Review: Leatt Hydradri 2.0 MTB Jacket – Stylish & Robust
A comfortable, stylish and functional jacket that will keep you dry and toasty through a two-hour ride, in constant rain.
Leatt currently has five Hydradri Jackets in its mountain bike lineup. The lightweight, water and wind-resistant Hydradri 1.0 provides mild protection from the elements whilst the 5.0 is fit to handle the gnarliest of deluges. Somewhere between them are the 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 versions of the Hydradri which cover the ‘mild to pretty wild’ weather.
Details
Waterproof ratings work on a sliding scale. The Hydradri 2.0 has a ‘waterproof’ rating of 10.000mm whereas the range-topping Hydradri 5.0 comes in at 30.000mm. Those numbers tell us the Hydradri 2.0 is a water-resistant and windproof jacket.
Leatt Hydradri 2.0 Jacket
| SIZES | 9 sizes available |
| MATERIAL | Lightweight 360 stretch, windproof, water resistant |
| FIT | Tailored, tall collar, stretch-fit cuffs and hem |
| HOOD | Over-the-helmet fit |
| COLOURS | Pine, black or lava |
| INNER | Mesh lining |
| RRP | ± R2500 (pricing varies) |
| MORE | leatt.com |
The Hydradri 2.0 has a soft mesh inner lining, with a 360-stretch and breathable outer. Two ‘hand warmer’ pockets in the front and a single chest pocket complete the minimalist feel. The chest pocket is big enough to secure large phones, biltong or bananas. The cuffs and hems are stretch fit and the jacket is more of a tailored fit as opposed to a bulky design. I guess sizing up would loosen the fit somewhat.
A tall collar and over-the-helmet hoodie (secured by magnets) make for multiple wearing configurations. The Hydradri 2.0 is available in three colours and nine sizes. For storage, the jacket can be folded and tucked into the chest pocket.
Ride Impressions
I’ve used the jacket for a couple of months now on Trail and eBike rides. The fabric seems durable and easy to care for and the overall construction is world class. The zips haven’t fractured or faltered and there are no visible scuff marks on the sleeves from the vicious Fynbos here in the Cape.
My favorite feature is the tall collar; it comes in very handy when the temperatures drop or the winter breeze picks up. It is tall enough to cover my chin on the very frisky days or early starts. Talking temperatures now, when working hard on the bike in temperatures over 15 degrees, my sweat rate eventually exceeded the breathability of the jacket; which is exactly when the full zip and Leatt’s ‘climb vent’ comes in very handy. The latter is a simple clip that holds the jacket in place when the zip is fully open – the benefit is you can control your body temperature (preventing excess sweating) without having the jacket flap all over the shop.
The front zipper doesn’t seem to let any water through and the stretchy cuffs and hem are equally effective for same. Sizing-wise, I tested a medium which gave me a little more room to move in and extra coverage on the sleeves, overlapping my gloves. I wouldn’t recommend a tight fit on any rain jacket for All-mountain style riding. What you are getting with the Hydradri 2.0 is a very comfortable jacket that will keep you dry throughout an average two-hour ride, in constant rain. It’s also stylish enough to wear off the bike for things like frequenting the high street. I couldn’t find any quirks with this jacket and would highly recommend it.