Halvarssons Racken leather jacket in black

New for 2022 is the Racken jacket that matches with the Rinn pant to create an all-leather, touring suit. It replaces the Celtic suit that was in the Halvarssons range for many years.

The chassis of the jacket is made from nappa leather. Nappa leather is full-grain leather that has been treated in the tanning process for extra softness; and indeed the Racken jacket is very soft and comfortable. The concertina stretch panels behind the shoulders and beneath the neck also play their part when it comes to comfort.

What marks the Racken out from most leather jackets is that it is backed with a waterproof membrane. Now in heavy and prolonged rain you really do not want to be wearing leather. But some people simply prefer to ride in leather, and if you want to ride in leather and be protected from the elements, you might want to look at the Racken. But let us be clear about one thing. In really heavy rain, the Racken will soon ‘wet out’; it will quickly find its level of incompetence, as it were. In an hour or so’s rain it will be fine; but in a two or three hour downpour you will start to feel very cold. But no problem. You won’t be riding in such conditions all the time; and if you do you find yourself in such a deluge you merely put your Scott waterproof jacket on over the top.  Then you’ll never wet out.

In both hot and cold weather you will find that the fixed Outlast lining in the Racken will help regulate your temperature. A TFL COOL coating will reduce the effect of the sun’s heat on a warm day. You also get vent zips in the sleeves and in the back for air flow.

The Racken is a particularly protective suit. It is rated AAA under EN17092, and comes with Halvarssons’ new, softer Level 2 armour in the shoulders and elbows. The jacket will take a back protector, and we would recommend something from D3O. It will take a T8 or T9, and you will need it to be with Velcro, as that is what keeps the armour attached in the Racken. You could go for Halvarssons’ own back protector, but we don’t offer it because we don’t think it’s very comfortable. Another optional extra is a set of chest protectors.

The jacket comes with three zip pockets on the front and a small one inside the jacket. At the ends of the sleeves you get zips to open the cuffs up. You also get a popper adjustment system at the waist. A full-length zip allows you to connect the jacket to any Halvarssons or Rukka pant.

This is a beautifully soft and comfortable jacket. You could wear it on its own, but it will work better when paired with the matching Rinn pant. Leather may not be the obvious, or even the best, option when it comes to touring, but if you simply prefer to go on tour in leather this jacket and its matching pant may be something you should look at.