Recommend me a packable bike jacket

So, the weather is lovely and sunny but then you go to the pub for a few pints, the sun sets and it’s baltic – or you’re riding along in the sunshine and it decides to rain for an hour.

I need a jacket to take with me – ideally strapped to the frame or tucked into a hip bag.

What’s worth getting? What’s worth avoiding?

Rapha Trail and 7mesh Northwoods both have integrated straps for strapping to the bike (mixed feelings on that, feels liek a great way to get a jacket dirty while you’re note even wearing it)

I have the Northwoods (older one minus straps), it’s a great thing for those scenarios – it’s a wind jacket though, not really for a downpour, but did fine in light rain Sunday night

Both on sale, 7mesh on their own site, Rapha at SportPursuit

What’s the fit like on the Northwoods?

Big, I’d say, large fits me nicely and I’m no featherweight

Rapha one is lovely as it’s wind resistant rather than proof. But really not great in the rain

Bike mounting just means you have another option if your pack is full

just this week bought a Keela Paklite.

which does everything you want.  and more.

Sounds a bit like 2 jackets – cold outside the pub = insulated jacket or gilet. Rain while on the bike = Shakedry or other light waterproof.

I got one of these AlpineStar descender jackets for €14 in the sale, price has gone up to €24 but still a bargain at that price. Packs down very small. https://www.sportpursuit.com/catalog/product/view/id/2749353

(Only Medium and X-Large available now)

Gore lupra?

Water resistant, wind proof the hood will go over a helmet.

Doesn’t pack down tiny.

I have a tiny thin Scott packable windproof. Packs to sub coke can size. I don’t wear it much as it looks like it will rip at the slightest bramble and it will be water proof for the lightest showers only

How small do the Keela and AlpineStar pack down too? This search has really highlighted to me that the marketing for these is rubbish – show it packed and next to something that gives a scale of size.

I don’t think waterproof is that important to be honest, just need the jacket to keep warm rather than dry.

Endura Pakajak? Had one for a long time, and it does a good enough job of keeping the chill off, and the worst of the rain for a bit (only a DWR coating). Gets a bit hot, but that’s to be expected from a posh plastic sack. Packs very small. The Keela one looks decent and usable off the bike too…

Scott RC Team Windbreaker Mens Cycling Jacket – Yellow

If it’s the same size as mine, it’s a chunk smaller than a coke can

Rab cinder downpour lite

I like the 7mesh Cypress – windproof showerproof; packs down to a very small size and not hot/ sweaty on the bike either.

https://7mesh.com/en-GB/products/cypress-hybrid-jacket-sale

I’ve got a Rab Vital, which fits in a 1L Dakine bum bag. Only water resistant but does a good job up until then.

I’ve also have a Rab Vital for what the OP describes. It does the job but I run hot and like to push my sleeves up, the Vital cuffs are a bit too tight to do this.

Very similar to you Simon – I can’t normally ride in a jacket if it’s above 12c as I’ll be too hot once I get going. Thanks for all the suggestions – I tried on one of the Rapha ones in the pub yesterday and I think I’ll be grabbing a bargain from SP

I loved my OMM Kamleika Smock for this, rode nearly everywhere in it but I’ve unexplainably lost it somewhere and canoot find it for the life of me. So I’ve bought a Paramo Fuera smock to replace it. Was going to get one of the 50to01 variants but the Paramo one looks basically the same spec for 60% of the price.

Is the montane featherlite still any good?

The Alpkit Arro is currently £29.99 on their website. I have had one for years and it is very useful. It has had a lot of outings recently when I couldn’t believe it was that cold but it was.

Ps I have also had a few Featherlights which have been good but the best was the Montane Singletrack which they no longer make. Mine got shredded by brambles.

Decathlon Van Rysel one is very good, it is a ‘race’ fit which may or may not be what you want

I tried on the van rysel today, 28 euros, bargaintastic.  Packs into a pocket, nice hi viz, bit tight on arms but OK on chest so I ll size up, must be my shape.  Also did it in black but prefer hi via.

‘Madison Roam LightWeight Packable Jacket’ is worth a shout. Keeps the wind off you well and will keep you mostly dry for half an hour or so.

I bought a blue one of https://www.merlincycles.com/funkier-dryride-pro-showerproof-cycling-jacket-193438.html ~2 years ago, great for windproof and in the only shower I’ve used it was fine too. Passable to wear off the bike too, according to female family members!

“The Alpkit Arro is currently £29.99 on their website. I have had one for years and it is very useful.”

I got one and really liked it although the medium was a very neat fit across my back – and now, having done a few pull-ups recently I had to buy a large to replace it. So if anyone wants a lightly used medium, give me a shout!

(It’s not a roadie size medium, it’s definitely more MTBer sized!)