With its three-layer softshell construction, how well does the Alpinestars Nevada 2 Thermal Jacket see off the Scottish winter?
The Alpinestars Nevada 2 Thermal jacket landed just as the Scottish winter hit, so how has it fared? Pete has been finding out.
Photos by Pete Scullion.
Key features:
- Soft shell outer has a windproof membrane bonded to a mid-weight fleece inner
- Stretch inserts on the underarms
- The storm hood is equipped with shock cord adjustments
- The storm hood is helmet compatible.
- Strategically positioned zippered back air vents
- Two side pockets with zip closure
- Zippered chest pocket
- Pre-curved sleeves
- Shock cord waist adjustment and Velcro adjustable arm cuffs
- Elongated back
- ยฃ174.68 RRP
- Alpinestars.com
Alpinestars’ Nevada 2 Thermal jacket, is, as the name suggests, a jacket designed for those cold, crisp days as an outer or underneath something that’ll keep the water off if the thaw has begun. Featuring a triple-layer construction of softshell outer, windproof membrane mid layer and a fleece inner.
You get a large adjustable storm hood that is helmet compatible, vents for when the sweat build up has been a bit much, side pockets for keeping your mitts warm and a chest zipper for your phone. Pre-curved sleeves help comfort whilst riding and you can keep the draft out with the waist adjuster and arm cuffs.
I opted for the size small as it looked to be the best option for me at 5′ 4″ and a 34″ chest. An XSmall likely would have been spot on but such a size does not exist. It did size up a little big, but as a result, when the mercury dipped below zero, it meant that extra layers were accommodated easily.
Out and about with the waist chord and the cuffs tightened, the Nevada 2 did a solid job keeping the warmth inside and keeping the draft at bay. When the jacket did encounter some moisture it didn’t wet out immediately, beading nicely, keeping this up even after a few runs through the washing machine. I haven’t had it out in a downpour so can’t attest for its ability in this department.
The Nevada 2 has been practically everywhere with me since it arrived, becoming the mainstay of my winter riding outfit. I suspect with fewer layers in autumn and spring it might feel a little on the big side, but now with temperatures barely getting above freezing and most trails being bone dry, its a winner. Once the rain returns, it might be a different story, but then I can just throw a hardshell over the top.
What do we think?
A solid thermal jacket offering at a not ridiculous price has seen the Nevada 2 jacket from Alpinestars get thrown over my shoulders more often than not. An XSmall size would see this as a full marks jacket… Until then…
We love:
- Keeps the cold out and the heat in
- Comfy enough for all day rides
- Isn’t too sweaty
- Plenty of pockets
Could do better:
- XSmall please
