5000-MILE TEST

After a year’s use, the ARMR jacket and trousers are a lowcost triumph of modern motorcycle kit, says Simon H

**Pictures** Jason Critchell, Simon Hargreaves

ARMR KUMAJI 3.0 £169.99 (JACKET) £129.99 (TROUSERS) www.oxfordproducts.com

THE FACTS

USED BY Simon Hargreaves
USED FOR 5000 miles
USED ON Adventure bikes
TOTAL MILES 5000

THE CLAIM

“The Kumaji 3.0 is the ultimate adventure companion, designed to take on whatever challenges come your way. Its DryGuard waterproof construction ensures a safe and dry ride, no matter the weather conditions. With a multitude of strategically placed vents, you can stay cool and comfortable during even the most intense riding. CE knee and hip protectors come as standard, complementing the garment’s CE AA rating.”

DUAL PURPOSE

Sleeve zip acts as fastener and vent at the same time (although we would swap the silicone tag to the front zip).

WAIST ADJUSTMENT

Standard waist buckles offer a good range of adjustment. Don’t look like they’ll break anytime soon.

TRIPLE VELCRO

Three Velcro patches on the trouser leg bottoms is more convenient than a zip, but slightly less elegant.

As someone who regularly pops popper-only waist buttons, for SiH a hook system is gold dust

The basic spec of the Kumaji is an AA-rated 600D polyester outer shell with a proprietary waterproof fixed membrane, CE level 1 armour, zipped inner thermal liner, two zipped and two Velcro jacket and trouser pockets each, and zipped sleeve, back and chest air vents (very welcome this summer). A back protector is extra.

Fit is good – so good that I’ve actually slept in it – while the sleeves are a decent length and it’s snug across the shoulders but not tight. I ordered the suit in a 2XL and the jacket is a bit short, but the matching trousers are a bit too baggy; XL trousers would be a better match for me (worth bearing in mind if, like me, you have skinny legs, no arse, a beer belly and weedy shoulders). And I need braces because the zip-together is too long to be useful.

Neoprene neck is nice, but the popper is fiddly and too tight. Velcro is better

The poppered neoprene collar is a bit too tight to fasten onehanded – why do I always wait until I’m on the move to fasten it? But the suit material feels supple and durable, the Velcro cuff flaps are tough, the silicone zippers feel solid, and the suit survives short rain showers without leaks. A prolonged downpour defeated it in the usual crotch and chest areas, but I was nearly home anyway.

Warmth is okay but I wouldn’t rely on it in winter, but on chilly days I wear a heated liner instead.

Jacket and trousers zip-together looks short, but it doesn’t actually support the trousers

THE WEAR AND TEAR

Almost none. No fraying, no zip problems and the Velcro’s in good nick. A tiny section of stitching has failed, but it’s in a non-critical area and can’t spread (see image, left).

After a year of wearing the suit in all weathers, the most it needs is a bit of a wipe-down.