This softshell jacket won’t repel the heaviest rain but it shrugs off puddle splashes and does keep the worst of the weather at bay when things take a turn for the worse.
Softshells tend to be pretty warm in use and, although the fabric is thin, the DBX 4.0 AM is no different.
I tended to wear it with just a baselayer underneath and, even then, used the long pocket zips to allow a little extra air through the jacket. It does breathe well, though — far better than a regular waterproof.
The body is well proportioned; long enough at the back and roomy to wear, but fitted enough for my tastes.
While the arms are a good length too, with useful scuff panels, they’re just too baggy, unless you wear elbow pads underneath.
I found the hood redundant while riding too. It’ll fit over your lid, but unless you have the front zip fully done up, it ends up flapping around your shoulders too much.
If the arms were a little less voluminous and the hood were either not there or stowable, I’d have got on well with the jacket, but sadly these two features detract from its overall performance out on the trail.
