The Fox Racing Defend Fire Alpha jacket is for those colder rides, especially if the wind chill is bitterly cold. The fleece lining manages heat well, keeping the cold out while being breathable enough to manage overheating. The sizing is on the small side, and I found the main zip a little fiddly; however, it’s a great cold-weather riding jacket.

 

Fox Racing Defend Fire Alpha riding jacket – Technical details

The Defend range from Fox Racing is designed to be tough and durable using robust fabrics and reinforced construction in the right places. The Defend Fire Alpha is a riding jacket for colder conditions and uses a softshell outer and fleece-lined inner.

Fox Defend Fire Alpha jacket_5
Fox Defend Fire Alpha jacket_5 (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)
Fox Defend Fire Alpha jacket_5, by Ty Rutherford

The softshell outer is made from a blend of nylon, polyester, and elastane which is designed to have a little stretch to it whilst being tough to deal with “trail-related abuse”. The interior is fully lined with Polartec’s Alpha fleece material (a tufted insulation layer to keep heat in).

The collar lining finishes off the material range with a suede addition to keep things comfortable against the skin.

Fox Defend Fire Alpha jacket_8
Fox Defend Fire Alpha jacket_8 (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)
Fox Defend Fire Alpha jacket_8, by Ty Rutherford

It’s designed to be a relaxed fit with plenty of room for movement. The tail is longer than you’d expect from a normal jacket to keep dirt and debris at bay while riding, and this uses an elasticated hem around the bottom to keep it in place. The cuffs are shaped to help compliment the riding position, and there is an elasticated inner cuff to keep out cold air.

Fox Defend Fire Alpha jacket_4
Fox Defend Fire Alpha jacket_4 (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)
Fox Defend Fire Alpha jacket_4, by Ty Rutherford

Storage is taken care of with two usual hand pockets and a large pocket across the lower back, these are secured with a zip.

The Defend Fire Alpha jacket is available in five sizes S-XL and two colourways (black and brown/black).

Fox Defend Fire Alpha riding jacket – Performance

I’ve always found the sizing of Fox Racing’s clothing to be a little conservative, so I sized up from my usual medium to a large, resulting in a very comfortable fit. My average build fills the jacket nicely without feeling tight or restrictive, yet it isn’t baggy. The arm length is perfect on and off the bike, and I like the inner cuffs, which do a great job of keeping the cold out but also feel soft against the skin. The elasticated hem around the bottom of the jacket has a slight weight to it, hugs the body securely, and keeps the dirt and debris out.

Fox Defend Fire Alpha jacket_2
Fox Defend Fire Alpha jacket_2 (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)
Fox Defend Fire Alpha jacket_2, by Ty Rutherford

The fleece inner is a full lining that goes all the way down the arms and covers the torso, it’s soft enough to be against the skin and I’ve regularly worn the jacket with just a t-shirt underneath for the more mild winter days. The fleece can get a little clingy when sweaty and this is extenuated if you try to put the jacket on with wet (from rain or sweat) arms – a minor gripe but it is annoying so I recommend a base layer for these occasions. 

The fleece lining is effective at keeping the bitter wind chill out and the heat in. I’ve been impressed at how well the jacket regulates heat while being fairly minimal in bulk. For a jacket of this nature, the ventilation is impressive. The Polartec Alpha fleece lining is breathable enough to do a great job resisting overheating for longer than I expected.

Fox Defend Fire Alpha jacket_6
Fox Defend Fire Alpha jacket_6 (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)
Fox Defend Fire Alpha jacket_6, by Ty Rutherford

The outer shell is tough for a softshell jacket and is resistant to the odd shower but heavier downpours will find their way in. 

There is plenty of generous storage available and the zips keep things secure. The main zipper is a little small and fiddly, especially if you are trying to close the jacket while wearing gloves. That said, all the zips have pull-tags that are easy to use even with a gloved hand.

Fox Defend Fire Alpha riding jacket – Verdict

Retailing at £260, the Fox Defend Fire Alpha jacket isn’t cheap but is a solid performer, which keeps you warm and comfortable in cold winter conditions. Another great performing softshell jacket is the £200  Gore C5 GWS Thermo Trail jacket. I reviewed this earlier in the year and it’s very comfortable and warm with plenty of storage.

For a little more money, the Castelli Unlimited Puffy jacket is an option at £280. Yes, it’s expensive but features a similar lofty fleece lining and Matt praised it for its comfort, breathability, and packability.

The Fox Defend Fire Alpha riding jacket is tough, well-cut and impressively warm. The jacket has plenty of storage and has been designed with riding in mind. The jacket is a great companion for riding on a colder day, especially when there is a bitter wind chill.

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Test report Fox Racing Defend Fire Alpha riding jacket review £260.00

Jackets

Product purpose: 

With its tough polyester exterior and brushed fleece interior, the Defend Fire Alpha Jacket is a warm and durable partner for your cold weather trail shreds. The elastic waist and cuffs provide great fit and comfort, a drop tail handles rear wheel spray and keeps it off you, plus ergonomically located zippered pockets store your essentials – all features that make it a no-brainer choice for a durable and versatile softshell jacket for the cold.

Build extra: 

Tough polyester exterior and brushed fleece interior
Ergonomically located zippered hand pockets with elastic interior pocket to keep your stuff in place
Elastic waist and cuffs for fit and comfort
Drop tail for MTB specific for performance

Product construction 


Product construction extra: 

well put together and finished

Product performance 


Product performance extra: 

Impressively warm and manages heat well
Excellent cut which fits well but be aware of sizing

Product durability 


Product durability extra: 

Tough materials on the outer shell

Product waterproofing 


Product waterproofing extra: 

Not waterproof but resists showers

Product breathe extra: 

Reasonably breathable considering how warm it is however the fleece lining does get clingy to wet skin

Product fit 


Product fit extra: 

Excellent relaxed fit perfect for mtb

Product sizing 


Product sizing extra: 

Sixing comes up small compared to other brands

Product weight 


Product weight extra: 

Not lightweight but by no means bulky either

Product comfort 


Product comfort extra: 

Super comfortable, well fitting and the fleece is cosy

Product value 


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Product value extra: 

Not a cheap jacket

Product care: 

No issues with washing

Overall performance: 

The Fox Defend Fire Alpha riding jacket is a softshell jacket which proves to be tough, well cut and impressively warm. The jacket has plenty of storage and clearly has been designed with riding in mind. The fleece lining is soft and manages heat well however it can become clingy when a little moisture is involved. The main zip is a little fiddly and the sizing is on the small side but overall the jacket is a great companion for riding on a colder day, especially when there is a bitter wind chill.

Product likes: 

Well managed heat
Well cut for riding
Plenty of storage

Product dislikes: 

Fleece is a little clingy to wet skin
Comes up small
Main zip is a little fiddly

Enjoy: 

yes

Buy: 

yes

Recommend: 

maybe if in budget

Conclusion: 

The Fox Defend Fire Alpha jacket is a riding jacket for those colder rides, especially if the wind chill is bitterly cold. The fleece lining manages heat very well keeping the cold out and heat in whilst being breathable enough to manage overheating impressively well. The sizing is on the small side and I found the main zip a little fiddly however overall it’s a great cold weather riding jacket.