Jackets can sometimes look underwhelming on the shelf but come to life when you’re wearing them, and Dakine's Caliber does exactly that.
The straight cut is the right side of relaxed rather than baggy, and it has the appeal of a casual jacket. But with its properly shaped shoulders and long back, it’s transformed when you jump on a bike. The two-layer fabric does have that slightly rubbery feel on the inside but there’s no rustling when you move and it has a reassuring rugged quality.
There are two handwarmer pockets and one on the chest – a configuration we like in a jacket that we know we’ll spend as much time hanging around in as riding in – and although it isn’t as highly breathable as more expensive styles, there are long pit zips to help cool you down.
