The PNW Lander Jacket Review
Loyal to customer requests and fueled by a desire to offer durable and functional goods at a reasonable price, PNW Components has entered the apparel sector. A range of men’s and women’s jerseys, shorts, and now their latest, the Lander Jacket. A robust and stylish foul weatherproof jacket.
Over two years of work have culminated in a combination of thoughtful, technical details and understated aesthetics so you don’t feel like an overly-sponsored NASCAR driver when on a ride (but that’s cool if that’s what you’re going for). Most importantly, PNW’s aim, as always, was to make sure each product married functionality and durability at a reasonable price point.
Following the same standards as their bike components, PNW’s new apparel line offers garments that are affordable, hold up to the elements, and can be trusted for the long haul. To kick it all off, we got our hands on the new Lander jacket and were left very impressed with what we found.
As you’d expect, the hood is helmet-compatible with plenty of room to spare.
There is no fear of getting lost in the bush with this colour.
Lander Jacket Key Features
The Lander jacket features a Water-Resistant DWR Coating, so although not 100% waterproof it has been designed for poor weather conditions. Drizzly, colder windy riding conditions. Those days when you need that extra layer of protection.
The jacket is made from an Abrasion Resistant 4-way Stretch Fabric which has been used for its super-stretchy characteristics. This was chosen so as to not impede body movements whilst riding or hike-a-biking.
As you’d expect, the Lander jacket also features a Helmet-Compatible Hood and can easily accommodate most open-face helmets with plenty of room to spare. It has a single rear and two front toggles to adjust the closure of the opening.
In terms of storage, it features two ample-sized zipped front mesh pockets but at the rear of the jacket is the pièce de résistance. It’s what is known as a “Pop Tart Pocket System”. It’s a large mesh fabric section that has been organised into individual storage compartments. There is also a belt that loops and ties this storage system down to reduce bouncing.
Like all PNW Components branded products, the apparel is covered by the same Lifetime Warranty. PNW will cover any failure due to a manufacturing defect and will repair or replace it, at their discretion, without charge to the original owner. Of course, all of the common-sense caveats apply here as well.
The rear panel drops lower than the front providing great coverage from trail dirt.
The stitching and overall construction are of a very high standard. The Lander jacket exudes quality, through and through.
On The Trails
Some waterproof jackets, due to the materials used, restrict body movement on the bike and result in a poor riding experience. It can be very off-putting when needing to twist into a turn or pull up hard on take-offs to find your jacket is literally holding you back. Well, the Lander won’t do any of that with the 4-way Stretch Fabric. The jacket just stretches as you move. We really liked this and felt it was a key aspect of the jacket.
Another key feature of this jacket is its ability to dry incredibly quickly when riding along which was mainly due to the number of mesh pockets it features. Everything under the surface is practically mesh. Although not 100% waterproof, it is a great option for when you need just a little more protection against the elements than a long-sleeved jersey.
The Helmet-Compatible Hood is very roomy and we had no issues fitting our helmets under it. The three adjustment toggles kept the hood cinched down to the helmet when riding fast, and visibility was excellent due to the large opening and oval side profile allowing for good peripheral vision.
If you need to carry a bit of gear with you, then the Lander jacket can certainly accommodate this. As well as the two front pockets the main “Pop Tart Pocket System” is where it really shines. The large mesh pocket at the rear of the jacket has two massive zippered openings on each side. This allows you to access these pockets very easily whilst still sitting on the bike.
The best part by far though is the “anti-flop” feature, which is just a lightweight belt that loops around the mesh pockets and your waist, bringing the whole load close to your body and thus reducing the gear bouncing around on your back. A simple design but very effective.
It’s also worth mentioning the “fit for purpose” details the Lander jacket features, such as the angled cut on the sleeves which seem to work perfectly when riding, and the lower back panel to reduce muddy bottom syndrome. It’s the attention to detail that really impressed us with this jacket.
The Pop-Tart Pocket System. A sweet design!
Anti-Flop belt. Simple but very effective.
The two large front mesh zippered pockets. Breezy!
Conclusions
PNW has bravely stepped into the apparel sector and has achieved it with great triumph. The Lander jacket is a great option if you’re looking for a mid-weight jacket that offers more than a wind shell but is not as full-on as a 100% waterproof jacket. With highly stretchy water-resistant materials that do not restrict movement, a ton of storage options, and a helmet-compatible hood, the Lander is a very stylish foul-weather jacket that stands out from the crowd.
The Lander jacket is a real winner in our books with its fine looks and exceptional quality construction. PNW is a brand that listens to its customers and creates products that reflect their passion.
Price / Where to buy?
PNW Lander Jacket: $149.00 USD
Head on over to the PNW website for more info. Fingers crossed it will be landing in Australian stores very soon.
Colour shown is Super-Nova. Also comes in a dark green (Netron).
