Review: Nalini Palombo Jacket

We mentioned Nalini’s Palombo jacket in one of our Interbike Vendor Spotlights, and we were happy to be able to get one for review. The jacket arrived a few weeks ago, just as the colder temperatures were starting to really take hold here in southern Ohio.

The Palombo is new to Nalini’s line this year, and their website targets the jacket for temperatures between 27 and 43 degrees Fahrenheit (-3 to +6 degrees Celsius), with the observation that since everyone reacts to temperatures differently their numbers can only be a guide. Upon seeing the jacket, I have to admit that I had doubts about its ability to provide enough warmth at the lower end of that scale, but I can definitely say that it did just fine for me down into the upper 20s.

The unisex, stretchable jacket is made using Nalini’s Vuelta and Mantovent materials, as well as Teflon for water and stain repellency. Vuelta is an elastic fabric made with Lycra, while Mantovent refers to a polyurethane membrane that provides wind protection. With the talk of Teflon, as well as the Mantovent membrane, I was worried a bit about breathability, but those fears proved unfounded.

As mentioned, the jacket was plenty warm for me on a somewhat windy day with the temperatures hovering just below 30 degrees. I rode at a decent clip for an hour or so and was warm from the very start, yet did not find myself getting overheated as I got further into the ride. The Palombo features an inner, hooded vest with a separate zipper that can be pulled up to cover your chin and mouth. When I was all zipped up, I felt that the material dealt with moisture from breathing well. I was, of course, dampening the inside of the fabric somewhat, but it didn’t feel cold on my face at all.

I was also in the Palombo on a drippy day where the temperatures were closer to 50° F (10° C). There was continual light rain, but not enough to produce any puddling in the streets. Once again, the jacket kept me nice and comfy, providing all the water repellency that I needed.

The jacket has a very good look and is available in white, black or red. It has a large, zippered rear pocket and reflective bands to help the rider be seen at night. As a sizing reference, I’m 6’2″ (1.88 m), wear a 40″ (102 cm) jacket, and a size medium Palombo fit me very well. I’m more legs than anything though, so longer-waisted folks may want to size up to insure that the inner vest fully covers their torso.

Product Information:

Price: $350 MSRP

Colors: Red (tested), white, and black

Pros:

• Lightweight, warm, wind and water repellent

• Zippered inner vest with hood provides some temperature flexibility

• Reflective bands for safety

• Attractive style

Cons:

• Only one pocket (though it is large)

• Lacks zippered vents to allow further temperature tuning

Rating: 4 (of 5) bikes

Disclosure: Nalini sent these products to BikeWorldNews.com for review.

Tags: Nalini, nalini palombo jacket, review