An overview of the products tested:
Norrona Lyngen Down 850 Hood
Specialized Men's Trail Alpha Jacket
Norrona /29 Mid Cotton Logo Beanie
Waterdrop Boost
Sensolar After Sun Spray

Norrona Lyngen Down 850 Hood

First Impression
The Lyngen-down jacket is designed for multisport use. It has a hood that allows one-handed adjustment of the width and is cut large enough to fit a helmet underneath. It also has an adjustable waistband and stretch cuffs, as well as one chest pocket and two side pockets. The jacket is made from lightweight, down-proof recycled nylon material with a PFC-free DWR coating. It is filled with RDS-certified down (Responsible Down Standard). Although it is heavily lined, it can be stuffed into its inner pocket and then has a medium-sized pack size. The jacket is available in five sizes from XS to XL for women and also from S to XXL for men.

In use
Thanks to the heavy lining, you can quickly get too warm when biking, especially when going uphill. The jacket is ideal as protection against the cold on descents. Thanks to the over-helmet hood and the very high collar, you'll stay nice and warm even in a snowstorm. Thanks to the long cut and the generous stretch cuffs on the arms, the Lyngen doesn't pull in anywhere, even in stormy winds. The jacket has a loose fit and offers sufficient freedom of movement if you wear several layers underneath. The smooth-running zipper deserves a special mention. If you want to get changed quickly in very low temperatures on the mountain, you don't want to have to deal with a fiddly zipper. The one on the Lyngen zips up effortlessly and doesn't jam even when you pull it up in a hurry. When opening the jacket, on the other hand, the zipper bucked from time to time. But at least you're already warm. If the jacket is only used after biking, it warms you up in record time and lets you relax and enjoy a drink with friends.

Conclusion
Freezing is not cool, so a warm jacket should be part of your equipment in the off-season. Because the cold makes it uncomfortable. The Lyngen from Norrona may not have a small pack size, but it easily fits into a bike backpack. The jacket is so warm that it is also suitable for ski tours or for putting on snow chains in winter storms. A jacket with many possible uses.

Price: CHF 449.00 / EUR 449.00

Manufacturer

www.norrona.com

Specialized Men's Trail Alpha Jacket

First impression
The thermal jacket from the MTB collection by Specialized is lined with Alpha insulation from Polartec - with cut-outs in the armpit area and on the underside of the arms. The cut is close to the body and offers sufficient freedom of movement. The elasticated waistband and arms are non-adjustable, but fit snugly without being restrictive. The 2-way zipper simplifies handling. A zipper on the right-hand side provides access to any jersey pockets. Both the inner and outer material are pleasantly soft. The Trail Alpha is available in three colors and five sizes for men, but only in two colors for women.

In use
Thanks to the good insulation and tight cut, the jacket warms you up very quickly. The Alpha material noticeably absorbs moisture from the body, which efficiently prevents chilling. The jacket is ideal for biking. But depending on the air temperature, only for trips where you don't sweat much. If you wear it in single-digit temperatures on a sweaty ascent, the material will become so saturated that you will freeze on the descent. It is generally well suited to ascents in the cold: it is highly breathable so that you don't overheat, but the moisture still remains in the fabric. The jacket does not have a pannier, it has to be carried loosely in your luggage and therefore takes up a certain amount of volume, but in return it weighs very little. With the combination of a close-fitting cut and effective insulation, you'll quickly feel warm after a bike tour and the Alpha material almost makes you feel cosy.

Conclusion
The "Men's Trail Alpha Jacket" from Specialized is just as suitable for biking as it is for a leisurely "round" afterwards. Even though it is designed for trail use, its simple design also makes it ideal for everyday cycling or cross-country skiing.

Price: CHF 180.00 / EUR 170

Manufacturer
www.specialized.com

Norrona /29 Mid Cotton Logo Beanie

First impression
The beanie is made from 100 percent GOTS-certified organic cotton (Global Organic Textile Standard). The material is beautifully soft and feels comfortable against the skin. The beanie is available in one size and four color variations.

In use
People lose their body heat most quickly through their heads. A beanie takes up little space, provides optimum protection and is an important companion in spring and fall. It makes it easy to linger a little longer on the après-bike. Because the beanie is not so thick, it is also suitable for cool summer evenings without getting too hot.

Conclusion
The Norrona beanie is a normal beanie, with the great advantage that most people tolerate organic cotton well. Pure wool or synthetic fabrics in combination with body sweat often cause skin irritation or itching.

Price: CHF 49.00 / EUR 49.00

Manufacturer
www.norrona.com

Waterdrop Boost

First impression
Waterdrops are energy and vitamin boosters in the form of an effervescent tablet. They contain fruit and plant extracts. The "Boost" flavor is based on three berries: Açaí, elderberry and blackcurrant, combined with vitamins C, B6 and B12. The effervescent cube is dissolved in 400 to 600 milliliters of water. One pack contains twelve tabs.

In use
If you are completely exhausted, you will either not be able to enjoy the cozy get-together or will have a crash after the first beer. You need quick energy beforehand. Simply dissolve the sherbet in the water as instructed, which takes a good eight minutes.

Conclusion
The product scores with many contemporary attributes: Made in Germany, it is vegan and sugar-free, calorie-free and full of vitamins. What sounds good also works - you can feel the energy boost after half a glass. The berry soda is easy to digest and refreshes the mind and body. If the kick is too weak for you, you should try the "Nero" version with guarana and caffeine. But be careful, this fizzy drink is so strong that it can cause a real rumble in people with sensitive stomachs.

Price: CHF 9.45 / EUR 9.99

Manufacturer
www.waterdrop.de

Sensolar After Sun Spray

First impression
The "After Sun Spray" is a moisturizing liquid on a natural basis. It contains aloe vera and avocado as well as macadamia oil. The sprays are available in three sizes (50/100/200 ml).

In use
In order for the emulsion to be effective, the spray must be shaken vigorously before use. The liquid is absorbed immediately and refreshes the skin. Especially if it has been dried out by the sun or even slightly burnt. The delicate fragrance contributes to relaxation. Ideally, the spray should be applied as soon as the sweat on the skin has dried off.

Conclusion
Anyone who has been exposed to too much sun is well advised to do something about it. The after sun spray is not really effective against sunburn, it is not designed for that. However, it helps irritated and stressed skin to freshen up quickly, making the after-ride beer much more relaxed.

Price: CHF from 14.90 / EUR 13.65

Manufacturer
www.lifeforce.ch