REVIEW: Fox Racing Ridgeway Jacket

Simply put, if you’re the kind of mountain bike rider who doesn’t let a little thing like cold weather slow you down, you need the Fox Racing Ridgeway Jacket in your wardrobe. This jacket is comfortable to wear, made to fit snugly without impeding motion, and is surprisingly warm. It also happens to look good, making it a coat that you’ll want to wear both on and off the trail.

Design: (5) ★★★★★

From an aesthetic  standpoint, the Ridgeway Jacket has what would best be described as “classic good looks.” There is nothing flashy about its design whatsoever, which is largely a good thing. That said, the jacket looks nice, is well made, and will still garner more than its fair share of compliments. The beauty of the Ridgeway’s design is that it incorporates everything you need in a riding jacket—including deep, zippered pockets, a high collar, warm hood, and a high-quality main zipper—without adding a bunch of extraneous features that aren’t necessary. Its minimalist design allows it to pack down to a small size, which is great for stuffing in a backpack or adding to luggage.  If there is one tiny gripe, it is that we would have liked to have seen a pocket on the inside of the jacket for stashig a phone or other small items.

Fit (5) ★★★★★

The Ridgeway Jacket features a form-hugging fit that feels great without being overly snug. This gives the wearer nearly unfettered freedom of movement, which comes in handy both on and off the bike. We appreciated the way the jacket moved with us and not against us, making it an excellent choice not just for mountain biking, but nearly any kind of outdoor activity. And since the jacket comes with a 2 1/4″ drop tail, there is ample coverage in terms of length too. The Ridgeway even works well as part of a larger layering system, with base layers underneath and a shell over the top, making it well suited to take on a variety of weather conditions.

Warmth (5) ★★★★★

Using Polartec Power Fill synthetic insulation, the Ridgeway offers a surprising amount of warmth considering its lack of bulk. We tested the jacket in 30ºF (-1ºC) temperatures, and it provided ample warmth, even in windy conditions. In fact, we often found ourselves unzipping the main zipper to allow a bit of extra airflow. That bodes well for using the jacket in truly cold conditions or when cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. As already mentioned, it also means the jacket should work great as part of a larger layering system, serving as a thin insulating layer.

Overall (5) ★★★★★

Comfortable to wear while riding or as an everyday jacket around town, the Ridgeway is a great option for active winter pursuits. We loved that it has a body-hugging fit that doesn’t impede movement and that it has an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio. Because it is relatively thin and light, the jacket is easy to take with you on all your adventures as well, making it a fantastic travel companion for cold-weather destinations. Best of all, it is priced at just $149.95, which makes the Ridgeway an excellent bargain considering the performance it delivers. Take the money you save and invest it in good base layers and a waterproof shell. With those garments in your closet, you’ll be set for practically anything.

The Ridgeway Jacket is available in three colors. Visit the Fox Racing website to find out more.