Hoss Polo Pony
By James Sharp

Every once in a while, I get to review something that works beyond it's intended application. This could be tires that are intended for touring, but work well off road as well, or a tool that not only works on a bicycle, but helps solve a problem on my truck. Hoss's Polo Poly Jersey is like that. It doesn't look like a jersey normally does, making it equally at home on the bike, hiking and even around the office. First, though, lets take a look at the technical aspects, the part that makes it a jersey.

The Polo Pony jersey is made of CoolPlus fabric to help manage moisture. There are no pockets, that would detract from the Polo shirt styling that Hoss has given this jersey. The front has a six-inch opening, held closed by snaps. Hoss lists the fit as loose, and it is... but not t-shirt loose. I'd call it loosely fitted, not tight like a traditional road jersey, but not t-shirt loose either.

Hoss sent us both the short and long sleeve versions. Both fit the same, both have the same look to them -- minus the sleeve length on the short sleeve version -- and feature the same fabric. The long sleeve version doesn't do much to block the wind; this isn't a cold weather jersey. Think of it as a cool weather jersey for those times when you might, or might not, need a vest. Early morning in the summer, or cooler night rides in May come to mind.

Like I mentioned above, I found this jersey to be perfect for a wide variety of uses. I wore it to the office, around town, on the trail -- both hiking and biking -- and I never felt under, or over, dressed no matter the situation. It's that versatile. The wicking fabric is as beneficial hiking as it is biking. Anywhere you might sweat, this jersey functions beautifully.

The sleeve length, and jersey length, was a little off for me. The size large (short sleeved version) was too long in the torso, while our medium (long sleeved version) was perfect everywhere, but a tiny bit short in the sleeves. Really, they weren't short enough to keep me from wearing the Polo Pony -- often -- but if I were to ask Hoss to change anything, it'd be to add about one-half to three-quarters of an inch to the sleeves.

Summary: There are other button down type jerseys out there. I can't think of another Polo shirt-styled jersey, though. If you like the outdoors -- and you wouldn't be reading this if you didn't -- the Polo Pony jersey should be in your closet. It packs light, looks good, and functions like a jersey should. The long sleeved version retails for $35 and the short sleeved Polo Pony costs $5 less.

James Sharp is a contributing editor for GearReview.com; more of his ramblings and a look at upcoming reviews can be found at his blog -- Lactic Acid Threshold.

For more information, contact:
Hoss Technical Gear
1100 E. Arlee Place
Anaheim, CA 92805
Phone: 714.774.2000
www.hossmtb.com