Oxford reveals new Atmos layering system
Oxford Products is rolling out a new layering system specifically aimed at keeping motorcyclists warm.
I spent most of my teenage and young adult years living in the US state of Minnesota, where temperatures stay below zero for months at a time (the coldest temp ever recorded in MN was -51ºC, back in 1996), and the bulk of what I learned about surviving the cold there can be reduced to these two phrases: “Cotton is rotten” and “Dress in layers.”
Oxford products has taken both mantras to heart and developed its new Atmos layering system, designed to keep year-round riders warm during the miserable months.
“Atmos is a full motorcycle layering system designed to enhance comfort through sweat management, intelligent insulation solutions and windproofing technology,” Oxford says. “Where most layering systems attempt to be functional across many different sports and applications, Atmos is specifically designed for motorcycle use – addressing the key areas where others fall down.”
The system is built of three layers: the ‘Core base layer, “to provide essential comfort and moisture-wicking;” the ‘Thermo’ middle layer, to provide “critical warmth and insulation;” and the ‘Exo’ shell layer for windproofing.
It’s an obvious way of doing things, and hardly a new idea to motorcycling. For example, Klim used to be big into the whole layering concept… Checks Klim website… OK, it appears they’re still into it.
But Klim stuff is crazy expensive. Put together a set-up that consists of base layer, mid-layer, shell layer and – importantly – outer protective layer, and you’re forking out a painful wad of cash.
That’s where the traditional selling point of Oxford Products comes in. The UK-based company does a really good job of placing itself in the centre of the Venn diagram of affordability, quality, and desirability.
At present, all the products in the Atmos line are still being rolled out, so there is more stuff to come, but in putting together three layers and, oh, let’s say a £99 ARMR Suko 1.0 jacket (to serve as the waterproof protective layer), I’m coming up with a grand total of £279.96 for a genuinely year-round riding set-up.
As I say, not all of the Atmos line of products are available at retailers yet. The two items that are, however, are both mid layers: the £79.99 THERMO Fleece Jacket, and the £89.99 THERMO Puffer Jacket. The latter packs down into its own side pocket, making it easier to stow away on those rides that start cool and warm up.
“By minimising heat loss in cool weather, your body expends less energy to maintain a comfortable temperature,” explains Oxford. “This conserves energy for better performance and focus, whether on the bike, during an outdoor adventure, or cooling off post-ride.”
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Chris Cope is a fourth-generation journalist, originally from Texas. He has lived in the UK for roughly two decades and has been writing about motorcycles for most of that time. He has written for dozens of publications and websites in the UK, US, Canada, and Australia.
