Firstgear Kenya Jacket
4.3
5
4
4
Looks great, works well, fits OK
I love the look and style of this jacket. The cut is slimmer (as the video review says) and comfortable. The outer fabric is lighter-weight, and the accents are muted, so it doesn't look entirely like a bike jacket.
The waterproofing works well. I expect the thermal insulation works fine (my Firstgear HT pants are plenty warm), but the temp here doesn't get cooler than low 30s (F). Vents let plenty of air through when it's warm-ish, and the jacket is a good windbreaker with vents closed and liner removed.
The armor could be improved. The adjustable pockets are nice but necessary, as the factory armor is a little stiff and bulky. You can get it comfortable by jostling the pads around once you get the jacket on, but would be nice if you didn't have to. Also with the liner removed, the armor pockets catch on my sleeves when putting on the jacket.
April 11, 2013
Warm, well built jacket
I've had a chance to test this out, since we've had a little cold snap in Dallas the past few weeks. It's an excellent jacket that is very warm (I've ridden at 70mph+ in the high 30s, low 40s early in the morning) and also looks really nice in the olive color. It also works up into the 70s once you take the liner out and open up the vents. I don't think I'd wear it much past 75, though. The neoprene on the cuffs of the liner do an excellent job keeping the wind out. I only have a couple of minor nitpicks:
- I wish that the velcro on the net gaiter (an excellent feature, overall) was off to the side. It gets stuck on my helmet strap and can also makes it difficult to tilt my head down because of the stiffness of the velcro patches. I think that if it was off to the side, it would be a little easier to move my head.
- The sizing isn't quite right for me. I'm about 6', but only about 140lbs so I'm pretty thin. I ordered the small, which fits well in the chest and arms but is a little short in the front. The drop tail in the back is the right length, but, depending on how I sit, I get some unwanted airflow up into the front of the jacket. I can mitigate that by tucking my shirt in or making sure I have an undershirt on that's tucked in. It's not a deal-breaker by any means, but it can be irritating.
I haven't tested the durability in a crash yet (thankfully), but the armor stays in place and feels like it would hold up. The material on the shell is very tough, so I don't have any doubts about it's abrasion resistance.
October 30, 2012
Nice Jacket
I purchased an XL kenya in olive , Im 5'9ish stocky build 235lbs 47 chest 45 stomach 38 waist . The jacket fit was good but doesnt feel like it leaves a lot of room for under layers with my build if that is something you are thinking about , but should work fine with a T and fleece under it . All of the zippers felt good minus a little tight spot on the main zipper near the top which I think will be fine after a little use .I have a thick neck and with the button snap at the of the collar is a bit tight even at it largest position , but is bearable and hopefully improves with break in . The jacket sets nice when on the bike with good coverage of the back when leaning forward and doesnt seem to bunch or push up up front. The big pockets up front are great , I tried them out first trip with a trip town . Packed one with an outfit for my baby daughter , a beanie for her and the other with a large bag of jelly belly jelly beans and a magazine . The jacket does well on the road with no flapping at the max cruising speed of my kl250 super sherpa which might not me saying much . So far Ive rode with the jacket in temps from 43 to 68 F and have not opened the vents and have the liner in and have been comfortable in it minus the collar being a little tight and a bit stiff . The color they call olive I really like but I would not call olive , its a dark brown to me close to Walls work clothes dark brown for comparison .I was thinking it was going to be a brownish greenish color but I like it still .
Im happy with the jacket and I normally do not like to do reviews until after I have alot of use on an item but I noticed there was only one other review here on this jacket . Hopefully I can post a update after a good bit of time in the jacket.
October 13, 2012
Better features, but not necessarily a better jacket.
First impressions: This is my second Kenya Jacket; I have the older Kenya Jacket as well. Compared to the polyester version, this is much more comfortable and fit is similar ( I am 5'8" 38"chest, ~155lbs, got a medium; feels slightly large, but was expected), but the fabric feels VERY light weight. I have every confidence in the polyester version level of protection an durability - have even crashed it and it looks almost like new. I, unfortunately, have doubts on how well the new nylon version would hold up in a crash, or abrasion in general - they should have stuck with the polyester.
Likes: New gauntlet cuffs; no more zipper. Nice neoprene cuffs. More comfortable/adjustable neck seal. Love the new snaps on storm flap; much better than the old velcro. Appreciate the relocation of reflective material.
Dislikes: Lighter weight fabric; feels too light. I would rather have a more durable/protective all season jacket than a lighter weight version. Synch straps around arms; just not a big fan of extra doo-dads - I like slim and trim. Relocation of vents to shoulders; I liked older chest vent location. I'm also not sure how weatertight new vents will remain - they seem prone to 'scoop' more water if in heavy rain. also, it might be my imagination, but the lining feels thinner on new version; I can't attest to thermal quality yet, but it feels more 'liner' like and less 'thermal liner' like.
Overall: A good buy, especially at this price point for a comfortable waterproof jacket with good adjustablility/features etc...I just wish FirstGear kept the heavier fabric in favor of more protection/durability.
September 15, 2012
All
All
