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By: Jeanette Tran - Dec 23, 2009 Click on images to enlarge 
After moving back to the Bay Area, I really wanted to purchase a nice cold weather riding jacket. I searched for such a long time, and I have finally been able to find it, and not to mention at a great price. Firstgear has a closeout on their 2009 riding apparel where you can save up to 78% off. The jacket that caught my eye was the Women’s Monarch Jacket, which is probably about 78% off MSRP. I am always skeptical about purchasing apparel online without first trying it on, but I was happy upon receiving my purchase to find out that the sizing chart they provide online is quite accurate. First off, armor and protection, as well as function, are important to me when looking for any type of riding gear. This jacket provides sturdy protection with the KNOX® CE-approved shoulder and elbow armor, in addition to it’s weather resistant function. The jacket is also lined with reflective strips along the arms and along the back. The jacket has a 2-way zipper system that zips past the typical neckline, and can be closed even further by buttons. The 2-way zipper definitely comes in handy for adjusting to riding position so that it is not restricting the leg and hip area. Half way up the zipper, the jacket also has a hidden exterior pocket on the left side that is convenient and large enough to place cell phones, or any other objects. This feature provides you easy access to your personal belongings without having to unzip the jacket. Also, all the external zippers on the jacket are double closure zippers that keep out any water and wind that might try to seep in while riding. The front of the jacket also has two large front pockets which has a double closure zipper that fold over itself from the top to better secure any items that might need to be frequently pulled out, such as maps. The two front pockets also have hidden pockets on the side for regular hand warming comfort. The jacket liner also provides a nice layer to keep out the cold. The liner is anchored in by little snap strap buttons in 7 different locations (2 per sleeve, 1 neck, 2 on the lower back) in order to ensure the jacket stays in place and does not ride up while riding. The inside of the liner has a cell phone pocket on the left inside panel, and a larger pocket on the right. Upon taking off the liner, which happens to be stylish enough to be worn separately, the original jacket does not lose the inside pockets. Without the liner, the inside of the jacket still has pockets on both the left and right side, which is nice. The jacket also comes with a foam back protector as well as a 10” zipper in order to connect and hold riding pants in place. Also, the jacket comes with a thin hood liner that will fit comfortably under a helmet and protect the neck from any rain. This hood can be tucked away when not in use into the collar of the jacket. After fiddling with all of the pockets and other functions on the jacket, I took it out and put it to the test. I took the jacket out and rode on the freeway for a good 20 minutes on a night that was at least 40 deg F. While riding, I noticed that the only parts of my body that were really cold ended up being my hands and legs and the gaps between my wrist and neck, which were not covered by the jacket. The jacket is thick enough to keep me warm, but wasn’t so bulky that it had prevented me from riding comfortably on my bike. Seeing as how the jacket was able to keep me warm under those conditions, I would say that the jacket passes my test. I highly recommend this jacket to any other female rider out there that is in search of a warm riding jacket.
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