The Rally Tri-Sport Tekvest 

For the past two years I have worn a Tekvest  upper body protector when snowmobiling. Tekvest dominates the North American Sno Cross scene and offers OEM trail versions of the vest as well. I  wear the Super Sport model which offers me a level of protection which I have never had before, on a vehicle which can reach speeds of up to 160 kph. The Tekvest product line is manufactured in Canada by Tekrider, a company owned and operated by long-time, off-road enthusiast Steve Brand, AKA Capt Can Am!

Steve has just released a new warm weather Tekvest product line with sizes to fit the whole family. The Tri-Sport Tekvest line is aimed at Dual Sport off-road riders and ATV’rs yet can still be used for snowmobiling.   Although I had previously seen a number of off-roaders wearing the snowmobile Tekvest while riding dirt bikes, I believed the system would be too hot to be practical. That belief was dispelled in March when I tested the all new Rally Tri-Sport  for four days in Nevada where the temperatures topped out at 28°C (82°F) and I did not find it too hot. Surprisingly it was also more comfortable than conventional plastic gear yet able to balance large weight loads and provide more protection than anything currently available. Just ask Canadian Paris-Dakar competitor Mike Hahn or check out his testimonial at tekrider.com.

One of the many built-in features of the top line Rally Tri-Sport Tekvest is the provision to add an integrated drink system complete with a built-in sleeve to contain the drink delivery hose. The drink container pocket is expands to allow for extra storage - all of which is retained by an elastic shock cord. Up front there are four built-in Cordura pockets, each of which can hold a small camera. Upper arm protectors are standard on the Kid’s and Youth models and an available option on the adult models. I would consider these arm protectors absolutely necessary for off-road riding.

The Tekvest delivers real-world impact protection and energy absorption unlike the trendy coloured plastic gear we’ve been wearing for years which, in reality, has been advertised for “roost protection” only. The Tekvest is expensive but it works as advertised. The companies slogan is: “If you have to be somewhere Monday morning maybe you should be thinking about a Tekvest!”

For more info check out their website at www.Tekrider.com or phone 705 286 4462 for a free brochure.

Warren Thaxter