The Solitude D3O® Laminated Jacket from Merlin is a part of their Explorer collection and is considered an adventure style jacket. Overall construction is a combination of AquaSeal+ waterproof and breathable laminated tape, a seamed outer shell, AquaSeal+ waterproof and breathable reinforcement panels, an antibacterial inner mesh lining, YKK® waterproof zippers, a removable magnetic neck guard and a zip out 125gsm thermal lining. For impact protection the Solitude features an included full setup from D3O® with level 1 shoulder and elbow protectors, a Viper Level 1 Back protector and pockets for an optional chest protector. This combination of armor and materials has earned a CE Level AA rating.
Moving on to features and convenience, the Solitude includes two large chest cargo pockets, two additional large cargo pockets under the chest pockets, a large rear cargo pocket, a coin or toll pocket on the arm, a nelson pocket behind the storm flap, a patch pocket on the removable thermal liner as well as one zippered and one snap closure pocket on the fixed internal lining. Quite a few pockets on this one! Other features include a brushed collar with hook backs to allow for summer riding airflow, large vertical chest vents, bicep cents and rear exhaust ventilation, combined this should allow for a good amount of weather regulation. Adjustment is plentiful as well with cuff, forearm, hem and waist adjustment points with additional stretch in the elbows. A few last features to close out the list are a double layer front storm flap, Merlin branded metal snap studs as well as both a long and short jacket to jean connecting zippers and a European Jeans loop hook. 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, thankfully with the Solitude you also get a full length connection zipper so if you plan on using that one, this note might be a moot point.
Overall fit seems accurate, I tried on a XL and I normally wear a XL jacket, not issues in fit, and overall the Solitude was very comfortable and mobile for the style of jacket that it is, even with the liner installed. Speaking of comfort, both collar options are extremely comfortable, and I especially liked the bottom of the jacket as it is made very thoughtfully with the front side being shorter for sitting on the bike, the sides being longer and the rear being even longer in case you are bent forward, I feel like most jackets just have a slightly longer rear than they do front, but in this case its a fully stepped design and I think its really good.
At the time of this review the Solitude jacket retails for $529.95. Overall I think it’s a solid jacket. My usual complaint or concern with Merlin, is that it seems that Merlin is aiming squarely at both Klim and REV’IT! With their price points, but that’s just the issue, Merlin isn’t really undercutting them or providing more value for the money necessarily but rather matching and playing in the same ranges, and personally, I am not sure that Merlin is at the level of REV’IT! And Klim to be doing that. Normally that would be my opinion, but in this case, I do believe that the Solitude is comfortably playing with its similarly priced rivals and it belongs in the game. A really good adventure jacket from Merlin that I think is worth checking out. :: Damir 8/6/24
