• Parrot Dynamo jacket
• £60
• Parrot
• 0870 998 8001

The UK’s variable weather makes it almost essential to have a good variety of clothing layers, and Parrot’s new Dynamo jacket aims to be a versatile part of your wardrobe. As with all Parrot garments, it’s a simple in concept and design, being a straightforward wind-resistant fleece jacket with a smattering of useful features.

The panels under the arms are of a thin, fleece-backed stretch fabric for freedom of movement and added cooling, and you get drawcords at waist and neck. There’s a fleece panel behind the top of the full-length front zip to stop it scratching your neck, although the lining of the collar isn’t the most comfortable. You get a large rear zip pocket, a smaller chest pocket that’s big enough for a map (although it could be easier to actually get a map in it) and reflective piping on the back and shoulders.

The cut is pretty straight, giving room for a couple of thin layers underneath. The waist drawcord lets you pull the hem in and there’s a slight drop tail. The stretchy cuffs let you push the adequately-long sleeves up if things start to get slightly warm.

In use it’s comfy and warm, although skinnier riders may find they want something with a slightly closer cut. The fabric’s definitely wind resistant rather than windproof – if the breeze gets up a gilet is a useful supplement. We’d tend to use it more as a mid-layer, although if it’s cold but fairly still it’s fine without a shell.

Positives: Good value, unpretentious, warm

Negatives: You’ll need another layer if it’s properly windy

Perfectly competent fleece midlayer at a decent price

Performance: 4/5
Value: 4/5
Overall: 4/5