Review: All-Season Clothing From Ornot

Jun 2, 2023
by Dario DiGiulio  
Ornot Decadent Merino Pullover
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I bought the predecessor to this piece about a year ago, and have been so impressed I actually reached out to Ornot to see if they had anything else in store that was up to a similar level. Given the sheer volume of apparel that we try here, this should speak very highly of the garment in question, as it really has stood out from the crowd.

There have been some updates since the first version of this thermal layer came out, but principally the piece has remained the same. Since Ornot only uses deadstock fabric for these items, the base fabric is slightly different, thought the merino blend remains the same. I balked a bit at the decadent moniker, but honestly this thing is so soft it seems warranted.
Ornot Decadent Merino Pullover

• Size tested: Large
• 6 sizes, 2 colors
• Designed and sewn in California
• Polartech Power Wool
• Hidden rear zip pocket
• Made from US-milled deadstock fabric
• Naturally odor resistant
• bluesign-approved materials
• $146 USD
ornotbike.com/

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I've been riding in this quite a bit this winter, one because it's been atypically cold here in Bellingham, and two because even for being a warm standalone sweater, the Pullover regulates heat remarkably well. Often I'll just wear a lightweight t-shirt as a base, and this over top, and just keep that going all day, even on some reasonably hard efforts. For most rides above 40°F, I think things would get pretty steamy in this, but even when it's wet with rain or sweat, things remain comfortable and warm. The age old maxim of be bold, start cold still rings true, but you can stretch those boundaries a bit with something this flexible.

Off the bike, the fit is comfortable and loose, so I see no reason not to wear this to a function where looking overly-kitted would be gauche. The face fabric handles dirt and trail spray very well, and hasn't shown any signs of staining or discoloration after quite a bit of use.


Ornot Trail Magic Jacket
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The more riding jackets I try, the less I believe that anyone has truly nailed the category. Claims of breathability are pretty much always laughable, assuming something is actually water resistant enough to prevent anything more than dew soaking through, and the heat buildup usually has me taking a jacket off after the first few minutes of a ride.

All to say, I had some healthy skepticism about the purported magical properties of the Trail Magic Jacket. However, I think it might've proved me wrong, at least in a few circumstances. The fabric on this shell feels like nothing I've ever used before, with a very soft and stretchy texture. The exterior really doesn't seem like it would repel water, but it proves itself any time you give it a chance to. Like anything that isn't a full rubberized slick, it eventually wets out, but still retains its comfort level, so you won't feel soggy and frozen.
Ornot Trail Magic Jacket

• Size tested: Large
• 6 sizes, 2 colors
• PFAS free DWR coating + bluesign-approved fabric
• 99% windproof and waterproof
• Taped seams + YKK 2-way double zipper
• Durable and stretchy Polartec® NeoShell® fabric
• Polartec Alpha Direct vest with integrated stuff sack
• 2 front pockets + 1 full-width rear pocket
• Adjustable hood fits over a helmet
• Imported
• $384 USD
ornotbike.com/

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I've been wearing the Trail Magic without the removable thermal vest on most of my rides recently, and am blown away at how long I can ride without feeling like I'm overheating in the shell. When you're moving quickly enough, there is a slight breeze that can be felt through the fabric, which indicates the breathability quite well. You could rely on it as a windbreaker if need be, but I'm happy to say it really feels like the jacket was biased towards active performance rather than standing still in a storm.

With the Polartec fleece vest attached, you can push the Trail Magic into far lower temperatures, with the breathable performance changing very little. I haven't found myself wearing the vest as a standalone much, but that might be more common as spring rolls into the dark woods of Bellingham. The hood fits nicely over even the thickest spherical-layer XL helmets, and is stretchy enough to move around in if you have it donned.

The only real drawback to the Trail Magic that I've found - besides the price - is the packability, as the jacket can't stow quite as small as other more gossamer-like shells out there. Luckily, I found myself stashing the jacket far less than others, thanks to the fact that you can just keep riding without getting all hot and bothered. One note on fit is the sleeve length; I have pretty long arms, and the sleeves feel long even on my frame, so folks with a more T. Rex-like geometry might have to cuff them a bit. I was stoked to have the length while riding, but noticed it when hanging out in the jacket with my arms down.

All in all, the Trail Magic sets a high bar for just how well a rain shell can perform when working hard on trail, and it stays soft and comfortable while doing so.

Ornot Mission Pants
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I'm reluctant to call these a trail riding pant, simply because they feel too nice for that. Yes, they're stretchy and gusseted and they have reflective strips on the back of the legs, but they also might end up being the pants you wear to a nice dinner to meet your team of investors when you decide you need the newest S-Works e-bike.

I've been commuting in these a ton, and have taken them out on some trail rides when weather isn't too disgusting, but ultimately they feel more like a bike-life pant than something to throw into the deep end of dirt play. As spring rolls around, and temperate weather prevails, I've started wearing the Mission Pants on rides where I'm not going to be pushing crazy hard, and where things might adjourn at a social setting where my stinky cutoffs are less acceptable.
Ornot Mission Pants

• Size tested: 32W/34L
• 28-38 waist, 32/34 inseam, 4 colors
• Recycled 4-way stretch 95% Nylon / 5% Elastane fabric
• Full panel gusset for increased mobility
• Reflective details on cuffs
• 5 Pocket construction, 1 rear zippered pocket, and 1 hidden thigh pocket
• Designed in San Francisco and sewn in Oakland, CA
• $148 USD
ornotbike.com/

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The zippered pockets are slim and well hidden, and the overall fabric feel is athletic and stretchy. As this pair wears in (read: gets stained), I'm sure they'll see more trail use. For now though, they remain more of a bike-life pant than a dedicated trail item.

Ornot UV Trail Shirt
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I rarely opt to ride in a traditional jersey, mostly because I don't like how warm they feel, but also because they just end up reeking after a few rides. There are a few that have impressed me, earning a place in the rotation, but even then the aesthetic doesn't always suit my fancy. I first spotted these Ornot Trail Shirts at Sea Otter this year, and was initially taken by how interesting and unique the print patterns were. After getting one in to spend some time with, I quickly became impressed with far more. The fabric and weave that they've implemented keeps the shirt breathable and fairly dry to the touch, without that plastic-wrap sweaty feeling that a lot of jerseys can produce.
Ornot UV Trail Shirt

• Size tested: L
• 7 sizes, 5 colors
• 85% Polyester 15% Lycra
• UPF 30
• Designed in San Francisco and sewn in California
• $78 USD
ornotbike.com/

On super hot days, it's not a perfect replacement for light merino or a cotton-poly shirt, but the fabric feels perfect for most sunny weather. The Ornot jersey handles cool weather well, as it stays dry, and keeps you from feeling too sun-cooked when days get warmer.

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Author Info:
dariodigiulio avatar

Member since Dec 25, 2016
167 articles

110 Comments
  • 124 0
 Been meaning to try some of their stuff, Ornot.
  • 9 1
 this guys gets it
  • 5 3
 came here to do a very similar comments. dang it.
  • 29 0
 @TheLongMan:
*came here to do a very similar comments. Ornot
  • 6 0
 The company beat y'all to the joke from the get-go if you check out their website: Ornot
  • 4 1
 Ah c'mon. We could for once have taken a brand seriously and refrain from making fun of their names. Or not.
  • 7 0
 TO BE ORNOT TO BE
  • 6 0
 That last tutti-frutti jersey will be perfect compliment to my clown car. Ornot.
  • 2 2
 Yawn…
  • 45 1
 Just here to say I appreciate the subtle body english. That hip pop is tasteful…subtle and not overdone.
  • 7 0
 not Dario assuming a contrapposto pose in the Ornot apparel review
  • 3 0
 @yahmon: this guy gets it
  • 4 0
 I need to google “contrapposto pose...”
Ornot
  • 32 7
 "I rarely opt to ride in a traditional jersey, mostly because I don't like how warm they feel, but also because they just end up reeking after a few rides."

Wash your jerseys dude.
  • 17 4
 I wash everything I work out in after a single use but Im with Dario here. Synthetic materials, in particular shirts, pick up a scent that I just cant shake after a few uses
  • 33 6
 That's my point, synthetic jerseys stink despite washing after every use.
  • 5 0
 @dariodigiulio: I do recommend Nikwax BaseFresh and BaseWash. I’ve been using these products for a couple of years now and they are awesome at keeping your technical garment “stinkless”. Smile
  • 4 0
 @mtmc99: do you wear deodorant when you ride?
  • 5 0
 Sometimes they get funky, even with a wash after every ride.. Some white vinegar in the wash sorts it out.
  • 2 2
 Target has 25% merino 75% poly LS shirts that don’t get stinky and have the durability of poly and the temp regulation quality of merino
  • 7 0
 @mtmc99: Here’s how to get the funk out. I do this to my yoga and bike clothes like every 3 months.

1. Fill tub with hot water. Add tons of oxi clean and white vinegar.
2. Throw in all bike gear and let soak in tub till water turns cold.
3. Agitate laundry in tub every 30 minutes or so
4. Wash in machine with white vinegar and oxi clean

You’ll be shocked by how dirty the water in the tub gets but it gets all the funk out of your clothes.
  • 2 0
 if you presoak your stanky jerseys in oxiclean or similar before washing, the stank can be washed out. Or wash them, then soak, and wash again. You'll be surprised how nasty the soaked water is...
  • 1 4
 @rickybobby19: next you’ll be telling me to drink bud light…jk. I go the cheap route as well. It works just as well imo.
  • 5 0
 @laksboy: You can also just toss them outside in the sunlight after you ride to let UV do its thing and de-stank them.
  • 2 0
 Post Covid there is an excess supply of hand sanitizer. This stuff works, rub on before wash and the stink is gone, gone , gone. Gets the stink out of synthetics. You can get big bottles for free.
  • 2 0
 You’re all blowing it. The secret is washing with a cup of mouthwash. Not joking. Kills the bacteria and makes things fresh again for a while. I learned this years ago with nasty skateboarding pads and still do it to this day. Cheap, easy, effective.
  • 5 0
 Or you could wear light weight merino that barely stinks after many rides and skip the plastic and detergent and vinegar and oxiclean and all that time entirely
  • 1 0
 Correct, synthetic materials (such as polyester) pick up a funk that can be tough to get rid of. It was explained to me at some point that there is effectively a 'binding' that happens between the oils on our skin and the petroleum derived fibers of polyester. You can wash them, but the stank stays.

Your solution is to use an enzyme wash--it will break down the proteins, releasing the stank from the clothing. You can google any sports wash that is enzyme-based to get pointed in the right direction. Also, don't wash your tech fabrics in traditional detergent, it diminishes the wicking/breathability of the fabric. Defunkify (pricey but good), Nathan Power Wash, and Atsko Sport-Wash are all stuff I've tried and been happy with.
  • 2 1
 @pmhobson: My merino tops get holes in them faster than my synthetic tops start to smell. I got only one or two wears out of some of them, but I have synthetic tops that have lasted close to 10 years of regular use. I just wash them normally and they're fine for riding. Not so good if you have to sit in a vehicle for a few hours.
  • 3 0
 @R0N1Npl: The best part is one tiny bottle only costs as much a new jersey!
  • 3 0
 @mtmc99: The secret is washing your sports gear using a detergent that is formulated for synthetic fabrics, not just the stuff you wash your cotton t-shirts with.
  • 1 0
 @Bm1117: I've not gone this far, but have just done unscented HE detergent w/ about 1/2 cup vinegar added to the wash - nukes any jersey / synthetic wear aromas. My lady spearheaded this effort, howvever - I've never had the stench problem in spite of sweat-buckets while riding - just doesn't smell like anything (according to my lady). Everyone has different sweat smell based on skin bacteria and I"m luckier I guess but she was saying it would still kill the bacteria on the gear even if I could smell it... seems to work but maybe it wouldn't be as strong as the oxi-thing you recommend for the stenchier types (?)
  • 3 0
 @BiNARYBiKE: Hear ya on this except m-wash is super costly vs. vinegar (which doesn't stink after wash).... ever tried that? Same thing...zero stench but waaaaaaay cheaper. But I'll still try yr trick once for yucks.
  • 1 0
 Plain ol white vinegar works wonders on "sports wash" stank. Even got "river" smell out of a pair of boardies.

I am beyond stoked on POC jerseys. Retired a couple after many years due to getting stretched out and bacony. Zero stank, no damage from crashes.

I feel ya though. Definitely discarded some Patagonia Capilene due to stank coming out the neck hole of my ski coat.
  • 1 0
 Hex detergent works great at washing out the stink without soaking or other rigamarole. However, if it gets bad enough even the speciality stuff isn't going to touch it. Much of my gear is overdue for a good soaking in Biz.
  • 8 0
 Genuinely enjoy their stuff and doubly nice that they're made in the US (CA, no less). Interested to see how they get on in the MTB space given they've been more road/gravel oriented.
  • 2 0
 Another road oriented brand making the jump is Assos. I picked up their ls trail jersey on sale. It’s airy as all get out while still feeling tough enough to withstand a tumble. The reinforced forearms are a little scratchy and sizing runs crazy small though. I usually wear a medium for looseish mtb fit. That medium was borderline skin tight. Large fits better but my next trip to the bike park is definitely going to stretch it out lol.
  • 7 0
 i'm just concerned about their sizing. photos show someone who's about to hit an EDM festival on a European island.
  • 5 0
 Prices aren't awful either considering the domestic materials and manufacturing either. Particularly I imagine the wages in CA are insanely high
  • 1 0
 @singletrackslayer: seriously, did he really ride in all that stuff? I’m tall and skinny too but every piece looked one size too small. Any movement and the back, sleeves, legs are all going to be riding up. No bueno.
  • 2 0
 @tomfoolerybackground: similar with Rapha, but I have loads of their stuf now, expensive but great quality and good deal when on sale, agree about gravel/road companies cos they size small for skinny riders
  • 8 0
 I had to look up what gauche means...it's now my new favorite way to describe my riding style
  • 7 0
 Gauche AF
  • 1 0
 Glitzy riding style
  • 13 5
 Jeffrey Dahmer making a guest appearance
  • 26 2
 Jeffery's here to stay
  • 1 0
 Not sure who he is but I know the Soulfly tune and I think I don't want to know either.
  • 3 0
 Relax, I just wanna take some pictures.
  • 2 0
 you know, I came here to comment "Jeffrey Dahmer goes mountain biking" but decided to search the name to see if anyone beat me. Kudos.
  • 5 0
 Hearing about this brand, their do-gooder stance seems legit in comparison to other brands preaching the eco gospel but not doing much. Thanks for review PB.
  • 3 0
 Great line of clothing from a cool startup close by. I'm still waiting for someone to solve how to build a Neoshell jacket that packs down well... that would be a game changer.
  • 6 0
 All season clothing - also known as - clothing.
  • 2 1
 Yeah but this is clothing you can wear all seasons, Ornot.
  • 13 7
 The rapist glasses really set things off.
  • 3 0
 lmfao
  • 3 0
 big Ed Kemper vibes Big Grin
  • 1 0
 I think they're counselors
  • 4 3
 I just wish these companies would make stuff for people over 5'6. That first Large sweater looks like it would fit my 6 year old Shirts should be made to cover our but so when were bent over on our bikes the shirts not half way up our back. Tall person hate.
  • 5 0
 I'd call it a slim fit, but the length is comfortable for me and I'm 6'3".
  • 1 0
 @dariodigiulio: So what you're saying is this would be perfect for slimmer fellas under your height.
  • 1 0
 @everythingsucks: it said he is wearing a size large, and they make x-large. I'm in this size range with gorilla length arms, though not as slim. The most important factor for me is that the arm length is actually appropriate since most brands just have a bigger chest and neck but sleeves are always short. Anyways, helpful review Dario!
  • 1 0
 @dariodigiulio: it all looks way too small, like everything would ride up as soon as you reach, bend, or extend. Am I mistaken? Or is that just the way you like it? I’m the same size and usually go large.
  • 2 0
 Jerseys and jackets usually are not a problem. Pants, on the other hand… I like that with Ornot you can at least decide if you want the trouser legs 2 inches too short or 4 inches too short.
  • 5 0
 I might have to buy one of these items…Or NOT.
  • 4 1
 Holy smokes, the prices of riding gear is getting nuts. Don't get me wrong, I spend a bit on my hiking gear, but that's cus I ain't gonna crash in it.
  • 6 0
 but but! you can repair it and feel all eco-friendly for having spent $400 on a jacket that eventually sucks at repelling water.
  • 5 1
 It's crazy that we're looking at close to 500 bucks for a set of MTB gear these days. Foolish.
  • 1 0
 I have the Merino pullover and would recommend to go one size up — sizing is more euro roadie. Unfortunately, wasn't paying attention and put it in the dryer yesterday and now I would say it is a halter top destined for donation.

Prices are good for small batch made in California.
  • 3 0
 Looks good, price checks out, made in California... open it up for haters...
  • 6 0
 Total Kit as shown would be $1,000.00 CDN +.
  • 3 0
 The main issue with mtb jackets is most do not have a back vent.fishing shirts and jackets have had those for decades!
  • 2 0
 this.
Wet weather gear needs to be proper waterproof (unlike the waterproof/breathable oxymoron we fell for) with physical vents
  • 4 0
 Dario looking like my dad did in 1991…
  • 1 0
 Orrrrrrrr does your dad look like Dario from 2023, he was ahead of his time in the fashion game, kudos to Wenty’s dad
  • 1 0
 The Vandals implored us forever ago to "Say f*ck in front of your mom", but now you can simply sport this jersey with notebook doodles and said bad word adorning it...or not. Heh.
  • 5 6
 Factors that enhance UPF ratings: As a shopper, simply look for the UPF rating on garment hangtags or labels. Clothing makers will already have considered the following factors in trying to achieve that level of sun protection:

Construction: Dense, tight construction minimizes the amount of UV light that can pass through. Other construction details being equal, thicker fabrics may have reduced UV transmission versus thinner ones.

Color: Generally, darker colors prevent more rays overall (including UV rays) from reaching your skin. Within the same color, more saturated hues outperform paler ones.

Treatments: Chemicals and dyes that are effective at absorbing UV light can be added to enhance UPF.

Fiber type: Polyester does an excellent job at disrupting UV light, as does nylon. Wool and silk are moderately effective. Cotton, rayon, flax and hemp fabrics often score low without added treatments.
  • 6 1
 why did you just copy and paste a block of text from the REI website
  • 5 0
 @yahmon: I have always thought clothing marketing UPF values/sun protection claims are BS as evidenced by my farmer tans earned wearing cotton tees. I was curious about the validity of those claims and thought REI summarized the ideas behind the claim well and figured I'd share it on here as I suspect others are leery of this selling point for clothing. And I'm still not sure I'm buying what the marketing department is selling....
  • 9 1
 @TerrapinBen: it's 100% ridiculous, I've never gotten so much as a slight tan through clothing.
  • 2 1
 @yahmon: Because it was helpful....unlike your comment. I appreciated it so thanks!
  • 2 0
 Is rolling pants into capris just the jam nowadays? Seems like everyone I see riding in pants is doing that
  • 2 0
 Trying to bring back pinch cuffs from the 80’s. My older sister would roll mine so tight my feet would go numb back in the day. All in the name of fashion. Makes even less sense for trail pants. I have a hard time finding long enough pants for me and folks want to rock flood waters on purpose. Show off there cool socks I guess? Go figure.
  • 2 0
 please list the places in bellingham where you can't wear whatever you just rode in...
  • 2 0
 I'm coming up empty handed, but not everyone lives in a town run by mountain bikers
  • 6 0
 Your mom's room.
  • 1 0
 Not sure why mtb hasn't caught onto the hooded long sleeve shirts.
This all I wear on/off bike year round so cal. Too cheap maybe?
  • 1 0
 @dariodigiulio I think you're confusing the Trail Magic with the more lightweight Magic Shell. They're different products...I own the latter and it's also great!
  • 1 0
 Magic Shell and Trail Magic are the same weight fabric, I just had the names mixed up in my head. Thanks for the catch!
  • 1 2
 Dario, there is a reason that your riding jerseys are not getting the smell out. It’s not the jersey’s fault. These kinds of clothing use a different kind of washing detergent and your washing machine needs cleaned.

You should be using washing machine cleaner about once a month with all of the sweating you do. On top of that, ONLY use Sportwash or similar athletic wear detergent. Your athletic wear will never smell again after washing it if you use that method.
  • 2 0
 A jersey review that's more interesting than all the Enduro coverage over the week weekend, I agree most jerseys feel awful.
  • 1 0
 I was just thinking that what this world really, really needs is another speciality apparel company.
  • 1 0
 good thing they've been around for 10 years
  • 2 4
 Is it a trend to wear something three sizes too small or did the reviewer just wear whatever test pieces were sent? It seems that gravelistas do this more than true MTBers. I live in Bay Area, and everyone in Marin County looks like the reviewer, whereas down in Santa Cruz it's a Troy Lee color fest.
  • 2 0
 This outfit costs more than my bike
  • 1 0
 I am not a reader, nor I am not a writer. But I study Dario like no other, and I'd let him rider. Man oh man..
  • 3 5
 Forget "or" for me is going to be BIG not. Get off your high horse "ornot" and go bankrupt like other American bike clothing companies did. The prices you charge are way above what most of us are willing to pay. Yes, I'm willing to pay for something which is above the regular crowded field of products (just bought a 2023 Orbea Wild) your product and description of it are not outstanding.
  • 3 0
 $146 for a long sleeve t-shirt with a pocket... derp.
$384 for a windbreaker... womp.

I've said it over and over again about this industry/culture - yaw'll be straight up cray cray...

100% foolish if you think supporting these types of price points for apparel is money well spent.
  • 1 0
 I’m not sure Ornot if I like these clothes.
  • 1 1
 If I am paying $400 for a jacket it needs to be made out of goretex, not something that soaks through "after a while".
  • 1 0
 yo @dariodigiulio - nice Casio!
  • 1 0
 The finest watch in all the land!
  • 1 2
 ...Or Milton from the movie office space: www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvMeiKSD43E
  • 1 0
 Mandatory mustache wear.
  • 1 1
 Be different... LIKE US
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