Review | Merlin Borderlands D3O Jacket/In-boot Trouser

British brand Merlin is best known for its stylish, classic inspired wax cotton jackets, riding jeans and similarly retro-style kit. While it also does more contemporary clothing this adventure-friendly Borderlands jacket and trouser combo still looks something of a departure, even if the brushed fabric and muted colours are actually very much on-brand. Stylish, well-made and packed with thoughtful design features, it’s a distinctive alternative to the adventure norm.

Every riding tribe has its uniform but if stereotypically garish adventure gear is a turn-off Merlin’s more stylish look has real appeal. Available in a choice of two muted, earthy colour combos the Borderlands should work just as well with roadsters and modern classics as well as it does tourers and adventure bikes, making it an impressively versatile choice. The brushed Nylon fabric has a more natural look than more technical equivalents but the reassurance of a Tactel lining for keeping dry. The zip-out thermal inner can be removed for warmer days while vents in the arms and chest can channel air in if you’re getting a sweat on. Standard D3O armour to the shoulders and elbows is fully integrated while a slip-in pouch accepts a Viper Stealth back protector and/or chest protectors, though you'll have to buy these separately. YKK zips and strong Velcro adjusters to the torso and arms meanwhile add up to a reassuring sense of quality.
A more fitted look than typical adventure gear means less flapping fabric on the motorway and the jacket is as comfortable as it is stylish. Fit is on the snug side, meaning we went up a size from normal with the range going Small to XXXL. While Merlin says the Borderlands is an all-seasons jacket there are probably warmer and more waterproof options for full winter and we’d describe it more as mid-season, with hopefully enough ventilation for a British summer with the lining removed and vents open. On that score it would certainly cover most bases for a longer tour and most weather eventualities you may encounter.

Constructed the same way as the jacket, the soft, brushed finish of the Borderlands trousers means they could almost pass for riding jeans while still having the technical features adventure riders need. These include the waterproof lining, vent zips on the thigh, leather knee pads on the inside leg and a more ‘active’ cut. Whether you pair with road-style footwear or more adventure-influenced kit, the in-boot style and slim fit looks just as good with sportier outfits as it does off-road. You might not want to ride in full wet conditions, though, given the potential for water to run down your legs if your boots don't have a proper seal around the calf.
While you can match colours with the jacket for a coordinated look the black finish we tried is probably more versatile, and pairable with anything from riding shirts to leather jackets as mood takes. Super comfortable once on, our one complaint would be tight ankle cuffs that were a real struggle to wriggle over our feet. An elasticated cuff or zip would have sorted this, and given the price and general attention to detail feels a bit of an oversight.

Given the cost of riding kit it’s not always practical to have different outfits for different bikes, and the Borderlands’ versatility for pairing with different boots or jackets is very appealing, ditto the fact it looks as good off the bike as on it. Great news for commuters and tourers alike for the fact you don’t feel the need to carry a second outfit for off-bike situations. If a little too ‘nice’ for all-year use the Borderlands kit also feels like it would work in a wide range of weathers and temperatures, which will be attractive for touring when you want to minimise the amount of kit you take. The fitted, sportier style might not appeal to adventure traditionalists but felt more comfortable on a cruise, and we like Merlin’s British-made provenance. A small tweak to the ankle cuffs on the trousers to make them easier to slip on and off is all that’s needed.