The Altura Three 60 windproof jacket promises to provide weather protection without compromising temperature regulation.

To this end it relies on proprietary Shield fabrics to provide highly windproof and water resistant properties. This softshell style fabric is backed with a thermosuede fabric to ensure the Three 60 feels comfortable against the skin without feeling too cold.

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Fit

The Three 60 is generously cut; the medium test sample feels more like a standard large. This is something I have found with other Altura jackets, although their medium sized jerseys fit perfectly (for reference, I’m a 39” chest, 32” waist and weigh 73kg), make sure you try one on for size! The sleeves are again a generous cut in both length and girth – no worries with fitting elbow pads underneath here! The length of the torso provides excellent coverage, it would be nice if it had a dropped design though as the front tends to bulge when sat down and pedaling.

The Three 60 is plenty big enough

Features

A permanently fixed hood gives the Three 60 a multi-purpose slant. Large enough to fit over a trail helmet, it is the only part of the jacket with a toggle adjustable drawstring. Two zippered waist pockets and a chest pocket with internal media port give ample storage. The jacket features additional reflectivity for night time safety.

Helmet swallowing hood

Performance

The Altura Three 60 windproof is excellent at shrugging off wind and rain and could easily be worn almost as your only layer even during the winter months. The inbuilt properties of the fabrics mean it can withstand repeated washing without compromising the protection provided. As it is only water resistant there can reach a point in heavy downpours when the seams and fabric can let water ingress. By this point though most riders will be indoors or reaching for a full waterproof. The downside of this protection is the Three 60 runs hot. Sweat and moisture does move relatively quickly but the jacket lack any vents other than the main zip. Using this for venting can compromise the protection.

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As explained further up, the lower hem isn’t dropped so the jacket can bulge at the front when riding. This excess material can get in the way if wearing a pack. Also the generous hood can fill with air and flap around annoyingly when not being used. A stiffened strip at the back might help to keep it in place. Ideally the hood would be removable or feature a way of stowing it.