Finding the right clothing for winter rides is always a challenge. Long climbs make you heat up quickly, while descending brings a chilling cold. On top of that, protection against mud and splashes is essential – without compromising breathability. The potential solution? The Dirtlej Vest.
Mountain biking during cold winter months comes with its fair share of challenges: limited daylight and often demanding trail conditions make planning a lot more difficult. At the very least, choosing the right clothing should be simple – and that’s where the Dirtlej Vest comes into play. Designed as a no-brainer for rides in unpredictable weather, it promises to be the perfect solution for cooler days.
Dirtlej is a German company that specializes in functional and durable mountain bike apparel. Based in the border triangle of Germany, Switzerland, and France, they use the diverse local trails as a testing ground for their products. Their mission is to provide riders with high-quality gear for the best experience in any weather. Dirtlej is known above all as a foul-weather specialist, thanks to their rugged full-body dirtsuits that offer robust protection even in the harshest conditions. The Dirtlej Vest, however, is intended for more moderate weather.
The Dirtlej Vest in detail
The Dirtlej Vest is available in six sizes, XS to XXL. Both the front and back panels feature the same membrane used in their popular dirtsuits, offering a 20,000 mm water column and a breathability rating of 25,000 g/m²/24h. This ensures excellent waterproofing and high breathability. Additionally, a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating is designed to make water bead off the surface, further enhancing comfort and breathability.
The Dirtlej Vest comes with practical features, including a two-way front zipper, a chest pocket, and an inner pocket that doubles as a storage pouch for the vest itself when not in use. Thanks to its compact pack size, it’s easy to stow away. A reflective logo on the back improves visibility in low-light conditions.
The Dirtlej Vest on test
We tested the Dirtlej Vest in sizes M, L, and XL. For our testers, who measure between 175 cm and 182 cm and weigh between 75 and 80 kg, the Dirtlej Vest in size L provided the best fit. If you buy one, be careful, because the size guide on the website refers to the vest’s dimensions, not your body measurements.
The lightweight material of the Dirtlej Vest feels comfortable against the skin, without giving you that unpleasant plasticky sensation. The cut is slim but not restrictive, though the waterproof material itself is not very flexible. To address this, Dirtlej added a thinner, stretchier material on the sides of the vest, while an elastic hem ensures it sits comfortably. A small collar provides protection for the neck, particularly in windy conditions. We found the vest to be an excellent compromise for trail rides in autumn and winter. The thin material helps reduce sweating compared to a traditional jacket, while still offering sufficient protection against the elements. The chest pocket is spacious enough to easily hold a phone, energy bars, or other small items.
For strenuous climbs, the vest can be partially or fully unzipped for better ventilation. When riding downhill or in chilly conditions, it shines with its windproof properties, preventing you from cooling down in damp clothing. Even on wet trails, the back – often a target for rear-wheel splashes – stays reliably dry.
We rarely felt the need to take off the vest, but if it does get too warm, the option to pack it into its own pocket is very practical, allowing you to store the vest in a hip pack or backpack. However, the packing size isn’t particularly compact, meaning it barely fits into a frame compartment or small hip pack. It would be even more practical if the Dirtlej Vest could be attached directly to the frame, in case the weather clears up unexpectedly and no other storage options are available.
Conclusions about the Dirtlej Vest
The Dirtlej Vest is a versatile piece of clothing for autumn and winter rides. It combines a lightweight design, good breathability, and effective protection against wind and moisture. With its slim fit, comfortable feel, and practical features, like the small collar and packability, it performs well both on climbs and descents. The vest keeps your back dry, prevents chilling, and is ideal for unpredictable weather and long days on the trail.
Tops
- Excellent compromise for autumn and winter
- Waterproof and windproof
- Comfortable fit
Flops
- Material lacks flexibility
- Not super compact when packed
- No attachment option for bike frames
For more info head to Dirtlej’s website.
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Words: Simon Kohler Photos: Peter Walker
