Nokomis Jacket and Pants
By Darren Dencklau
I hate to say it, but it’s true. The dreaded changing of the seasons is nigh and soon it will be back to long sleeves, pants and wet weather gear. Luckily, there are tons of options to keep one dry during the inescapable moisture laden fall and winter months. O2 Rainwear™ sent me a set of their Nokomis jacket and pants this past spring when I had ample opportunity to test them out.
Photo courtesy of O2 Rainwear
Developed by Rainshield, Inc., located in Minneapolis, Minn., O2 was originally created to help cyclists withstand the area’s well-known harsh winter conditions. The Nokomis pant and jacket are made of waterproof, lightweight and breathable brushed rip-stop nylon with taped internal seams, sealed zippers and elastic cuffs. It’s the extra features of this clothing line that set it apart from others.
The jacket has detachable sleeves that provide options on not-so-wet or balmier days. Three snaps and two zippers help convert it from hardcore rain gear into a well-ventilated vest. An ample-sized single back pocket offers lots of room for items such as arm warmers, keys, cell phone and wallet. Right below the pocket there’s a sewn in hook for attaching a rear flasher, too. The collar comes up high, keeping moisture off the neck, and is soft on the inside to prevent chafing. Additionally, the back pocket turns inside out, allowing users to store the sleeves (which are just one piece of material — bolero style) or pack the jacket into itself. Two Velcro straps inside the pocket allow you to secure it on either the seatpost or top tube instead of carrying it.
Photo courtesy of O2 Rainwear
View of the back of the Nokomis jacket.
The pants are made of the same material as the jacket and have a looser fit to accommodate for regular clothing being worn underneath — great when you’re caught off guard. The elastic bands on the cuffs keep them from riding up the leg as well. Moisture beaded up on them when in the rain. I did not test the pants nearly as much as the jacket, but I believe they are of the same quality.
The Nokomis gear has held up well and met my expectations, although the zippers that detach the sleeves became hung up on occasion. It kept me warm, dry and looking stylish — as stylish as raingear can be. The reflective strips on the jacket are nice too, especially since I went with black on both garments.
MSRP for the jacket (colors come in black or yellow) is $189.95, and $89.95 for the pants (black only). For more details visit www.o2rainwear.com.
Photo courtesy of O2 Rainwear
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