Altura Night Vision Evo Waterproof Cycling Jacket

Review from road.cc

The original Night Vision was an instant commuter favourite, combining massive reflectivity with Altura's proven ability to knock out good quality kit at sensible prices. This latest version turns the knob up to 11, this is one seriously bright jacket with more reflective surfaces than a glitter ball.

Altura pitch this as a waterproof jacket and our glorious summer weather very kindly assisted in testing this facility to the full. Post-ride the jacket felt pretty damp inside, but that had more to do with condensing sweat than rain soaking through. The plush two-layer fabric (more like a softshell than a normal waterproof) and mesh lining give it a luxurious feel, but they also make it very warm. Long pit-zips and a mesh vent between your shoulder blades help somewhat, but on a human kettle like me they struggled to hold back the tide. The answer is to take things a little more easily and not to treat the commute like the run-in to a bunch sprint.

Of course the main selling point is the dazzling show that the various reflective bits put on in the headlights. These bits come in a variety of flavours, stuck-on patches, heavy duty velcro straps and strips down the front zip. Oh, and a removable lightstick mounted on the rear. Some of the Mk1 Night Visions had a problem with the stuck on patches coming adrift, but Zyro assured us that the quality control process has been improved, with the result that many fewer items are returned. Perhaps they've got a hotter iron? The same goes for the zips, which have also been improved following user feedback. Zyro claim they are "among the smoothest running waterproof zips around". I'm not about to carry out a massive group test of waterproof zips but I had no problem with these. They've all got nice long toggles on them too, which makes life easier on the road, especially as there are two handpockets, a chest pocket and a rear pocket to stash your stuff in.

If you're in the market for a well made winter commuting jacket that also doubles up as a valuable safety aid then this is about as good as it gets.

In conclusion...

Top quality commuter jacket that just loves to show off in the spotlight.

Rating: 8/10