In the Northern Hemisphere at least, summer temperatures have finally let go and we find ourselves digging out our winter kit once again. The Assos IJ.Habu5 jacket is perfect for these autumn days where the temperatures have dropped, but the full winter elements are not yet in effect.
Specifically designed to be worn with an Assos baselayer, the IJ.Habu5 jacket is optimised for early winter temperatures of 6-12 degrees Celsius, although any long sleeve winter baselayer or light jersey provides effective layering. StratagonLight wind blocking material around the collar, chest and front of the arms gives optimal protection from the colder air, whilst the remainder of the jacket is constructed with insulating Assos RXQ material.
The IJ.Habu5 is ideal for the cold, dry and blustery days it is designed for, but will not give any protection when the wet weather turns up. An elasticated waistband with silicone gripper tabs ensures a snug fit around the waist.
The jacket offers a slim cut, but whilst the wind blocking material offers some give we would definitely recommend trying on before buying as there isn’t a huge amount of stretch. Despite this, the eighteen panel construction of the jacket results in an ergonomic and comfortable fit whilst riding. Get your sizing right with this jacket and the fit is near perfect.
Three large cargo pockets on the rear of the jacket offer ample storage for any food, tools and a rain cape. The middle of these three pockets includes an elastic insert, which expands while remaining secure, to store a rain cape perfectly. On the exterior of each of the outer pockets there are small zipped pockets with reflective detailing, which are great for keeping keys and cash secure.
On the downside, the jacket’s design isn’t exactly groundbreaking, although the understated approach is to be expected from Assos. A pocket on the right arm seems to be designed to store a phone or MP3 player, yet a recent and popular smartphone didn’t quite fit in securely. Furthermore, stitching on the chest to secure a label on the inside of the jacket seems incredibly unnecessary.
For the price, this certainly isn’t a jacket to buy on a whim. However, for the conditions this jacket is designed for, it thrives. Quality in both finish and performance is what you would expect from Assos. The large cargo pockets are a real bonus for the long winter training miles, and layered correctly in conjunction with a rain cape it can be used throughout the colder months.
