Gear Check: Fox Racing 2023 Fall/Winter Kit

Fall often presents the best riding conditions of the year. Trails are less crowded, the dirt percolates with endless grip-inducing moisture, and sweat is no longer dripping into our eyes, blinding us from that big gap we otherwise would have totally sent. But when the temperatures drop and the precipitation increases, things can quickly take a turn for the worst without proper riding gear. So to help get you sorted, Fox hand-picked their favorite "all time, fall time" riding kit, and we put it to the test. 

Our fresh kit arrived neatly packaged from Fox just in time for some short-lived Sierra Nevada fall weather conditions, right before the season's first (and quite early) snowfall was forecasted to hit. With an assortment of items from their Flexair, Ranger, and Defend product lines, Fox created a complete kit designed to take on the best conditions of the year here in the Reno-Tahoe mountains. 

Instantly, our eyes were drawn to the dark maroon colorway of the Ranger Jacket and Flexair Gloves. Clean and bold but not too much so, we were excited to get kitted up and find some tacky dirt. With our jacket and gloves matched to black Flexair Pants, an appropriately fall-colored "emerald" Defend Jersey, and the low-profile Enduro D3O Knee Pads, we certainly looked sharp, if nothing else. 

Ranger 2.5 Layer Water Jacket Highlights 

• Lightweight 10K/3K 2.5-layer, waterproof, breathable fabric
• DWR finish sheds moisture, dirt, and debris
• Two zippered front hand pockets
• Drawcord and elastic cuff customizes fit
• Hood is helmet-compatible 
• Shell material made with recycled materials
• 100% polyester
• Sizes: S to 2XL
• Colorways: Dark Maron, Seam Foam, Black, Carmel
• MSRP: $139.95 USD

The Ranger 2.5-Layer Water Jacket is designed for riding in wet conditions, as one may assume from the product name. Its 10k/3k waterproof and breathable fabric is designed for more of a shoulder season environment rather than full-on extended downpours or extreme temperature swings. There's a lot of technical jargon behind the meaning of the 10k/3k waterproof/breathability ratings, but these numbers essentially mean that the Ranger Jacket has modest abilities to keep out water, with a light breathability factor. In other words, the essentials of what one would need for fall riding without a bunch of added features or a hefty price tag. Additionally, the outer fabric is treated with DWR (durable water repellency), which reduces the surface tension of the fabric so that water beads off. 

The jacket has several easy-adjust features. The hood, when worn up, is large enough to fit over a helmet. An adjustable cinch cord at the bottom hem of the jacket snugs up the fit around the waist. On the sleeves, the material stretches at the wrist, keeping the sleeves in position when riding. There are two zippered hand pockets beneath the chest, deep enough for gloves, snacks, a phone, or small valuables. The jacket features no zippered vents or any other form of direct ventilation. 

Once trying on the jacket, we were satisfied with the fit (our tester wore a medium) and the subtle logo treatment that didn't scream, "I'm ready to race bikes!" 

Defend Jersey Highlights 

• TruDri® fabric wicks sweat from the body 
• Made of recycled fabrics 
• Tailored bike-specific cut with drop tail
• Sizes: S to 2XL
• Five colorways
• MSRP: $69.95 USD

Fox's Defend Jersey is cut with a relaxed fit which Fox says allows pads to be worn underneath should a rider wish to. The relaxed fit is noticeable, especially compared to Fox's Flexair jersey, which fits very close to the body. The particular TruDri fabric used on the jersey is more rugged, differing from the standard synthetic, soft feel of polyester jerseys that are common today. The Defend Jersey is also produced from recycled materials, and we appreciate Fox thinking sustainably. 

The Defend Jersey is a fairly basic, no-frills top that does not feature a zippered pocket or lens wipe. The cut has a drop tail that extends well over the rear of our pants. This design felt lengthy when standing but provided added coverage in a riding position. 

Flexair Pants Highlights 

• TruDri® fabric wicks sweat from the body
• Ratchet closure for a secure fit and quick adjustments 
• Zip hand pockets 
• TruMotion® all-way stretch fabric offers a full range of mobility 
• DWR finish sheds moisture, dirt, and debris 
• Laser perforations on the front and rear panels increase airflow 
• Sizes: 28-38
• Colorways: Black, Bark, Dirt
• MSRP: $149.95 USD

The Flexair Pants have been a staple in the Fox line for several years, seeing updates and improvements each season. Fox claims the latest Flexair Pants are designed for no compromise pedaling on the trail. The pants feature a lightweight, stretchable TruDri fabric that wicks moisture. The material is also coated with a DWR treatment to protect against wet weather. Our size 30 pants have a slim cut but ample room for knee pads. The knees feature perforated laser-cut ventilation to maintain airflow. The waist closure is a ratchet that offers plenty of adjustment. A zippered pocket on each side of the hip easily holds a phone, keys, or a snack.  

Flexair Gloves Highlights 

• Slip-on design
• TruFeel® internal texture for heightened feel and lever grip
• Stretch mesh finger gussets increase airflow and dexterity
• Single-layer palm is touchscreen compatible
• Sizes: S to 2XL
• MSRP: $39.95 USD

The Flexair Gloves are designed to be minimalistic, focusing on fit and a lightweight feel on the handlebar. We are always a fan of a slip-on design versus a hook and loop closure, and the material is designed to be compatible with a mobile device. The palm has no additional padding, and neither do the knuckles. 

Enduro D3O® Knee Pad Highlights 

• D3O® impact protection
• Moisture-wicking, breathable design
• Silicone grippers keep guards in place
• Sizes: XS to 2XL
• MSRP: $89.95 USD

The Enduro Knee Pads are a slip-on knee sleeve with an ergonomic fit for each knee. Fox claims these pads are their most pedal-friendly pad to date, which concurs with our initial impressions that they are most appealing for trails requiring more pedaling rather than sustained descending. The Enduro Knee Pads are very lightweight and minimal, featuring a thin layer of removable D3O impact protection. The pads are highly breathable, with the back side being a full mesh construction and a silicone gripper at the top and bottom of the pad to limit slipping. We were also amused that the packaging doubles as a fender. Just add zip ties! 

On The Trail

We were able to test the wet weather application of our new kit immediately upon receiving it, as the Sierra Nevadas were experiencing fall-like weather with an early winter right on the heels. While we didn't find ourselves in a downpour, we experienced a steady mist and light showers on our first ride, the perfect dank environment for testing. 

Ranger 2.5-Layer Water Jacket

We immediately noticed the benefit of the DWR coating on the Ranger Jacket as the raindrops quickly beaded off. It is important to note that the effectiveness of the DWR coating will diminish each time the garment is washed in a washing machine. We appreciated the DWR coating and the jacket's waterproof qualities while climbing in light rain through a mixture of forested pine canopy. A layer of material is placed over the zipper, acting as a gusset to enhance the waterproof qualities. We quickly learned that we had to be careful when zipping up the jacket as this fabric easily caught in the zipper. 

Fit-wise, we found the Ranger Jacket to be a good balance of roominess without being baggy. There's enough room to wear an additional layer underneath on colder rides. The sleeves are plenty long enough for full arm coverage in a riding position, and the stretch cuff keeps the sleeve in place at the wrist. As we reached a section of trail more exposed to wind and rain, we tried the hood. While it easily fit over our helmet, the wind prohibited it from staying put, blowing it back repeatedly. We looked for an adjustment to cinch down the hood around our head, but the small adjustment cords on the collar didn't make the hood snugger. The hood seemed overly wide and not well contoured for our head and helmet. 

With a breathability rating of only 3k, we didn't expect much in terms of airflow. Our testing proved that assumption to be true. When sustained pedaling would occur, we found ourselves unzipping the jacket as it was the only means of letting air flow through to cool the body. Should you need to pack the jacket away, it folds up decently small but is not tremendously compressible. Lastly, we were fond of the minimal graphics and the solid colorway. The jacket wouldn't be out of place off the trail should you find your fall ride ending at a local establishment. 

Flexair Pants

We found the Flexair Pants to be quite comfortable, most notably due to the material's slim fit and stretch qualities. Like the Ranger Jacket, the pants feature a DWR coating to shed moisture. The laser-cut ventilation on the thighs worked quite well at moving air through the pants, which wasn't ideal when riding in cooler conditions. Considering that the fabric is also light and thin, the Flexair Pants would be better utilized on warmer days. Despite the ventilation, we did remain dry, albeit a bit cold. 

The pocket protected our phone, securing it in a comfortable position for pedaling. The ratchet strap adjustment at the waist was simple and functioned flawlessly, offering a wide range of adjustments. Sometimes the bulkiness of these straps can be noticeable when riding, but we did not find that to be an issue. The tapered cuffs are a nice touch—excess fabric catching in the chain is not a concern. Taller riders may find the pants on the shorter side, but the size 30 fit our 5'9" test rider perfectly. The Flexair Pants do suffer from a slight "whoosh-whoosh" noise while pedaling when wearing the Enduro Knee Pad underneath as the fabric makes contact with the pad. It's not a deal breaker, but it is noticeable until you get used to it and tune it out. 

Finally, other than a FOX logo on the side of the pants, the look is understated and non-race-inspired, which we appreciated. At $149.95, the Flexair Pants aren't bargain-priced, but it's a fair price for what you get. As pants have become increasingly popular and stylish, prices are increasing along with them, but so are the offerings, fits, and features. The Pro version of the Flexair Pants costs over $50 more, adding a more durable fabric for bike park and downhill use and a zipper at the ankle for easy on-off.

Flexair Gloves 

We are quite picky when it comes to gloves and, admittedly, are somewhat skeptical when asked to try something new on our hands. The Flexair met our preferences—a minimalist approach to handlebar feel— but we weren't going to be easy to win over. We've found that gloves are a personal preference for most, with some choosing to go without them entirely. 

Our size medium gloves fit us perfectly, with proper finger length and no fabric bunching on the palms. The sides of the fingers use a stretch fabric that is comfortable and aids in a proper fit. The palms and underside of the fingers feature a plethora of laser-cut ventilation holes, while the thumb, index, and forefinger feature Fox's TruFeel heat-treated silicone, providing a solid grip on the levers. With the gloves being thin and breathable, they may not be the best go-to for colder days, but that's personal preference. A conductive thread in the thumb and index finger makes it as easy to answer the boss's slack messages during a ride. As the gloves are sans hook and loop closure, a small pull tab at the wrist was all that was required to pull the gloves on.

Most of all, we loved the overall feel of the gloves, and once they were on, we forgot about them— and that is the most definitive verdict for a solid-performing pair of gloves. For those looking for minimalistic gloves that fit right and are no hassle, the Flexair Gloves are a winner. 

Defend Jersey

Lacking any features out of the norm, the short sleeve Defend Jersey was the piece we were least excited about in the collection. But the simple yet functional design and overall comfort and versatility surprised us. We tested the Defend Jersey on relatively cool days. The relaxed "trail fit" and the TruDri materials promoted plenty of airflow, and we wouldn't choose the jersey by itself for Fall riding because of this, but it paired well with the Ranger Jacket. The long-sleeve version would be a better option for should-season riding. The lengthy drop-tail was a bit strange at first, but once we got time on the bike, we appreciated its extended coverage over the rear of our pants, shielding and deflecting dirt and moisture. 

Again, we appreciated the subtle logo treatment, and the Emerald colorway was quite appealing, sending a few compliments in our direction. Basic but effective, the Defend Jersey feels durable, and we wouldn't be surprised if it lasted us many seasons. 

Enduro D3O® Knee Pads

Hidden underneath our Flexair Pants, it could be easy to forget about the Enduro Knee Pads, and we almost did. The slim-fitting, low-profile knee sleeves are constructed of a moisture-wicking micro-lycra with a removable D30 insert. This lightweight but dense impact-absorbing material disperses forces when an impact is taken. While the pad coverage of the knee isn't substantial, the pads are designed to be minimalistic and pedal-friendly, and that's how we tested them. 

Fortunately for us, we didn't encounter any direct impacts while testing the pads. How well they absorb an impact is still in question, but we know that the form-fitting pads were extremely comfortable. They formed well to our knee, never slipping out of place or requiring any adjustment. The stretch mesh nylon panel on the backside of the pads promotes airflow well. Although we rode in cooler temperatures, the buildup of heat and sweat wasn't much of an issue, even underneath our pants. We experienced no skin irritation or chaffing on our kneecaps. Like any pad, they eventually attract an odor, so we tossed them in the washing machine after every few rides, and they have since continued to appear brand new. 

We appreciated the low-profile, unobtrusive design, especially when pedaling. Even when worn with the slim-fitting Flexair Pants, the presence of the Enduro Knee Pads was not easily noticeable to the eye. We'd stick to other pads with more coverage for riding trails with bigger consequences, but for everyday trail excursions, the Enduro Knee Pads rank at the top of our list. 

Things That Could Be Improved

Our only true gripe with the kit is the need for adjustment on the hood of the Ranger Jacket. While we don't expect infinite adjustability for a $139.95 jacket, the hood should at least be usable, form-fitting, and stay in place during inclement conditions. Additionally, despite the jacket's stated lesser breathability rating and no vents, the lack of ventilation is worth noting if you're someone who sweats profusely even in cooler temperatures. 

What's The Bottom Line?

Fox's All Time, Fall Time riding kit is a solid offering for anyone searching for the best trail conditions of the year and a good-looking, versatile kit to match. The Ranger Jacket is best used in light rain or cool days. The Flexair Pants can handle the same but are most ideal for slightly warmer weather. We'd reach for the Enduro Knee Pads for any ride requiring a good deal of pedaling, and the Flexair Gloves are a go-to for everything except the coldest temps. Finally, the Defend Jersey is comfortable on its own for warmer days or paired with the Ranger Jacket on cooler rides. If winter has already hit your region, this kit should perform well once the snow melts in spring. Otherwise, get out there and get the last of the good stuff while you still can!

For more information, please visit www.foxracing.com 

Reviewed by Rick Reed - Age: 39 // Years Riding MTB: Who's counting? // Height: 5' 9" (1.75m) // Weight: 142-pounds (64.4kg)

A veteran of the bike industry, Rick now finds himself in his first phase of self-described "early retirement," allowing him time to actually ride. Obsessive about bike setup, dissecting products and European croissants, Rick enjoys riding fast tech, backcountry singletrack, and bike parks, occasionally with the company of a select human being or two (you know who you are). He resides and takes siestas in Reno, NV with his terror dog, Zuul.