Vulpine Softshell Jacket

We tested the original version of Vulpine's Softshell back in 2012 and to say Jo Burt was impressed would be an understatement. That doesn't mean the London based outfitters have rested on their laurels though; there have been plenty of little tweaks along the way.

At first glance the only thing that gives away its cycling credentials is the arm length, slightly longer than you would find on a normal jacket and obviously designed to fit nicely when on the bike. The length has seen a slight increase since 2012 and it's certainly made a difference when in the saddle as they are bang on without being out of place in Civvy Street. A neat little touch is the fact that the arm length is slightly longer on the top of the arm than it is on the bottom, perfect for riding as your arms are at an angle meaning excess material at the bars will bunch or be trapped between palm and tape – little details make massive differences.

So it passes the off the bike test but I'm guessing if you've just blown £175 on a cycling jacket, on the bike is where its going to see most action. A dropped tail is a must and the Vulpine Softshell has a very subtle one which is low enough to keep any drafts at bay when in the drops. Should more coverage be required there is still the drop down bum-cover concealed inside the jacket by a couple of magnets. It's bright red with plenty of reflective detailing which makes for a decent attention grabber and in this latest version it's removable by a zip should you want to forgo it.

While we're on the subject of reflectives you do get a couple of strips on the shoulders and roll the sleeves back to reveal more making those indications easier to spot in the dark.

There is plenty of storage too. The two rear pockets have plenty of room for carrying your kit with the larger of them being covered by a storm flap held down by another of those magnets. The next is the same depth but a touch narrower and also contains a zipped valuables pocket on the outside. Apparently the larger pocket is big enough to hold a U lock and as I had a small one lying around it was put to the test. The tailored cut and strong material saw little sag from the weighty lock even over rough surfaces so I reckon we can put a tick next to that box.

Another secure pocket is found on the right sleeve, ideal for bank cards, keys, whatever you need to be able to grab quickly really. Its pretty deep so it'll hold a phone or wallet with ease.

The two front pockets are probably the only thing that I wasn't a fan of, from a cycling point of view at least. Walking around town its nice to have somewhere to put your hands but handwarmer pockets are always a compromise when on the bike. When you're bent over to reach the bars they do bunch up and can make the jacket feel a bit on the tight side. The more upright you ride the less of an issue it'll be but I wasn't exactly in a full racing crouch on my fixed.

The material is polyester with 13% Lycra to give it a small amount of give. It certainly feels robust and the water resistant properties work well in light rain and drizzle. Water beads and runs off of the material as you ride which as long as it doesn't get overwhelmed will keep you dry. Its a property of the material construction rather than a coating so you won't need to keep re-proofing the jacket. Keeping you dry on the inside are some laser cut pit vents which do a pretty good job on the breathability front. For the style of riding the Softshell is designed for the vents are up to the job.

On the whole the Vulpine Softshell has a lot of neat little touches that result in a very good jacket. The tailored fit works well on the bike as well as off of it and it really does look smart enough to wear into the office. You can adjust the high neck and hip sections as well to really dial the fit and get everything spot on.

The price has gone up (like most things) a touch since 2012 yet at £175 I think it still represents good value for money. Firstly I wear it more than any of my other cycling jackets purely because it doesn't look like a cycling jacket and judging by the quality I wouldn't need to buy another one for a good few years. There has been a couple of thread ends appear on the sleeves after some wear but really nothing that would concern me.

The Softshell will deal with all styles of riding as well and didn't look out of place with a pair of lycra tights and race shoes making it perfect for those early spring rides in the rain. In fact I've got a suggestion, Mr Vulpine: remove those front pockets to create a 'sport' version to run alongside. The dropped tail and high neck would make it perfect for winter training in a racing position.

Verdict

Brilliantly designed and detailed cycling softshell that works in the pub as well as on the road