That temperature window between 45 and 55 degrees creates wardrobe problems. A vest leaves your arms exposed to wind, but a fully insulated jacket turns you into a sweat box ten minutes into the ride. The Pearl Izumi Attack Barrier Jacket sits in that gap—wind protection without the bulk, breathable enough to regulate effort but substantial enough to block the chill that cuts through a jersey on morning descents.

Pearl Izumi builds the Attack Barrier around their P.R.O. Barrier fabric on the front panels and sleeves, which handles wind blocking without adding the crinkly stiffness you get from cheaper membrane jackets. The back panel uses a more breathable construction that lets heat escape where it builds up most. It's the standard approach for shoulder-season jackets, but the execution matters—the fabric moves with you rather than fighting every pedal stroke, and the seams sit where they won't rub under a pack strap or at saddle contact points.

The fit follows Pearl Izumi's race-oriented geometry with a dropped tail and extended sleeves that account for the cycling position. Three rear pockets maintain access to nutrition and essentials without requiring you to unzip, and the full-length front zip lets you dump heat on climbs when effort ramps up. Reflective elements on the back and sleeves add visibility for early starts and late finishes when light gets marginal.... Read More