When California’s treasure-hunting forty-niners needed tough clothing during the gold rush, a guy named Levi Strauss came up with the brilliant idea of making heavy-duty trousers from a canvas-like material. So began one of the world’s most famous brands. The rest is history.

Now, some 150 years later, Cortech has taken a good thing and made it better by sculpting a fully armored riding jacket from this all-American material. Starting with 13.5 ounces of denim fabric for durability, flexibility was built in with stretch panels under the arms and precurved, rotated sleeves for a relaxed fit. A zip-out liner provides seasonal warmth. A permanent mesh liner offers unimpeded airflow through the zippered chest, sleeves, and rear vents. Even the hand pockets are lined with this mesh, so they also offer a bit of intake venting. Removable padded and CE-approved body armor in the elbow and shoulder, a triple-density back protector, and additional foam padding in the shoulders and back panels deliver crash protection.

The DSX looks more casual than the average leather riding jacket but works well, especially considering its $100 price tag. Its sewn-in accents are attractive. Due to a stonewashed finish, it’s not stiff like a fresh pair of old-school, unwashed Levi’s. When temperatures dip, the insulated liner, which has internal map cell phone pockets, is quite comfortable and toasty. There’s a wind flap on the main zipper to keep spine-chilling air out. The short collar, is lined with a soft microfiber. The jacket extends past the waistline to cover your assets while riding, and the overall fit of a L was just right for my medium-build, 6-foot frame.
It’s available in classic blue or basic black in men’s sizes XS to XXXL.

Now there’s no reason to sacrifice protection when you go for a casual ride. Cortech’s DSX denim jacket is tough enough for prospectors and cool enough for cruising.

Sources

DSX Denim Jacket $99.99
Cortech
800/455-2552
www.tourmaster.com