Tucano Urbano New Step Hydroscud jacket | REVIEW

Sometimes, you need to see a jacket up close rather than online, or in a catalogue, to get a feel for it.

Despite ScooterLab being a Tucano dealer, this one had passed me by until I saw it on the Tucano Urbano stand at EICMA in 2023.

I ordered one for myself just in time for last spring and it quickly became my favourite jacket. The yellow ochre colour, styling and material are what sold this jacket to me in the first place but I must admit that I try to wear this on shorter journeys so as not to ruin it with a million splattered flies (although the material does actually wipe down very well). There is also a dark grey option if you prefer something that can withstand more muck than mine.

Recycled plastic

I mentioned the material, like many of Tucano’s products, this one is made from recycled Ripstop polyamide industrial waste – basically plastic waste. Not only is it eco-friendly, but it’s highly breathable and waterproof so you can wear it in any weather. It’s classed as a four-season jacket. Personally I prefer a thicker, heavier jacket for winter but I’d say this can be worn comfortably in three seasons. Having said that, it has a warm, removable polar fleece inside the jacket so it is quite cozy. The fleece can be worn on its own and looks quite stylish.

Protection

Modern-day armour just gets better and better, the CPS Aerosoft shoulder and elbow armour in this jacket can hardly be seen or felt, yet it’s AA-certified. I’ve worn this coat out to the pub and didn’t feel like some musclebound meathead who had forgotten his motorbike. Although there’s no back armour included, there is a pocket for it and something like the D30 Ghost back protector would be a good upgrade.

Windbreaker

This technical material blocks 100% of wind without compromising breathability. It’s designed to provide a complete barrier against cold air, yet still allows your skin to breathe for a warm and comfortable ride.

Hydroscud®

Despite being an Italian company, Tucano really does design products with more than just style in mind. Hydroscud® is the registered system that guarantees both waterproofing and breathability in Tucano garments. It claims 100% waterproofing against rain, either by use of an inner membrane or the use of coated fabrics, together with a water run-off flap and taped seams. Breathability is ensured thanks to the membrane and the aeration systems positioned on the back and under the arms.

Pockets

Outside, there are two waterproof zipped pockets to the sides, plus one chest pocket and two internal cargo pockets.

Ventilation

On the back, the New Step jacket has a full-width exhaust vent with storm flap, there are also two waterproof zipped underarm aeration flaps to allow some air to get in on those rare hot days. Of course, you can also remove the fleece liner.

Airscud connection

If you want to up the safety level, there’s an Airscud connection to allow you to use the Tucano In&Motion airbag-equipped vest.

Our verdict

From a rider’s point of view, this jacket feels quite lightweight compared to an ‘ordinary’ textile jacket. It’s very comfortable to wear and looks good on or off the scooter. The hood is also shaped well and not too bulky so it sits nicely below your helmet and doesn’t flap around.

I currently choose to wear this jacket for most rides and scooter launches. So far, it’s not let me down in the rain. It’s been warm enough in all but the coldest days of winter, the kind of days where you don’t want to get a scooter out and I pick a heavy-duty winter textile instead. Equally, it’s not been too hot or uncomfortable to wear in the height of summer, that’s because the ventilation system works well to get some air flowing in and venting out.

The styling, material, fit and quality are all second to none and for a highly waterproof/windproof jacket with some Italian design flair thrown in, you can’t really grumble at the price either. Sizing-wise, I always go up one size in bike jackets and a large for a large Tucano fits me spot on. Not too big or small, so just choose your usual jacket size.

Price and availability

It costs £269 and is available from us at SLUK or your local Tucano outlet.