This Macna Aytee all-season touring and adventure jacket for men is simply the most technical and well designed jacket I have worn.
There are almost too many technical features to mention right down to the finest detail such as soft coverings for the ends of zips so they don’t dig into your skin.
You will be able to wear this waterproof jacket in all seasons, so the price of $449.95 is quite reasonable.
Layer upon layer
It features three layers that zip together in the wrists and around the back and shoulders.
The outside synthetic ripstop polyester shell has a rubberised, stretchy feel and is semi-water-resistant and highly breathable. It also features “Nighteye” technology which means it looks like a normal fabric in daylight, but reflects headlights for visibility at night.
Second layer is an ultra-thin and lightweight waterproof RAINTEX liner with fused seams and a soft felt collar and “wicking” inside so it doesn’t stick to your skin when you get hot.
The final layer is a warm thermal quilted material. It’s not a vest, but a full-length layer with sleeves.
The fine zips for all these layers run smoothly and don’t snag, but they are a little fiddly where they join in the sleeve cuffs.
I have now ridden with the jacket in single-digit temperatures and found it quite cool.
However, with the quilted lining in and the waterproof liner, I was able to conquer the Swiss and Italian Alps in comfort in summer.
In the Swiss AlpsWith the two liners taken out I felt cool and comfortable on a 33-degree ride with high humidity.
I haven’t tested it in hotter temperatures, but it should be cool with its breathable material.
While the material is breathable all over, there are also two chest vents and a rear exhaust vent for extra cooling.
Firm fit
Fit is firm and slim, but the outer material is a bit stretchy so it should fit over moderate tummies.
Importantly this tight and stretchy fit means it moves with your body when you’re on the bike, whether sitting in an upright position on an adventure bike or crouched on a sportier machine.
It also means it doesn’t flap around when riding which can be tiring on a long trip.
The cuffs and waist have velcro fastenings which allows you to wear the jacket as loose or as tight as you like.
I’ve worn other jackets with hoodies like this, but they flap around and tend to pull at your back and neck.
This one has a clever clasp to hold the hoodie section in place so it doesn’t flap in the wind.
A hoodie is a great idea for when you stop and take off your helmet as it will keep your head warm and dry.
Pockets galore
The Macna Aytee jacket has six exterior pockets and one interior pocket.
There are two breast vents which you can also use as pockets, two lower hand pockets which are waterproof, a left sleeve waterproof pocket and a back exhaust vent that can also be used as a pocket to stuff the waterproof liner. The interior waterproof pocket is on the left just inside the main zipper so it is easily accessed for your wallet without having to unzip the waterproof layer.
I usually like more interior pockets, but there are so many alternatives here you shouldn’t need any more. There is also a small pouch in the quilted liner.
Macna use Safe Tech CE armour in all their apparel. This jacket has 420 shoulder armour, 530 elbow armour and a full-length rubber back protector.
The elbow and shoulder armour are fairly stiff, while the back protector is a softer and more comfortable material.
Macna gear
Macna gear is made in Europe and has been distributed in Australia by Link International since last year.
They have now launched a dedicated Australian website for Macna products that lists all of styles, colours and sizes.
They have brought in the Aytee jacket in three colours (black and blue, black and grey and this light grey and orange) and men’s sizes S – 3XL. They also come with a free neck sock.
