GBP
The Balance is the ideal waterproof for multi-adventurists. With a breathable stretch fabric and active cut, it's designed for moving fast and working hard.
The Balance uses a cutting-edge fabric that moves with you, whether reaching for the brakes or the next hand-hold. This fabric allowed us to make the Balance a neater, more active fit for moving quickly in, with a drop hem and longer sleeves to ensure it never rides up.
The hood will fit a climbing helmet should it start bucketing down mid-scramble. But it’s also got a handy stow-away tie if you want it out the way when you’re out on a ride. And a snap closure on the collar allows you to dump extra heat and moisture through the front of your jacket without it flapping about.
The tough nylon and spandex outer is designed for rough use, its in-built stretch reducing the likelihood of snags and tears. And for the backing fabric we’ve used a polyester knit that feels more comfortable against bare skin. This 3-layer material has a hydrostatic head of 20K and a moisture vapour transfer rate of 20K and is treated with a completely PFC-free durable water repellent (DWR).
"We wanted the Balance to be equally as comfortable on the bike as on the north face of Tryfan so the hood is something we spent a lot of time on. We’ve used a design that allows you to easily stow the hood away without taking the jacket off, but it’s also constructed so that the attachment can be easily repaired or removed completely if you decide you won’t use it."
Regular
Hydrostatic Head: 20,000mm
MVTR: 20,000 g/sqm/24 hrs
Outer Fabric: 90% nylon/10% spandex
Membrane: PU membrane
Inner fabric: Polyester knit backer
DWR: PFC Free
M: 405g
Origin: China
Caring For Your DWR
To keep your jacket’s durable water repellent (DWR) treatment in tip-top condition, wash it regularly in pure soap or a specialist cleaner. You may also need to refresh the treatment about once or twice a year (depending on usage) using a reproofer. Using a spray-on reproofer maintains your jacket's wicking ability.
Washing Instructions
Wash on a delicate cycle at 30˚C or hand wash with lukewarm water. Use a technical wash product (like Nikwax Tech Wash or Grangers Performance Wash) or pure soap. DO NOT use detergent, fabric conditioners or softeners. Rinse thoroughly in clean water. Line dry or tumble dry on low heat. You can also use a cool iron to reactivate the DWR.
PFC-Free DWR
The Balance uses a completely PFC-free DWR treatment on its outer fabric. PFCs are potentially harmful and have been found to build up in the environment. We don't like the sound of that so we've been working hard to get rid of them.
Men's Waterproof Jacket Sizing | |||||
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UK | S | M | L | XL | XXL |
Chest Inches CMs |
37" 94 |
40" 102 |
43" 109 |
46" 117 |
49" 124 |
Waist Inches CMs |
30" 76 |
32" 81 |
34" 86 |
36" 91 |
38" 97 |
Sleeve Inches CMs |
33" 84 |
34" 86.5 |
35" 89 |
36" 91.5 |
36.5" 92.5 |
EU USA |
46 36 |
48 38 |
50 40 |
52 42 |
54 44 |
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How to MeasureThis size chart indicates the body measurements our garments are designed to fit. Measure yourself as described below, and use the size chart to find your size:Chest - measure around your chest at the widest part. The tape measure should pass under your arms, and be level from front to back. Waist - measure around your waist at the narrowest part. Sleeve - With your arms relaxed by your side, tilt your head down and ask a friend to measure from the bone at the base of your neck, over your shoulder and down your arm to the fold at your wrist. |
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How to MeasureThis size chart indicates the body measurements our garments are designed to fit. Measure yourself as described below, and use the size chart to find your size:Chest - measure around your chest at the widest part. The tape measure should pass under your arms, and be level from front to back. Waist - measure around your waist at the narrowest part. Sleeve - With your arms relaxed by your side, tilt your head down and ask a friend to measure from the bone at the base of your neck, over your shoulder and down your arm to the fold at your wrist. |
Fit Guide | |||
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Tight | Slim | Regular | Relaxed |
Close fitting designed to conform to your body shape. | Slim and slightly contoured but not form fitting. | A comfortable fit that's not too tight, nor too loose. | A looser fit with a bit more space but not too baggy. |
Fit Guide | |||
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Tight | Slim | ||
Close fitting designed to conform to your body shape. | Slim and slightly contoured but not form fitting. | ||
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Regular | Relaxed | ||
A comfortable fit that's not too tight, nor too loose. | A looser fit with a bit more space but not too baggy. |
Author: Katherine MooreI’ve had a hard time finding the drawback to Alpkit’s second generation Balance jacket if I’m honest. Brilliantly fitted with heaps of adjustability, properly waterproof and with some subtle features to aid breathability for hard rides, this jacket has everything you need and nothing that you don’t.
Read the full review here