Tested : Pete’s Specialized Trail SWAT Jacket Review.

Designed to fit into the downtube storage of their bikes, the Specialized Trail SWAT Jacket is a waterproof of diminutive size.

Designed as an outer layer to keep the elements off you whilst also being packable into downtube storage is the Specialized Trail SWAT Jacket too much of a compromise? Pete has been finding out.

Photos by Pete Scullion.

Key features:

  • Nylon/spandex fabric
  • DWR coating
  • Single breast pocket
  • Integrated, elasticated scuba hood
  • Packs down small
  • £110.00 RRP
  • Specialized.com

Aimed at being able to fit into the largest tube on your bike, Specialized’s Trail SWAT Jacket is a small, lightweight rain jacket that doesn’t cost the earth and manages to see off more weather than you might expect for something so tiny.

The nylon/spandex mix features a DWR coating and a single zipped pocket on the left breast. A large hood has an elasticated cuff and that is pretty much it for features. The zips are chunky and solid without being over the top.

Cut for me is spot on in a size small. Arms come to my wrist with the cuffs fitting neatly, the tail is decent without being overly generous, but the body won’t allow too many layers underneath, so it’s likely not a full winter offering.

Weight is hilariously low, and you may as well have it in your bag all the time as an option as you won’t notice it otherwise. Even with this jacket in the downtube of my Specialized Enduro long term test bike, there’s still room for stuff.

Despite only having a DWR coating, the Trail SWAT jacket can see off far more liquid than the Madison Flux softshell, even if their respective claimed ratings are almost at the opposite ends of the waterproofing scale. I’d take the Trail SWAT jacket every time, and on retail price, the Spesh jacket is £20 cheaper too.

What do we think?

It won’t see you out of a storm dry, but the Specialized Trail SWAT Jacket is a great option for when you just want to keep the elements out, or if it’s fairly warm, wet and breezy out. For a jacket than can pack as small as it can, it does a solid job of keeping you dry.

We love:

  • Keeps you dry well beyond its DWR rating
  • Packs down tiny
  • Fit is great

Could do better:

  • Not an awful lot

You can check out the Specialized Trail SWAT Jacket on their website here.


css.php