Hi!
This email is a bit of a love letter to one of our oldest, and as of today, newest adventure jackets.
I'm going to take you from the sandy tracks of the Trans Morocco Trail, to the muddy fields of the Trans Euro Trail.
You will learn how we've taken the classic Linesman Jacket, and given it a 2.0 upgrade.
Then I'll tell you how you can buy it.
Buckle up for lift off...
A little while ago Jim, Thomas and I flew Ryanair from London to Ouarzazate in Morocco.
In true Ryanair form, luggage space was tight, so we packed what we could and wore the rest. We drank airport coffee and squeezed into narrow seats while wearing our Linesman Jackets. The flight may have been a little uncomfortable, but the Linesman vibe was relaxed.
Ouarzazate is bit like Marrakesh, but less intense and more green. We hired a small Docker 125cc bike from Desert Rats, and explored the local markets and Medina's. I can't say we blended in to the point of looking like locals, but I'd like to think that we didn't really stand out as wealthy western motorcycle tourists.
True Moroccan's have a very different attitude towards protection while riding motorcycles, we weren't really ready to go fully native in that respect and it was reassuring to know we were protected by our Flow level 2 armour inside our Linesman Jackets as we tried to get used to the unique 4 speed sequential gearbox on the Docker.
1st gear > down > 2nd > down > 3rd > down > 4th > down > back to 1st!
Whilst in Morocco we rode section S of the Trans Morocco Trail, from Zagora to Foum Zguid. This took us across big wide desert tracks and up and over large sand dunes.
Jamie (one of our guides at Wilderness Wheels Morocco) was kitted out in the Linesman Jacket and Pant, and opted to wear The Supershirt 2.0 underneath, giving him increased CE AA protection.
With the daytime temperature ranging between 26°C to 30°C, this provided the flexibility to be able to remove the sleeves of his Linesman Jacket and enjoy a cooler ride without losing that CE AA protection.
He was layering up and down based on the temperature as well as the changing risk that comes with riding varied terrain. Handy seeing as he's not scared of pushing the limits a little!
And here's where it gets interesting.
There's more chapters in the Linesman Jacket story.
That same gear that got us from the UK, to the Moroccan Medina's, and up and over the dunes, was originally designed for, in fact it was actually named after, riders on the Trans Euro Trail.
I've spent countless dusty summers and muddy winters on classic TET routes around the UK. My Linesman Jacket has been battered and abused on trails, in ditches and dragged through hedges. It may not look brand new any more, but it looks far better than it should for the thousands of dirty miles it's been put through.
Its name originates from the wonderful volunteers who look after the Trans Euro Trail - the Linesmen and Lineswomen. It was literally built to help them do their job, scouting and maintaining tens of thousands of km of routes across Europe.
Today we launch the new Linesman Jacket 2.0.
All our new gear is transitioning to our new Flow armour, and now it's the Linesman Jacket's turn.
Flow level 2 elbow and shoulder armour is softer, more flexible and breathable. Significantly, rather than using flat armour, our Flow armour is shaped to follow the contours of your elbow and shoulder. This helps it securely stay in place in the armour pockets of the Linesman Jacket 2.0.
Shoulder and elbow armour is required for CE A certification, but not everyone wants or needs back armour, so we've opted to offer Flow level 2 back armour as an optional extra.
It would not be an overstatement to say that I, and many of you, love our Linesman Jackets.
In terms of 'bang for buck', it's right up there at the top of my outdoor gear list.
Mine may even have almost as many school run miles on it as trail miles.
Our UK, and EU stores are now well stocked with the Linesman Jacket 2.0 in both classic Black and new Desert colour (our USA shipment got held at customs but should be with you within a week or so).
I think the new colour is on point.
Which would you go for?
🖤💛
Greg Villalobos
The new Linesman Jacket 2.0
The ADV jacket that doesn't think it's an ADV jacket.
Available in classic black or new desert colour.
This story was first published in our email Newsletter. Subscribe now for the most ADV email you will get all week!
