I started reviewing this FLM Travel 2.0 jacket in summer 2019 when the temperature was in the high 20s and I’d been melting in a regular waterproof textile jacket. I wanted a heavily vented mesh jacket for touring and adventure riding, and this seemed to do exactly that job.
From the start it felt very good quality with numerous panels, pockets and vents. The jacket has removable thermal and waterproof liners, which both came straight out because it was hot and dry at the time.
Taking out the liners made sizing a slight issue. In most jackets I’m a 2XL with all the liners in place, but I was sick of being left to wear big baggy jackets once the liners were removed. This time, knowing I’d spend more time with the liners out than in, I sized the jacket without liners.
By doing this I ended up in a size large, two down from normal. On the occasions I’ve worn it with the linings in the jacket has been a very tight fit, so I would recommend going one size down from the normal if you want to ride with the linings in.
The most impressive feature of this jacket has been the ventilation, which is exactly what I wanted. When combined with the matching FLM Travel Textile 2.0 jeans there are a massive amount of vents and mesh panels to allow air through.
Two huge panels on the chest cleverly roll up and the flap tucks into a pocket at the bottom of the panel for storage. These vents let in masses of cool air when riding, which is a superb feature. Large exhaust vents on the back, extending up to 10 inches, allow the hot air to escape.
Together, these vents perform very well at keeping me cool, even when I’ve been riding in 30°C temperatures. I feel the sand/brown colour of the jacket also helps as it doesn’t seem to absorb heat like a black jacket would.
Double-ended cuff zips each open up another vented mesh panel – though these don’t flow air as effectively as the chest panel, because the angle of my arms while riding means the vent is pointing to the sky rather than into the windflow.
I’ve found my own solution to this, by leaving the cuff undone to allow air flow up the arm. When I don’t need the extra ventilation the cuff zip does a good job and provides a comfortable and close fitting.
I’ve not found it possible to fit a long gauntlet-style glove underneath this jacket, and have worn this jacket in combination with shorter gloves such as the Weise Wave gloves I reviewed last year.
This is the best vented touring jacket I’ve worn for keeping me cool, and it’s also been effective at lower temperatures once I put the waterproof and thermal linings back in. It held up well through October and into November – it was only when the temperature dipped to just above freezing that it reached its limits.
Although I wouldn’t expect a mesh jacket like this to have waterproofing as a selling feature, the liner works very well and hasn’t leaked once. It secures in place using poppers and is fairly simple to attach or remove.
When removed, the membrane folds up fairly small, so you can squash it in the pocket which runs across the width of the back of the jacket. If you have the matching jeans there is also room to carry the liner for those in the same pocket at the same time, but only by using good folding techniques.
While off-roading I’ve been stuck in fields with rain pouring down on me and I’ve stayed dry throughout. The soft neckline fits closely to stop rain running off my helmet and down my back, a problem I’ve experienced with some jackets.
The waterproof and thermal liners can also be worn casually when removed from the jacket, which is a good way of reducing the weight you carry on a trip as you won’t need to take lightweight jackets to wear in the evenings.
This might be stating the obvious, but the jacket has zero waterproofing ability without the liner in place. Even nipping quickly to the shops will result in a soaking as you’ve probably got a few minutes before you get wet. With the liner in, it’s great.
Another plus is that the fit adjusters are very effective. As well as the ones you find on most jackets – at the top of the arms and at the waist – there’s a clever adjuster on the sides of the chest too. It pulls in any slack on the chest and also slides up and down so it pulls in at the right place. There is also an elasticated toggle adjuster at the hem to help seal out the wind and rain.
CE shoulder and elbow armour is provided with jacket and straight off the hanger both were in the correct position for me, though they can be adjusted if needed. Sadly there is no back protector as standard, but there is a pocket for one and I fitted a Safe-Max RP-1001.
Usually I’m very happy to give a review jacket back and move on to something else, but this time it’s been different. It’s the best jacket I’ve worn on a bike; I’m known for being hard to please but it simply does everything right.
It’s fantastically vented, 100% waterproof and fits great with plenty of adjustment. It’s also half the price of many premium brands, so I’m very impressed.
Fit & Comfort
Aiming to get a great fit without the liners in, I went down two sizes… for those keeping the liners in I would suggest going down one from normal sizing. The jacket has plenty of adjustment features to get a perfect fit.
Protection
The jacket comes with CE-approved elbow and shoulder armour that can be adjusted in position, but sadly no back protector. There is a well positioned back protector pocket for an insert to be added.
Waterproofing
It has remained waterproof throughout heavy downpours, one of which lasted for three hours.
Build quality
I cannot fault this jacket. No manufacturing defects. No signs of wear or tear. Every feature works as it should!
Features
The jacket has great features and easily on a level playing field with some of the high-priced jackets.