With a weekend of shredding in store in Scotland’s unrivaled glorious winter conditions, we were extremely grateful to test the new Dirtlej Core Edition Dirtsuit. For maximum descents we joined the guys at Adrenalin Uplift to really put this one-piece, waterproof kit through its paces.
Dirtlej Core Edition Dirtsuit – one-piece foul weather MTB riding kit
The main benefit of wearing the Dirtsuit is clear: full protection against whatever the weather might throw at you. And of course, at the end of the ride, you’ve got just the one filthy garment to deal with. Peel it off and you’re left with clean dry (save for the sweat) base layers underneath, so no need to worry about getting your car seats covered in mud.
The new Core Edition Dirtsuit is a one-piece waterproof and windproof suit, designed to protect the rider from all the mud, grit, rain, snow, hail, you name it, that winter throws at us. Redesigned with improved 18,000mm water resistance, it seems Dirtej have prioritized keeping the rider dry above all things.
Dirtlej Core Edition Dirtsuit – Tech Details
A robust three-layer waterproof membrane sits inside a durable 95% polyamide, 5% polyester shell, featuring reinforced seams and waterproof pockets. The suit has a heavy, durable feel to it which speaks to the quality of the materials used.
Dirtlej Core Edition Dirtsuit Review – Riding downhill in Scotland
With such a hard-wearing waterproof shell, breathability is compromised at 13,000 g/m2/24h, much lower than the monster 60,000 gm/m2/24hr boasted by the Endura MT500 Dirtsuit for example.
However, Dirtlej combat this with the addition of large zipper-accessed vents underneath the arms. In addition to these fully open vents, the dirtsuit is adorned with seven other air inlets – with two on each leg and two on the torso.
Our tester happily pedaled a long fire road climb with no ‘boil in the bag’ complaints though it has to be said, it was only around 45°F that day! It is November in Scotland after all.
The Dirtsuit features detachable legs which zip off just below the knee and an extra large hood which comfortably fits up over a full face helmet, yet folds away neatly when not required.
If you’re thinking of buying one of these be ready to turn more than few heads. Everyone will seriously start asking what are you wearing! This bright blue colorway was really popular with our fellow riders at the all-female mountain biking uplift weekend. Sure to be a winning Christmas gift idea, dare I say it.
Stretch fabric panels feature at the rear of the dirtsuit, both above and below the adjustable waist band. These are the only non-waterproof part of the onesie. This is exactly where the stretch fabric is needed of course, for comfort in both pedaling and descending positions. But, it is also where a lot of the spray from the trail hits the rider.
The dirtsuit has four waterproof sealed zipper-accessed pockets, one on the upper left arm, one on the right of the chest, and two on the front of the trouser portions. Two other Velcro accessed pockets are featured on the rear on the dirtsuit.
Our tester has a slim build and stands at 5’ 6″ tall. She wore the small and had this to say about the cut, “it was really good actually, I wouldn’t have changed anything about the fit”.
For garment care, Dirtlej say the Dirtsuit will be happily machine washed at no more than 86°F. So yeah, we rinsed off the bulk of the mud with a hose, and tossed it in the wash with other riding gear.
Dirtlej Core Edition Dirtsuit – Pricing & Availability
The unisex Dirtsuit is available in sizes S-XXL in the sand/orange colorway. The ladies’ cut turquoise/lime version we tested is available in sizes XS-XL. It is available now for €319, £299, or ~$363 direct from Dirtlej.
