At Run Oregon, we embrace all forms of physical activity beyond just running. Many of our bloggers (and likely many of our readers) are multisport athletes. If you are, or aspire to be, a multisport athlete, we’re excited to have you join us in this new journey. Welcome to Bike Oregon!
See all our posts on Pearl iZUMi here
While many of us participate in running races, Andrew competes in a variety of competitive cycling races in the Pacific Northwest.
Pearl iZUMi Men’s Attack Winter Jacket
- Color: Black
- Main Design Features: Three layer thermal softshell, breathable fleece panels at waist and underarms, PFAS-free water repellency, full length front zipper, three rear pockets, reflective elements.
With a winter like we’re having this year, do we really even need jackets anymore? Well, yes of course, because while it may look 70 degrees and sunny outside my office window. Reality quickly sets in each time I step outside and get smacked in the face with a 30°F headwind! Luckily, I have a new secret weapon, Pearl iZUMi’s new Attack Winter Jacket.
To say this jacket has kept me cozy through the winter is an understatement. It’s light weight, comfortable, and simplifies the layering process each ride.
My internal temperature ranges from frozen to frigid so I rely on layers, and this jacket takes out a lot of the guess work. Below freezing means a base layer, long sleeve jersey and this softshell. Up to about 50°F I can get away with just a jersey and the jacket. Anywhere in between is an easy adjustment. This jacket can even handle a damp morning, or a light rain with ease since the outer fabric is made with 10k waterproofing.
Speaking of fabric, I can’t say enough how pleased I was the first time I tried the jacket on. My first impression of the softshell was exactly that, WOW this is soft. The inside is lined with a really nice fleece. It’s so comfy, in fact, that it made me question if I would completely overheat on my rides and regret hauling it around. This has never been the case, and that’s because of the ingenious construction.
Pearl iZUMi thoughtfully placed thicker more wind-blocking fabrics in areas of head-on exposure, while pairing it with lighter breathable fabrics in hot-zones like under the arms, and around the waist. The result is being able to hold onto those last few moments of living room heat before stepping out into the elements. When I head down the block, I’m not immediately hit with that frosty, cold, winter air. Instead, I’m sheltered from it and can ease into a steady rhythm much smoother without sprinting for the first mile of my ride hoping to get the engine warmed up.
Then, as I naturally warm up and start laying into some intervals, the breathable fleece panels really do a great job at regulating temperature. I’m not constantly un-zipping and zipping-up and trying to find that sweet spot like I do with so many other jackets. For this reason alone, I have found myself reaching for this softshell each ride this winter.
Pearl iZUMi also incorporated some nice details, like the wrist cuffs. They are a wide, soft elastic that fits well with or without gloves so I can really keep the cold air out of my sleeves. The hefty front zipper feels sturdy and glides open and closed with ease, and it’s paired with a thick fabric so again, wind can’t sneak its way in and send that chill down my spine. And there are some nice reflective highlights throughout that make it feel visible even in the black colorway.
If you’ve found your mind wandering lately while riding endless hours on your indoor trainer, I highly recommend giving this jacket a try. It’ll help you get out onto the road during these cold months with some anticipation rather than that icy-dread we’re used to. I’ll see you out there!
