Hi!
Tomorrow we launch our new Gravel Jacket and Pant.
We've been designing, prototyping and refining this gear for the last five years.
Chris rode a very early prototype from Portugal back to the UK on the TET in 2020. This was the first time the Gravel had been ridden 'in the wild'.
Dave has ridden around the UK in it. Note the old style reflective strips and branding that we changed. We also moved the knee abrasion panels. They had been positioned for standing not sitting. We also did quite a bit of work getting the new knee armour to sit correctly.
Chris and I have ridden it through a wet British summer and cold winter (watch the film here). We were trying to understand performance in prolonged rain.
Davy put big miles on up in Scotland (watch the film here). This helped us understand the Gravel Jacket and Pant's long distance comfort, and how it worked with our layers.
Sam from Wilderness Wheels rode it through the Moroccan desert just a few weeks ago. It was about 25 to 28°C so warm but not boiling hot.
Jim was recently in our Bulgaria factory fine tuning the waterproof seam taping, watch the film here.
Each time we've been out riding the Gravel prototype has taken a step forward.
Ride.
Learn.
Tweak.
Ride.
Learn.
Tweak.
One of our last prototypes was sent to Steve who runs Biker BnB Adventures.
Steve puts thousands of miles on a year as he guides tours through Scotland, Spain and Morocco.
Steve delivers the rider briefing (to Mr Charlie Boorman in the white suit no less!).
It was his time spent in the highlands that got my attention. Just a few days up there can expose you to everything from roasting sunshine to torrential rain and sub zero nights.
I asked Steve if he could fire over his thoughts so far.
Here's what he had to say...
"My business runs guided adventure tours in Scotland, Spain and Morocco all year round. The new Gravel jacket and trousers have been a critical piece of kit on our trips.
I am on the road and trail over 100 days a year and need quality gear to keep me comfortable, dry and safe in a range of conditions from the Scottish Highlands to the Atlas Mountains.
The design is clearly intentional and balances performance, aesthetics and safety. All the seams are taped, the armour is placed strategically to cover your back, shoulders, elbows, knees and hips. There are tons of pockets.
It is not a heavy piece of kit and can be easily complimented with base layers depending on the conditions.
I usually ride around Scotland and the laminate construction has kept me dry where other jackets have failed.
It’s an understated jacket – I don’t feel like I am going to the moon or standing out from the crowd with flashy logos or piping.
Overall, it’s a comfortable piece of kit that will now feature on all of our adventure tours and hopefully some rally's later this season."
I appreciate that the Adventure Spec story has been very Gravel focussed the last few weeks.
It's a sign of how excited we are to start this new chapter with you.
Thanks for sticking with us.
We launch tomorrow.
See you in the morning.
🙂
Greg Villalobos
The Gravel Jacket and Pant
The all terrain four season adventure touring suit.
Lightweight three layer laminate waterproof performance.
Heavy duty CE AA protection.
Launches tomorrow.
This story was first published in our email Newsletter. Subscribe now for the most ADV email you will get all week!