off-road.cc

The Madison Flux 3-Layer Waterproof Trail jacket is designed to be a lightweight waterproof riding jacket which is cool enough to wear all day and small enough to pack down. The three-layer construction does a good job of keeping the worst of the weather out although it results in a slightly bulkier product which I found not as breathable or packable as other options. The size and cut of the jacket were excellent and is tailored to a restriction-free riding experience. Overall, I found it to be a comfortable and well-finished item at a sensible price, which makes it a worthy consideration among the best mountain bike jackets.

• Best waterproof mountain bike and gravel jackets
• Best gravel bike shoes 2022
• Best gravel tyres 2023 - fast and grippy rubber for all conditions

Madison Flux 3-Layer Men's Waterproof Trail Jacket - Technical details

First and foremost, this is a waterproof jacket, so the usual taped seams and DWR coating are present. Waterproof performance is quoted at 10,000mm with a breathability rating of 10,000g/m²/24hrs and will also offer protection against the wind, too. The material is designed to have a stretch to it which allows unrestrictive movement while on the bike – this results in a more forgiving fit which moves with you. 

Madison_Flux_Jacket_2.jpg, by Ty Rutherford

More bike-specific features include a cut with pre-curved arms, shaped cuffs for less restriction, and a dropped tail to keep the mud off your back while hunched in the riding position. The tail also has an elasticated hem with a silicone gripper which keeps it in place. The hood hem is also elasticated to give a snug fit and keep the wet weather out. 

Storage is taken care of with some generous hip pockets and a zipped chest pocket and double layered. 

Madison_Flux_Jacket_5.jpg, by Ty Rutherford

When the jacket is not used, it can be rolled up neatly into its hood and stowed away in a rucksack. This jacket is available in sizes small to XXL and colourways red or black.

Madison Flux 3-Layer Men's Waterproof Trail Jacket - Performance

The initial waterproof qualities of this jacket were impressive, however, after a couple of washes the prolonged downpours do start to work their way in. As with most waterproof garments, keeping on top of the DWR coating pays dividends in a longer-performing jacket and this one is no different. While on the topic of washing, the jacket reacted well when following the care instructions and came out like new – tumble drying did help revive the DWR coating somewhat as well. 

The jacket is on the warmer side with its three-layer construction, however, the inner surface remains comfortable against the skin even when things get a little sweaty. 

Madison_Flux_Jacket_10.jpg, by Ty Rutherford

The pockets are a good size leaving plenty of room for a phone, keys and snacks without becoming restrictive and, thanks to the double layers, the pockets remain dry. 

In terms of fit, the jacket sizing is spot on and as expected, enough room to move without it being baggy. The sleeve length is perfect and I particularly liked the way the cuffs are finished with enough elastic and shape to keep me well covered without being uncomfortable. The same can be said for the bottom hem. It stayed in place as expected and didn’t see any mud ingress with the longer tail and silicone gripper. 

Madison_Flux_Jacket_7.jpg, by Ty Rutherford

The hood is a snug fit but not uncomfortable. It's designed to be worn under the helmet and works great – both when being used or left hanging (it's pretty small so isn't very noticeable when not in use). 

Madison_Flux_Jacket_8.jpg, by Ty Rutherford

The packability of this jacket may not be quite as tight as claimed. As a three-layer jacket, it is a little more bulky than some of the thinner hardshell jackets available. This extra protection comes at the cost of not being quite so packable. Having said that, with some careful rolling, the jacket still scrunches up into a fairly small package.  

Madison Flux 3-Layer Men's Waterproof Trail Jacket - Verdict

Retailing at £150, the Flux 3-Layer Trail jacket is right in the mix of good value options however there is still competition for waterproof and breathable riding jackets. Endura should always be considered for waterproofs and its GV500 Waterproof jacket, at £160, is another three-layer option. Pat enjoyed the waterproof and lightweight qualities of this jacket but the lack of sleeve adjustment could be an issue for some. For £185, the Rab Cinder Downpour Waterproof jacket is another option, this features a 2.5-layer construction and is a little lighter and more packable.

The Madison Flux 3-Layer Waterproof Trail jacket is an excellent three-layer option that is well cut with a slight stretch resulting in a non-restrictive fit. The material keeps the worst of the weather out but does run a little warmer than other jackets due to the layered construction. The storage is plentiful and, with a snug hood, it's a great all-round package. The DWR coating does need topping up for maximum waterproofing and, I’d argue, the packability isn’t as tight as some lightweight weight alternatives – but for all-day waterproof duties, it's a great option to consider. 

• ​madison.cc
• ​The reader’s guide to off-road.cc’s review scoring system

You might also like:

• Cross-country mountain bikes: understanding their design
• Best hardtail mountain bikes 2023 hardtails for every budget

• The best mountain bike handlebar grips you can buy - tried and tested