Review – dhb Aeron Lab All Winter Polartec Jacket

dhb Aeron Lab All Winter Polartec Jacket Review
The dhb Aeron Lab All Winter Polartec Jacket is one of the most technically advanced winter cycling jackets that I have tested and reviewed to date. Combining three of Polartec's leading fabric technologies, dhb have been able to create a jacket that is exceptional in all areas of protection, breathability, and thermal regulation.

The Aeron Lab collection is dhb's range-leading line—a selection of products that push the boundaries of what can be done with fit and function of cycling apparel. It is an impressive range to see; especially for me, as I watched first-hand the brand grow from a budget beginner into an award-winning label.

The dhb Aeron Lab All Winter Polartec Jacket is a softshell jacket designed to be both your mid-layer insulation and outer layer protection; worn with just a base layer underneath in temperatures down as low as zero degrees Celsius. Like all winter layers though, it must deliver flexibility and adaptability to a range of temperatures; it does this through an impressive fabric composition.

The jacket uses three leading Polartec technologies: NeoShell®, Alpha® Direct and Power Shield® Pro. The dhb team have combined these in a unique lay-up and panel design; to produce a performance-orientated jacket with exceptional fit and function.

Polartec Neoshell is used on the front, shoulders, and leading edge of the arms of the jacket. This fabric is Polartec's most windproof and waterproof softshell fabric, and it really is exceptional. I have experienced it in Sportful and Santini kit before, and it delivers a superb balance of protection, breathability, and stretch. It has been utilised in just the right areas on this dhb Aeron Lab jacket.

dhb have then used Polartec's Alpha Direct insulation fabric on the inside front and back of the dhb Aeron Lab Winter Jacket—to deliver added warmth for the body's core. Alpha Direct is a completely unique fabric that uses an almost fleece-like pile of highly insulating synthetic fibres; delivering exceptional warmth and breathability especially when used in the Alpha Direct form—where there is no internal lining added to the Alpha fleece. With this form of internal insulation, those sweaty softshell jackets are a distant memory.

Finally, dhb have used Polartec's Power Shield Pro fabric on areas of the jacket that particularly benefit from increased breathability: across the back, inside of the arms, on the side panels and at the bottom front of the jacket. This weatherproof softshell fabric gives heightened breathability compared to NeoShell, while keeping an impressive level of protection from the elements.

The fit of the dhb Aeron Lab All Winter Polartec Jacket is for the racing cyclist; with a close-fitting profile and a cut tailored for the aerodynamic riding position. By using high-stretch Polartec fabrics dhb have been able to give an uncompromising contoured profile, without restricting movement. I tested a Medium sized dhb Aeron Lab Polartec Jacket, and it was a similar fit to many garments of the same size from Castelli, Sportful, and Alé (my measurements are on the 'Reviews' page).

The overall quality level of the dhb Aeron Lab All Winter Jacket is undeniably high. Even smaller details like the YKK zipper, reflective piping, and zippered rear valuables pocket add to the quality feel.

At £180 retail price, this jacket should be exceptional; but I think I can safely advocate that it is—one of the most impressive pieces of winter cycling kit of 2020.

>> Shop the dhb Aeron Lab All Winter Polartec Jacket here <<

dhb Aeron Lab All Winter Polartec Jacket Review

dhb Aeron Lab All Winter Polartec Jacket Review

dhb Aeron Lab All Winter Polartec Jacket Review

Polartec provided lifeinthesaddle.cc with a dhb Aeron Lab All Winter Polartec Jacket for test and review


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