If there’s such a thing as too safe, then The Proviz REFLECT360 cycling jacket takes you there. It seems to glow white when light hits it – the whole jacket, not a strip of reflective bit on the sleeve or at the back, the WHOLE jacket, kinda like lighting the entire thing up with a sign saying “look out for me!” I love it, and this is why…
The visual quality of the fabric is pretty cool – grey colored at first glance, it will reflect a bright white with any light nearby. This jacket isn’t just for nighttime use, I found it to be perfect for the in-between hours of dawn and dusk. To repeat, any light reflects off this jacket, it doesn’t have to be direct light, and with the movement of your body you’re likely to be seen from any direction.
The all-over reflective coating lasts up to 20 washes, which is similar to the ‘life’ of other reflective coatings. The fabric is waterproof and has sealed seams so water doesn’t leak in through the stitching.
The inside of the jacket is lined with a soft mesh and the stand-up collar is lined with a soft knit fabric. There’s a zipper garage to protect from nicking your neck. Zippers under the arms and a placket across the back add ventilation. Two handy zippered pockets on the chest, one larger one in the back, and an inside pocket with velcro closure on the inside left front add storage.
The sizing is not standard US, so follow the measurements on the website. The jacket fit large enough to go over a sweater, but was not so big as to feel bulky. Sleeves are plenty long enough to cover wrists when reaching for the bars, and the back is slightly longer to cover your butt when you’re in the biking position. Velcro straps over the wrists and a toggle at the waist allow you to adjust the fit.
I found the jacket to be a great insulator from chilly wind and rain. At the same time it didn’t feel like it kept all my sweat inside like a sauna. The only detractor about this jacket – I want to wear it all the time, not just on the bike, so I would prefer some pockets in the front for my hands.
The jacket is $139.99, and if that’s too pricey for you, or you already have your perfect commuting jacket, I suggest their vest ($57.99), or rucksack cover ($49.99), to maximize your visibility. They also have a kids’ version of the jacket for $107.99, sized for ages 5-6, 7-9, and 10-12.
Available in cycling stores in the UK through the Moore Large distributor, online, and distributed in the US by ProNet, BTI, KHS and Ochsner. Proviz also carries other high visibility safety products like bright neon colored clothing, safety vests, and lights.
