The Noru Hakken Mesh jacket is the mesh version of the Hakken line of jackets. Noru calls it an Adventure jacket, and with the front cargo like pockets I get why they do but honestly it’s not overly adventure looking, putting it on and having multiple staff members look at it we all agreed that it could easily pass as a touring or sport jacket and would look just fine on a spot bike, cruiser, naked, pretty much anything, the look is fairly universal. Overall construction is a combination of a durable polyester shell with abrasion resistance as well as Air-Flow mesh panels for excellent breathability. The jacket itself is not CE rated, but that is not uncommon since Noru is a USA based company, many USA based companies skip the CE ratings as that is technically a European standard. Speaking of safety, included are Level 2 Armanox elbow and shoulder protectors, and there is a back pocket for an optional level 1 or level 2 back protector.
Lets talk about sizing and cut real quick, the overall cut of the jacket is sporty but not race, so it isn’t overly tapered, it fits what I would say most comfortable touring/adventure jackets fit like. I normally wear a size XL in most jackets and a size XL Hakken Mesh fit me perfectly. A few nice features for fit are also going to be the included points of adjustability. At the waist there is a drawstring adjuster, a hook and loop tab on the wrists, a button tab on the fore arms and a fully adjustable pull tab on the biceps. The bicep adjuster is actually really nice, most jackets just give you a pull tab with 2 maybe 3 adjusting points and the jacket kind of squishes in on itself to adjust but in this case Noru added a longer belt like tab with the button snap that for one looks good with a reflective Noru logo but too allows for much bigger and more comfortable adjustment at the bicep. Really nice work here from an adjustability standpoint. Another nice touch is the main zipper, it is a two way zipper so you can adjust it for additional comfort, fit and breathability.
Lets dive into features and convenience, this jacket comes with two layers additional to the main outer shell, one is a thermal liner, while the other is a waterproof liner. Both liners are easily removable via a zipper. Neither liner is considered finished, so they both would only work on the inside of the jacket, and both liners feature full length sleeves. On the thermal liner there are two pockets on the inside, but are open on top with no closure system, and the waterproof liner doesn’t feature any pockets. Speaking of pockets, the main outer shell has two pockets on the inside, one has a simple single velcro closure on top, the other has a fold over top with a velcro closure, this pocket I would say is designed to hold your phone. On the outside there are a total of four pockets, the two main “adventure style” pockets, the closures on these are folded over and feature velcro which will ensure that water stays out of them. My usual complaint with this style of a pocket is that you lose the ability to have a hand warmer style pocket, but that is not the case here as the pockets are dual pockets, meaning that you also have an additional zipper on the side with a hidden hand warmer pocket behind the adventure style pocket. A very nice feature to have, especially at this price point. There are two additional chest pockets that are about the size of my hand (size Large glove) which both feature a side zipper closure. Other features to note are a lined and comfortable collar with a single button closure, a short connection zipper for attaching to Noru pants (such as the Noru Hakken pants) and reflective materials on all of the Noru logos features throughout the jacket.
Overall the Hakken Adventure Mesh Jacket punches well above its price point, fits comfortably, looks good and offers a ton of value for the money. Available in an all black or a light grey/dark grey color way and in sizes ranging from small to 3XL. If you are looking for a solid jacket with a more approachable/budget friendly price tag, this is one definitely worth looking at. Outside of some of our epic closeout deals the feature to price point ratio on the Hakken jacket line will be very difficult to beat. Additionally if you would prefer a textile version of this jacket, that is available as well in the Hakken Adventure Waterproof jacket. :: Damir 3/25
