Autumn is par excellence the rainy season. Leaden sky, humid climate and that slightly gloomy mood that make it the favorite period of the gothic world, it's the perfect stage to test the garments that Fox has designed to allow us to go out on MTB even in a storm. This is exactly what I did to test these products in the best possible way and verify their functionality in the most extreme conditions.
Our products
The Defend 3L Water line represents for Fox the top of the range in the segment. Three-layer materials, with 10.000 waterproofing and transpiration ratings, DWR treatment to keep water and mud away, as well as Cordura inserts, are some of the solutions used to make these garments excellent even in bad weather.
The jacket has a comfortable fit, with two large side pockets, a generously sized hood that allows it to be used even with a helmet, two side zips to increase breathability and all seams heat-sealed.


The Cordura inserts on the elbows are very useful, designed to protect the parts where it is easier to have contact with the ground.

The fit of the trousers is similar, designed to also be used with knee pads; shares all the solutions with the jacket, from the heat-sealed seams to the DWR coating. Also in this case the Cordura inserts have been intelligently inserted in the areas of maximum abrasion, i.e. in the underseat area.

Cordura inserts under the saddle and DWR treatment

The test
As mentioned initially, I wanted to use these garments in the conditions of use for which they were designed, i.e. cold, rain and mud. Situations in which the contribution of suitable products such as this Defend line can make the difference between an epic exit or a semi-tragedy.

The response is by far satisfactory. The water protection is almost absolute, even after an hour of riding in the rain the body remained practically dry. The DWR treatment has guaranteed excellent protection and ease in eliminating water. Wind protection, both in static and running situations, is an important element of these products, which thus allow body heat to be retained in the various situations.

Often the shells have a transpiration deficit, creating that sauna effect which can become unpleasant during long efforts. Here, even keeping the side vents closed, the Defend garments have maintained an excellent level of comfort.
The comfortable fit guarantees total freedom of movement, a necessary element in off-road use, both uphill and especially downhill.

There is only one element that in my opinion could be improved, concerns the positioning of the Cordura protections. The choice of using the inserts is certainly a winning one, but it could also be placed on the shoulders, where the shoulder straps of the backpack could create abrasions, and on the knees, another very sensitive point of contact.
Conclusions
For some years now I have made my saying that there is no longer bad weather, only a biker dressed in the wrong way. Fox's Defend line confirms this rule, demonstrating how technology, even in the field of technical clothing, allows us to go out in any weather condition. These garments, if used correctly, are able to guarantee driving comfort even under heavy downpours and in cold temperatures. Furthermore, the jacket is an excellent third layer to have with you in your backpack during any long outing that involves a significant difference in altitude.
For info: https://www.californiasport.info/product/fox/fx-mtb/fx-fw-mtb/fox-defend-3l-water-jacket/?cv=0&utm_source=365&utm_campaign=FX-MTB-FW22&utm_medium= product
