The last few winters, I’ve been entrenched in a never-ending quest for the perfect winter jacket. Let me explain. I own a few winter riding jackets. All keep me warm or dry in a number of conditions. Yet, I still feel, each time out on a winter ride, I’m missing something. It could be 30 degrees and raining or 20 and snowing. I have jackets that are warm but not waterproof, winter shells that are windproof, but not very insulated and extremely warm jackets that just do not provide enough ventilation.
As I’ve said in the past, I don’t work for any of the companies I review. I do not get paid to review a product. I purchase each product for my personal use, wear it or ride it, enjoy it or not.
This year, I took a chance on Bontrager’s Old Man Winter Jacket. As you know, I tend to overdress when the temps get low. This leads to shedding layers midway down the trail. Fortunately the OMW provides plenty of ventilation, via two large zippered chest vents that are hydration pack compatible. I need to have a jacket that will keep me warm in a multitude of conditions. But the ability to fully ventilate, makes this jacket killer!
When your out on a ride and the skies open up, rain, snow and sleet tend to fall. Having a hood helps, but having a hood with a Boa Dial that cinches down around your helmet, makes a cold, wet ride seem like a cold, wet ride where you stay warm and dry.
Bontrager’s Profila softshell fabric, powered by 37.5 active particle technology provides what I believe is the warmest softshell on the market. There are warmer jackets, but at this weight, you’d be hard pressed to find something warmer. Storage is provided by two spacious zippered hand pockets and two zippered chest pockets. There are also two internal drop pockets. The semi fitted cut, with double cord adjustment at the waist, keeps water and other liquids from hitting your body. The radioactive orange color makes this jacket a bright choice for riding through hunting season or any season.
Bottom Line: Finally, I have a jacket that checks all the boxes. If you want a winter jacket, that’s light, warm, waterproof and well ventilated with a Boa Dial hood, this is definitely the jacket for you! Bontrager calls it a MTB jacket. I call it an anything jacket. Get it, you won’t be sorry!
ridingmilford.com 
Can you comment on the sizing of the jacket. I’m looking at buying one and curious how the sleeve length is compared to other products. long/short?
LikeLike
The jackets are pretty true to size. I normally wear a large jacket, but sized up to an XL to be able to layer under. I’m happy with the XL, but probably could have gotten away with a large.
LikeLike
Thanks for this review – the jacket looks promising. When shopping for new winter shoe covers I came across the Old Man Winter (OMW) boot. They were on sale so I bought them – just in time for the coldest winter in years! At -26 degrees my feet stayed toasty!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good review! How waterproof and breathable is it for use purely as a rain shell? Would it suffice (as well as, say, heavy-duty GoreTex) if you were outside for a long time? It’s time for me to replace a 15-year-old all-purpose North Face jacket, and now that I’ve started riding a lot, I’m shopping beyond my usual sources. I’m loving the look of the pockets and vents – really convenient – but if this is going to be my only fall/winter/spring and maybe thunderstorm-summer shell, I want to be sure it’s waterproof.
LikeLike
Hi Charlie,
I would say, probably water repellant. It’s very breathable. The jacket has zip down vents that really make a difference. It’s super warm as well. It’s become my go to winter riding jacket.
I do not know your size, but Action Bikes and Outdoor in Milford, PA has a large and XL , both in the Orange color, on sale for $190.
LikeLike
Thanks! I’ll probably opt for something more waterproof, but I appreciate your thorough review and quick reply. As someone whose spiritual home is in Pennsylvania – also the start of my own grand low-tech adventure – I’m glad I found your website. All the best to you!
LikeLike
Good review. I’m a Xl, but got a XXL thinking I had to size up for layers, but I think the XXl is to big. I can wear a base, and 3 thermel jerseys under it. Any thoughts? The XL I could do the same, but it got a little tight. I think 4 layers is over kill, even in cold Wisconsin
LikeLike
I like having some room to move around. But yes, 3 or even 4 layers might be overkill. I guess it depends on what the temperature is each day that your riding. We’ve been lucky so far with tempts hanging around the high teens at night and close to 30 during the day.
Stay warm.
LikeLike
Thanks. In your opinion, if I have room in the xl with 3 layers that should work right? Thanks
LikeLike