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My offer is the Gore Active shell. Bought it for running but have also used it for roadie and mtb in some truly biblical rainstorms and remained dry in the core. Having not had gore-tex before, I was impressed with how breathable compared to all the other so-called breathable jackets I've had. Sleeve cuffs are zips where-as the latest one below is crimped. This isn't necessarily ideal for cycling alone, but to have it as a do-all jacket, I'm happy to deal with a bit of damp around the wrists. It wraps up small enough to stuff in a cycling top back pocket. Nice looking jacket too.
For pack size montane pertex shield are great but as with any ultra light stuff limited life span
Ive been Useing a madison flux on the mtb for a while and for the money it's great , just a shame I can't fold the hood away.
Road bike ive got a Spesh gore active jacket which is a lot less sweaty than anything ive used on a bike but far to much money for me to use on a mtb
That Upperdowns jacket looks great; pity there's nowhere to buy it from. 🙁
"First, nothing that's genuinely 'ultra-lightweight' is also going to be very durable, but I don't think you strictly mean 'ultra-lightweight' - sub-100g is the benchmark pretty much for that - just 'lightweight. so under 350g or so?"
I'd say you're probably spot-on really. By 'ultra light', I meant not a big heavy coat. My wife's little waterproof is extremely light, but possibly not so durable. Very breathable though. Always going to be a compromise. Hers has recently come through a trip in the Pyrenees, where it did a brilliant job of keeping her dry when it did rain, but also as a wind cheating extra layer. But I might need something a teeny bit more robust.
Gore 'Active' looks like it's the evolution of Paclite, in terms of lightweightness. What's it like for durability?
What is Neoshell?
Montane Pertex is my go to as well, not remotely waterproof but it doesn't matter as it keeps the wind off you so you stay plenty warm enough. Works even better with a merino wool baselayer, you can get soaked and stay warm.
Unless you are somewhere fairly extreme where staying dry is a major priority, then expensive waterpoof jackets are a waste of money IME. And even then I'd rather not rely on the ultra-lightweight ones, but get something a bit heavier for better reliability and durability.
"not remotely waterproof"
So absolutely useless for me then. Thanks anyway. 🙄
dragon - Member
Montane Pertex is my go to as well, not remotely waterproof but it doesn't matter as it keeps the wind off you so you stay plenty warm enough. Works even better with a merino wool baselayer, you can get soaked and stay warm...
For people who do not sweat riding their bike, this is not good advice. For everyone else it is.
I don't know anyone who doesn't sweat riding their bike... 🙂