SLUK loves #2: Tucano Urbano Gulliver jacket | REVIEW

Finding good riding kit that actually works is often a case of trial and error, or done by recommendation. In our ‘SLUK loves’ series we’ll be recommending items we wouldn’t want to be without. Hopefully saving you from making bad choices and costly mistakes.

I’m a big fan of Tucano Urbano, their products are well designed, feature packed and affordable. They’re designed for scooter riders with Italian style thrown in for good measure. This Gulliver all-season jacket is no exception and it has quickly become one of my favourite items of kit.

Subtle but stylish

The styling is understated, like many Tucano products the branding is very subtle rather than emblazoned all over it. To be honest the Italian firm don’t need to shout about themselves too much because their garments speak for themselves and this one whispers in Italian “Andiamo a cavalcare il mio amico” so it gets picked from the riding cupboard more often than not.

What makes it so good?

The styling is one area where it excels; it’s a simple black mid-length coat (also available in beige) that ‘just’ looks like a classy jacket but has a few hidden features. It uses Hydroscud® technology (breathable but extremely waterproof) and taped seams to make it 100% waterproof. It also comes with D30 CE approved elbow and shoulder protection. D30 is light, thin, pliable and comfortable to wear, yet also has extremely good crash protection properties. There’s no back protector as standard, although there’s a pocket for one and most of us already have a back protector we can either insert or wear separately. It saves a few pounds on the purchase price of the coat, so all is not bad. I usually wear a Knox armoured shirt anyway so don’t really need the extra armour.

All good in de hood

The Gulliver’s outer shell is made from an Oxford Polyamide fabric, it’s tear proof, waterproof and also has chest and side vents to help keep you cool, as well as a removable quilted down filled inner jacket that can be worn as a separate jacket once you’re off the scooter. High-viz can look a bit naff but when it’s done sympathetically it can be much less likely to cause you unnecessary bullying from your friends. The Gulliver uses fold away REFLACTIVE® inserts at the collar and cuffs, fold them away in the daytime and out at night for extra visibility. If you’re off the scooter and it’s raining you can fold out the hidden hood, perfect for those setting tents up in the wet times. There are also an abundance of pockets both inside and outside.