MERLIN HAMSTALL WAX JACKET REVIEW Waxed cotton reminds me of when I was a kid. The smell of it takes me right back to my early teenage years where I used to clean and re-wax my dad’s old Belstaff waxed cotton jacket and pants, which he wore in trials and road trial events – normally in the depths of winter on an Ariel HT5 or HT3. It was a messy job and, once finished, didn’t guarantee much more than a smattering of water-resistance to the wearer... but it was the best technology available at the time. Things have changed. And certainly for the better. Modern breathable and waterproof linings have given us a smorgasbord of kit that’s warm and, for the most part, waterproof. It’s a far cry from the 60s and 70s. But that old kit did look cool. Well, British brand Merlin is now making a range of waxed cotton gear, and this Hamstall jacket is part of its modern collection. Merlin also has a heritage range for those wanting something a little more classic in styling. Taking the waxed cotton material, Merlin has added a removable Outlast thermal liner and a Reissa breathable and waterproof membrane to bring waxed cotton slap-bang into the 21st Century. I’ve been using this particular jacket for a mix of commuting, short trips to the dairy and longer rides. The NASA-originated Outlast lining is a temperature regulation fabric, using tiny gel capsules to soak up heat from your body and slowly release it back as your temperature starts to drop. It sounds techie, but it does work – the jacket is toasty on cold winter days. The Reissa membrane is there as a backup if you get caught in heavy rain that defeats the wax-impregnated cotton outer. On a safety front it’s got CE Level One armour in the elbow and shoulders and the soft-foam back pad can be removed and replaced with CE armour, something we’d recommend. As with any waxed cotton jacket, it needs a little care to keep it at its best. A gentle brush down with a soft brush will keep it working well and an occasional re-wax (not essential for waterproofing thanks to the Reissa Photos: Geoff Osborne