Review: Merlin Axe Hydro waterproof Kevlar riding shirt

I’m about a month in now with this excellent Axe Hydro waterproof and Kevlar riding shirt, and while I haven’t done that much riding in the rain (mainly ‘cos riding in the rain’s no fun no matter how good your gear is), I did get caught in a wee shower on a run and, while the outer of the shirt did feel damp because of it, inside both me and the stuff in my pockets remained bone-dry. I have a pair of Merlin’s waterproof and armoured combats from years ago, and they’re still perfectly waterproof all these years later, so I have high expectations of the shirt, y’know?

The dropped rear hem keeps the wind from going up your back too, and the pockets’re easily big enough for your ‘phone, your wallet, and your keys, and I’ve really only needed a long-sleeve, a t-shirt, and a hoodie under it on days when the temperature’s above 5-degrees C.

As I said last month, the Axe Hydro’s available in red/black (which’s what I’ve got) or grey/black in sizes S to 4XL, and RRP (including VAT) is £179.99. Get yours from anywhere that stocks the Merlin range or www.merlinbikegear.com – highly recommended!