Fox Racing Triton Off-Road Apparel
FOX RACING TRITON OFF-ROAD APPAREL
CW EVALUATION
Waterproof wonderwear
DIRTBIKERS REJOICE: Fox Racing, maker of high-style motocross clothing, has served notice that wet weather needn’t dampen a terrific trail ride.
Billed as the ultimate waterproof off-road apparel, the Triton jacket and pants are manufactured from Teflon-treated 800-denier cordura nylon. Seams are tape-sealed to prohibit leaks, and the interior is lined with Breathe, a breathable, waterproof nylon.
Forest green with black accents and logos, the lightweight, slightly oversize jacket also employs Fox’s (15850 Concord Circle, Morgan Hill, CA 95037; 408/776-8800) Omnifit waist, which uses two velcro-adjustable tabs at the middle of the back to fine-tune fit. Unlike more conventional belt-and-buckle combinations, though, adjustment is limited to just over an inch.
Other noteworthy features include a fleece-lined, velcro-tipped collar, velcro-adjustable sleeve-ends, and an across-the-shoulder, mesh vent that allows perspiration to escape. A built-in fanny pack is standard, as is a zippered interior pocket and a quartet of front cargo pockets. The upper two use velcro closures, and the front panel of each extends up past a fold-down flap to prevent water from entering. Unfortunately, moisture still finds its way past the pocket ends, particularly in a heavy downpour. The jacket’s zippered front closure uses a similar-but much more effective-system.
Nylon-lined, the matching pants are standard off-road issue, but with a slightly fuller cut for greater on-bike mobility. Fox’s Fly-Cam waist closure provides an inch or so of sizing variation, and spandex panels run the length of the pants, enhancing movement. Removable foam hip pads are provided, and tear-resistant kevlar patches shield the inside of each knee.
After 10 months of wear, the Triton jacket ($179, sizes S-XXL) and pants ($139, even waist sizes 30-40) have proven exceptionally durable-and absolutely waterproof, even in full hose-down mode. And, unlike some treated riding apparel, repeated washings didn’t reduce the fabric’s resistance to wind and rain.
Bottom line? It’s tough stuff that’s priced right, which, for off-road enthusiasts, is cause to revel in the rain.
