The Fox Racing Defend Fire Alpha jacket is for those colder rides, especially if the wind chill is bitterly cold. The fleece lining manages heat well, keeping the cold out while being breathable enough to manage overheating. The sizing is on the small side, and I found the main zip a little fiddly; however, it’s a great cold-weather riding jacket.
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Fox Racing Defend Fire Alpha riding jacket - Technical details
The Defend range from Fox Racing is designed to be tough and durable using robust fabrics and reinforced construction in the right places. The Defend Fire Alpha is a riding jacket for colder conditions and uses a softshell outer and fleece-lined inner.
The softshell outer is made from a blend of nylon, polyester, and elastane which is designed to have a little stretch to it whilst being tough to deal with “trail-related abuse”. The interior is fully lined with Polartec’s Alpha fleece material (a tufted insulation layer to keep heat in).
The collar lining finishes off the material range with a suede addition to keep things comfortable against the skin.
It's designed to be a relaxed fit with plenty of room for movement. The tail is longer than you’d expect from a normal jacket to keep dirt and debris at bay while riding, and this uses an elasticated hem around the bottom to keep it in place. The cuffs are shaped to help compliment the riding position, and there is an elasticated inner cuff to keep out cold air.
Storage is taken care of with two usual hand pockets and a large pocket across the lower back, these are secured with a zip.
The Defend Fire Alpha jacket is available in five sizes S-XL and two colourways (black and brown/black).
Fox Defend Fire Alpha riding jacket - Performance
I’ve always found the sizing of Fox Racing's clothing to be a little conservative, so I sized up from my usual medium to a large, resulting in a very comfortable fit. My average build fills the jacket nicely without feeling tight or restrictive, yet it isn’t baggy. The arm length is perfect on and off the bike, and I like the inner cuffs, which do a great job of keeping the cold out but also feel soft against the skin. The elasticated hem around the bottom of the jacket has a slight weight to it, hugs the body securely, and keeps the dirt and debris out.
The fleece inner is a full lining that goes all the way down the arms and covers the torso, it’s soft enough to be against the skin and I’ve regularly worn the jacket with just a t-shirt underneath for the more mild winter days. The fleece can get a little clingy when sweaty and this is extenuated if you try to put the jacket on with wet (from rain or sweat) arms – a minor gripe but it is annoying so I recommend a base layer for these occasions.
The fleece lining is effective at keeping the bitter wind chill out and the heat in. I’ve been impressed at how well the jacket regulates heat while being fairly minimal in bulk. For a jacket of this nature, the ventilation is impressive. The Polartec Alpha fleece lining is breathable enough to do a great job resisting overheating for longer than I expected.
The outer shell is tough for a softshell jacket and is resistant to the odd shower but heavier downpours will find their way in.
There is plenty of generous storage available and the zips keep things secure. The main zipper is a little small and fiddly, especially if you are trying to close the jacket while wearing gloves. That said, all the zips have pull-tags that are easy to use even with a gloved hand.
Fox Defend Fire Alpha riding jacket - Verdict
Retailing at £260, the Fox Defend Fire Alpha jacket isn’t cheap but is a solid performer, which keeps you warm and comfortable in cold winter conditions. Another great performing softshell jacket is the £200 Gore C5 GWS Thermo Trail jacket. I reviewed this earlier in the year and it’s very comfortable and warm with plenty of storage.
For a little more money, the Castelli Unlimited Puffy jacket is an option at £280. Yes, it's expensive but features a similar lofty fleece lining and Matt praised it for its comfort, breathability, and packability.
The Fox Defend Fire Alpha riding jacket is tough, well-cut and impressively warm. The jacket has plenty of storage and has been designed with riding in mind. The jacket is a great companion for riding on a colder day, especially when there is a bitter wind chill.