PROJECT: HIGH CONTRAST ARMOUR

s I’ve mentioned before, my "battle vest" often draws compliments and recognition, and even my everyday jacket gets its fair share of attention. The irony is that I’m frequently mistaken for a motorcyclist. I’m not; I don’t have a licence, and the act of riding a motorbike has never actually appealed to me. I’ve never understood why that rugged motorcycle aesthetic hasn't crossed over into the cycling world more often. So, what if I decided to expand that look into my own cycling outerwear?

Before we talk about the vest, let’s look at the helmet. It took a long time to find something that matched the look I wanted, but last year I finally found a base ripe for customisation. With some vinyl transfers and a set of steampunk goggles, I finally created something unique.

My current outerwear is a sleeveless cycling jacket decorated with patches in a battle vest style—a "poor relation" to the real thing, perhaps. Recently, the zip has started to fail, and its life is coming to an end. Considering how tough the last few months have been, and the long journey back from my collision, a new jacket feels like a statement of defiance—a middle finger to fate.

My plan is to acquire a lightweight denim vest and treat it with a waterproofing spray. While I’ll always carry a raincoat, I need something to defend against the odd shower. The big question, however, is: to high-viz, or not to high-viz

High-visibility clothing can make you easier to detect, but detection is not the same as protection. Real-world evidence doesn’t consistently show that hi-viz reduces crash risk; it may help you be seen, but it doesn’t guarantee that drivers will behave better. Lights are different—they create a presence. Clothing can enhance visibility, but it is no substitute for illumination

Then there is the matter of liability. Safety evidence and "courtroom optics" are two very different things. In the event of a collision, hi-viz may help demonstrate that you took "reasonable steps" to be seen. It may not prevent the crash, but it shapes the narrative afterwards. Lights protect you in law and physics; hi-viz protects you in perception.

So, the choice is between black or yellow. Yellow usually conjures images of flimsy hi-viz mesh, "construction-site chic," or the kind of off-the-shelf compliance that feels like an apology for being on the road. But what if it didn't?

I’m starting to see a different path: Urban Viking Endurance. Yellow doesn’t have to mean safety-standard-issue. It can mean structured yellow denim. It can mean a tactical cut with reflective detailing integrated into the design. With an intentional layout of patches—not a festival archive, but a curated selection—it stops being a hi-viz apology and becomes high-contrast armour.

I turned to an AI image generator for a glimpse into the future...

...Well? Granted, I don’t look quite as "polished" as this computer-generated chap—I don’t have the "guns," the tattoos, or much of the hair these days—but the vest actually works. It retains the rugged, battle-hardened vibe while making a very loud statement of presence.

With a potential start date of next payday, I have time to weigh my options. But with visibility and liability weighing heavy, I’m seriously considering taking the yellow path—not for the sake of compliance, but for the defiance of the Urban Viking.

A quick update on the 'broken mug' saga I mentioned last time. After some digital scouting and a few well-placed messages, I managed to locate the maker and purchase a replacement. It’s a small victory, but drinking tea from the right vessel is a daily ritual I wasn't willing to sacrifice.

While I am focusing on a much-needed overhaul of my gear—starting with the birth of a new, custom-armoured "Urban Viking" vest—the journey through the rugged landscapes of Jorvikshire continues in my webcomic, Northman. If you’ve enjoyed these tales of resilience, you’ll find that same spirit alive in the comic.

You can read the latest chapter here: northman.kirt.me.uk

I’ll be sharing the evolution of the new vest project, along with more glimpses into my Norse-inspired path and the day-to-day of the "Urban Viking" lifestyle, over on social media. Join me there:

Instagram ● Threads

BlueSky ● TikTok