Hidden away inside the centre of the Charge carousel at Eurobike this year was a load of new Surface clothing. A couple of years since Charge first added clothing to its range, 2012 sees new jackets and in a first for the brand, a backpack.

Most interesting of the new range is the unique looking Ruck Sack. It’s unlike the modern crop of tech-heavy hydration packs, instead featuring a decidedly traditional look with the fabrics, colours and details on display.

Costing £69.99, the Ruck Sack is made from heavy duty 1000 Denier waterproof nylon, with a cover flap held in place with two large metal buckles. Its large 45 litre capacity is divided between laptop pocket and a simple large main compartment. Ensuring it’s comfortable when fully loaded is a pair of 10mm thick shoulder straps, with an additional chest and waist strap to stop it swinging around on the back.

There’s two new jackets next year, the £69.99 Windjamma and the £109.99 Parka. The Windjamma (above) is a lightweight jacket made from a water and wind resistant polyamide material with a full mesh lining and a slim fit.

Sleeves have been articulated to improve the fit when on the bike, and the front is tailored as well. An inner storm flap stops the elements sneaking through the full length zip and stretchy cuffs and waist band keep it all snugged in place. Details include mesh pocket bags and routing for an MP3 player. It’s available in five colours and four sizes.

Last up is the new Parka, a heavier weight jacket than the WIndjamma. It’s made from a 10K breathable waterproof fabric with mesh lining. If you want the ultimate wet weather protection, this is the jacket to pick from the Surface range.

It has a slim but generous fit, again fit is helped with articulated sleeves and the front is tailored to work best when you’re in the ride position. It’s packed to the brim with details, with five zipped pockets, reverse zipper, mesh pocket bags, storm flaps, Velcro cuff adjusters, pit vents, pull-cord waist and good and suede mesh linings. Available in Woodland Green, Orange, Navy Blue and four sizes.

We say:

It’s a nice expansion of the Surface range which has received race reviews from other magazines, and the timely release of two new jackets is a smart move. Many mountain bikers are put off by the overly technical style of modern jackets, but Charge’s offering throws in a healthy dollop of good looks, stuff that wouldn’t look out of place on the high street or in college, which we think can only be a good thing. And made from the latest fabrics with high attention to detail, it’s clear they’ll function just as well as they look.

More at www.surface-clothing.com