MOOSE QUALIFIER JACKET

WHAT IT IS:

The Moose Qualifier jacket is a wind- and water-resistant, mesh-lined, sturdy, woven polyester jacket with zip-off sleeves that convert it to a vest. It has two hand pockets, a large back pocket that’s handy for storing the sleeves and one interior pocket. Two front vents and two back vents let you regulate airflow. A microfiber-lined collar, adjustable cuffs and a double front zipper flap seal out cold or open for cooling. Pre-curved sleeves provide a no-bind fit. The jacket is available in sizes from small to 5XL, and all sizes are $99.95. Black is the only color choice.

PERFORMANCE:

UTV speeds can add greatly to the natural wind chill, so a jacket is essential UTV riding gear in cool or cold weather. Speeds and temperatures vary a lot on most rides, so a good driving jacket needs to be versatile, and the Moose Qualifier is just that. This jacket’s thick, woven polyester shell is a good wind barrier, and its generous cut leaves lots of room for layers. You’ll need them for cold weather, the mesh lining doesn’t add much warmth, and it’s there to smooth over the jacket’s seams.

The jacket’s front and back vents are good for fine-tuning your temperature. For big temperature changes, we use the adjustable cuffs, close the jacket with the hook-and-loop patches, or fully close the front zipper or remove the zippered-on sleeves. All the high-quality YKK zippers on the jacket work very smoothly.

While not truly waterproof like more expensive jackets, the Qualifier is impressively water-resistant. The woven polyester shell also resists tears and abrasion very well, and mud stains wash off and out much more easily than most fabrics. The fabric is fairly stiff, but the jacket is roomy and fits comfortably.

THE VERDICT:

UTV riding puts many demands on a jacket, and the Moose Qualifier meets most of them very well and at a reasonable price.

CONTACT: www.mooseracing.com

RATING: ★★★★

PRICE: $99.95