Altura Nightvision Electron men's jacket review - a truly bright idea

The addition of wearable lighting turns a great jacket literally into a brilliant one

Altura Electron Jacket
(Image credit: Simon Smythe)
Cycling Weekly Verdict

The Altura Electron jacket can be used in many 'normal' life situations as well as when cycling. Since it's not cheap at £190, this gives it a much better £/use ratio compared to a cycling-only jacket. It handles inclement weather with ease. I have enjoyed its features and versatility a lot, but it is the SCILIF wearable optic fibre lighting that has really impressed me.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Lighting is very visible

  • +

    Comfortable all purpose jacket

  • +

    Can be washed (without battery)

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Would like a hanging hook

  • -

    USB-C input on battery please (not micro)

  • -

    Would like a key loop in Napoleon pocket

  • -

    Base of jacket cinching not that secure, it slips a bit

  • -

    Wiring block in tail could be more flexible

You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

The Altura Electron is a waterproof and breathable Jacket with a relaxed everyday commuter cut. It has the features that you'd expect from a similarly purposed garment yet it costs £190. How much...?  

You could get an equivalent cycle-commuting jacket for around half that price but you be missing out on the Altura Electron's USP, which is that it has two strips of optic fibre from SCILIF (manufacturer of 'wearable active lighting technology') that run from the front of, and over your shoulder, and down to your waist. 

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Reviewer

Over 40 years cycling in a variety of disciplines including road riding, commuting, a self-supported Land's End to John o' Groats trip, XC mountain biking and several Polaris Challenge two-day events. Adventure, escape and fun are the motivations for my riding. I also love bike and kit design and have fillet brazed a couple of framesets using Reynolds 853 steel tubing for myself. A very satisfying experience to ride your own bespoke bike!

Height: 180cm

Weight: 66kg