Gear Review: DRIRIDER Atomic Hoodie

Over the past few months I’ve been using the DRIRIDER Atomic Hoody, a stylish but simple summer riding jacket. I like how simple the jacket is, while still having a lot of great features. 

The DRIRIDER Atomic Hoody comes in two different colour schemes – Black or Grey. We chose the grey colour scheme, which looks great both on a off the bike, but it’s worth keeping in mind that with any light coloured material, the jacket is susceptible to becoming dirty quite easily.

DriRider Atomic Hoodie

The jacket’s outer shell is a softshell, with a mesh fabric which covers the entirety of the underside of the arms and armpits, and goes up onto the front and rear of the shoulders as well as some on the back. The jacket doesn’t have any fancy zips to increase or improve airflow, however it doesn’t need them either as the mesh fabric allows for brilliant airflow which will keep you cool, and has worked brilliantly on days that exceeded 30°C. DriRider also added a mesh comfort liner, adding comfort and more airflow capabilities.

DriRider Atomic Hoodie – Mesh lining under the arms and armpits offers air flow

With no venting controlled by zips, you will find the jacket uncomfortable to ride in in colder weather if you’re not prepared, as there’s no way to stop the airflow. DriRider have fitted a removable hood to the jacket, which means you can easily wear a warmer hoodie underneath the jacket without compromising the style, and improving the warmth of the jacket.

This is also a nifty feature for those who do not want a jacket with a hood, or like the versatility of being able to remove it as necessary, while adding a windbreak under the jacket will also help in cooler conditions.

DriRider Atomic Hoodie – The hoodie is also removable

For protection DRIRIDER have added CE Level 1 armour in the shoulders and elbows, giving you protection for your pointy bits, with a “Hi-Density foam back pad” as a foamy placeholder, with the D3O CE back protector as an optional extra and providing considerably more protection if chosen. So while the back pad is comfortable for everyday use, the protection in a crash may be questionable, and I would spend a some extra money on the back protector if you favour your spine.

The hoodie has been reinforced with DuPont Kevlar fibre based fabric in the shoulders, elbows and back, which is a nice touch, adding extra protection to those reinforced areas.

DriRider Atomic Hoodie – Outer pockets offer room for a wallet or phone

There is also ample room to store necessities such as your wallet, phone and keys, with two outer pockets enclosed with a zipper, keeping your valuables secure. There’s even an extra pouch inside the jacket which is quite large, and secured with a velcro patch.

Another nifty feature is the waist connection zip for riding pants, to ensure that fitment and style is always maintained, while adjustable fitment is offered with internal waist adjustment and velcro cuff closure at the wrists.

DriRider Atomic Hoodie

For a summer riding jacket, the DRIRIDER Atomic Hoody does as is intended. It works excellently in warm/hot temperatures, with great airflow to cool you down. If you are looking for a simple, stylish jacket that you can wear out anywhere in warmer months, and a jacket that isn’t excess to carry around or wear when off the bike, then this jacket is a great investment, especially for the price.

For more information see McLeodAccessories.com.au for the full DRIRIDER range or DriRider.com.au, or visit your local DriRider stockists. The DRIRIDER Atomic Hoodie is available for $249.00 RRP in Grey or Black, in sizes Small to 4XL.

DriRider Atomic Hoodie

DRIRIDER Atomic Hoodie Features

• Softshell and mesh fabric outer
• CE shoulder & elbow armour with Hi-Density foam back pad
• D3O CE Back protector available as optional extra
• Reinforced with DuPont Kevlar fibre
• Mesh comfort liner
• Detachable hood
• Two outer pockets
• Waist connection zip for pants
• Colours – Grey or Black
• Sizes – S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL
• RRP – $249.00 AUD