Fox Ranger jacket & trousers review | Brilliant for leading the pack off-road, not so much on-road

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FOX have been a big hitter in the world of off-road apparel and equipment for donkey’s years, but just recently they’ve stuck a toe into the touring market with a range of textiles aimed at adventure riders. Their multi-tiered approach operates at three price points – the flagship Recon, mid-priced Defend and entry level Ranger.

I’ve spent the past three months testing the Ranger on a broad proving ground that stretches from the daily commute to intense green laning, with every kind of weather the British summer can throw at it.

How comfortable is the Fox Ranger?

The Ranger jacket fits with the satisfying accuracy of a tailored shirt, and all the armour falls neatly into place as if the whole garment has been made to measure. The fabric shell feels lightweight and flexible, and sports a mesh lining to ensure there are no snags to affect a normal rage of movement. Most of the time I’m barely aware that I’m wearing it, the comfort really is that good, which means that my mind is free to concentrate on the job in hand.

Ventilation is provided by two long vertical intakes at the front, which can be held open with a simple hook and loop system, and a pair of underarm vents that run from the side of the chest to almost the elbow. It’s incredibly effective, allowing for a huge volume of air to pass through the jacket and around the body. It’s certainly helped me stay chilled when I’ve been beasting sandy trails on my Harley-Davidson Pan America long-termer.

There’s no thermal liner, removable or otherwise, but that isn’t what the Ranger is about – the focus is very much on exertive performance, but there is scope for bulking up with lightweight thermal layers as cold weather desires.

The trousers offer the same level of ventilation and flexibility, making them just as comfortable as the jacket. Velcro adjusters at the waist allow quick and easy snugness of fit, and a silicone strip at the back gives them extra grip for staying in place. I’ve worn the Ranger suit for a full day’s green laning on multiple occasions and despite my best efforts it all stays in place. I’ve not suffered from any chafing around collar or cuffs, or other discomfort at all.

Is the Fox Ranger practical?

Both jacket and trousers have substantially capacious pockets, with way more storage space than I need. There’s easily enough room to carry a spare motorcycle glove in each of the jacket’s compartments, or something like a folded map, smart phone or protein bars in the pants. All of these I can confirm through experience. I like the trousers’ wide opening legs which easily fit over enduro boots, and the three point adjustment poppers to stop any excess fabric from flapping around.

There are a couple of things that bug me though, and they both come down to zips. Firstly, the jacket’s main two-way zip is ‘left hand drive’, that is the slider is on the right as you’re wearing it. This is contrary to almost every item of clothing I own, and I still haven’t got used to hooking the ends together.

The other tricky zipper is the one that connects jacket and trousers. It’s only a short one, rather than a 360, but it sits inside the rear of the pants and requires a basic level of contortionism to master. I nearly put my shoulder out of joint the first time I tried it, but with regular practice I’m gradually getting the hang of it.

How does the Fox Ranger look?

I love the uncluttered, purposeful appearance – the Ranger may be the most ’basic’ in Fox’s ADV line-up, but in this grey/brown combo it’s almost tidy enough for an unannounced pop-in at the in-laws. I’ve even had people compliment me on how good it looks! The two-tone jacket’s subtle reflective piping and discreet Fox logos are totally in keeping, and the brown trousers with grey reinforcements suit it perfectly. It’s been plastered in mud, coated in dust and splattered with dirt, yet still looks as fresh after a wash as it did when brand new.

Is the Fox Ranger good quality?

The Ranger feels amazing to wear, and the build quality is second to none. Every detail is neatly finished, from the inside leg seam to the toll pass pocket on the sleeve and the comfort mesh lining. Waterproofing has so far proved impermeable, thanks to a two-layer Gore-Tex membrane and I’ve really put it to the test riding in persistent heavy rain.

Breathability is top notch too, so there’s none of that nasty boil in the bag feeling when you’re getting up a head of steam. Closures are all zippered with top-notch YKK AquaGuard fasteners, which do a grand job of keeping moisture out when it matters.

Protection and CE ratings on the Fox Ranger

When looking at the CE certification, you need to bear in mind what the Ranger is for, and not judge it purely on its single ‘A’ for abrasion resistance. Think of it like an off-road biased tyre, which compromises on road performance to a certain extent for prowess on the dirt. It is considerably ‘less stiff’ than most AA garments, hence the flexibility, but even so, with the reinforced impact areas and well-fitting armour, it does feel tough enough for tarmac touring and I’ve worn it regularly on my 100 miles round trip commute.

Protection is by way of CE level 2 D3O armour for the elbow, shoulder and knee, with a level 1 D3O Viper for the spine. It hugs the relevant areas comfortably and feels like it would stay in place should an unplanned dismount occur.

I’ve battled through overgrown trails brimming with skin slashing brambles and spiteful brush, but have yet to find a single catch, tear or scuff anywhere. That’s seriously impressive in my book.

• What’s that lid? Read Justin’s Arai Tour-X 5 review

Is the Fox Ranger good value?

At a couple of pennies shy of £1050 (RRP) the Fox Ranger is a significant outlay, but for the performance it offers in the environment its designed for that’s actually pretty good value for money – especially when you compare it with similar products from the likes of Klim and Rukka. As with all Fox’s ADV range, it comes with a limited lifetime warranty covering manufacturing or material faults of the fabric and fastenings, with the addition of Gore-Tex’s guarantee which will replace, repair or refund if their product fails.

Fox Ranger – the bottom line

From a practical perspective the Fox Ranger offers everything you could want from a dirt focused adventure suit. Yes, it’s ‘only’ CE A certified and I’ve found some trickiness with the zips, but it’s supremely comfortable and has proved suitably durable for the rigours of dual sport riding. I haven’t crashed in it yet, though it’s only a matter of time before I have an off-road tumble and I’ll be sure to come back with an update.

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