Sustainable biking through the winter with fresh colors is what ION promises with the new Shelter clothing line. The Germans divide the line into three segments: Lite, Guard and Explore. We tested the 3-layer jacket and trousers from the latter.

The most important facts in brief

ION launches the Shelter 3L Dress, a weatherproof cycling garment made from 100% recycled polyester. The fabric has a 10k water column and breathability. The DWR coating is fluorocarbon-free. Those who find the colored version too daring can fall back on the usual black. The men's and women's jackets share the same colors in different designs. The trousers are designed as a unisex version.

First impression jacket

The cut is close-fitting and pleasing, with no room for more than a thermal shirt and a thin jersey underneath. A glasses cleaning cloth is integrated into one of the two large side pockets. There are large 2-way ventilation zips in the armpit and arm areas and all seams are taped. The quality of workmanship is high, except for the main zipper, which is sewn in somewhat inaccurately and runs very roughly. Especially in the areas where there is more material: at the seams where the color of the outer material changes and at the transition from the chest section to the collar. The hood is poorly designed. If it is worn over the helmet, it stretches the fabric so much when the collar is closed that you feel like you are wearing a shrink tube. There is simply too much material to wear under the helmet. Without a helmet, the hood is reasonably comfortable to wear.

First impression of the trousers

The cut of the legwear is also rather tight. Thin light protectors just fit underneath without too much tension on the outer material. The trousers are easy to get into, but you have to open the zippers on the ankle cuffs to take them off. There is a side ventilation zipper along the entire length of the thighs. There is plenty of room for a cell phone in the top pockets. The bottom area and the right lower leg are made of abrasion-resistant material.

In use

When the thermometer drops to single-digit temperatures, it's time for the jacket and trousers from the ION Shelter line. A thermal shirt underneath is sufficient for the upper body. If you put more on, it will be tight under the jacket and unnecessarily sweaty. Unfortunately, it is common that long ventilation zippers cannot be opened with one hand or freehand while riding, and this is no different here. With the pants it works from time to time. If you want to freshen up your upper body, you need to make a stop. Fortunately, the breathability of both parts is so high that additional fresh air is rarely necessary.
There was no snowfall on the test days, the ION garments withstood the light and medium rainfall perfectly and remained completely waterproof. The inaccurately sewn zipper of the jacket mentioned at the beginning got stuck after the second ride. From then on, it ran very tightly and the sealing lips no longer closed completely.

Conclusion

The combo boasts optimum freedom of movement and the clothes are extremely comfortable. The fabric feels pleasant against the skin and doesn't chafe anywhere. The ION set is ideal for temperatures between zero and ten degrees, whatever the weather. The only shortcomings are the unsuitable cut of the hood, which is only comfortable to wear without a helmet, and the poorly functioning zipper. According to ION, this is probably an assembly product and so far an isolated case.

Recommendation

When temperatures drop below zero, the Jack reaches its limits. Uphill, the body climate remains ideal, on the flat it is just about fine, provided you are active enough. For the downhill, however, it is advisable to switch to an insulating jacket to avoid cooling down. The same applies if you sweat into the jacket in warmer temperatures and then have a longer descent ahead of you.

Price jacket: CHF 339.90
Price pants: CHF 229.90

Manufacturer

www.ion-products.com