Product Review: Ixon Crosstour adventure gear

There are a lot of variables when it comes to choosing quality adventure gear, and the Ixon Crosstour jacket and pants combo manages to tick a lot of boxes.

First of all, adventure gear should provide protection from the elements. This means keeping you warm and dry in winter, and keeping you ventilated in summer. The Ixon Crosstour gear features a removable winter lining and a separate removable waterproof membrane.

Safety is also another important factor and with CE certification, elbow protection, a back protector pocket, reflective prints and a 600D polyester construction, the Ixon threads are well covered in this department.

Functionality and comfort are third on the list. The Crosstour gear features a number of useful pockets, and impressively, the jacket and pants zip together to form an all-in-one adventure suit.

Another key variable is durability. The Ixon gear feels durable and well-constructed. We’ve only worn the gear a handful of times, but so far there is no wear-and-tear of note. We’ll report back in a few months to see if this is still the case.

What we liked 

Comfort – The Ixon Crosstour gear is super-comfy. While some adventure gear can rub in the wrong places, feel claustrophobic and constricting (especially when walking around), the Ixon gear never feels uncomfortable, even after a full day of riding.

Safety – Of course we don’t plan to test the safety features on the Ixon Crosstour gear, but with in-built elbow and knee guards, and a seemingly solid construction, both the jacket and pants will keep you protected, and give you peace of mind when riding.

Warm – Even with the winter lining removed, the Ixon Crosstour gear keeps the cold air out. While there are vents you can open when it gets hot, the jacket and pants do a good job of stopping wind chill when riding at higher speeds. And if you do get a little cold, then you can easily chuck in the winter lining which will keep you nice and toasty.

What we didn't like

Bulky – With both the winter lining and waterproof membrane in place, the Ixon Crosstour jacket and pant are both very bulky and heavy. Admittedly, I removed both almost straight away. I will use the waterproof membrane in wet weather, but I would rather wear thermal layers than utilise the bulky winter lining. Of course, going up a size might help, and this issue isn’t confined to Ixon – I find it to be a problem with many adventure gear brands.

Waist not very secure – The waist is secured by a zip and button. The button isn’t very secure, meaning the pants are prone to coming undone – something that is obviously not very ideal. A buckle system would be much preferred, as would the option to use a belt. There is a waist-adjustment strap though, which is handy.

Verdict

Considering that many adventure suits will cost you an arm and a leg (not literally), the Ixon Crosstour combo offers a welcome dose of affordability. Both the jacket and pants are of high quality and come with very attractive price tags. Comfort and safety make up for the bulk issue, and with plenty of pockets, vents, and the ability to connect the jacket and pants, there is heaps of functionality too. We’re giving the Ixon Crosstour gear a big thumbs-up.

Details

Ixon Crosstour HP Jacket
Colours – Black/Grey, Black, Black/Grey/Bright Yellow, Anthracite/Grey
Sizes – S-5XL
Price - $409.95

Distributor: Ficeda Accessories, ficeda.com.au