Gore Bike Wear has brought out a new Power Trail Lady Gore-Tex Active jacket. It’s aimed at the “active female cyclist who demands the best”. Gore state: “This is a functional jacket that is lightweight and feels comfortable. Designed with style in mind, the jacket is soft to the touch. Thanks to GORE-TEX Active, it is both windproof and waterproof.”
Features include:
- Gore-Tex Active technology
- 2 front zip pockets
- Small zip pocket on sleeve
- Adjustable draw cord at waist and hem
- Adjustable hood (width and field of vision)
- Magnetic hold-in-place hood
- Reflective details
- Wave-shaped and elastic cuff for ergonomic wear
- 2-way front zip
- Wardrobe hanger
- Sizes: XS to XXL
- Price: £199.
- There is a men’s version of the jacket, too.
- See Gore Bike Wear.
What is Gore-Tex Active technology?
Garments engineered with Gore-Tex Active product technology are “built for extreme breathability and are ideal for highly aerobic, done-in-a-day activities”. In addition the fabric is said to be “optimised for sweat management to ensure extreme breathability and optimum comfort in high aerobic conditions”. The performance is also supported by a minimalistic garment design.
Gore-Tex guarantee
If you are not completely satisfied with the waterproofness, windproofness, or breathability of a GORE-TEX® product they will repair it, replace it, or refund your purchase price.
On test: Gore Bike Wear Power Trail Gore-Tex Active jacket
I would have preferred to test a brighter coloured jacket because I think it’s better to be seen on a bike than to wear a jacket the same colour as the tarmac. However, they did not have my size in stock in the bright reddy/pink. I prefer bright reds, greens, blues etc but bright pink is better than black.
In the end the grey colour seemed better than the black but it would be nice to see more bright colours. They men’s jacket comes in a better colour range.
I was told I’d need a medium size, because I am a tall UK10. The jacket it pretty roomy but in my experience the Gore Bike Wear small is a bit too neat across the shoulders for me.
Anyway, sizing and colour aside I found the jacket worked very well in terms of keeping out the wet and wind and allowing my sweat to evaporate. I have always thought that Gore-Tex active fabric is one of the best for high energy sports and the Power Trail jacket did not disappoint.
The arm length and the style of the cuffs also mean that there was no gaps between my gloves and the cuffs. I have long arms so it was great to have a jacket with long arms.
The fabric is lovely and soft on the outside so there is less irritation from it rustling while you move. The fabric does tend to pick up dust and dirt, however, so maybe something smoother is better.
The style of the jacket is a bit old fashioned for me. Maybe it’s meant to be a retro look but it’s not really a style I find attractive. A friend also commented that it looked more like a jacket that a more mature lady might wear to the shops!
What I mean by all this is that the length, cut, high collar, pocket shape and hood makes the jacket look dated rather than funky. The addition of light pink stitched crosses as a detail does not help! I prefer something more sporty.
Then again, that’s just me and there will be plenty of women who prefer their cycling jackets to look more mainstream than athletic. It would be a good jacket for wearing for a commute to work and then to use for popping out of the office for lunch or a walk.
I have no idea when you would have a hood on a cycling jacket because I always wear a helmet. I guess the hood is useful if you plan to wear the jacket while off the bike, too. The magnet for holding the hood back against the rear of the jacket is clever.
And there is an odd feature, a short elasticated section at the back of the jacket where you might normally – and usefully – find a rear pocket. I presume this is the waist adjustor but why on earth do you need that?!
The fit is also “comfort” and I prefer something a bit sleeker and more athletic.
I do like the small zipped pocket on the sleeve. I kept my smartphone in there. I also like the soft feel inside of the collar.
Overall, this is a jacket that does what it promises in terms of performance but the look is not one that I would go for.