Rukka Down X review

In this video review, Chris talks through the Rukka Down X mid-layer. Now, the Rukka Down-X is a favourite of ours here at Motolegends. It was originally not available as a standalone piece. It came as the supplied thermal liner for the Rukka Nivala suit. Now, for various reasons, we were given access to the Nivala some six months before other motorcycle dealers in the UK, and the fact that the thermal layer did not zip or popper into the outer jacket caused some initial consternation. But it didn’t take long for it to become apparent that not zipping a liner in was a touch of genius. You wore the Down-X jacket when it was cold, and not when it was warm or hot. When you didn’t need it, it scrunched up into a tiny stuff sack that you kept somewhere on the bike. It just made life easier, and avoided all those hassles with zips and buttons.

This was the first time that a motorcycle apparel manufacturer had gone for a down jacket; and that was the second stroke of genius, because it was warm beyond belief and, when worn beneath a jacket it took up the minimum amount of volume.

The beauty of the Down-X was that, whatever motorcycle jacket you owned, the Down-X worked, and gave the rider a more effective thermal solution. Even under a leather jacket, we realised, it was the perfect way to stay warm. We made our entreaties to Rukka; they also saw the potential, and swiftly put it into production as a standalone item.

There are a number of reasons why the Down-X works so well. First and foremost, of course, it is the most insulating layer this side of an electric jacket. It takes up little volume, as we have already suggested. It also sits short, so it doesn’t get in the way if you want to zip a jacket into a pant. It’s the length, or lack thereof, that also makes it work on any blouson-style casual, biker jacket; leather or otherwise.

It also makes for a very wearable ‘destination’ jacket, as we call it. You can pay much more than this for a similarly-spec’d jacket from the likes of Arcteryx or North Face. It’s very wearable off the bike and, of course, once again its going to be very warm. The jacket’s got a couple of zipped pockets on the sides and, for those of a more continental disposition, the sleeves can effectively be removed to create something that more resembles a gilet.

You’re probably getting the impression that we like the Down-X, and you’d be right. Importantly, it forms the under layer of a very flexible system that we’ve created, where you wear it under something ‘meshy’ like the Klim Marrakesh or the Rukka Forsair. It makes these jackets so much nicer to wear on cooler days. Put a Scott waterproof over the top, and you have a three-part system that allows you to have the perfect set up whatever the climactic conditions.

The Down-X is a simply lovely bit of kit. Let’s be clear; Rukka doesn’t always get it right. A lot of their gear we don’t go near, but here with the Down-X they have set the bar, and set it high. Frankly, whatever motorcycle jacket you’ve got, in most instances you’d be far better off junking the thermal liner it came with, and using a Down-X instead.

There’s a pair of bottoms to go with the jacket, and if you get cold legs they work well, but for most of us, most of the time, we find a good merino layer to be more practical. There’s also a ladies’ version called the Down-Y. It’s notoriously difficult to get hold of and, in truth, given how the jacket fits, the supposed women’s cut makes little difference.

If there was, in the early days, a stumbling block with the Down-X it was its price, but actually we have come to the view that it is not over priced for what it is. You can get a jacket from Uniqlo that looks similar for £20, but if you look for something with a 90% duck or goose down composition from one of the big-name, outdoor companies you’ll pay more; sometimes a lot more.

Now, as always happens, as I write this bulletin in mid September the sun is shining; it’s baking hot and the aircon is turned right up. But colder weather is just around the corner, and if you want to carry on riding into the autumn and winter, and if you want to continue to enjoy your riding, you should take a look at the Down-X.

In the video review, Chris also talks about the Klim Zephyr windproof shirt. It’s another item that we find difficult to get hold of, but worn under a Down-X the Zephyr will cut out the effects of wind chill, making the whole experience even cosier!

[fishingwiththomas]

I used down jacket all winter in Australia as a mid layer with merino as a base layer. Wish I did it years ago. Warmest I've ever been without the bulk.

[WDXash]

I got this jacket from you recently. I thought I’d get one before the cold weather started to ensure I got one, knowing delivery and availability can be an issue on some products at this time.
The jacket is brilliant. You don’t even know you’re wearing it, it’s light, comfortable and my outer jacket slides over the top much easier than the original Rukka liner I used to use. 👍

[jimflynn]

I really enjoy these reviews and have been looking at quite a few repeatedly as I think it is time for a new textile suit. Typically I discard the thermal liners in my jackets and trousers as they tend to be pretty rubbish. I have a variety of base layers, fleeces, jumpers and down jackets I use instead. I use a merino base layer and build on that. I have actually found a cashmere sweater to be a great mid layer which can be worn off the bike too when touring.

[paulsmyth]

Chris - You know that I love all of you guys vids, and having forgotten to try a Down X on when I was with Sean 2 weeks ago, this one is well confusing mate. You seem to be saying that in order to avoid wind chill, wear (lets call it) the Klim "Gossamer" UNDER a Downex. That suggests to me that you are proposing the Down X as your top layer, and I have to say, having just bought a Stadler suit from ya, I would rather be sliding down the road in that, even with the poor thermal liner - but being wind, water and abrasion proof, rather that trying to stop the wind through a Down X with a wind proof base later. Methinks you hit the shandy too early today mate 👀

[johnwiffen]

Pants are and undergarment. Pant is short of breath. I’m saving up for a Rukka two piece waterproof suit, when trousers are back in fashion I’ll buy one. Lots of good information though.

[Vjekoslav-vfhr]

Should it be the other way around?
put merino base layer, down jacket over it and this midlayer membrane over all
I wear base layer under KLIM Torque which is under Badlands (Gtx pro) outer shell.
There is no use to keep winproof membrane close to your body and non windproof down gear over it. Strong cold wind will eat all thermal benefits of down jacket so u have cold just against your membrane which alone is bad isolator.

[gatoevo]

I've a BMW enduroguard suit, so no thermal layer... This is a serious contender to be a future buy... Can anyone explain me what are the temperatures that you can be confortable with it!? Like °10 to °- 10!?

[domster]

Down's very warm but useless when wet so the extra windproof would be more effective on top.

[fleshgordon]

Nice gear but the feathers keep escaping and covering the inside of my jacket, its a pain.

[LP-cszg]

I am looking at the Uniqlo (brand you mention in the description) and it's £59.90 (90/10 down/feather), so I'd like to (genuinely) understand why pay over three times more for this Rukka (also 90/10) ...?

[danthechippie]

Hi Chris you mentioned merino wool base and mid layers. You were discribing the weights of the garments and I wondered if you could please go into that with a bit more detail. I am interested in purchasing only merino wool items _ base layer / mid layer and a polo neck jumper under the riding jacket. I'm not sure what is meant by the (weight). Iv read that it's best to go for a supper fine base layer and a heavier mid layer but I'm not sure if I have that right??

[BikerandBits]

This down-x sheds its insulation through the material & I normally look like a half plucked chicken after use, I did return it to rukka for investigation, the outcome was they agree it looses some of the filling but it's an acceptable level

[Vjekoslav-vfhr]

What is down filling power of the jacket?

[daz]

Does it effect what size jacket you have to buy

[-tj]

I think this sounds like good value, although I don't need it in Thailand.