Wednesday, February 1

Olympia Nomad Jacket Review

Brand new for 2012, the Olympia Nomad Jacket complements the X-Moto in the line of true four-season all-weather jackets from Olympia. Featuring the MVP (Mega Vent Panel) System for extreme ventilation, and with very flexible configurations, the Olympia Nomad offers the touring rider with a transitional jacket that will truly get you through the entire year in any condition that Mother Nature throws your way. The Nomad pairs up easily with the all-season X-Moto pants from Olympia, and is the replacement for the GT Air Transition Jacket in the Olympia lineup. Touting improved functionality and a more aesthetic design, the Olympia Nomad Jacket will solve a lot of riders' woes in 2012.

Check out our Olympia Nomad Jacket Review:




The shell of the Nomad is a mix of premium materials, with the MVP system utilizing ballistic airflow mesh, and 500D Cordura in the main chassis and 2000D Cordura in impact areas. This is one of the very few jackets we carry that utilizes 2000D Cordura, offering an enormous amount of abrasion resistance. While that is excellent in its own right, the other big feature on this jacket is that it will flow 30% more air than the GT Air Transition Jacket. This is thanks to not only the redesigned vent panels which are larger than before, but also the addition of the underarm vent panels. Speaking of the mega vents, they zip closed and velcro down in cold weather, but can be opened and tucked securely away into strategic pockets when it's hot out. (at right)

We've seen other manufacturers try to achieve comparable results and their efforts have resulted in clunky and cumbersome gear. With the Nomad, Olympia has designed a truly transitional jacket with two huge chest vents, two arm intakes, and two large back exhausts. All of these can be sealed closed when it's cold or opened for immense airflow when it's warm. Beyond that, there is a standalone two stage liner jacket featuring a waterproof breathable shell and removable Thermolite liner for warmth. The shell of the liner jacket is made of resilient ripstop nylon, and it's nice to see the finishing touches such as the very comfortable material that lines the high collar. There are also two waterproof pockets and an inner cell phone pocket on the liner jacket.

In addition to the CE rated Motion Flex armor found in the shoulders and elbows, the Nomad also comes equipped with a CE level 1 Motion Flex back protector, which is a nice upgrade over a standard foam pad. For visibility at night, there is 3M Scotchlite reflective piping at the back, front and sides, with thermowelded reflective panels (first seen on the AST 2 Jacket) on the side of each arm. The Nomad has five external storage pockets in addition to one inner pocket for a cell phone. The shell features a neoprene lined collar for comfort against the neck and there is adjustability at the collar, cuffs, elbows and waist for a comfort fit and accommodation of most body types. Lastly, there is an 8" connection zip to pair up with Olympia textile pants in addition to jeans loops.

The Olympia Nomad Jacket is truly one of the more unique products we've seen in the last year or so. With an insane amount of venting, true four-season functionality, and a hi-viz option, this is guaranteed to be a hit amongst tourers who need this degree of versatility. Rocking this jacket in 35º or 100º F weather, you'll be comfortable no matter the condition. Being able to use the waterproof breathable liner and the thermal liner together or separate truly affords the multi-season rider with a lot of flexibility.

To see comparable choices, visit our all weather motorcycle jacket section at RevZilla.com.

-RetroZilla

Related:
Olympia Switchback Jacket Review
Olympia Nova 2 Hi-Viz Vest Review

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