BTwin 300 Warm Cycling Jacket

BTwin's 300 Warm Cycling Jacket is designed for cold, dry and murky days. The materials might be a little on the basic side and wicking is slower than more sophisticated blends, but there are some lovely touches and it delivers plenty of smiles per mile.

As regards the fabric, it's a 90/10% polyester elastane mix with a really tactile fleece liner, and the back panel is supposedly thinner to promote efficient dispersal of rider-generated heat.

> Find your nearest Decathlon store here

> Buy this online here

Sizing is quite generous – as a rule of thumb I'm a large in most jersey/jackets but our medium was absolutely bang on. It was snug, but with sufficient length in the arms and tail.

The pockets are unusual, and generally in a good sense. There are three in total, two massive ones at the rear, which managed two spare tubes, a large multi tool, energy bars, tyre levers, a 600ml trade bottle and mini pump.

The left breast panel of the jacket incorporates a Tardis-like nelson-type pocket big enough to cope with a medium wallet/smartphone or, to my delight, super zoom travel compact/mini CSC cameras.

Scotchlite detailing is limited to logos on the lower back and arms, but the orange really burns through the murk, nabbing oncoming traffic's attention at the 300-500m mark in semi-rural contexts. Something to consider if you were thinking you'd prefer the black option, maybe.

The orange version does have contrasting black panels which I like; the sleeves are still highly visible and so it won't matter if you commute with a messenger bag or rucksack. I have been inclined to post a blinkie on the pocket when navigating unlit semi/rural areas after dark, though.

Road spray and similar organic grime doesn't tend to stick to the jacket, but catching the cuffs against the bike's drivetrain or bringing it into contact with grimy digits did leave faint, smudgy calling cards. Mercifully, machine washes at 40 with a full prewash keeps things crisp.

Given the asking price, performance has exceeded my expectations by a long shot.

Climate control/moisture management is best described as fair, and I was very grateful for high quality merino baselayers in milder temperatures, but I never felt 'boiled in the bag' and ventilation is easily tuned by dropping or raising the front zipper.

Predictably, things do turn a little clammy around the armpits and lower back given 20 minutes at 18mph plus, but less than you'd expect when the mercury's trying to hit 12-13 degrees. Thankfully, by this point the rear panel's kicking in, reducing this to a warm glow. Mind you, on longer rides if you're carrying a rucksack and/or wearing a budget baselayer you can expect this to linger.

> Check out our guide to the best winter jackets here

The additional warmth the jacket provided was greatly appreciated on late night/dawn runs when temperatures struggled beyond 6°C. The insulated front panels offer excellent protection against icy blasts and persistent chill, and the elasticated inner cuffs also prevent cold and potentially very wet stuff being scooped inside.

Speaking of wet, the outer layer fended off persistent showery rain for a good hour, although I'd still carry a micro jacket on day rides, or if rain was forecast.

Ultimately, the 300 has been a really pleasant surprise. Moisture management doesn't match more sophisticated fabrics, but it is remarkably close to some costing twice as much. At this price and for cold, dry conditions it's hard to see where you'd go wrong.

Verdict

Nicely designed budget jacket for cold and generally dry weather