Sitting second tier in the range, the Altura Mayhem 2 aims at bringing full foul weather protection at a slightly more reasonable price point.

Sitting second tier in the range, the Altura Mayhem 2 aims at bringing full foul weather protection at a slightly more reasonable price point.

Altura Mayhem 2

There’s no mistaking the Mayhem as being a rebadged roadie waterproof, it’s an unashamedly MTB only jacket.  Designed to perform in the mud as much as in the rain. It makes use of Altura’s own Stormshield material that claims to be properly waterproof (hydrostatic head of 15,000mm, which is very high) and has a very high level of breathability. This Stormshield is used for the entire jacket, and Altura has made sure to tape every seam to limit weak points. To further the weather proofing, the Mayhem comes with a substantial hood that fits over most trail helmets. Plus all exposed zips are of the waterproof variety.

The Mayhem, like most proper waterproof jackets, is unlined. This keeps the weight down, makes it a tad more packable and ensures it performs better over a wider temperature range than a lined jacket. It does make the Mayhem feel a little cold against the skin if wearing short sleeves but it’s a minimal issue when wearing full length jerseys.

Altura has wisely kept the bottom half black.

Seven essential items to survive the wet weather

Wet weather performance

The Mayhem has provided ample protection against the wind and the rain over the test period, including a biblical day in Madeira that would have tested anything to the limit. On that occasion moisture did get in, but in all fairness I think any jacket would have succumbed. The fabric itself remained waterproof, just the constant spray found its way in through the neck and waist to dampen my kit underneath. The hood worked well over smaller trail helmets but pulled the neck too tight if used over something like a Giro Chronicle with it’s more bulbous profile.

The hood does fit, but might be a bit tight on larger helmets.

For days when the rain is on and off and the temperature is in double figures the Mayhem copes admirably at balancing protection against overheating. The fabric works hard to release sweat vapour and the pit vents, whilst small, are effectively placed to not get blocked if using a pack. I normally run very hot when riding hard but the Mayhem kept me just on the right side of comfortable. I did notice that the main zip is pretty hard work with just one hand so regulating temperature on the go can be a little more of a chore than with a less protective zip.

The pit vents are angled to keep them open even if wearing a pack.

Review: Check out our thoughts on the Altura Five 40 waterproof shorts

Cavernous fit

This brings me on to the main gripe I have with the Mayhem. The sizing. I normally take a medium in Altura kit so naturally ordered a medium Mayhem. It is, shall we say, generous in its sizing. As much as its good to have enough room for layers and pads underneath, Altura’s size run on this jacket makes the Mayhem feel at least one size too big. Definitely one to try on for size before taking the plunge.