MTB wind shell

I like taking a light windproof shell i.e. Pertex in case I get cold during a ride, and I ride late in the day a lot so when temperatures are falling.  I have a nice one for road cycling but it’s not really cut for MTBing.  What’s out there? No padding or insulation, just windproof shell so it rolls up small enough for a hip pack.

If you’ve got a Decathlon nearby, they have a few. Just bought the £29.99 waterproof which is a MTB cut rather than road. Rolls up relatively small.

Endura Singletrack Durajak packs down small enough to fit in my hip pack. I think they’re discontinued but the Pakajak looks similar.

Setup clothing windbreaker

25 bones

https://www.setupstore.com/product/setup-mtn-lightweight-windbreaker

My son has a new Polaris, which is just as excellent as my ancient and now departed Polaris windshell. Not sure what they have left in stock.

Mrs_OAB has a superb Pearl Izumi one with removeable arms. It is actually cut with real women in mind, fits really well, and is both nice colour and well detailed. She uses the removable arms more than she expected.

I have a reasonable Scott one, in an ‘acquired’ colour way. But I am not missed on morning commute…

Tarland and Ballater Weekend by Matt[/url], on Flickr

I don’t want a waterproof, not breathable enough. The Endura one seems to be Cordura which is probably thicker than I want.  The Polaris one could be good tho.

I don’t want a waterproof, not breathable enough

This for me is key – plus I am happy to wear out a much cheaper windproof…

I’ve got the Endura humvee windproof and really rate it. Paper thin, properly Windproof, doesn’t restrict movement, doesn’t cost the earth. Colour/size options look a bit limited so YMMV.

No idea how these would work for MTB, but came up on hotukdeals yesterday for ~£68.

https://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/gore-wear-phantom-jacket-mens-ml-4455532

Bought a blue one of these last year or year before for ~£25, great as a windproof and passable off the hybrid/road bike. https://www.merlincycles.com/funkier-dryride-pro-showerproof-cycling-jacket-193438.html

I find pertex and other fine weave shells are not breathable enough for biking, but they do block the wind well.

Best jacket I’ve found is the Rab Borealis – nice athletic cut, long arms and chest pockets that double as vents. The fabric is way more breathable ( you can literally breathe through it) but still blocks enough wind and a bit of light moisture. The hood isn’t huge but fits well under a helmet and doesn’t catch the wind too much when not in use. Stretch woven fabric is way tougher than pertex if you have an accidental off!

Only downside is is slightly heavier than ultralight shells.and doesn’t scrunch up quite so small.

I’ve one of the Rab Cinder jackets as a “Summer shower/wind/need a layer”-proof it’s not the most breathable thing ever, but it’s windproof, which is my primary use for it. Choose your battles, I guess

Previous versions of the Rab Borealis/Cinder jacket are OK for me for a light windproof. I do find that it isn’t a jacket I wear from now on in the year. Still trying to find a replacement for my old beghaus windstopper jacket. A bit heavier than the Rab, but definitely more windproof and more suitable for sub 5°C.

I’ve got an Alpkit Arro that I like for this. Actually I’ve got two, one large and one medium that’s too small and I need to sell!

I bought a Rab Borealis. I have to say that I love wearing it. It’s obviously not waterproof, and I was disappointed by just how un-waterproof it is. But it’s certainly the most breathable jacket I’ve personally owned.

Merlin are selling tld shuttle jacket for £50

https://www.merlincycles.com/troy-lee-designs-shuttle-cycling-jacket-222260.html

Paramo Windproof (Pertex) Smock. Rarely leave home on the bike without it. Bloody excellent bit of kit.

Keela Neutronic or cloud.

Cloud Smock

I’ve got a Rab Ventus pull on which I think is the same fabric as the Borealis, it’s breathable but I don’t find it very windproof at all, poor water resistance. Packs down small enough to fit in a hip pack.
I also have a Rab Vital jacket, made from something similar to Pertex, very windproof, reasonably water resistant but not very breathable. Packs down small enough to fit in a hip pack.
My most breathable/windproof/waterproof top is a Montane Minimus jacket, made from Pertex Shield with taped seams. Packs down small but is a tight fit in my hip pack.

Most of the time I just use a Fox gilet with a windproof front and mesh back as I run really hot.

montane featherlight. proof or not as the seasons change. minimus pullover is very nice and packs to a similar size but trades breathable for waterproof. i usually dress for the conditions so the featherlight comes out to supplement whatever else i’m wearing as required. surprisingly robust. i have three of the things now. used for running and riding.

+1 for montane featherlight. Have jacket and gilet. Used to be pertex, but now something a bit more breathable. I find I wear fewer layers, don’t swaet so much so breathability less an issue. Don’t go out with one or the other in the cooler months

I know it’s a base rather than outer, but these really work well.

I bought one as a tryout, wore it once then bought another – pretty much worn every ride (MTB, road or gravel) for the last +3 months.

Men’s Translite Windproof S/L Baselayer – White

And when you add an outer windproof/waterproof quite surprising how low workable temps can be managed without ‘winter’ gear.

I have a few different wind shells, my favourites are from Rapha, Gore and Montane

I also have a Rab Vital jacket, made from something similar to Pertex, very windproof, reasonably water resistant but not very breathable. Packs down small enough to fit in a hip pack

Yeah that. Though i’ve added some… um… breathability.
I also have the Rapha core rain jacket. It packs down just as small & is pretty waterproof, but certainly not very breathable.

How have you added breathability?

That Gore Phantom jacket on Amazon is a steal. It’ll be too thick to stash though. I’m on my second one in 20 years. Windproof and surprisingly breathable.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09QLH8LGS?smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&tag=pepperegc-21&ascsubtag=ppr-uk-2758953209&th=1&psc=1

How have you added breathability?

I added some holes to the sleeves when I crashed.

On sale at the moment

https://7mesh.com/en-GB/products/mens-northwoods-windshell?options={%22color%22:%22Prince%22}

I’ve got two

Endura one:

https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Endura-Hummvee-Windproof-Shell-Cycling-Jacket_238650.htm

Decathlon one:

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/mountain-bike-windproof-jacket-blue/_/R-p-305587

Endura packs up smaller, but the decathlon is more breathable. Both good.

Do those decathlon ones size up as expected? I’m sure I’ve tried them in store and they have small body but huge arms?

Like my Madison Roam, although I find the cut a bit boxier than I’d like, in contrast to the review below.

https://www.bikeradar.com/reviews/clothing/jackets-and-vests/jackets/madison-roam-mens-lightweight-windproof-packable-jacket-review

Do those decathlon ones size up as expected? I’m sure I’ve tried them in store and they have small body but huge arms?

Fit is spot on for my size (XXXL). The material is loose and stretchy which is perfect for the more portly riders like myself.

I’ve also have a Montane Featherlite jacket (smock version) bought it in 2021, my go to jacket for when its not raining. Ultra lite and packs up really small.

RRP is £90, but have seen them (full zip version) half price at Taunton Leisure, in fact all their Montane gear is significantly discounted at present.

Montane Mens Featherlite Jacket – Acer Red

“ Paramo Windproof (Pertex) Smock. Rarely leave home on the bike without it. Bloody excellent bit of kit.”

I had one of these and then the Enduro (yes, it’s really called that) jacket version, which I’m on my second one of after almost eight years of daily commuting and most MTBing wearing out the zips and velcro (fabric is fine but repair is almost as much as a new jacket).

They’re not Pertex, it’s polyester rather than nylon, more windproof but also a bit more breathable. Very tough. But unlike most windproofs, not that light and doesn’t pack down tiny.

The current version is great for MTBing and commuting because it’s so ventable – big velcro cuffs, two torso zip vents, two sleeve zip vents. Easy to operate as you’re riding, unlike pit zips which are usually a two-handed job.

Thin soft shell like the Rab Borealis or ME Echo is where it’s at IMO for any kind of physical effort at low speed.

Another shout out for the Montane Featherlite.  Excellent piece of lighteweight kit, packs down super small, keeps off the wind and breaths really well.

YMMV etc but generally ace bit of kit!

I have a Ron Hill pertex jacket I picked up in the local running shop.

Spends most of its life rolled up in my back pocket but gets put on for the breezy bit at the top of the Yat or the ride home from the brewery.

Men's Core Jacket

Coming on here to say this but at least 2 people already have

johnheFull Member
I bought a Rab Borealis. I have to say that I love wearing it. It’s obviously not waterproof, and I was disappointed by just how un-waterproof it is. But it’s certainly the most breathable jacket I’ve personally owned.

i liked it so much u bought a second one another colour  not even slightly water resistant but just super comfortable to ride in

Also this. Also on my second after c20 years with the first. Go to jacket on road  definitely a roadie style cut though not skintight

That Gore Phantom jacket on Amazon is a steal. It’ll be too thick to stash though. I’m on my second one in 20 years. Windproof and surprisingly breathable.

Just ordered one of these jackets from 7Mesh. Their kit is very good but on the expensive side, however at the moment they have some very good BF/sale deals.

Men’s Northwoods Windshell – Men’s Trail Riding Windshell Jacket | 7mesh

Decathlon +1

They seem to have cottoned on that you don’t need 2million meters of hydrostatic head water resistance for your headline at the expense of breathability.

Unfortunately they don’t seem to to an MTB version of the Van Rysell waterpoof jacket.