VELOCIO TRAIL ULTRALIGHT JACKET REVIEW

Review by Nic Hall

Velocio has been bridging the gap from road and gravel to trail mountain bike-specific riding apparel for the last several years. We have been riding their Trail short and base layer shirts for a while and have been impressed with the quality and durability of the pieces (review here). They sent us their Trail Ultralight jacket for some fall and winter testing, so we have seen some varied conditions to test it in.

THE LAB
Velocio designed their Trail Ultralight jacket around Quantum Air fabric. This is a pertex base with a PU coating and DWR treatment, that provides a breathable and water resistant ultra-lightweight shell. They used 51% recycled nylon in the construction, but still achieved a high level of stretch that couples with a more fitted look to keep bulk to a minimum. Velocio wants their gear to be used in more than one activity, so designed the fit and tailoring of the Trail Ultralight jacket to be able to pull duty on a hike or commuting as easily as it does on a long backcountry ride.

Features are minimal on the Trail Ultralight jacket to keep it true to its name. A single chest pocket doubles as a stow pouch, and a generous size hood with stiff laminated brim keeps water from dripping into your eyes on the trail. The cuffs and tail of the jacket are cut with a little extra room to allow for full coverage when pedaling. Sizing is available from extra small to XXXXL to cover a huge range of rider fits, and it comes in a subdued “deep sea green” or the bright “fire red” tested, with an RRP of $229. As with the rest of the Velocio range, you are given 30 days after purchasing the product to decide if you are happy with it or would like your money back.

THE DIRT
After a few months of testing over this fall and winter, we were able to get the Trail Ultralight jacket out in some decent rain and freezing conditions as well as some warmer days. The fabric is surprisingly lightweight and does shed water well thanks to that DWR coating but won’t withstand a full-on downpour as it’s not waterproof. It is windproof enough to keep the chill off and allows for some breathability, but we found on long climbs we were still damp under the jacket.

The laminated hood is large enough to fit over a helmet and the brim does a nice job of keeping water from dripping down onto your glasses. The internal chest pocket is just big enough for a phone or snack and works well as a stuff pocket for the jacket when you put it back in your pack. The jacket packs down into a very small package that fits in even the smallest hip packs (see the photo for proof). The elastic cuffs are tight but not restrictive, and the overall fit of the jacket is again fitted but the stretch allows for enough room to squeeze a layer or two under the jacket without discomfort. For reference, I am 5”11” and 165lbs and wouldn’t go any smaller than the size large, so the fit is definitely on the road-derived slim side. The jacket has withstood the rigors of its testing without showing any obvious signs of wear, so it should be in it for the long haul regardless of its light weight.

The Wolf’s Last Word

A lightweight, storable jacket is an essential that every rider needs. For $229, the Velocio Trail Ultralight jacket does almost everything well. We wish it was just a bit more breathable, but for a jacket that can fit in your short’s pocket, it is impressive. The Trail Ultralight jacket is another example of Velocio’s commitment to quality and sustainability and their minimal branding. Give a piece of their gear a shot, if you don’t like it, return it within 30 days for a full refund.

Price: $229
Website: Velocio.cc