It’s funny how some of the most unassuming gear becomes your absolute must-have piece. Michelle wrote about this a while back.
With lots of high-end gear to choose from, somehow, I keep reaching for this simple little jacket. I got it from Bontrager in August 2009 at TrekWorld, a big cycling preview show for Trek dealers and media. I wore it a few times, admired its soft buttery feel, appreciated its stuff-ability when I was ready to take it off, and noticed that the ghostly white grabbed the attention of passing cars way better than the sexy black rain jacket that I was wearing when I got hit by a car. And, just like that, it became “the one.” Now, we go everywhere together.
The Sport Jacket has a roomy, zippered rear pocket , so you can store lots of other stuff in there while you wear the jacket. When you’re ready to take it off, it stuffs down into a tiny built-in stuff sack inside its rear pocket. The high visibility is enhanced by some reflective strips. It’s semi-fitted so there’s a little extra fabric but nothing that gets in your way or makes rude flapping sounds when you ride fast. A mesh panel under the back yoke helps you stay ventilated. And it’s got that nice semi-transparent look so your jersey appears like a coming attraction beneath it.
Msrp: $69.99 in hi-viz yellow or white. www.bontrager.com
