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The Madison Roam Isoler thermal trail jacket could help solve those dilemmas about what to wear if you live in continually fluctuating climates, thanks to how well it manages your temperature.
Despite it not being particularly thick, the fleece-lined grid-like pattern inside does a great job of keeping the warmth in, but without things getting overly clammy when you start working hard.
Thanks to the lack of bulk, it’s also fairly versatile and can be worn as an outer layer on chilly days – or a mid-layer when the temperature drops or the rain sets in.
At £59.99, it’s easy to overlook the minor niggles, too.
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Madison Roam Isoler thermal trail jacket details
The Roam Isoler jacket is made from a thermal stretch fabric, backed with a fleecy waffle-shaped liner. This grid-like pattern is designed to help trap warm air within the channels, as well as manage moisture when you start to sweat.
There’s a decent amount of stretch in the fabric, along with elasticated sections around the hem and arm cuffs to help lock the heat in and keep the jacket in place.
An under-the-helmet hood is there for when the temperature drops and you need a little extra insulation.
Madison has included only one zipped pocket on the chest, which is handy, although I’d prefer hand pockets because they offer a broader use, especially when wearing this jacket as an outer layer.
Reflective detailing finishes things off nicely and adds to the already impressive winter credentials.
Madison Roam Isoler thermal trail jacket performance
I’ve worn this jacket in a wide variety of conditions, ranging from sub-zero temperatures where I used it as a mid-layer, through to cool, damp wintery days, where it sat on top of a baselayer and jersey. I’ve even used it when I’ve gone running, largely because it’s not particularly bulky or sweaty (assuming it’s below 5ºC outside).
My size-small jacket fitted me well (I’m a massive 172cm). There was enough length in the arms to keep my wrists covered up when I was stretched out on the bike, and there’s enough length in the body (thanks in part to the dropped rear hem) to ensure I never felt exposed at the back, either.
I found I needed to pull down the elasticated hem from time to time. It’s hard to say if this would be an issue with a drawcord, but I’d prefer to have the adjustment available. Still, this is a minor quibble, because, when it comes to fit, there’s not much to worry about.
On freezing cold days, under a heavier jacket, the Roam Isoler helped to create a warm, cosy barrier between me and the elements. Its modest thickness means you don’t feel puffed up like the Michelin Man, either, meaning movement on the bike remains free and easy.
As an outer layer, it’s arguably more impressive. Considering the thickness, I was surprised how warm I felt, once I’d got going. Thankfully, that heat is well-managed, and when I started working up a sweat, I never felt as though I was suffocating, as is the case with some, thicker or more heavily insulated jackets.
Internally, there’s a nice section of soft, smooth fabric that runs all the way around the neck, finishing where it meets the zip, precisely where it sits on your chin. This boosts comfort – as does the fact the neck itself is rigid enough to stay upright, helping to create a better barrier between you and the elements.
As you’d expect, it’ll handle a light shower, but don’t expect it to keep you dry for long.
Madison Roam Isoler thermal trail jacket bottom line
This well-priced jacket performs far better than the price tag might have you believe, managing to keep you warm and preventing you from getting overly hot.
It’s a great bit of kit for changeable, cooler climates, and well worth the cash.
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