Bering Akkor Evo Jacket review

I must admit to knowing nothing about Bering when I bought the Akkor Evo jacket, but the French company has been producing motorcycle clothing since 1951, being the only French motorcycle clothing company licenced to use the Gore-Tex®️ brand apparently.

The Akkor Evo sits roughly in the middle of the company’s Discovery range (“The ideal range for adventures…”). The jacket has a high specification – an outer shell of Fibre Tech 500D; Bering’s own BW2 Tech 500 wind and waterproof, micro-porous membrane; shoulder, elbow and a minimal back protector (there is an internal pocket to insert more substantial back protection); a removable thermo-alu lining and 3M Scotchlite™️ reflective material flashes on the sleeves, shoulder and back.

On the bike (a 650 Transalp, so an upright riding position) I am impressed by the comfort of the jacket – it can be tailored to fit you better with adjustable cuffs, arms, waist and a draw cord at the bottom – enabling all day riding without any issues. Being tall (6’ 2”) and fairly thin I was surprised that the XL version fit me best, giving room for extra layers without looking baggy with just a t-shirt underneath. Good length sleeves mean the cuffs don’t slide up your forearms when your hands are on the ‘bars.

With two internal pockets, three pockets protected by storm zips and two further external pockets secured with Velcro®️ there is a pocket for everything you need for day-to-day riding. If I have one small grumble, it’s with the collar closure. The low collar (not a problem in itself, but a neck warmer will be needed in colder weather) is fastened by Velcro®️ and, although I’m not blessed with the neck of a bullock, it often comes unfastened, flapping around in the wind before sticking itself to the liner of my helmet.

Out in the elements, apart from the collar closure, the Akkor Evo has performed exceptionally well, remaining completely waterproof in all-day rain. Be aware, however, that because the waterproof layer is a membrane, the outer material will soak up water adding to the chill effect. With the thermo-alu lining inserted comfort is maintained to low single digit temperatures, helped by a slightly longer back drop stopping drafts.

It’s in hot weather the jacket suffers the most – with a non-removable wind and waterproof membrane there is no venting. With the main zip open a tad and air going up the sleeves, it’s not too bad, but much below 20mph you start to cook. Not necessarily a jacket for a summer in Southern Europe or Africa then, but for typical Northern European weather I haven’t hesitated to wear the Akkor Evo wherever the road has taken me, whatever time of year.

In fact, the Akkor Evo has been the only jacket I’ve worn over the past four years. It’s not been ‘cared for’, just worn. Thrown into a heap in the tent (sometimes serving as a pillow), casually thrown over anything available at work, it still looks like new – no pulled threads, no worn areas, Velcro®️ still performing as it should (apart from the collar as mentioned above), zips still functioning flawlessly.

It’s been used for touring and for day-to-day commuting, over thousands of miles, in all weathers and it’s only in the last month or so, and then only during the heaviest rain, that a small weep has appeared on the inside of the right elbow, enough to leave a 50p sized damp patch on whatever I’m wearing underneath. Considering the lack of care this jacket has received, I’m not in the least upset! It’s definitely one of the best jackets I’ve owned and has out-performed jackets that were far more expensive.

Andy Hudson
Available in Black, Black/Grey and Black/Fluo
Sizes: S – 4XL (Size XL fit this 6’ 2”, 12 stone frame the best)
RRP: £189.99
www.bering.fr