MTB wind shell

gazzab1955
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

Always found wind jackets to be sweaty, overwarm, uncomfortable, stupid things in the past  but I wear my (heavily discounted) Northwoods all the time

Heavily discount 7mesh is my price point, it’s great value when you can get it cheap

Rab Borealis tour (no hood) for me after canvassing opinion here some years back.

At first I found them a bit hot with my normal layers compared to the thin, crinkly pertex types I used to use, but I like the fact that it breathes way better than vertex and is quiet , softer touch and seemingly much more resistant against snags.

I have an actual waterproof that I use half a dozen times a year for when its really raining, and the borelias does all the work the rest of the year, for showers and such, with either one or two layers under, depending on temperature.

I’ve had a 7mesh Northwoods and liked it a lot, really lightweight, warm enough, plenty windproof and packed away small enough to go in a pocket or hip bag. Currently on sale too so makes it an easier pill to swallow.

But… I just bought a Rapha trail wind jacket (on sale at sportpursuit) and I think it’s even better – It’s slightly less packable but I prefer the fabric, the collar and hood is better and I prefer the pocket placement on the chest vs the hip.

I bought a size up on the Rapha jacket for better layering and going over armour and I couldn’t be happier.

My go-to has always been a Buffalo wind shirt. I’ve tried various others (Rab, Montane, Haglofs) but always ended up back on a 30+ year old design because it works for me – fit; over-the-head smock; big kangaroo pocket; durable; big vents. One of the two I run back-to-back has just died, though – years of sweat and UV taking their toll. I think they do need to update the design, and they’re getting a bit spendy. Quite tempted by the Borealis as a replacement that’d also work for walking.

This months MBUK (other mountain bike magazines are available) has a windproofs grouptest which might help you choose. (I use a montane windproof).

Probably not the best suggestion now we are into winter, but my go to windproof is a Fox gilet for three of the seasons. I find keeping my chest and back warm makes a big difference and I’m not so bothered about my arms. Avoids the sweatiness of a full jacket.

The back on mine isn’t breathable though, so that does get a bit damp. My try a slightly different one in spring

I never ride in pertex any more. Modern softshell jackets seem to have made it redundant, for me.

I’ll just dress for the whole ride, with a non-packable, breathable softshell jacket most of the time (in the colder months). Only exception is going up actual mountains, where I might want to put a jacket on at the top and for the descent.

I’m after a new softshell type wind jacket – what’s out there? I’ve got a Rapha trail lightweight wind one and it’s great when is chilly but dry – but when the temp dips to zero like last week it’s not warm enough – then I’d just want a windproof soft shell to wear with just a merino jersey underneath

Highly rated (by other mags) Gore Lupra mtb jacket on sale for £100 down from £180-something atm, direct or on Amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0013O942C?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1&psc=1

It uses Gore Infinium Windstopper fabric which is apparently very breathable (also the back is a different fabric to let heat out too)

I’ve just got one, but as a Christmas present so haven’t tried it yet

I’m after a new softshell type wind jacket – what’s out there? I’ve got a Rapha trail lightweight wind one and it’s great when is chilly but dry – but when the temp dips to zero like last week it’s not warm enough – then I’d just want a windproof soft shell to wear with just a merino jersey underneath

I’ve got an Endura Singletrack which is good – very similar to the Stealth from years ago. Too warm for much above 5 degrees though, but perfect for what you’re after by the sounds of it

ME Squall over the Borealis, not even close. I’d barely got the latter on before it was going back in the packaging.

Squall has the cross zip for use with a harness. The Echo is the vertical zip equivalent.