Specialized Trail SWAT Jacket Review £110.00
Good windproof performance, but not breathable and on the pricey side
Ty Rutherford
|
Feb 16 2023 |
Jackets
Overall
Quality
Performance
Value
What's good?
- Good wind breaker
- Compact when packed down
- Good fit
What's not?
- Not breathable
- Not waterproof
- Only one relatively small pocket
Buy if...
you need a lightweight and warm windproof jacket
The Specialized Trail SWAT jacket is a slim-fitting, lightweight windbreaker that packs down into a small package. The material isn’t very breathable and isn’t waterproof so it's not really one of the best MTB jackets in that regard, but it offers good protection from the cold in an easy-to-remove layer.
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Specialized Trail SWAT Jacket - Technical details
The Specialized Trail SWAT jacket is lightweight and easily packable, allowing you to take an extra layer on any ride. The fabric (91% Nylon, 9% Spandex) is wind-resistant, breathable and water-repellant thanks to a DWR coating.
Specialized Swat Jacket-2.jpg, by Ty Rutherford
The jacket features one pocket on the chest which is big enough to stow your car key or a phone. This pocket doubles up as a pouch that allows you to stuff the jacket in to store it. There is also an integrated hood designed to be worn under the helmet with elastic edging to give a snug fit.
Specialized Swat Jacket-5.jpg, by Ty Rutherford
The jacket is on the minimal side and the sizing is no different - it comes up slim, but with sizes ranging from XS-XXL there should be something for most people, but I'd recommend checking the size guide. It’s available in three colours; tropical teal, smoke and black.
Specialized Trail SWAT Jacket - Performance
The lightweight nature of this jacket is impressive, it is very minimal but does provide good protection from the wind. It worked particularly well as an autumnal layer which could be shed easily as the day warmed up. The downside to the wind protection is a lack of breathability - it is a bit of a sweat fest. The DWR coating sheds a light shower, but cannot be relied on for anything more, it also needs re-proofing regularly if you want to maintain the protection.
Specialized Swat Jacket-4.jpg, by Ty Rutherford
The fit was on the slim side with my usual size (medium) being fairly body-hugging. However, thanks to the stretchy material, the jacket doesn’t restrict movement at all. The cut is spot-on. The arm length is perfect and along with the elasticated bottom hem, the jacket covers the back and stays in place. The hood is equally snug but fits well under a helmet providing extra protection from the wind.
Specialized Swat Jacket-1.jpg, by Ty Rutherford
The jacket stashes down into an impressively small package. Tucking it away into the chest pocket is an easy affair (although the zip can be a little fiddly to fasten up). Once packed away it would easily fit into a frame (if it has internal storage), hip pack, bib-pouch or a large pocket.
Specialized Swat Jacket-7.jpg, by Ty Rutherford
Specialized Trail SWAT Jacket - Verdict
At £110, the Specialized Trail SWAT Jacket is not cheap. Other options include the Altura Firestorm Waterproof Jacket. At £80, it represents good value for a lightweight jacket that has a waterproof rating over and above the SWAT jacket. Dakine has a similar offering, that Rachel reviewed, for £84. It competes well with the SWAT jacket but has similar drawbacks.
The Specialized Trail SWAT jacket works well as a windbreaker and stores down into an easy-to-carry, small package. It's slim fitting but comfortable, and the hood adds an extra layer of protection. Its breathability is poor and it's not the cheapest, but it is available in a couple of different colour options to suit different styles.
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Test report Specialized Trail SWAT Jacket Review £110.00
Jackets
Product purpose:
A windproof mountain biking jacket that's easily storable.
Build extra:
Minimal bulk and a built-in pocket helps it fit into any pocket, pack, or bike equipped with SWAT™.
Abrasion panels are designed to protect the jacket through the toughest trail conditions.
Integrated scuba hood with fixed elastic binding creates the perfect fit.
Fabric Content: MAIN: 91% Nylon, 9% Spandex, OTHER: 85% Nylon, 15% Spandex
Product construction
Product construction extra:
Well constructed, lightweight but sturdy build.
Product performance
Product performance extra:
Good windbreaker
Not breathable
Stores down nicely
Product durability
Product durability extra:
Thin but tough.
Product waterproofing extra:
Not waterproof.
Product breathe
Product breathe extra:
Not breathable.
Product fit
Product fit extra:
Slim fit but not restrictive.
Product sizing
Product weight
Product weight extra:
Super lightweight.
Product comfort
Product comfort extra:
Very comfortable.
Product value
Product value extra:
Not cheap when compared to other offerings - especially as it's not waterproof.
Product care:
No issues with washing it.
Overall performance:
Good wind break
Good fit
Product likes:
Fit
Storage
Warmth
Product dislikes:
Poor breathability
Not cheap
Enjoy:
Yes
Buy:
Maybe - depending on price
Recommend:
Yes
Conclusion:
The Specialized Trail SWAT jacket works well as a windbreaker and stores down into an easy-to-carry, small package. It's slim fitting but comfortable and the hood adds an extra layer of protection. Its breathability is poor and it's not the cheapest but it is available in a couple of different colour options to suit your style.
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