With wetter weather coming soon to the southern hemisphere, I’ve started my annual search for seasonally appropriate riding gear. Like many riders, I’ve already invested in a decent riding jacket so the idea of buying a second for a few rides in the wet feels excessive. This is when wet weather gear designed for layering comes in. Unfortunately, a large portion of rain gear looks ungainly and is far from fashionable. Recognising this issue Max Duff of Aussie riding gear outfit Akin Moto and automotive photographer Gorm Taube (aka Gorm_Moto) have done something about it.
“In May 2019, we received an order from a customer with an intriguing name: Gorm Taube. Little did we know, this guy wasn’t just another customer: He was a maestro behind the lens of a camera, and destiny would weave our paths together to form a close friendship,” says Max. “Fast-forward a few years and we found ourselves shooting a campaign with Gorm in Sardinia, Italy.”
During the shoot, Max and Gorm hit it off. One evening after a long days work, Gorm shared an idea with Max for a jacket he’d dreamt of having in his riding garb for years. With the aid of a napkin sketch, Gorm described a packable, Anorak-style jacket that could be put on without needing to remove a helmet. Fast forward a couple of years and Max has made Gorm’s vision a reality.
The Akin Moto x Gorm Moto Anorak is a hyper-versatile jacket designed to simplify the challenges of riding in the wet. At the forefront of the design is the Anorak’s versatility. Designed to be easily packable, the Anorak folds into itself to form a neat bundle that can be easily stowed in a backpack or moto luggage. Worn as an over layer it can be fitted over a helmet thanks to a pair of waterproof zippers on the neck. Additionally, the boxy cut and stretch fabric mean it can be comfortably worn over your other riding gear without restricting your movement.
Wet weather gear is nothing without waterproofing. The Akin x Gorm Anorak does its utmost to keep you dry thanks to a 10k breathable and waterproof outer shell. Going a step further, Akin has taken inspiration from premium outdoor brands and utilized a fabric that won’t leave you feeling like you’re wearing a plastic bag. All of the zippers of the jacket are glove-friendly and SBS waterproof and there’s a large waterproof pocket at the front to keep your precious belongings safe and easily accessible. When you jump off the bike the snap-down hood offers additional protection from the rain while buckles on the wrists provide additional adjustability.
Along with not feeling like a plastic bag the Akin x Gorm Anorak doesn’t look like one either. Finished in a slick sand color with black details you’ll cut a fine figure both on and off the bike. As with all of Akin’s gear branding is discrete and includes a hat tip to Gorm for his involvement in the project.
Designed to compliment your existing safety gear rather than replace it, this Anorak makes a welcome addition to an existing riding gear collection. The Akin x Gorm Anorak retails for $199AUD ($130USD) and is available in sizes small through to 3XL.
Available from: Akin Moto
