Leatt Jersey MTB Trail 4.0 review

Leatt’s Jersey MTB Trail 4.0 is designed for cooler rides thanks to its Warm Yarn fabric.

This material uses recycled coffee grounds in its polyester (97 per cent) and elastane (3 per cent) construction, and is claimed to be sustainable.

It has a tailored, close-fitting cut. Combined with a zip-opening neck (13.5cm long), the brand says the Trail 4.0 jersey is perfect for backcountry to trail riding.

The rear dropped hem has a grippier portion of fabric to keep it in place.

Three deep (15cm) top-loading, stretch-opening pockets sit on the rear – each said to have enough space for tools, snacks and water bottles – along with a fourth side-loading zipped pocket.

Elsewhere, there are shoulder grip strips to help keep your backpack in place, perforations for breathability and a small breast pocket.

Extra small to extra-extra-extra-large sizes are available. My size-large test sample weighed 206g.

Leatt Jersey MTB Trail 4.0 performance

The large-sized MTB Trail 4.0 jersey has a sporty, tight cut, true to Leatt’s claims. It’s closer to a baselayer than a mid-layer.

While I found the medium size too small for my build, the large had enough stretch to be comfortable and unrestrictive.

The zipped collar is great for controlling sweat build-up and heat; when closed, the opening is tight around your neck, but when opened, plenty of air can get in.

However, the extra weight of the zip felt like it was pulling the collar down. Although neck movement isn’t restricted, the collar’s overall comfort was reduced because of it.

With a relatively short length – despite Leatt’s claims – the tight, grippy hem helped reduce the chances of it riding up while riding. A longer back portion, especially with the rear stash pockets, would be beneficial.

Those pockets are good for soft, packable items, or smaller rigid ones. Storing a bottle in there – while physically possible – isn’t the most comfortable, and weighs the jersey down, accentuating the heavy-feeling collar.

A modern smartphone can be squeezed into the zipped pocket, but the zip’s opening length makes it better for keys or cash.

The arms don’t swamp your hands with material; tight grippy cuffs stop the sleeves riding up or dropping down, but make rolling them up trickier.

The breast pocket and shoulder grippers – while aesthetically sound – had little real-world function.

The pocket isn’t deep enough or closable to store items securely, and the external shoulder grippers don’t prevent the jersey from slipping on your skin, if backpack security is a concern.

In colder weather (sub-5ºC), it’s best worn with a baselayer or a windproof shell, such as a cycling gilet. When layered up, its performance is impressive.

Once saturated in sweat, it retains heat well by trapping a thin layer of air between your body and the fabric. The tight-fitting, but not skin-tight, cut is key to keeping chills at bay for longer.

Remaining soft and comfortable against your skin, the fabric’s dark colour hides sweat patches well, even when sodden.

Leatt Jersey MTB Trail 4.0 bottom line

If you like the MTB Trail 4.0 jersey’s sporty cut, rear stash pockets and styling, it’s a great performer in a wide range of conditions, suited to layering or being worn on its own.

The neck zip, while practical, detracts from overall collar comfort, and it’s quite expensive.