So what’s it like?
I’ve done just over 2000 miles in the suit in the past few weeks. It is extremely good — as it should be. Like all Gore-tex Pro suits, it has a substantial feel: reassuringly heavy, even without liners. The trousers have CE Level 2 armour in hips and knees, while the jacket has CE Level 2 armour in shoulders and elbows but I had to fit my own back protector. There is Superfabric reinforcement on the key abrasion areas.
When it comes to dealing with heavy rain, the suit kept the warmth in and the water out. Even the pockets — each stuffed with a tissue — remained dry. I did however suffer what I call “Buff-wick”, where the low-ish collar left enough neck tube exposed for it to get wet and then rain wicked down to my shirt.
The suit copes well with hot conditions (28°C in the Black Forest). The jacket is far cooler than any other Gore-tex Pro jacket I’ve worn, with the large chest vents, long rear vents and huge zips on the sleeves open — even before opening the main zip to let air in. At first the long sleeve zips sometimes caught, until I lubricated them with silicone. The similar zips in the trousers work perfectly, opening to give welcome cooling, though vents in the thigh pockets are less effective: they work, but not as well as the calf vents.
Overall, it’s impressive. The detailing and finish are excellent, with well-considered pockets and highspec fasteners and zips. The jacket is slimming, comfortable and not restrictive; the trousers fit like jeans and armour is unnoticeable. It’s the most comfortable Gore-tex Pro suit I’ve worn. SIMON WEIR