This is a potentially brilliant jacket, but currently limited by the imagination of both the manufacturers and reviewers. I'm live in the Eastern Sierra which means (relatively) mild winter and mountains. The trick is not overheating on the way up and freezing on the way down. This jacket plus a Shakedry shell is the best solution I've found, and I've tried them all. Previously the best was a Goretex softshell like Castelli's Alpha. But this jacket is warmer and breathes better. Curiously, it is being undersold as a casual commuter jacket, which brings me to the problems, a slightly baggy fit, no proper rear pockets and muted colors. The fit is plenty good enough (binding winter gear sucks), but the lack of pockets is unforgivable. Castelli gets that right but at a huge price, and still the colors are muddy. This PI Jacket is the sleeper, well made and priced, and with a bright version! Just plan on more on-the-bike storage until the inevitable pocketed revision.
Originally bought a L and returned it for an XL. My prior PI jackets were all L and I haven't gain weight so I know this one runs a tad small. As others have said, it's not red. It's definitely more orange than red. That being said, I was looking to add color to a jacket (in lieu of all black) for visibility and the orange/red is hard to miss. I wore this all last winter in the midwest and felt like it really delivered the performance. Depending on the temps, I could get by with a thin baselayer and this jacket or I could layer up. It was easy to over dress and get too warm with this piece. It's not a streamlined fit and it's a bit puffy. I would recommend.
Overall I'd say this is a pretty good winter jacket, about 3.5 out of 5. Bought this for colder winter mountain bike rides where some of my Windstopper jackets don't cut it. When paired with a thermal weight shirt, this has kept me warm while riding down into the teens. Doesn't provide much warmth when stopped though, so don't plan to take long rest breaks when wearing it.
Fit is pretty good, but it runs a size smaller than the normal PI jackets I've bought before and it's a little short in the front for my tastes as a mountain biker, so it rides up some - clearly it was designed more for roadie use. It's definitely not as good at moisture management as described, I found during heavy exertion that sweat would build up significantly on the inside of the softshell portion and drip down my back, chest and arms, which is moderately annoying. It dries reasonably quickly.
If you buy the red, be prepared for it to be more of a seriously bright orange-red than regular red. It's loud and very noticeable, which isn't a bad thing for safety. So far it's proven durable, including during a couple of decent spills. Overall it's a good purchase when gotten on sale, though I wouldn't buy it at full retail.
Originally I ordered a medium size and was a little tight fit. After returning and ordering a large size that was the right fit. I am 5'6" and 158 pounds. I hope this will help to someone considering to order a jacket.
Surprisingly warm for the lightweight. Fit is a little bit baggy. Size pockets are smaller than the middle one. Overall nice winter jacket.
Fits true to size. Good comfort and breath ability. Love the pockets in the back. Perfect for a winter ride in the PNW.
The size fits like a looser jersey enabling me to get three slim long sleeve Heat reflecting shirts under this jacket-type jersey to make it comfortable in the mid to high 40's on a Mt Bike. The bright color also alerts riders who may be coming the other way on fire-roads to avoid head-on distractions.
Great jacket. Been able to use from the mid 20's through the 50's without any problem, and only a single thermal layer underneath. Only negatives; runs slightly smaller than as advertised and hasn't helped me keep in shape when hanging in the closet.
Pearl Izumi clothes tend to be small. I have to order large size. The insulation isn't that thick but it is good only for late fall. Fleece insulation looks like thin frayed fleece material. It isn't dense polartec 300 fleece. This isn't a winter jacket. You need to wear 2 layers under jacket to keep warm. Shipping costs is high which nullifies any savings in sale price.
I really like this jacket - well made, warm on chillier rides (have ridden recently down to 32 deg), and i like the fit overall. Just a bit short for me (6' 3" bought the XL) in body but overall manageable. Note the color is definitely bright but more on the coral side vs. red/orange look on screen. No biggie as I like it overall and am not afraid to wear a little color!
Surprised by the lightness and warmth of this jacket. Comfortable in the 30s.
Surprised by the lightness and warmth of this jacket. Comfortable in the 30s.
Very warm jacket even though the jacket is lightweight. I'm 6' about 170 #, large fits fine.
