Merlin describe their Akashi Pro D3O Laminated jacket as a highly technical adventure touring jacket, and in my opinion that’s a fair summary. It’s a medium-length laminate designed for year-round use, with enough flexibility for touring, commuting or adventure riding. Over more than 1400 miles through Ireland - including a battering from Storm Amy - it’s proved itself a serious all-weather performer.
Fit & comfort
The Akashi Pro immediately feels different from many adventure jackets. Its soft, flexible outer fabric feels more like a walking jacket than traditional bike kit, giving it an easy, relaxed wear both on and off the bike.
Fit adjustment is excellent, with waist belts, hem and arm straps to fine-tune shape whether the thermal liner is in or out. Sizing runs true - a medium fit me perfectly - and comfort remains consistent regardless of whether the thermal layer is in or out.
When zipped to the matching Merlin Akashi Pro D3O Laminated trousers, the longer connection zip causes the rear of the jacket to ruck up. Once on the bike, though, it’s not noticeable in use.
Weather protection
This jacket’s laminated waterproof construction shrugged off one of the toughest possible tests - Ireland’s Storm Amy. After riding for 120 miles in torrential rain and flooded roads, not a drop got through. In lighter UK downpours and persistent drizzle, it’s been equally watertight.
Photography: Jose Mas
The removable thermal liner adds warmth when the temperature drops. Without it, the jacket stayed comfortable to around 10°C; adding the liner extended comfort down to 8°C. Below that, an extra insulating layer or heated vest made it suitable for even colder rides. Despite its waterproofing, the outer shell dries quickly - even after a full storm soaking, it was ready to wear again by morning.
A removable storm collar is another highlight. It zips on securely, fastens with magnets and Velcro, and proved superb in heavy rain and at motorway speeds, keeping wind and water from sneaking in at the neck.
Breathability & ventilation
For a fully waterproof laminated jacket, ventilation is a real strong point. Two large double-zip chest vents, a large exhaust panel across the back and twin arm vents (each with a two-way zip) move a surprising amount of air.
The collar can also be clipped open for extra neck ventilation. In 20°C and Irish sunshine, the flow of cool air was genuinely impressive - proof that Merlin’s design works well across a wide temperature range.
Protection
The Akashi Pro carries a CE AA rating for overall safety, putting it among the better-protected textile jackets. It comes fitted with D3O Level 1 armour in the shoulders, elbows and back, plus pockets for optional D3O chest inserts. I fitted these and found them comfortable and unobtrusive.
Photography: Jose Mas
While Level 2 impact protection would be a welcome upgrade, the combination of impact armour and the tough yet supple laminated shell inspires confidence for road and light off-road use.
Pockets & practicality
Storage is generous and thoughtfully designed. Externally, there are twin large bellows pockets, a small forearm pocket for toll tickets or cards, and a large rear pocket - perfect for stashing the storm collar. All stayed completely dry during Storm Amy, passing my tissue paper test. I frequently test pockets by placing a sheet of tissue in each before wet rides. Only when a pocket has proven itself do I put my phone and wallet in there.
Inside, there’s a pocket behind the chest armour (best for flat items), three lower internal pockets, and smaller compartments marked for earplugs and glasses - a neat touch that makes organisation simple. The thermal liner also includes its own pocket.
A hydration bladder pocket behind the rear vent and hose clip on the front complete the adventure-ready set of features.
Durability
After 3000 miles through wind, rain and motorway grit, the Akashi Pro still looks new. Stitching, seams and waterproofing have held up flawlessly. The only quibble is the cord-pulls on some zips have worked loose and fallen off - a minor annoyance on an otherwise tough, well-made jacket.
Final thoughts
The Merlin Akashi Pro Laminate D3O jacket delivers comfort, practicality and waterproofing that genuinely stands up to real-world adventure use. It’s flexible enough for touring or commuting, adaptable to a wide range of temperatures, and its storm collar is an outstanding detail that adds real cold-weather comfort.
Aside from the zip mismatch with the Akashi Pro trousers, it’s hard to fault this jacket. For riders seeking an affordable, laminated jacket that performs as well in storms as it does in sunshine, the Akashi Pro deserves serious consideration.
