I know, I know... another jacket thread- sorry!
I want to get more riding in over the Winter so want to gather some proper kit to not make it too miserable (relatively speaking!)
I have bought and returned a ton of jackets from all sorts of brands and none seem to have a good fit or have weird quirks I can not live with (eg an Outdry jacket with a massive hole all the way across the back presumably for ventilation but which flaps open letting water in)...
... so what money no object, totally waterproof jacket would you recommend?
I say no ShakeDry as I can not bring myself to use a black or black with tiny amounts of yellow jacket in Winter. That is an absolute deal breaker. Visibility is a must.
I've mainly been looking at jackets made from Gore-Tex Pro, Active and PacLite since they should stay waterproof over time with less care than other materials. I am open to other materials but want it to stay waterproof in hours of torrential rain and stay that way for as along as possible.
Packing size isn't important as I'll keep it on.
Warmth isn't so important as I'll use the other layers for that. The totally waterproof bit is the important one and I just want a really good outer barrier to the wet.
Hood isn't important and if there is one it would be good to be able to store it away.
Pockets etc aren't important as I'll carry everything in the tops underneath.
Doesn't need to be cycling specific but a slim, non parachute cut would be good.
Seems simple but I'm struggling!
It is simple. Shakedry with bits of yellow . . . plus a light coloured lid, light coloured gloves & overshoes and some day riding lights. 😉
Showers Pass?
Showers Pass, can highly recommend it after being out in Saturday's rain all day. Come with a detachable hood and in bright colours, plus STW members get a discount.
Shakedry with bits of yellow
To be honest that was the best I had come up with. I'm still not totally comfortable with a totally black body but I have already hunted out neon gloves and overshoes (sorry fashion police). I have Bontrager day running lights but wondered about helmet lights as well for when the giant MTB one isn't on there.
For road or MTB? Either way, you won't go wrong with 7Mesh, I have an older Guardian jacket and it's next level! Fit is superb (they do size up a little big so may need to size down).
Rebelion for Road -
Copilot for MTB -
Job done! Ohh, and get a pair of the Thunderpants they do if you want to really ride through winter, they have totally changed the game for me and I'd buy another pair in a heartbeat, but I don't need to as 7Mesh gear lasts forever!
https://7mesh.com/thunder-pant
oops..thats a black one...
Showers Pass?
Unless I'm mistaken all of their jackets rely on a coating and I can't be doing with reproofing jackets. That is where I am currently at with my current jacket and want minimal maintenance/ less faff.
Shakedry and a hi-viz gilet
you won’t go wrong with 7Mesh
That is exactly the type of thing I had missed, thanks!
Shakedry and a hi-viz gilet
That was another idea I had but I worried that anything on top will eventually damage the more fragile material. I am not too worried about ShakeDry offroad as I've seen it can be repaired but I was worried about something on top of it, if a bit of mud got in between the jacket and more visible thing on top or a gilet seam started rubbing it could be a quick end to an expensive jacket
I'm not sure about Shakedry, road yes, but with a pack on, no.
I believe Mountain equipment have ditched it for that reason.
NOT the Outdry Extreme Lightweight with the hole in the back
The Outdry Extreme Reign with pit zips instead. That.
I purchased a Gore C5 trail earlier in the summer. Absolute soaking in it last weekend on the gravel bike and stayed super dry - only one in our group who did! I have the womans fit, but it isn't a parachute. Hood doesn't pack away; but as its an under helmet hood it is small so doesn't feel an issue. Pack size did matter to me, hence getting this one (and feeling shake dry was too fragile for anything other than solely road) as wanted it for bikepacking etc.
If you can find one Rapha did a EF education team replica jacket using shake dry.
BIKERUMOR.COM Unfortunately they sold out pretty quick due to the colour
NOT the Outdry Extreme Lightweight with the hole in the back
The Outdry Extreme Reign with pit zips instead. That.
Yeah the light one is pretty daft! The other one is on my list but all darker colours...
Gore C5 trail
Another good suggestion to try
Rapha did a EF education team replica jacket using shake dry.
I think it lost colour very quickly and was a bit of a disaster but I wouldn't mind if someone can sort the ShakeDry lack of colour thing 🙂
PSA - just spotted Wiggle have the Gore C5 trail for £131 (in men’s at least!) https://www.wiggle.co.uk/gore-wear-c5-gore-tex-trail-hooded-jacket
I paid £220 and don’t regret it. That’s a very good price!
Re the helmet light option if a predominantly black jacket If you're after a "be seen" thing, this probably fits the bill. Well reviewed and cheap at Halfords. I picked one up and am impressed:
[url=
[/img][/url]" title="POSTIMAGES.ORG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" >
[/img][/url]"I've got a shakedry with hi viz bits and it's ace...
outdry reign for the win. a proper waterproof you can wear a long time in the rain.
Castelli Gavia?
Rapha Hardcore/hardshell (can't remember which)... jacket here.
Tougher than a shakedry, and heavier, but good waterproofing and well made. I'm pretty sure they don't make them anymore but there may be an equivalent in the current catalogue. They do sortof hi-viz too - chartreuse?
Two slightly different variations of the Rapha hardshell in our house. Hers is a heavier (and warmer) material but both have lasted well and stayed waterproof for hours of rain.
The other one if it is still made is the Assos Sturmprinz or however it’s spelt. Used to come in black or lumi orange, and be the go to for the pros over whatever their sponsor provided for racing 6 hours in the Dolomites etc.
Thunder pants at £280! Really?
Money no object - arcteryx.
Money no object – arcteryx
Funnily enough...
Have just been looking at these. They are, frankly, silly money (£4-500).
But the current stuff is / are all ski jackets, at least as far as I can see.
So if they have pit zips they also have a permanent snow skirt and really high collar and permanent structured hood, so not ideal for biking. Same with Helly Hansen.
Have just seen a fellow wearing what I think is the perfect jacket, from Leatt. Will see if I can find it online and post.
Leatt MTB jacket - US
This version isn't black...
But seemingly US / Can only.
Funnily enough…
Have just been looking at these. They are, frankly, silly money (£4-500).
But the current stuff is / are all ski jackets, at least as far as I can see.
So if they have pit zips they also have a permanent snow skirt and really high collar and permanent structured hood, so not ideal for biking. Same with Helly Hansen.
Likewise and similar thoughts!
Rapha
Unless there is a gem I have missed I don't think they do a guaranteed waterproof jacket aside from the ShakeDry ones. There is a Gore Tex Active jacket but it has a silly half zip, silly big chest pocket and flappy fit. The other are water "resistant" and if I am spending that money I want to go the full hog and be as dry as possible
Castelli Gavia
What Gore-Tex material is it made from? The blurb says mid weight three layer which sounds like it should be Active/ Paclite type thing and properly waterproof but I can't find much about it online and it seems to be discontinued.
outdry reign for the win.
I am not a fan of dark grey but if it is anything like the light weight one I tried with the silly massive hole in the back then I am sure cars give you a wide berth as they are afraid you have are visiting from another planet 😀 The look is a bit "specific", but in fairness I'd rather just be dry 🙂
Norrona Trollveggan gore tex pro LITE.
No skirt, pit zips. Hood may be an issue. They also do a bike specific range. Quality very high.
Biketreks have a couple of models on sale. Not the trollveggen though
Castelli idro pro. made from exactly the same gore tex material as the shake dry, but with a splash of coloured detailing.
I have the shake dry and even in a large for my 38” chest it’s very well fitted but I feel it’s a tad to short and I’m only 5ft 10. The castelli version looks a bit longer and also a touch more stylish.
SIGMASPORTS.COM Assos Schlosshund. So so good.
7Mesh for me, started by some guys from Arcteryx that went out on their own to make bike stuff. I've not taken the plunge into their waterproof jackets yet, but I will once they are back in stock.
Very impressed with the Revo & slab shorts, and their tops. Same quality and design ethos as Arcteryx but applied to bike stuff.
It's not cheap, but I've yet to feel short changed with any of it.
Norrona fjora. They previously made the jacket in Goretex too, so you ight find one somewhere.
Re. Arcteryx, if you're only seeing stuff with snow skirts you're looking at the wrong stuff, but they don't make bike specific stuff- the closest you'd get is a Norvan jacket I guess,
COLUMBIASPORTSWEAR.CO.UK I think Rab Kinetic is the best on the market to be honest. Feels like a softshell, light, very breathable, but fully waterproof for a few hours.
the closest you’d get is a Norvan jacket I guess,
Yeah. I had seen that. It's pretty lightweight (maybe too much so) and no pit zips. To be fair, not sure that is what the OP was asking for, but those under arm vents are something I find really useful.
Have just completely ruined a Rab Downpour following a bit of an off. I really liked it, but have decided I need something with a bit more resilience having seen how easily the Pertex gave in to the rock slab 😁
Don’t forget the option of a hi vis vest over the top of a waterproof if you want the visibility.
It would be nice if more tops had reflective stuff on it, or the option of it at least. Once you get into higher end stuff it falls away, tends to be at the lower or commuter end of the spectrum
Rapha brevet gilet is a good example of something bright and light.
Ps - outdry here too. Had it for a few years now and has lasted well, including a couple of low speed crashes
Well my 10 year (+) old Endura mt500 is definitely no longer waterproof. So needing to find a replacement that is properly waterproof (not keen on anything that needs coated as the recoating hasn't worked at all on the current jacket) and can stand getting manky with a backpack or hippack on.
The idea of dirt/mud/grit and a pack wearing things away doesn't appeal.
How breathable is outdry?
My jackets
Rapha Rain Jacket 2 - bright colours, packs up super small, great fit, 100% waterproof, 5% breathable
Rapha Race Cape - bright colour, doesn't pack up small, great fit, 100% waterproof - quite warm though you can't wear much under it and breathability isn't great
Rapha Shake Dry - only just got this, finally caved in and bought one, not a fan of black but will use with lights as a jersey pocket raincoat.
What Gore-Tex material is the Castelli Gavia made from?
Answering my own question having just received one- Gore Tex Active. Lovely jacket and lots of nice design touches but it seems to have been made for someone with narrow shoulders, no chest and a bit a of tummy... none of which are me 🙁
Norrona Trollveggan gore tex pro LITE
Looks interesting, thanks!
...those under arm vents are something I find really useful
I would normally look for pit zips too but I read something from Gore-Tex which says the reason you don't see the zips on jackets with their materials is that the Gore-Tex needs some kind of differential between inside and outside (temp?) for the breathability to be effective. Basically if you used pit zips with Gore Tex it would make you feel good really quickly but ruin the breathability after that and never quite get comfortable
My hit list now is:
Something 7mesh when I can find UK stock
Outdry Reign (with everything else very hi-viz)
Gore C5 Trail
Whatever is the most waterproof Assos
Norrona Trollveggan gore tex pro LITE (maybe)
ShakeDry with everything else as fluoro and visible as possible
How breathable is outdry?
I don't think there are numbers out there but allegedly "pretty good, but not as good as the top end Gore-Tex materials"
