Our team reviews Exquisite jackets from Icon 1000 and Malle London. Add to that a glove that blends classic style with Mad Max sensibility.
Icon 1000 Upstate riding flannel I could learn about the device for hours, but I barely have anything to say about the Icon 1000’s Upstate riding suit. That’s exactly what’s great about it. In theory, it’s a simple riding vest that blends style and safety — and in the real world, it does exactly what it says on the tin.
From the outside, the only things that give the Upstate a specific equestrian character are the Cordura reinforcement panels on the elbows and a subtle reflective stripe at the rear. As for the rest, it’s a piece that will blend in perfectly with your casual wardrobe.
Available in either blue or orange, the exterior not only looks good, but has a great hand. It’s heavy in its texture, but soft to the touch, like a proper heritage felt. Inside, you’ll find a mesh lining and a full set of D30 armor — including a generous back guard and two placement options for elbow pads.
The Upstate is warm enough for mild to mildly chilly weather — and as it gets colder, the long and wide cut leaves plenty of room for layering with a jacket or sweater. (Plus, it’s a godsend for dads like me.) In terms of size, Icon’s chart fits perfectly, so go for it.
A heavy duty YKK zipper is on the front, covered by a spoiler that is locked down with thumbscrews. The zipper is a two-way affair, so you can leave the bottom open if the jacket’s longer cut doesn’t suit your riding position. The collar is also secured with thumbtack so it doesn’t wobble in the wind.
You also get two chest pockets, two zippered hand warmers, and a Napoleon pocket on the inside, which includes a St. Christopher miniatures in the style of Icon. The breast pocket flaps can be folded and stowed in hidden recesses, revealing a pair of mesh air vents. It’s a smart idea, but it’s a bit unwieldy with gloves on and doesn’t add much airflow. Fair consideration has been given to the cuff zips, which have mesh gussets that allow air into the sleeves during warmer rides.
My only concern is that Upstate’s mesh lining might itch my bare skin when I’m just wearing a t-shirt underneath. But it’s a small thing – and it hasn’t stopped it from becoming a staple in my toolbox.
Checked by Wes Reyneke | Love and cherish How it looks, fits and feels Can do without Unnecessary pocket vents Price $225 – $240 | Buying
Icon 1000 Outdrive Gloves The Portland-based device maker loves to play around with nostalgic themes with their gear, and their Outdrive gloves are a prime example of this. It’s a short-wrist design that takes cues from classic driving gloves and blends a bit of Mad Max-inspired style.
The real trick here is that the Outdrive is much lighter than it looks — without sacrificing durability. It’s made from a synthetic material called Ax Laredo, which looks like aged leather and has excellent abrasion resistance. Thankfully I haven’t tested the Outdrive on impact, but I do have another pair of Ax Laredo gloves from Icon, and they resist normal wear and tear.
Additional protection comes from an additional Ax Laredo panel on the palm, and a D30 section at the top hidden behind a carbon-like knuckle guard. The knuckle guards add a little extra stiffness to an extremely supple and comfortable glove. That helps Icon designed it with boxy front curved fingers and a padded accordion panel on the back of the hand.
All Outdrive’s fine details are designed to be as stealthy as they are stylish. Perforations scattered throughout not only look good, but also increase airflow, making this glove a warmer weather glove. And Icon’s branding is equally sophisticated.
Like most gloves I own, my pair has a bit of a scuff here and there — but it’s easy to tidy up and nothing to undo. That aside, the Outdrive looks well-made, and the zipper and padlock on the wrist have yet to show any signs of wear. As for using a smartphone with it, it does have a bit of a bump and miss, and I’d love to see Icon throw the touchscreen-specific fingertips into the mix.
I’m a fan of Icon’s shorter gloves and neo-classic look, and Outdrive ticks both of those boxes for me. Add maximum comfort, extra knuckle protection and a reasonable purchase price, and there’s a lot to love.
Tested by Wes Reyneke | Love and cherish Sneaky style Can do with Better touch screen compatibility Price $55 | Buying
Malle’s racer jacket Our friends at Malle London strike the perfect balance between classic style and modern functionality in their Racer Jacket. I got mine in 2019 on the Great Malle Rally, where we traveled 1,500 miles in five days from the southernmost point of the UK to the northernmost point of Scotland. Rain or shine, my ass was in the saddle, and it was these rides that informed the design and functionality of Malle gear.
Made from British waxed canvas with a waterproof membrane, the Racer will keep you safe and dry. The British understood better than anyone the importance of preparing for the inevitable trek through the soggy countryside.
The jacket features extendable sleeves, vents, seven pockets including two inside pockets for your umbrella, and a headphone port so you can stay connected. For protection, there are two layers of wear-resistant Kevlar and Knox’s five-piece racing armor set on the back, shoulders, and elbows. The asymmetrical front zipper accentuates the classic café racer flair while maintaining a modern aesthetic and cut.
The fit is true to size but with the density and amount of material in the jacket it can fit so pay attention to the size chart provided by Malle. Finally, the Malle London Racer jacket is chic, functional and the perfect addition to any cafe racer image.
Checked by Gregory George Moore | Love and cherish Classic style and weatherproof Attention Snug Sizing Price £449 | Buying
Icon 1000 images of Devin Paisley | With thanks Triumph Cape Town
