Altura Crosslite Jacket review

Altura have made a fine name for themselves by making functional yet affordable technical riding kit that punches well above its weight.

The Crosslite jacket is their newest jacket to use their water and windproof Altec Reactive fabric that is both light (300g for the medium) and incredibly breathable (although we were initially sceptical; it feels as though you should boil in the bag).

The cut is fairly close fitting, although it’s not as sculpted as some of the more expensive brands’ offerings, and the jacket looks stylishly functional rather than flash. A welded chest pocket and a zip pocket above the drop tail, together with elasticated base and neck, Velcro cuffs, fully taped seams and reflective trim ensure it does its job without undue showmanship.

The Crosslite jacket may not be perfect – the Altec Reactive fabric isn’t as tough and durable as competitor fabrics and the cut could be refined a little – but it does represent tremendous value for money.