The Furygan Challenger 3C PrimaLoft jacket is mid-length, laminated and is aimed squarely at all-round use. It promises year-round versatility with a focus on wet-weather performance and cold-weather comfort. Tested over 900 miles on a mix of bikes, I've worn it through typical British winter conditions.
Fit & comfort
Fit is generally good, with adjusters at the waist, hips and arms allowing for a tailored feel. However, sizing runs slightly small for me through the torso and I went up a size from my normal to achieve the right fit.
This does leave the arms feeling a little bulky, although the armour remains correctly positioned. Around the neck, the jacket sits quite high and can feel slightly restrictive, while the limited use of neoprene at contact points detracts from overall comfort.
That said, nothing here distracts me on the move, and the jacket remains perfectly wearable for longer rides.
Cold & wet weather performance
This is where the Challenger 3C really delivers. The laminated waterproof membrane performs well across a range of conditions, from light drizzle to heavy, sustained rain. Typical rides of around 25 minutes in wet weather are handled without issue.
Drying is quick too. Thanks to the laminated construction, a simple shake-down post-ride leaves it ready to go again, with no signs of water absorption or overnight dampness.
Photography: Jose Mas
The full-sleeve PrimaLoft liner does a solid job at protecting against the cold. It also has mesh sections at the armpits to help avoid heat build-up in this area.
In temperatures between five and 12°C, I need only a light base layer, while an additional fleece is enough for me to stay comfortable at temperatures of 4°C and below. There’s plenty of room to layer up in this way, making it a capable winter option.
If you really need to, the thermal liner will just fit in the rear pocket if you fold it carefully.
Hot weather performance
Removing the thermal liner should help in warmer conditions, and initial impressions of the ventilation are promising. There are chest, cuff and upper arm intake vents, along with rear exhausts, which together create a noticeable airflow when I've briefly opened them in cold weather to see if they are effective.
However, the chest vents are fiddly to operate on the move, which may limit their practicality. While I've not tested the jacket in temperatures above 20°C yet, the set-up suggests reasonable performance in mild to warm UK conditions, though it’s unlikely to match dedicated summer gear.
Protection
The jacket carries an AA rating in the CE protection standard, putting it on par with many competitors in this category.
It comes fitted with CE Level 1 armour at the shoulders and elbows, which is comfortable and well-positioned, though I feel it's a little basic for a jacket of this type.
You'll need to spend extra to get protection at the back and chest, where pockets are provided for the optional upgrades. I chose to replace the original armour with Level 2 protection for extra peace of mind.
Overall, protection is solid, if slightly under-specced in the standard set-up.
Pockets & practicality
Storage is generous and well thought out. Two large external hip pockets feature storm flaps and drainage holes - effective for water management, but a sign they’re not waterproof.
A large rear pocket offers additional storage, with a more waterproof zipped compartment hidden behind it. There’s also a handy sleeve pocket for cards, which could be useful for contactless payments.
Internally, two Napoleon pockets sit behind the laminate. Only one is officially waterproof, though both remained dry in testing.
Practical touches include strong cuff closures that make it easy to fit gloves over them and a full-length connection zip for matching trousers.
Durability
After 900 miles of winter use, the jacket shows no signs of wear. Reflective details remain intact, and all fastenings and features continue to function as intended.
Build quality feels solid, with a soft-touch finish that adds to the premium impression at this price.
Final thoughts
The Furygan Challenger 3C PrimaLoft stands out as a strong value proposition in the laminated jacket market. It combines effective waterproofing, good thermal performance and a quality feel at a competitive price.
There are compromises - namely the Level 1 armour, slightly bulky fit in places and a few minor usability quirks - but none are deal-breakers.
For riders looking for an affordable, all-round jacket that can handle cold and wet conditions without fuss, this is a very convincing option.
