LEDWear Aurora Jacket

'Ground crew to the rescue' was my initial reaction clapping eyes on LEDwear's Aurora jacket. Billed, as 'multi activity' cut and sizing are on the Aurora are more relaxed than I've come to expect from more cycling specific jackets and while it includes some genuinely nice touches (the ability to go in the washing machine once the shell starts looking and smelling bad certainly gets my vote) pit zips where you'd expect hip pockets is a missed opportunity and compromises climate control to boot.

What we have here is honest to goodness two-layer polyester construction comprising of an outer shell impregnated with white and red (front and rear) LEDs and copious Scotchlite. Then we've the standard issue breast and poacher pockets that seem highly water-resistant, although the garden hose test revealed traces of dampness when aimed directly at the zippers.

Inside, a mesh lining protects the fabric from premature wear, while theoretically improving ventilation. A quick scout around uncovers the removable battery compartment cum switch fuelled by four AAs that resides in it's own pocket with Velcro closure. Debate rages as to the superiority electro-luminescent technology over LEDs but while I'll accept there's less likelihood of component failure with the former, the latter remain extremely effective and moreover, silent.

Real world rider protection seems pretty good on the Aurora, there's a long drop tail to stop the elements blowing inside, even descending with my nose against the stem, and the fleece lined collar does an excellent job of locking rain and chill out. Sadly, the cuffs showed a tendency to billow in blustery conditions unless the Velcro tabs were nipped uncomfortably tight-although by my reckoning medium would've been a better fit on me - which might have solved that problem. At this end of the market, climate control lags behind more sophisticated fabrics so while some additional warmth was welcomed in freezing conditions, things turned very clammy after 20 moderately paced minutes in milder weather.

Safety scores highly. In either steady or flashing modes, I was visible to around 350 metres, dropping to 300 round town due to competing illuminations but the well conceived reflectives eliminate SMIDSY moments when joining roundabouts or similar traffic flow. Unusually, LEDwear don't quote appoximate run times but I've passed the 80 hour mark in flashing mode with no obvious signs of dimming.

Verdict

Nice concept but needs development to reach its full cycling friendly potential.