Reasonably priced "Trail" Jacket?

Royal Racing Matrix jacket is pretty good. Found them with a bit of giggling reduced to about half price a few weeks ago

I got a Giro Ambient jacket last autumn in a sale and it’s great for autumn and winter riding. It’ll see off showers and rain but probably not torrential downpours. But it’s warm, dry and windproof and a really nice cut.

Edit. Useful reviews on here.

https://www.pinkbike.com/news/gear-guide-7-of-the-best-new-cold-weather-riding-kits-for-men-2020.html

Hiya,

As per most of my kit, I'm about to test a Decathlon:

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/mountain-bike-rain-jacket-st-700/_/R-p-330643?mc=8640904&c=RED

It has arrived, the weather wasn't bad last weekend so haven't tested it yet. My last expensive Trial jack lasted less than 6 months, namely a Altura Nightvision was a pile of rubbish. It leaked more or less from day one, had next to zero breathability and the velcro failed on the wrists. In fact all my Altura clothing been pants. So these days Decathlon or Endura stuff.

BR
JeZ

Recently got one of these. Only a couple if rides so far. It's been a bit warm for it tbh. But in winter proper with a base layer and Jersey underneath, should be about right. Some nice features and a good cut

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/mountain-bike-rain-jacket-st-700/_/R-p-330643

Edit - haha, beaten to it by seconds!

I got one of these from Decathlon....
jacket
I was looking for durable over other qualities, and so far it appears to be.
Pit zips to alleviate the sweat build up (I guess its not the most breathable material out there)
Hood covers helmet easily but securely. Good arm length and an nicely elasticated cuff for covering gloves. I like it so far, seems well thought out. Not much pocket space though, only a small chest pocket and a rear zip up pocket, and the colour is a bit divisive!
Edit beaten as well....!

I bought a Decathlon one (but the blue AM version of that maroon one, which is slightly more breathable) - I was working on the basis that I didn't want to spend a lot on something that could be trashed the first time I rode it in.
It has faired well in two years - I have put a couple of holes in in- but patched with Goretex patches.

Can I be the first to ask, hardshell or softshell?

I prefer the latter for 90% of winter MTB rides, I suspect you'll be the same considering you're mostly riding in the trees down there anyway?

I'm in a phase of "Buying stuff to cheer myself up/distract myself" and have been ordering lots of jackets to have a look at (praise Wiggle's speedy delivery and easy returns).

Think I'm going to keep the Gore Wear Lupine jacket. It's supposed to be highly breathable and almost waterproof. It fits and feels nice anyway. Certainly more comfortable than a full on waterproof jacket. Never used an over the helmet good before, but the living room test was positive!

Gore currently have 30% off if you complete a Strava challenge, so it makes the jacket £120.
I registered for the challenge and immediately got notification that I'd completed it!

Thanks all - looking like Decathlon currently!

Can I be the first to ask, hardshell or softshell?

Well' I'm not really sure. I do have a couple of different weight soft-shells from Altura which when layered up are OK and just leave me "damp" after a few hours. I want something that'll get me out of the door when its already raining on that grim cold ride to the trail, and/or for sitting with Tea at a Tea hut.

Also re the trees, not all of my riding is Epping Forest in the winter, I'm about to experience Chicksands next Weekend - which I didn't realise was so close to me so may go again - and do ride at Hadleigh on occasion as thats quite "all weather".

I do have an original Endura MT500 from 200? in the mancave thats seen better days, something like that but closer fitting?

I picked up a Nukeproof Blackline softshell off the classifieds a while back and it's been superb.  Kept me warm and cosy in some pretty foul weather (a hail storm at Kielder springs to mind) with the hood fitting over my helmet and leaving me quite smug as others got pounded.  Good all round three season jacket.

I bought a 7mesh Copilot, although got it cheap. However, I've been out this weekend in biblical conditions and it was great; a nice and cosy windshield (with the hood which makes a huge difference) to keeping out a very heavy 30 minute downpour. I wouldn't want to wear it for more "Enduro" style riding (at least until it's a bit less new and shiny) but I bought it for bikepacking trips to do exactly what it did this weekend.

Well’ I’m not really sure. I do have a couple of different weight soft-shells from Altura which when layered up are OK and just leave me “damp” after a few hours. I want something that’ll get me out of the door when its already raining on that grim cold ride to the trail, and/or for sitting with Tea at a Tea hut.

I've got a couple of generic softshells and they are my go-to for drizzle or "looks like rain"
I stick a cheap waterproof over the top when it's proper chucking it down.

Most important for me is being optimistic I like to think there is 1/2 chance I'll be able to take it off

Same sort of thing for pre-ride though I keep a seperate cheap waterproof in the van for messing about pre-ride and then hopefully go down to softshell that's not already wet or swap it for a second cheap one before I set off.

Has anyone tried the jackets supplied by Donda on the Decathlon site. One question is about returning them - if they can be sent back to Decathlon.

(Does anyone buy clothes from a bricks and mortar shop? I tried but they simply don’t have stock)

I current do that ^^. I forgot that in proper Winter I mainly use a heavier weight Specialized soft-shell which I think is the predecessor to the RBX - which is a bit more heavy weight.

Maybe I just need a lighter weight trail jacket over that for the rain. Something like a Specialized SWAT?

In fact all my Altura clothing been pants. So these days Decathlon or Endura stuff.

I do often wonder if different sizes of kit come from different factories. This is pretty much the polar opposite of my experience of endura and altura kit.

Every bit of endura kit I've ever had has failed in weeks, the altura kit has been great. Otoh, I've friends who are serial gear destroyers whose endura stuff - which only differed by size from mine (obviously being endura the size always differs) - has lasted years.

In more direct response to the OP, I tend to wear a heavy shoftshell then pull on a either a cheap boil in the bag, very packable jacket as required or, if its properly biblical, wear an old walking one from the door.

For more middling conditions of a leatt thing which is shower proof and light weight and I'm waiting on a pearl izumi summit coming from sports pursuit which is supposed to be packable and a bit more waterproof.

I've never found a properly waterproof jacket which actually turns out to be breathable when I'm working hard, might be my sweat is less keen on evaporation than most but even one's which have been excellent for hiking and light exercise rapidly get wet when I get my heart rate up.

Fox have some sales on their site, selling the ranger 3l jacket for £120, down from £200.

Mines just arrived but not had the chance to try it yet, 1st impressions are good though and quality seems decent.

Every bit of endura kit I’ve ever had has failed in weeks, the altura kit has been great. Otoh, I’ve friends who are serial gear destroyers whose endura stuff – which only differed by size from mine (obviously being endura the size always differs) – has lasted years.

+1 on Endura and Altura being totally hit and miss on size, functionality and durability (of seams...).

I’m less and less convinced that any jacket “breathes” enough to be comfortable doing anything above steady Z2 (and even then it needs to be cold) I’m going to do some research on gilets that are 1. Not cut for roadies, 2 are a bit more robust than a single layer of PtFE. 3. Offer some limited level of waterproofing for showers.

I’m going to do some research on gilets that are 1. Not cut for roadies, 2 are a bit more robust than a single layer of PtFE. 3. Offer some limited level of waterproofing for showers.

Ann summers have a good line...

 I’m going to do some research on gilets that are 1. Not cut for roadies, 2 are a bit more robust than a single layer of PtFE. 3. Offer some limited level of waterproofing for showers.

Doesn't Cy from Cotic's Dad do a line in waterproof gilets that he sells on fleabay or something like that?

Maybe I just need a lighter weight trail jacket over that for the rain. Something like a Specialized SWAT?

I've got the softshells ... one is thicker (Craghoppers) and the other is something like Trespass?
I've got a cheap discounted cycling waterproof thing and a couple of sweat bucket £10 ones ... and a proper goretex waterproof
My perception is it's harder to start a ride wet than getting wet on a ride once you're warmed up...

TBH much nicer all round if I can get away with the softshell and after that it's no big difference.
Proper Goretex I sometimes wear dicking about before I ride then take it off and either replace with a cheap one or hope the rains going to stop... or not be too bad under the trees. Then if I does stop or isn't too bad I can take it off and stick it in a bag of some sort.. or worse case tie round my waist... (couldn't easily do with fancy Goretex one or wouldn't want to in case it wrapped round a wheel or something)

If I get back soaking and going to the pub/coffee etc. I'll change to something dry and put on a dry waterproof...

Take a look on the Madison/Freewheel site, they have some bargains on there and Madison stuff has been pretty sound, durable and reliable IME.

@nickc

Shakedry works, just probably not for crashing around the woods as it's pretty fragile.

@Op

Being wet isn't a problem. Being cold is. To that end, merino and a windproof / softshell is what most people need for most days.

I would only opt for a 'waterproof' if it was pissing it down upon exit, you were out for the entire day or multiple days, and you were riding at a pretty sedentary pace. Otherwise you'll be wet through from sweat before you get wet from rain.

I bought a Scott (Dryo?) jacket from Start Fitness a few years ago at massive discount because of the colour, best described as bile and sky blue. It is fine for me: packs down well, nice and light, good in drizzle and showery weather.

Although the fabric is reasonably breathable, its the massive pit zips that are a God-send, allowing me to dump heat out at will. For sweaty bods, they're bloody invaluable.

Nobody has mentioned Galibier. They have a reasonably priced trail jacket, but no idea how it fairs. STW readership tends to favour the brand though.

I use Madison Roam 2.5 waterproof. Seems comfortable and pretty breathable. Price is OK as well.
https://www.madison.cc/shop/roam-mens-25l-waterproof-jacket/VARMCL21W02/MCL21W0217

 just probably not for crashing around the woods

This is most of my riding. It's a rare day I don't come off.

To that end, merino and a windproof / softshell is what most people need for most days.

I agree, although lots of my riding is hard descending- grind back up. Most of the softshells/windproofs I've ever tried are just too warm for the grinding back up bit. (I do sweat though) Ah, the hunt continues for the perfect solution - that I don't think actually exists

Most of the softshells/windproofs I’ve ever tried are just too warm for the grinding back up bit. (I do sweat though) Ah, the hunt continues for the perfect solution – that I don’t think actually exists

For this I find a good roadie thermal /winter jersey prefect - one with a windproof, insulated front but light back panel keeps you warm on the way down but not too warm on the way up.

(gore phantom is also pretty good, probably my most worn winter top, zip off sleeves and full length zip make a huge difference. Currently on sports pursuit at a good price. Keep thinking to replace mine as I've had it about 12 years now I reckon but there's absolutely nothing wrong with it)

I agree, although lots of my riding is hard descending- grind back up. Most of the softshells/windproofs I’ve ever tried are just too warm for the grinding back up bit. (I do sweat though) Ah, the hunt continues for the perfect solution – that I don’t think actually exists

I struggle with this too and the best solution I have found is multiple layers. Wicking base layer, a mid layer to suit how cold it is and then something windproof (most often a gilet) over the top. Zip gets opened for the climbs and closed for the descents. The gilet folds up small enough to take off too if it warms up or for really long climbs. Properly wet days get a full waterproof but that's rare.

@nickc

Go along this scale until you find equilibrium.

Montane lite speed / Rab vital.

Patagonia Houdini.

Patagonia houdini air.

Rab boreas.

Just don't wear the windproof layer for the climb and get wet, put it on to descend.

I've found all jackets too warm for proper mountain biking (with a decent bit of climbing). Much better to wear a short sleeve base layer under a long sleeve Jersey for climbing and higher energy riding. Then put a water proof on top for descending, pre and post rides and stops. But then I run a bit hot.

IME a jacket only really works if your effort level is pretty constant throughout the ride, so good for the road and touring.

Whichever nukeproof jacket fits the bill.
Always enjoy the fit and value of their clothes. My nirvana jacket is great, not too warm.

Yep, the NP Nirvana jacket is ace, packs down into its own pocket and weighs nilch. Kept me dry in proper manky weather and doesn't get too warm. Wiggle had them down to 60 quid a few months ago too.

As for gilets, I have the Scott trail storm alpha vest, and it's brill, decently weatherproof and the primaloft lining keeps the core cosy. If it's just showery I'll generally pair it with a merino base layer and it keeps the worst of the weather at bay whilst running cooler than any jacket thanks to the open pits!

Nobody has mentioned Galibier.

Very much eyeing up the COURCHEVEL Storm jacket currently because I do like Galibier kit, thats a very Orange thing - good review from Road CC here: https://road.cc/content/review/galibier-courchevel-storm-jacket-284811 - may be a bit heavyweight thought.

I noted that Decathlon have a sale on that MTB Jacket, I could take a punt at that....

Escape Route in Pitlochry have a few half price Endura MT500 waterproofs on - £75.
Proper bargain.

Well I found my old Endura Convert 2 in the mancave. It’s all in one piece although includes cobwebs, so is in the machine with some Nikwax Techwash now. I shall be testing it tomorrow as it’s highly likely I will be rained upon.

Could be £70 saved if it works out, albeit it doesn’t have a hood.

Looks like you're going to need it that's for sure!

Well, it fell to pieces in the washing machine, is its the Spec soft-shell with a Montain shell (Prism) over!

Well, it fell to pieces in the washing machine

Endura Convert Jacket? I've had two with peely tape after a single wash of a jacket, one was warrantied, one wasn't.

Needlesports have some good deals on general outdoor jackets in their sale section at the moment.

Rivelo stormfleece on sports pursuit. Great jacket. Not waterproof it warm without being too hot