Trail Tested from Summer Heat to All‑Day Epics: KETL Wayward MTB Jersey Review

Overview

When we set out to develop the KETL Wayward MTB Jersey, we wanted to create a top that could handle sweltering summer rides, enduro race days, and laid-back trail adventures, all while standing the test of time. Here is our long-term KETL Wayward Jersey review, covering breathability, comfort, durability & more.

As mountain bikers who predominantly ride in warm weather, we at Worldwide Cyclery faced a common problem. Typical jerseys either left us sweating buckets or made us look like Power Rangers when grabbing a post-ride beer. We wanted one jersey that could do it all, keep us cool on scorching trails, hold up to rough use, and not scream “bike nerd” when worn in the local breweries. That challenge drove us to create the KETL Mountain Apparel Wayward Jersey, a feature-packed riding jersey purpose-built for everything from blistering desert singletrack to long day adventures in the mountains that end with a post-ride beer.

To make sure our design lived up to its mission, I’ve spent the last 12 months practically living in the Wayward. From scorching after-work spins on local trails to zip-tying on a number plate at local races and long weekend epics, this jersey has seen it all. The Wayward was built to handle serious action on the trail while offering everyday comfort and style, and I set out to see if it truly delivers on that promise.

The Verdict

KETL’s Wayward MTB Jersey is a versatile, comfortable, and surprisingly bombproof mountain bike jersey that shines in warm-weather riding. After a year of use, I’m proud of how well it balances technical performance with casual comfort. We aimed for a modern, tailored fit tailored for trail riding: the Wayward isn’t skin-tight like a road jersey, but it’s not flappy or baggy either. The cut stays close enough to avoid excess material flapping in the wind, yet it never restricts movement. We chose a lightweight poly/spandex fabric that manages to be buttery soft and breathable in the summer heat while still being tough enough to fend off snags from the occasional branch or crash.

KETL’s Wayward jersey is truly built by riders for riders: a hidden zipper pocket for small essentials, an integrated microfiber cloth for cleaning your glasses on the fly, and thoughtfully placed flatlock seams and a raglan sleeve construction to maximise comfort. All those details add up on the trail, and you really feel the difference during a ride.

Is this the perfect jersey for absolutely every situation? Not quite. When the temperatures drop into the low 50s (°F) or if you’re facing a frigid winter ride, you’ll want additional layers or the long-sleeve version for more warmth. And riders who prefer super-tight race lycra or ultra-thick downhill jerseys might find the Wayward sits in the middle ground. But for about 90% of rides from late spring through early fall, from quick local loops to all-day trail adventure, the Wayward is pretty darn close to perfect. Frankly, I have a hard time wanting to wear anything else on a warm ride these days.

Nitty Gritty

• Intended Use: All-around MTB jersey optimised for warm-weather trail riding, enduro racing, and all-day adventures.

• Material: 53% Polyester, 40% Recycled Polyester, 7% Spandex, a lightweight, sweat-wicking fabric with 4-way stretch for mobility.

• Fabric Weight: 129 gsm (a featherweight fabric that prioritises breathability without sacrificing durability).

• Garment Weight: ~139 g (Size M) 

• Fit: “Casual athletic” fit (not baggy, not skin-tight). Tailored with a slightly dropped rear hem for coverage in riding position. True to size (Men’s S through XXL).

• Pockets: 1 hidden side zipper pocket fits an ID, credit card, or key securely without adding bulk. 

• Extra Features: Integrated microfiber eyewear wipe (soft wipe panel sewn inside for cleaning glasses/goggles). UPF 30 sun protection rating built into the fabric. Minimalist styling with low-key logos.

• Colours: Blue, Green, Black, or Grey

• MSRP: $59.95 USD (short sleeve version). (Long-sleeve version available for $64.95.)

• Warranty: Lifetime repair/replacement guarantee. If this jersey ever fails, KETL will fix or replace it. (We also offer free U.S. shipping and returns in case you need to swap sizes, because we want you 100% stoked on the fit.)

Design & Features

At first glance, the Wayward MTB Jersey has a clean, no-nonsense look, but don’t let the simplicity fool you. Every detail was purpose-built for mountain biking. We gave the jersey a tailored cut that avoids both the roadie spandex vibe and the baggy DH jersey vibe. There’s just enough room in the torso and sleeves for comfortable movement and even light body protection or base layers, but not so much fabric that it turns into a parachute on descents. The raglan sleeve construction means no seams are sitting right on top of your shoulders, which makes sure that you’re comfortable if you’re wearing a hydration pack. We also extended the back hem slightly, so when you’re attacking the trail, the jersey keeps your lower back covered.

One of the key features of the Wayward is the fabric itself. We knew the material had to hit a sweet spot, and the polyester/recycled blend we chose, we believe it does just that. It’s soft to the touch and has a nice stretch, but it’s clearly built to take some abuse. This lightweight fabric isn’t the flimsy, see-through mesh you might find on ultra-light race jerseys, so you won’t feel like it will snag on every twig. Yet, it’s breathable enough for the hottest summer climbs. I’ve drenched this jersey in sweat on brutal July afternoons, and it never felt like a heavy, soaked towel. It dries out quickly once you’re cruising downhill. At the same time, it’s more robust than it appears: the Wayward’s fabric has proven to be snag-resistant and durable. In testing, I’ve brushed against countless thorny bushes and low-hanging branches without any thread pulls or holes. Even the areas under my backpack straps have resisted pilling or abrasion. Considering how light it is, that durability has impressed me.

We kept the styling minimal on purpose. You won’t find loud graphics or obnoxious logos here. The Wayward comes in solid, earthy colours with just a small KETL logo. The idea is that you can hit the trails and then walk into the coffee shop before or brewery after the ride without looking like a neon-clad superhero. Based on the lack of funny stares I’ve gotten pre-and post-ride, I’d say mission accomplished on the style front. It’s a jersey that looks as good as it functions.

Fit & Comfort

If there’s one thing that can make or break a bike jersey, it’s the fit. We spent a lot of time dialing in a Goldilocks fit on the Wayward. For reference, I’m about 5'10" and a size Medium fits me true to size with a touch of room to spare (handy for when I inhale a big post-ride pizza!). Thanks to the slight stretch in the fabric and the well-proportioned cut, the jersey never feels restrictive or boxy. Once on, it just kind of disappears, no pinching, no sagging, no seams digging in. I’ve logged some long 5-6 hour rides in this jersey, and I never experienced any rubbing or hot spots. The flatlock stitching keeps all the seams lying flat, so even under backpack straps or after hours of movement, I didn’t get that irritated red line on my skin that some shirts leave.

Through the chest and shoulders, the fit is relaxed but athletic. There’s enough room that it’s not clinging to every contour, but it’s also not flapping in the wind. I appreciate the slight taper through the torso; it prevents the jersey from feeling like a pajama shirt when you’re bombing down. And despite the trim cut, the Wayward never binds or pulls, even when I’m getting behind the bike through technical sections or leaning hard into a berm. The raglan sleeves give my arms full range of motion for steering and pumping through terrain, and the fabric’s stretch means it moves with me no matter how much I’m hanging off the back of the bike.

Length-wise, the jersey is spot on. The hem hits a little below the waist in front and drops slightly lower in the back. The collar is a simple crew neck that’s just the right size: not too tight but not so big that your hydration pack rubs on your skin. I often forget about the collar entirely, which is exactly what you want. Overall, the comfort factor on the Wayward is through the roof. It feels broken-in from day one, with nothing to distract you from the ride.

Pockets & Extras

As riders, we know how particular mountain bikers can be about little features, so we made sure to include a couple of useful extras on the Wayward jersey. First off, there’s a hidden side zipper pocket on the jersey. It’s subtly integrated along the lower right side seam. It’s not a huge pocket; you’re not stuffing your phone in there, but it’s perfectly sized for the small essentials. I’ve used it to stash my truck key and ID on quick rides, or a credit card and a twenty when I know I’m stopping for a post-ride treat. The pocket sits flat and is almost unnoticeable when empty, and even when I have a card and key in there, I don’t feel any weird bouncing or bulge. It’s a peace-of-mind feature knowing I have a secure spot for tiny must-haves, especially on those short spins when I don’t want to lug a pack.

My favorite extra, though, has to be the integrated microfiber wipe. Along the inside hem of the jersey, we stitched in a panel of soft microfiber cloth. It’s designed for one thing: wiping down your eyewear. And let me tell you, it’s a game-changer once you remember it’s there. I can’t count how many times I’ve paused mid-ride to squint through dust-caked sunglasses or wipe sweat off my goggles with a grimy glove. The Wayward gives you a built-in solution. Just grab the hem and give your lenses a quick polish. The microfiber is gentle and won’t scratch, and it actually gets the muck off without smearing your lenses. It’s one of those little touches you didn’t know you needed until you have it.

Performance on the Trail

Over the past year, I’ve thrown just about every type of trail riding at the Wayward jersey, and it has handled exactly the way we wanted it to. Here’s how it fared in a couple of very different real-world scenarios:

Race Days & High-Intensity Rides: I wore the Wayward in a handful of races and faster-paced rides to see how it performs under pressure. The jersey didn’t let me down. On race days, keeping cool as a cucumber is crucial, and the Wayward’s breathability was a standout. During long, lung-burning transfer climbs between stages, the jersey’s light fabric wicked away sweat like a champ. Once I started the timed downhill stages, the last thing on my mind was my jersey (which is exactly how it should be). There was no overheating. In terms of durability, one particularly gnarly enduro stage had me brush shoulders with a tree at speed (oops). I expected to see a snag or tear on the sleeve, but the Wayward emerged with only some dust and tree bark bits that brushed right off. Through all the rapid-fire stage runs, the jersey stayed put, kept me cool, and essentially became invisible. I could focus on racing, not fussing with my clothing.

All-Day Trail Epics & Everyday Rides: I had the Wayward on several big all-mountain rides, 20+ mile days with 5k+ elevation gain, variable conditions, and hours in the saddle. These kinds of outings will reveal any weaknesses in your gear. From the early morning trailhead start to the golden hour finish, the Wayward remained consistently comfortable. On long, sustained climbs, I never felt like I was stewing in my own sweat, even when the sun was beating down on exposed ridgelines. When a breeze kicked up at higher elevations, the quick-dry fabric prevented me from getting chilled; it never stayed soggy for long once I topped out and caught some wind on descents. I also appreciated the jersey’s versatile styling on these epic rides. One marathon day ended at a popular lakeside burger shack, and looking down at myself, I realized the Wayward jersey (in dusty grey color) just passed as a normal athletic tee. I didn’t feel out of place at all, ordering a double cheeseburger and a cold beer with it.

Durability & Long-Term Wear

After about a year of regular use, my Wayward jersey is still in fantastic shape, a testament to how well-built it is. I’d estimate I’ve put it through dozens upon dozens of rides (pretty much every week, plus races and road trips) and washed it after each sweaty adventure, and structurally it’s holding up just as well as day one. I inspected all the seams and couldn’t find any that have come undone, loosened, or pilled. No popped threads, no mysterious holes forming. The fabric itself has been equally impressive: I don’t see any pilling on the areas that often get roughed up, like where my backpack sits or along the area where branches typically brush against. There are a couple of faint scuff marks (tiny, barely visible changes in the fabric’s texture) that are likely souvenirs from thorny bushes, but you’d have to really hunt to notice them. Crucially, there are no actual tears or punctures anywhere, despite the jersey having now survived a couple of minor crashes. One tumble on a rocky section had me sliding on my side briefly. I fully expected to see a hole or at least an abrasion on the sleeve and the side of my torso, but after dusting myself off, the shirt looked nearly unbothered. I was honestly a bit shocked, considering how thin and light this material feels in the hand.

All the little components and details are holding up as well. The hidden zipper pocket’s zipper still glides smoothly and hasn’t snagged or split. The pocket itself hasn’t stretched out; it still securely holds my cards without them bouncing loose. The microfiber wipe panel is still securely attached and hasn’t frayed. I’ve even run it through the wash with no special precautions, and it’s still as effective at cleaning my glasses. There’s no lingering smell or “perma-funk” in the jersey either; as long as you wash it reasonably soon after a sweaty ride, it comes out fresh each time. 

Overall, I’d call the durability of the Wayward MTB Jersey outstanding. It has proven to be a trusty companion that shrugs off rough treatment and just keeps chugging along. It’s one thing for a jersey to feel great on the first ride; it’s another for it to be still going strong after a full season (or two, or three). In this case, the Wayward has earned my trust to keep delivering for many more rides and years to come.

Final Thoughts

After all of this testing through sun, sweat, dust, and long miles, I’m more confident than ever that we accomplished what we set out to do with the Wayward MTB Jersey. I rarely finish a long-term test feeling this enthusiastic, but this jersey earned it. At this point, I wouldn’t hesitate to pull on the Wayward for literally any warm-weather ride, knowing it’ll comfortably handle whatever I dish out. If you’re an avid mountain biker looking for one jersey to be your reliable go-to on all your adventures, the KETL Wayward MTB Jersey makes a very compelling case.