Having spent the better part of my late teens and early 20s scraping footpegs on the winding mountain roads in California’s San Diego North County, when AGVSport introduced a leather jacket named after the 6,142-foot peak at the heart of the best riding loop in the area, I couldn’t resist. Especially since its new Palomar jacket has a distressed, rugged vintage look (much like myself), which complements older and newer bikes alike.
AGVSport recently reinvented itself and has an all-new line of functional, high-quality apparel at attractive prices, of which the Palomar jacket is a central player. Available in men’s and women’s cuts and sizes, it’s constructed of 1.3-1.4mm buffalo hide that appears well worn and broken-in when new, with perforated leather panels in the sides, arms and across the back for ventilation. Major seams are multi- and triple-stitched with mil-spec thread for safety and strength, and there’s both a 10-inch zipper and belt loop in the lower back for attaching the jacket to pants. Antique brass YKK zippers with storm flaps secure the cuffs and front of the jacket, and the collar, cuffs and adjustable waistband also have snap strap closures. Removable Smooth Ways CE-approved Level 2 armor that stays soft and pliable in cold weather protects the elbow, shoulder and back areas.
The Palomar is cozy and supple right off the hanger, and its medium weight, perforated panels and full mesh lining keep it relatively cool in warm weather. A warm, nicely made zip-in 75-gram thermal vest is included for cooler temperatures. Both the jacket and vest have large, separate media and cargo pockets on the inside, and the jacket has zippered handwarmer pockets outside as well as a zippered wallet pocket in the inner chest.
Classic looks with a soft, already broken-in feel, a nice normal fit (I’m a 45 and the 46 fits well), functional 3-season comfort and lots of storage and solid construction with CE Level 2 protection–the AGVSport Palomar jacket has it all. It comes in the black/red shown or black/gunmetal in men’s sizes 38-54 for $379.99. The women’s version has a flattering feminine cut, identical features and is offered in black/red, black/orange and black/gunmetal in sizes 2-16 for $359.99.
Even if you never have the chance to ride the Palomar Mountain loop, its namesake jacket would make a worthy addition to your riding armory. And if you ride it wearing a Palomar jacket, send us a photo!
For more information, call (800) 777-7006 or visit gearhousepros.com.
