The Outlaw D3O® explorer smock from Merlin is a part of their explorer collection and is aimed at the adventure rider who is looking for something that looks a bit different for your typical adventure jacket. The Outlaw’s overall construction is a combination of 100% Organic Halley Stevensons® Ripstop Cotton Outer which features a Fluorocarbon Free Water Repellent Treatment Finish (this creates 45% Less CO2e And 50% Less Water Usage During Production which is awesome), a Texland Humax Waterproof And Breathable Membrane, a Premium Close-Knit Mesh and YKK® Zippers. Impact protection comes for the included D3O® level 1 shoulder and elbow armor, a D3O® Viper level 1 back protector which is also included as well as pockets for a chest protector that would need to be purchased separately. This combination of materials and armor yields a CE Level A rating.
Moving on to features, comfort and convenience, there is a large multi-functional zippered pocket on the front chest that includes ventilation, both top and size loading zippers and snap closures. The overall design of this garment is an over the head smock or Anorak design with a side opening zipper for easier in and out. Additional features include a detachable, draw cord adjustable, three panel hood, a double fold back collar for summer riding, as well as the usual Merlin jacket to jean connecting zipper and euro hoop connecting strap. Fair warning on Merlin’s connections, the short connection zipper is a good amount shorter than the ones I have seen on for example REV’IT! Jackets, and the jean loop hook is a single strap versus the two strap design that I have seen both Alpinestars and REV’IT! utilize, not necessarily a bad thing, but something to note (What is weird on the Outlaw Smock, is that there are two extra loops on the sides that I haven’t seen on other Merlin Jackets except one (the Drifter) and they can be used to further secure jeans making this jacket a totally weird setup compared to other Merlin jackets as it would then have a total of 3 jean loop hooks). Also to note, there are no internal pockets on this jacket.
At the time of this review the Outlaw retails for $479.95. Overall this jacket or better yet smock goes for a very specific audience style wise and if you are like me and it isn’t your style this jacket won’t make sense for you, but if you are in the style camp that the Outlaw Smock is aiming for I think you will be fairly pleased with its construction and features. To me for the price, it just didn’t make sense over other options, including some from Merlin’s own catalog, again this is mostly about style and liking that style. A few things to note, it’s nice to see some colors outside of the usual, blue, gray and black with the military green and what I would call a red/dark orange mix. As a whole I didn’t find the Outlaw smock to be super comfortable as I felt that for a CE Level A rated jacket that it was less comfortable than say Merlin’s own Edale II jacket that is AA rated. Also to me the side zipper which is designed to make getting in and out easier did help, but I still didn’t find it super comfortable to take the jacket on and off. Again, just not for me. If this finds your style then go for it and check it out. :: Damir 8/9/24
