Olympia Richmond jacket.
If I could only have one riding jacket, it would have to satisfy a lot of needs. For four-season adaptability, the jacket would have to be constructed of rugged water-resistant textile, in a three-quarter length that thoroughly covers the top of my pants when seated. A cozy, stand-up collar with a strap that can be snugly closed or fastened out of the way is mandatory, and so is a large amount of zippered venting for warm-weather riding. CE-approved armor in the shoulders, elbows and back is a must, as are plenty of large pockets inside and out, some or all of which are waterproof. Nice details to have include adjustable waist, sleeve and cuff straps, YKK zippers, reflective panels and a double storm flap for the main zipper that closes with rubber-covered snaps instead of noisy hook-and-loop. Fortunately this description fits a lot of riding jackets out there, but rarely does it apply to anything under $300. Yet Olympia?s new Richmond jacket is just $269.99 and it has all of those features and a lot more. Constructed of 600-denier Evo Thread polyester with 1,000-denier ballistic panels on the elbows and shoulders, the Richmond is said to have excellent abrasion resistance, and the armor is easily removed for washing the jacket. A waterproof, breathable, seam-sealed Reissa membrane sandwiched between the shell and cool mesh inner lining makes the Richmond mostly waterproof, but Olympia took the practical approach of having the zippered vents in the ...