Dressing for cool weather gravel rides requires a balance of breathability, wind protection and warmth. Layering is important, but your choice of the outer layer is even more critical because of the need for wind protection and, ultimately, breathability for your layering system. If it’s not raining, I often run a combination of layers, including a lightweight wind jacket and a vest, plus a base layer and jersey. But I’m always on the search for options and experimenting with new layers. The latest jacket to make its way into my cool-weather cycling kit is the Pearl Izumi Attack Hybrid Cycling Jacket (for men and women). While not waterproof, it balances wind protection and breathability for cool weather riding. It essentially replaces a more traditional windbreaker cycling jacket and arguably offers more wind protection and breathability, too.
It’s a Softshell Cycling Jacket
Pearl Izumi knows cycling, and their experience comes through in a clean, streamlined jacket with a cut that feels comfortable and natural on the bike. The Attack Hybrid is one of three cycling jackets in Pearl’s Attack family, including the Attack WxB (waterproof) and the Attack Barrier (an ultralight wind jacket). Aptly named, the Attack Hybrid falls somewhere in between with its windproof, water-resistant build.
The main body material is a woven three-layer polyester wind-blocking fabric that’s more breathable than I expected. We’re not talking three-layer with a membrane, like a waterproof jacket. It’s a thin, softshell-like material full of stretch and soft flexing. I have been pleasantly surprised at its breathable performance on the bike.
What sets it apart from a more traditional wind jacket is the dense yet light and stretchy fabric. It reminds me of the lightweight Gore Windstopper on a longtime favorite Castelli Entrata vest with a more supple feel and better breathable performance. While easy to describe as a softshell jacket, it’s lighter, thinner and stretchier than a typical softshell.
The design includes side panels made of a more standard stretch jersey-like material that enhances its overall stretch and breathability. Combined with a slim cut, the design makes for a streamlined fit and feel on the bike with far less loose fabric and flapping than a typical wind jacket.
Permanent DWR
While not waterproof, the Hybrid Attack Jacket is highly water-resistant thanks to the tight weave of the main fabric and Pearl Izumi’s proprietary (and PFAS-free) durable water-repellent (DWR) finish called PI Dry®. Unlike more traditional DWR treatments, Pearl says PI Dry® is permanent. Permanence is achieved by treating the fibers before the material is woven versus the more common approach, where the completed material is treated. The jacket has proven to repel drizzle and road spray well. Nonetheless, it is not made for riding in the rain.
Breathable Enough for Multi-Hour Rides
The real test of any riding jacket is just how breathable it is on an extended ride. Without good breathability, it’s hard to stay dry (and thus warm and comfortable) through hard efforts and longer climbs in cool temps. I’m happy to report that the Hybrid Attack performs well on the breathability scale. It has proven itself in temperatures between about 40 and 55 F (5-13 C) (with different base layers) and on multi-hour rides with plenty of climbing and descending. The wind protection is as good as it gets, and the breathability keeps pace with 20+ minute climbs, given the correct layering underneath.
A Dedicated Riding Jacket
From the trim fit and low-profile cuffs to the classic three rear pockets design, the Attack Hybrid is a cycling jacket through and through. The overall design is lightweight and packable, but it’s not quite packable enough to stow in a typical jersey pocket should you wish to take it off while riding. It’s a jacket that’s meant to be worn. It’s ideal for dryish days that hover around 50 F (10 C), give or take a few degrees. Combined with the right base layers, it can be pushed colder.
The fit, cuffs and hem are low-profile enough that you can throw a waterproof jacket over top if required. In changeable weather, I’ve packed my ShakeDry along in case of significant rain.
Nailed It
The Pearl Izumi Attack Hybrid jacket balances cool weather riding demands well. The tight weave seals out the chill and holds up against high-speed descents. More importantly, it maintains a reasonable level of breathability, so you can wear it without needing to adjust your layers mid-ride, given consistently cool temps.
While not lightweight enough to compress and stow in a jersey pocket (try the Attack Barrier jacket for that), it is small enough to stow in a modest saddle or handlebar bag. In my experience, it performs well as a main layer from the low 40s to the mid 50s Fahrenheit (5-12 C), allowing it to be worn throughout a ride.
The overall aesthetic is pure cycling with no unnecessary features. Three rear pockets make for easy access to the usual ride stuff without having to dig into jersey pockets. And the trim fit reduces loose fabric to flap in the wind.
The Attack Hybrid extends your range in cool weather, giving you one more reason to get on your bike when the weather has you questioning how to layer.
Pearl Izumi Attack Hybrid Wind Jacket – Men’s / Women’s
Weight: 204 grams (S)
Price: $155
Read more gravel riding gear reviews:
Showers Pass Cloudburst waterproof cycling jacket review
Waterproof cycling socks review
7Mesh Gore ShakeDry rain jacket review
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