Halvarssons Solberg jacket in dark grey / black

The Halvarssons Solberg is the jacket that replaces the longstanding Wien. Like the Wien it is a drop-liner jacket; that is to say that the waterproof membrane is fixed, but hangs independently inside the outer chassis. But it is a shorter jacket, without the elasticated waist adjuster straps that made the Wien so versatile, and capable of accommodating  such a wide range of shapes and sizes.

One distinguishing feature of the Solberg, visually at least, are the leather panels that cover the shoulders and the elbows. In terms of ventilation, the jacket has vents that run all the way up the sleeves. There are also vents on the chest. And there’s a permanently open exhaust vent on the back of the jacket, beneath a storm flap.

The armour in the Solberg is soft and flexible. It comes as standard, obviously, in the elbows and shoulders. It is Level 2. There’s a pocket for a back protector, but we would go for a D3O Viper in size 9 or XL rather than Halvarssons’ own protector. The jacket is also prepared to take a chest protector.

One of the problem with many jackets is that they are one size with the lining in, and another one with the liner removed. But that is not a problem with the Solberg, as it comes with a thin, fixed Outlast liner. Outlast will provide extra warmth in the winter, and can help a rider stay cool in the summer. But the downside with a fixed liner is that it will prevent air from reaching the body through the vents.

The jacket does have adjusters on the hips, but the jacket also has stretch panels that run up the flanks, and this should ensure a comfortable fit for most. You get three pockets on the outside of the jacket, and one more on the inside.

Obviously, it comes with a long zip that allows it to be connected to any Halvarssons or Rukka jacket.