Mtb winter soft shell – windproof

What’s everyone using? I won’t use this for rainy days – I’ve got a goretex Rapha for the most grim days

I want a lightweight(ish) softshell that’s windproof or keeps the chill off in zero to minus conditions – doesn’t need to be waterproof at all as I’ll be wearing it on cold crisp dry days

just needs to be able to retain heat with just a base layer underneath and not massively bulky

what is the 7mesh equivalent? That chilco hoody type thing looks kinda what I’m after though prefer a full zip

Ive a couple of go to jackets for riding .

Rab Borialis  .. very very light a good shell .

Mountain Equipment Squall  https://www.facewest.co.uk/Mountain-Equipment-Squall-Hooded-Jacket.html?Product_Attributes%5B1%5D:value=CosmosS&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIoqTihar3iQMV15hQBh33Nwc7EAQYByABEgKQbPD_BwE        I love this jacket  . used it for Lakes riding and Alpine climbing .  Good for showers and hike a bikes 🙂

I want a lightweight(ish) softshell that’s windproof or keeps the chill off in zero to minus conditions – doesn’t need to be waterproof at all as I’ll be wearing it on cold crisp dry days

If you’re just really thinking for zero and downwards only, I’d say have a look at hybrid insulated jackets.

I have a Madison one (DTE?) and it’s been a game-changer for proper cold & dry rides. I usually run fairly hot, but it vents very well.

That chilco hoody type thing looks kinda what I’m after

Don’t dismiss the gillet version, it’s warm enough for me most days when the temps are hovering around the 10-5 deg mark.

@stevedoc that Rab one does look exactly what I’m after -what’s more I’ve got a Rab gilet and it’s one of the best bits of kit I’ve ever bought – not sure how I didn’t spot that Rab borealis one

@chakaping cheers I’ll take a look at the insulated ones – but think something like that rab above is pretty versatile as can layer up if it’s even cold but not needing a full on massive jacket

The rab is good the Mountain equipment is better 🙂  More sentimental maybe but wore it on Mont Blanco too.. infact to good for riding   get the Rab !!!

Some similar discussion here too:

MTB wind shell

I’ve just got the Rapha insulated trail jacket and am impressed with how wind proof / warm it is for such a lightweight jacket. Quite breathable too.

I’ve just got the Rapha insulated trail jacket

What sort of ‘insulation’ does that jacket use? I tried in vain to get Rapha’s online help to tell me, but they seemed incapable of explaining it. Is it fleece or some sort of synthetic down-type quilting and is it zoned or uniform throughout the jacket? I looked at it last winter, but wasn’t going to take a punt on something that seemed like an unknown quantity.

I’ve got two Rab Borealis.

The first one is a hoodie, and is perfect in every way for climbing but the hood’s pisch for cycling ( parachute effect)

The hoodless jacket is great for cycling, works really well but the fabric feels and looks a bit nasty

Ho hum

I’ve got a Borealis Tour (no hood) and it great for riding in. Windproof enough to keep the chill off but breathable enough that you don’t get too warm.

Being a lazy ebiker who makes no effort whatsoever, I wear it over a base layer through spring  autumn and under an jacket if needed in winter.

It’s pretty useless at keeping me warm when I stop though if it’s actually cold. I usually carry something with a bit of insulation as a just in case.

Being a lazy ebiker who makes no effort whatsoever, I wear it over a base layer through spring autumn and under an jacket if needed in winter.

Whereas I only wear mine when it’s proper chilly …..

Wydffra

And even then get so hot I need to ditch the gloves and roll up my cuffs 🙂

I occasionally use it in spring/ summere/ autumn and nearly always regret it and wish I’d taken my gilet….

Should have said, being a lazy ebiker mooching around the Surrey Hills.

Riding up an actual hill like that might make me warm enough to not need a jacket. Maybe. Its been such a long time since I exerted myself, I can’t remember what it feels like.

@BadlyWiredDog it’s not filled as such it’s an internal layer of Octa insulation (from a Q&A on website). This I believe:

https://www.teijin-frontier-usa.com/octa/

When I opened it I thought there’s no way this will be warm or windproof but it was. First ride was in 4 deg or so with a long sleeve jersey underneath and was toasty.

that Gore lupo at £75 with the discount BFVIP25 is the jacket i’d be looking at.

I like the Castelli Perfetto with a merino long sleeve underneath- if really cold I have an Alpha ROS – any colder than that and I’m staying indoors.

@BadlyWiredDog it’s not filled as such it’s an internal layer of Octa insulation (from a Q&A on website). This I believe:

Thanks, appreciated 🙂

fourFree Member
I like the Castelli Perfetto with a merino long sleeve underneath

I know this is a bit Road focused but moi aussi. I use a Gabba/Perfetto + thin base down to about 7°C, a thicker base to about 4-5°C and a waffle/grid (eg Polartec Powergrid etc) base below that. A gilet is added to increase temp range as needed. This is for ROAD where I never (OK rarely) go bonkers.

Rivelo storm fleece, usually cheap on sports pursuit. Shower proof but that’s not its forte. It’s windproof and manages to be large enough to layer underneath if needed without being flappy. Does have an unintrusive hood though if that’s a deal breaker

https://www.sportpursuit.com/catalog/product/view/id/2300284

Rivelo storm fleece, usually cheap on sports pursuit.

I think they’ve stopped doing that particular jacket now, or are at least running it down, so they only have small sizes left.

Apparently though, the fabric is the same as Patagonia’s Tech Face stuff – R1 and R2 versions – and Mountain Equipment’s Arrow hoody and jacket.

Needing a new windshirt, I’ve got a Borealis and an ME Squall ordered, with the intention of keeping the one I like best (anticipate it being the latter but we’ll see).

I recently bought a Rapha Trail wind blocker jersey . I’m ver impressed with it.

I also have a thicker Gore wind blocker top and that’s boil in a bag. The Rapha is light , and warm when your moving but you do t sweat buckets.

i went up Cadair Idris in it a couple of weeks back . At the bottom it was 8 degrees and sunny. At the top it was 1 degree and cloudy. I was still ok, so long as I kept moving

Last week I was at Llandegla in the snow and a cold wind. I paired it with a Rab event jacket . I was nicely warm without overheating

The Gore Tex infinium Lupra jacket is on sale at the moment – same fabric Rapha uses, but half the price and with a breathable back panel. Looks great, and highly rated in reviews.