Field Tested: ICON 1000 Forestall Jacket

I’m a particular person, a tough guy to get a Christmas gift for – picky, peculiar, and yet purposeful. I don’t buy the latest of anything, my four year-old phone as an example, and I don’t like things that serve a singular purpose. So when ICON 1000 approached me about testing their new Forestall Jacket, I was a bit apprehensive, as this piece of apparel seemed all too similar to my beloved Akorp Jacket. Instead what I discovered was a coat quite different from what I already owned – better in certain ways, lacking in other areas. A coat that could fill a void left between my belted British style touring coat, my all black leather riding jacket and my weatherproof adventure kit. You see, the right amount of riding gear is a lot like the right amount of motorcycles, always plus one. An unfortunate reality for the frugal motorcycle enthusiast, this conundrum can lead to clogged closets, overflowing outdoor sheds and outdated Joe Rocket jackets. But, like picking which motorcycle to ride on Monday versus Sunday (should you be so lucky), having the right jacket for the job is awfully nice. So with that said, allow me to ramble on a bit more about ICON 1000’s new Forestall Jacket.

Fit…

Unlike my Akorp’s belt-waisted, extended length touring style cut, the Forestall is more of a traditional American piece of apparel – wide in the shoulders, with billowy arms and a square torso section.  So if you’re the kind that likes to layer, adding and removing as you enter and exit a variety of environments, the added room is essential. Additionally, the Forestall features a narrow sleeve, which works perfectly in conjunction with gauntlet style gloves.

Finish…

On the outside, the Foresteall features a “Highland Coated Cotton” chassis which is reinforced with drum-dyed leather impact zones and ballistic nylon stretch panels. D3O armor protects your back, elbow and shoulders, while a quilter liner keeps your nipples from freezing. There are four pockets on the front, two of which open laterally, while the top two open like traditional Kangaroo keepers. The snaps, however, leave something to be desired. Vents are located along the bicep sections, as well as under the armpits providing some much needed cooling for an all-black outfit. YKK zippers, liner pockets, a “headphone pass through,” and a storm collar wrap things up nicely.

Functionality…

Overall, ICON 1000’s new Forestall Jacket is an excellent option for anyone looking for a sub $500 riding jacket – it retails for a cool $300. It offers an appealing aesthetic coupled with functional venting, a plethora of pockets, an insulated “SatinCore” liner, D3O armor and a shape more suitable for your average adventure or dual-sport rider. We recently took the Forestall for full day ride into the Arizona backcountry and discovered it’s venting, as well as the loose fit, were a perfect match for a cool southwestern winter adventure, allowing us to peel the liner out when the riding became a bit more intense, and then reattach when we had to hit the highway home.

Should you own it? …

Like I said, I’m particular. I don’t have a lot of room for excess, abundance or single-serving stuff. That being the case, I do have a desire to own a jacket that works well in both warm and cool climates, that offers the appropriate amount of protection, and is affordable. Enter the ICON 1000 Forestall. Now, if you’re already an adventure riding enthusiast with a closet full of KLIM, would I still suggest it? Most definitely. As particular as I am, I’m also a bit vain. I don’t want to look like an astronaut every time I throw a leg over my motorcycle, or scare the kids with my Imperial Stormtrooper disguise when I stop to get gas. I like to look good, and ICON 1000 is good at making you look good. So with that said, and to sum things up, the Forestall isn’t for everyone. It’s not a one size fits all kind of coat. It’s more like a stop-gap solution, something you should own in addition to other items. But that’s not to say it can’t do it all– save for being waterproof. The Forestall is an excellent option for the entry-level enthusiast as well as the seasoned explorer. You just need to understand that your expectations, the price point and its purpose won’t always work in unison. Which is both the beauty and the beast of the motorcycle apparel industry.