SCOTT Trail Storm WP jacket and pants review
Are you looking for a stylish rain suit that won’t let you down on cold days, will reliably get you through the winter season and even let you have fun doing so? Jonas and Felix opted to try the SCOTT Trail Storm WP jacket and pants and take stock after two winters of hard use.
SCOTT don’t just build bikes and skis, but also make high-quality accessories and clothing, like the SCOTT Trail Storm WP jacket and pants. The winter weather outfit looks discreet and stylish, though the orange contrast panel on the lower left leg, orange zippers and orange SCOTT logos add some louder detailing. Additional reflective zippers ensure good visibility, while the rest of the design is kept a black/grey marbled tone.
The SCOTT Trail Storm WP jacket and pants are constructed of three-layer DRYOsphere 3L fabric, offering a 10,000 mm/gm-2 waterproof/breathability rating. The inside of the numerous pockets should also stay dry thanks to taped seams and waterproof zippers, while openings at the armpits and thighs offer added ventilation. The zippers can be pushed or pulled open and gave us no trouble, still working as well after months of abuse as they did on the first day. We also like the two large, differently sized breast pockets on the jacket. Both were big enough for our 5.7” smartphone. However, the pants pocket, while big enough, puts the phone in an uncomfortable position where it presses against your hip. Neither the jacket (443 g in size L) nor the pants (313 g in size L) are ultra-light but nor are they particularly heavy for rainwear. SCOTT have struck a good balance between robustness, durability and weight, focusing more on quality than lightweight construction. Nevertheless, both items are small enough to stuff in a daypack.
Slip them on and you’ll notice that the SCOTT Trail Storm WP jacket and pants offer a great fit on the bike. The trail-oriented cut provides enough room for knee pads, back protectors and an additional layer on frigid days. The sleeves and legs are long and the elastic waistband and Velcro closure prevent mud from getting inside. Sections of stretch mesh on the back of the knees ensure good ventilation and a comfortable fit. The hood of the SCOTT Trail Storm WP jacket provides effective protection from the elements and is spacious enough to accommodate large half-shell helmets with ease. An elastic cord allows you to adjust the hood’s size and it doesn’t get pulled off your head by the wind, always staying exactly where you want it – excellent.
We loved the generous chest pockets. Although the right side pocket is significantly smaller than the left, it was still big enough to fit a 5.7” phone. The pockets are big enough for your mobile phone, keys, and wallet.
The cut is perfect for knee pads, and stretchy mesh fabric on the backs of the knees not only ensure a good fit but also provides added ventilation.
The spacious hood with its generous collar not only accommodates large half-shell helmets but is also easy to adjust with the elastic cord. There is no wind strong enough to pull it off your head.
When things get steamy inside the suit, ventilation ports under the armpits and on the thighs offer some relief, though the jacket’s breathability was sufficient on cold days.
SCOTT’s rain suit offered reliable protection from the elements, regardless of the weather and no matter how long the ride. The jacket survived two winters unscathed, though we can’t say the same about the pants. After occasional contact with the rear tire and from rubbing on the saddle, they allowed water to seep in after some time, eventually wearing through completely. The suit remained comfortable on cold days, though we can’t say the same for warmer weather or when wearing the wrong clothing underneath. The DRYOsphere material isn’t breathable enough when working hard with the ventilation ports providing limited relief. Unfortunately, overall breathability isn’t among the best on the market. If you want to hit the trails in freezing temperatures and snow, we recommend wearing a warm base layer and, if necessary, a long bib underneath. The thin material won’t keep you warm when things get icy.
If you’re looking for a rain suit for those wet winter days, the SCOTT Trail Storm WP jacket and pants are a great combo, offering numerous clever features, a good fit and good quality. However, don’t expect the pants to last longer than two winters of intensive use as the backside will become permeable and ultimately wear through. The suit didn’t perform as well on warmer days and you’ll likely need something more breathable for year-round use.
Tops
- effectively keeps the elements out
- good fit and trail-oriented cut
- high quality
- well-positioned vents and pockets
Flops
- not breathable enough for warm weather
Tester: Jonas and Felix
Duration: Two winters
Price: Jacket: € 269.95, pants: € 159.95
Weight: Jacket 443 g (size L), pants 313 g (size L)
For more information, visit scott-sports.com
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Words: Photos: Rudolf Fischer
