Every mountain biker in the Pacific Northwest should at least own one hardshell jacket and one softshell jacket to handle wet weather conditions. PNW Components recently dropped a collection of technical apparel with the Lander Jacket stepping in as a contender for your next softshell jacket. Not only does it feature a strong mix of weather resistance, breathability, and comfort, it adds a unique design feature that makes it stand out in the crowd. Of the three launch pieces in the new apparel collection, it’s the one that has been put to use the most.
Features
- Water-Resistant DWR Coating
- Abrasion Resistant 4-way Stretch Fabric
- Helmet-Compatible Hood
- Anti-flop back pocket storage system
- Dual handwarmer pockets
- Size tested: medium
In terms of pockets, the Lander has two zippered handwarmer pockets, as well as the pass-through rear pocket in the back.
Rear pocket storage
There are plenty of hardshell and softshell jackets to choose from. The Lander Jacket adds another option, but also incorporates a unique feature to the rear pocket to increase usability — an anti-flop back pocket system.
The system consists of inside webbing that allows riders to cinch down the jacket like a belt. One can use it to cinch the rear of the jacket, giving it a more streamlined silhouette, or pull the contents of the rear pockets up to your body for stability. As most mountain bike jackets feature a more relaxed fit than road cycling jackets, it allows one to adjust the fit and make it more aerodynamic. If you like to ride with the jacket open and unzipped, it can also be utilized to keep the jacket hugging your body and flapping less.
After a brief flirtation with utilizing road cycling jerseys and their rear pockets for storage, for aggressive mountain biking, we’ve done away with the practice. Not only do the items bounce around like crazy, but I lost a favorite mini-pump when it disappeared halfway through a ride. (I’m back to strapping them to the frame or carrying them in a waist pack) I tried changing to jerseys with zipper pockets, but they were horrible too, with the weight of the gear pulling the jersey down around my neck.
I’ve since moved on to waist packs and never looked back.
Pass-through rear pockets aren’t unique; I own a number of commuter jackets featuring this style of pocket. They’re generally fine carrying items while cruising around town. However, getting active on a jump line with stuff in those pockets means your items would bounce all over the place. The PNW Lander Jackets storage system works well at keeping those items in place and keeping things stabilized. For short rides, you could skip the waist pack, especially when utilizing on-frame storage systems like the internal frame compartment on Specialized models or the OneUp EDC Tool system.
On the trail
If you’re stuck in a downpour, you’re going to want to be wearing a hardshell jacket — but realistically, most of us know better than to abuse the trails if it’s raining cats and dogs. I tend to reserve the hardshell jackets for bike park, shuttles, or commuting. My go-to jackets tend to be softshell models as they usually breathe better and are more comfortable.
The 4-way stretch fabric utilized in the Lander Jacket provides a full range of movement, and unlike many hardshell jackets doesn’t feel clammy after getting sweaty. I’m a big fan of softshell jackets; the ones in my collection are divided into two distinctive (to me) categories – fleece-backed softshells and “others”. The fleece-backed material makes for a warmer coat for all-around use and is great for snow sports, hiking, hanging out at camp, etc, but I find the fleece backing of the material can get clammy after breaking a sweat, so I’m no longer a fan of using them for trail riding. (shuttling is totally fine still though)
The Lander Jacket does away with the fleece backing which makes it lighter and manages heat better, which makes it far better for mountain biking.
Overall, it’s a solid jacket; in addition to trail riding, I’ve worn it hiking, paddleboarding, and other activities, and would recommend it for anyone in the market for a new jacket.
Though I’ll admit orange is not my color, I do like how it pops in winter photos. (I should have gone with the green, though a bright sky blue would be my ideal color, as it’s the Bermstyle brand color) It is good to have one orange jacket on hand though — especially during hunting season.
There is one missed opportunity with the jacket – the front handwarmer pockets are placed a bit higher than expected. It’s not uncomfortable, but if they were closer to the hem, the pocket bags could be stitched in and be functional as inside pockets. I actually assumed they were pockets as this is a feature in a number of my favorite jackets; I’ve slid items behind the pocket bags on more than one occasion, only for it to fall through and onto the ground. It actually annoys me enough that I may modify the jacket and have them stitched to the face material and create that pocket.
Size and Fit
I’m 5’10”, wear a size 38 suit jacket, and weigh 163 lbs. I’m wearing a size small. As mentioned, I’m fond of the silhouette, and especially like how the anti-flop straps can also adjust the look of the fit.
The PNW Components Lander Jacket sells for $149. Check it out and the rest of the PNW apparel collection at PNWComponents.com
