Rukka Nivala 2.0 jacket in black / yellow

The Rukka Nivala 2.0 jacket, as the name might suggest, is the replacement for what will now be known as the Nivala 1. The original Nivala was a terrific suit; it was  probably the most comfortable Gore-Tex Pro-Shell laminate outfit ever. And perhaps because of this it proved to be one of Rukka’s most popular ever. A new version was only introduced because the stretch fabric used by Rukka in the first iteration has been discontinued. 

The Nivala 2 jacket has much in common with its predecessor. It is constructed using a 3-Layer Gore-Tex Pro-Shell laminated fabric. Waterproofing simply doesn’t get better than this. The main zip is an Aquaseal zip; and as a further barrier to water ingress you also get a storm flap. Neoprene lines the jacket’s collar, and this serves two purposes. It aids comfort at the neck, but also serves to catch any rain trying to enter the jacket. Finally, the jacket features GTX cuffs that stop any water getting up the sleeves and into the gloves.

Like the original Nivala, the new version also uses a stretch fabric, making it extremely comfortable to wear both on and off the bike. Highly abrasion-resistant Armacor features at the elbows and shoulders for added strength. The armour in the elbows and shoulders is Level 2, D30 XTR. As is the back protector. You also get a Level 1 chest protector.

Venting is also in pretty plentiful supply, with vents on the shoulders and arms, across the back and up the flanks.

Like its predecessor, the Nivala 2 comes equipped with a 90% duck down/10% duck feather inner jacket. This doesn’t clip into the outer jacket, and can be worn as a standalone jacket off the bike. This side of something powered by the bike’s battery, a down jacket is the warmest thing you can wear on the bike. The jacket can be folded into a small pouch when it’s not in use.

There’s an integrated neck collar that serves to both reduce the effects of wind chill and to catch the rain as it rolls off the helmet and tries to enter the collar of the jacket. You get two front, hand-warmer pockets and a pocket at the back of the jacket. It would be best to consider these pockets as water-resistant rather than waterproof. There are two properly waterproof pockets inside the jacket.

In Europe, Rukka’s jackets are only warranted for two years, so if you order this jacket from a European seller that is the only warranty you will get. Only if you buy the jacket from a UK seller will you enjoy the full six-year warranty.

The jacket that comes with a zip that will allow it to be zipped into any Rukka, or Halvarssons, pant. The jacket is available in continental sizes 46 (36” chest) up to 66 (56” chest).