, because while I like the Rapha jacket, the Drift feels more substantial and holds its shape more effectively. That’s probably why I’ve worn it so much over the winter.
With the right layering – I chose the size-small Drift jacket and could comfortably fit a baselayer, MTB jersey and body armour – it works really well in changeable conditions.
As advertised, it’ll do a great job of blocking wind, helping to maintain your core temperature on chilly, blustery days.
It does a decent job of preventing splashes and light rain showers from soaking you, too, but don’t be fooled, if it really rains, you’ll get wet.
I like the fact that the neck sits quite high, helping to keep draughts out, without drooping down too much. The low cut of the rear hem prevents your lower back from getting covered in crud.
Another positive detail, often overlooked, is the cuffs. TLD has sewn in a deep elasticated band that's soft and comfortable against the skin, but offers enough stretch when taking it on and off, so getting it over winter gloves isn’t an issue, as it can be with some mountain biking jackets.
While it’s nice to have a chest pocket, because the fabric is quite light I didn't find myself using it often, and I’d have traded this for a couple of hand pockets lower down, largely for use off the bike.
While the Drift Windbreaker isn’t cheap, it’s still competitively priced, fits nicely and works well on the bike.
Troy Lee Designs Drift Windbreaker bottom line
The Drift Windbreaker isn’t the lightest jacket and doesn't pack down quite as small as some rivals.
However, it’s deceptively sturdy, does a good job of protecting you from the elements and offers a great fit and cut that work well on the bike.
SQUIRREL_13184270
Product
| Brand | troy_lee_designs |
| Price | 130.00 GBP,130.00 USD |
| Weight | 260.0000, GRAM (S) - |
Features
| br_gender | mens |
| Features | Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL |
