SPECIALIZED TRAIL ALPHA JACKET REVIEW

Tech features:

Specialized combines a lightweight nylon outer shell with Polartec’s Alpha Direct inner insulation in its Trail Alpha jacket. Mountain bikers sweat a lot so Specialized designed the Alpha Trail jacket to combine warmth and breathability. According to Specialized, Alpha Direct material refines the shape and size of its lofted fibers, eliminating the need for additional backing fabric. This insulation is used throughout the jacket, except for breathable panels on the backside of the arms, which extend to just below the armpits.

It features a pair of front pockets and a wind flap beneath the jacket’s main zipper closure. A zipper at the lower right of the jacket allows for access to the jersey or Specialized’s SWAT pockets while riding. It is offered in maroon, black and Oak Green colors.

Field test results:

The Trail Alpha jacket is part of the new generation of warm yet highly breathable winter outerwear that’s designed for cold, dry conditions. It is incredibly warm for how lightweight the jacket is, but the thing that really makes it great is its ability to deal with sweat and moisture. Even at a spirited pace, testers stayed dry and warm where others had us unzipping to manage the growing swamp inside. The panels under the arms add to the moisture and heat management without affecting the jacket’s ability to keep the rider warm. The plush interior is exceptionally comfortable against the skin when worn with short sleeves, too.

This jacket’s fit is semi-form-fitting—loose enough to feel casual off the bike and like a piece of mountain bike gear on it. One of our favorite features is the pair of zippered front pockets that are also insulated and soft inside, providing a cozy, warm place to put your hands before and after the ride. All of this added up to a riding jacket that we wore off the bike just as often as on it.

Test riders only have one complaint: the collar is short, providing little in the way of neck coverage. We almost always paired this jacket with a neck warmer as a result of the collar design. Some liked the comfort of the neck warmer and the flexibility of such modular layering to tune warmth, while others wished it was just built into the jacket in the first place with a taller collar.

HITS:

• Warm and wind-resistant
• Semi-form fitting
• Highly breathable

MISSES:

• Short collar

STAR RATING: ★★★★

Price: $225
Contact: www.specialized.com