Held describe the Zorro ST as a touring jacket, and that’s exactly how it feels. It’s a medium-length textile jacket aimed at year-round practicality rather than adventure or hot-weather riding. I used it through winter for Blood Bike duties across Lincolnshire, often in genuinely foul conditions, and it quickly became clear where its strengths and weaknesses lie.
Fit & comfort
The jacket fits me well, with no obvious tight or loose areas. I wore a medium, which is my usual size, although it’s on the snug side. This is worth bearing in mind if you plan to add bulky layers underneath.
Comfort is good both on and off the bike. With extra winter layers fitted it initially felt quite close, but after a few hundred miles the fabric has relaxed and moulded to my shape. I’ve worn more comfortable jackets, but I completed multiple 100-mile rides without issue in this one.
Cold & wet weather performance
This jacket uses a drop-liner waterproof membrane and a removable vest-style thermal liner. The waterproofing is excellent. I rode more than 350 miles in heavy rain, sleet and standing water - including some runs of more than 100 miles for Lincolnshire Emergency Blood Bikes Service (LEBBS) in constant downpours - and stayed completely dry every time.
Impressively, the outer fabric didn’t become waterlogged, so it didn’t drag the cold in. Once hung up indoors, the jacket dried fully in a couple of hours.
Warmth protection is more mixed. The thermal liner is very thin and has no front fastening, leaving an unprotected strip down the chest. I needed to add extra layers below 6–7°C, and once it dropped to 1°C I needed my heated jacket to stay comfortable. With sensible layering, it coped - but on its own, this isn’t a warm winter jacket.
Hot weather performance
I didn’t use the jacket in warm weather, and ventilation is limited. There are small arm vents and the collar and storm flap can be held open to allow some airflow, but the fixed waterproof membrane will always restrict cooling. I’d expect it to be fine for mild summer conditions in northern Europe, but I don't feel it’s a jacket for hot climates or slow riding in high temperatures.
Protection
The jacket carries an AA rating in the CE safety tests and comes with D3O Level 1 shoulder and elbow armour. The armour sits comfortably and was correctly positioned for me without adjustment, though it is good to see the option to adjust the armour's position if required.
Photography: Jose Mas
There’s no back protector fitted as standard, so I added the optional D3O Viper insert, which costs £33.95-£43.95 at the time of review. There’s also no provision for chest armour, which I feel is a shame as I have grown accustomed to riding with this protection. Overall, protection is solid for the price.
Pockets & practicality
There are three external and three internal pockets. The two lower outer pockets proved fully waterproof when I put some tissue in the pockets to see if it became wet on a rainy ride (it didn't) and there’s a rear pocket secured by velcro.
Inside, two lower pockets sit behind the thermal liner, and there’s a Napoleon pocket behind the main zip. There are no pockets in the thermal liner itself.
Fit adjusters at the waist and upper arms work well, the collar feels soft and the jacket pairs neatly with the matching Zorro ST trousers, which I wore together with the jacket. The two-part storm flap around the main fastener takes a little getting used to, and the collar adjustment is limited, which makes things tricky when wearing thick winter layers under the jacket.
Durability
After 900 miles of winter riding in harsh conditions, the jacket still looks good. Nothing has broken, worn prematurely or needed attention. Based on how it’s held up so far, I’d expect plenty more service from it.
Final thoughts
This is a relatively budget-priced jacket that performs far better than its price suggests when it comes to waterproofing and overall build quality. It kept me completely dry in some of the worst riding conditions the UK has to offer.
Protection against the cold is its weak point. The thermal liner is too thin to cope alone, however layering solves that. I’d rather add warm layers under a jacket than deal with leaks, and in that respect this jacket delivers.
If you’re after a capable, all-round touring jacket on a tight budget, and you’re happy to layer up in winter, the Zorro ST offers very good value for money.
