Vaude Moab UL Hybrid jacket review

Vaude's Moab Hybrid is one of a new generation of mountain biking jackets that combines lightweight insulation and water resistance with a construction that allows it to shed heat fast when needed.

Vaude also specs its products with environmentally-friendly materials at their core, but in our experience that doesn't mean any less performance.

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The front and shoulders incorporate PrimaLoft Eco insulation for warmth, which uses recycled fibres, while the rest is Pertex Quantum, which keeps wind and rain off.

Not only is the combination warm and comfy to wear, but it’s incredibly lightweight and packs down to a tiny size that's small enough to squeeze into a pocket or live in your pack at all times.

The cut is slim, but because it’s shaped for the riding position and has stretch inserts it never feels restrictive – so don’t be tempted to size up because all you need is a baselayer underneath – and as a bonus, the underarm panels are made from wool to help prevent sweat build-up.

In keeping with the jacket’s impeccable environmental credentials, water-resistant protection comes courtesy of Vaude’s Eco Finish, which is applied to the exterior surface and doesn't contain potentially damaging fluorocarbons (PFCs ).

I’ve worn the Moab as an outer for many miles of mixed weather riding and it has enough wind proofing to keep the chills off on long descents as well as on breezy days.

I've also used it extensively as an insulating mid-layer underneath a waterproof hard shell on exposed, freezing days in the Scottish Highlands and feel that’s when it really comes into its own, staying breathable and comfortable throughout the day.

It works for both, though, and is worth chucking in a pack to pull on for tea stops in spring or autumn, or as an extra layer on exposed terrain.

Despite its bike-specific design, this insulated jacket has such good breathability that I’ve been wearing it for other high-energy outdoor pursuits too and it's become a wardrobe staple.