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Packable Windproof Jackets

by GustyCycling
Sun, Feb 10, 2019 18:29
12

I have an issue with overheating while wearing waterproofs (even well reviewed jackets with relatively high breathability ratings) & I haven't got the budget for Shakedry or similar. After reading an article on another cycling based website (that may or may not end with radar) about one author having similar issues, he has found wearing a windproof jacket with suitable layers underneath to do the trick, so I was looking at doing the same.

Has anyone got any recommendations for a lightweight windproof jacket.

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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12 comments

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antigee | 5 years ago
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bought number 7 on your list and though currently live Aus' not in the warmest part and its great for long early morning descents when temps can be single digit - used it in the french alps in the summer and though not waterproof is pretty happy with a quick downpour - well finished and packs in a pocket or in tool bottle with my silk long finger gloves and sealskin beanie - acid test - yep if lost it I would buy another 

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GustyCycling | 5 years ago
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Thanks Henry, had been looking at the Endura Pro range.

Thanks Nick, I have an issue with Rapha's Pro Team Range when it comes to sleeve lengths. I'm 5' 10", 80kg (just under 12st 10lb ish in old money) & a 40" chest. I'm fine fitting in a large in anything short sleeved, but sleeves end up too short. Trying on a medium to get the arm length involves use of butter to get me in & scissors to get me out (not a pretty sight).

 

I think I've got it down to a shortlist below, any feedback to add anything to the list would be gratefully received & any first hand experience of any on the list even more so;

  1. Endura Pro Sl Windproof https://www.wiggle.co.uk/endura-pro-sl-windshell-jacket/
  2. Santini Fine Windbreaker https://www.probikekit.co.uk/sports-clothing/santini-fine-windbreaker-jacket-green/11903686.html
  3. Mavic Essential Wind Jacket https://www.sigmasports.com/item/Mavic/Essential-Wind-Jacket/I0P5
  4. Morvelo Plan B Race Cape https://www.wiggle.co.uk/morvelo-plan-b-race-cape/
  5. Morvelo Aegis Packable Jacket https://www.wiggle.co.uk/morvelo-strands-aegis-packable-jacket/
  6. Rapha Classic Wind Jacket II https://www.rapha.cc/gb/en/shop/classic-wind-check-jacket/product/CHW01XXBLWMED
  7. Shower Pass Ultralight Wind Jacket https://road.cc/content/review/236065-showers-pass-ultralight-wind-jacket
  8. B'Twin Ultralight Windproof Jacket https://www.decathlon.co.uk/roadr-windbreaker-yellow-id_8517063.html
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Nick T | 5 years ago
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https://www.rapha.cc/gb/en/shop/pro-team-lightweight-wind-jacket/product...

these can currently be had at a good discount in certain sizes and colours

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henryb | 5 years ago
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I got an Endura Pro Shell - https://road.cc/content/review/187466-endura-fs260-pro-sl-shell

It rolls up to fit in a jersey pocket. It's waterproof, close-fitting (so doesn't flap), very breathable and well-designed. It is pricey though, unless you find one in a sale. 

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Htc | 6 years ago
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I usually combine the gilet with some kind of long sleeve thermal jersey - they often have more windproof fronts and more breathable backs. That or just a regular long sleeve jersey with a decent long sleeve base layer..

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GustyCycling | 6 years ago
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Thanks Russel, I’ve got nanoflex arm warmers & a Gabba, they do the job a lot of the time but for me when it’s hovering around the freezing Mark with rain lashing down it feels like I’d need a light wind proof layer over my arms as well, but not as thick as Gabba which is where I thought the wind proof would come in. 

HTC, thanks, tempted to go that way, already have a Sportful Hotpack from a few years ago that I take on a lot of rides. It was the wind buffer on my arms that I feel I’m missing so something like the Hotpack 4 but long sleeves & a little more breathable. 

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Htc | 6 years ago
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I prefer a waterproof gilet for this reason - perfect for keeping your core dry/avoiding road spray etc. But provides enough breathability and flexibility to prevent me sweating buckets inside a jacket and ultimately being colder.. 

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rjfrussell | 6 years ago
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nanoflex armwarmers and a windproof gilet?

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GustyCycling | 6 years ago
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I'm not too bothered about getting a bit wet on all but the coldest days, so full waterproofing is less important for me than breathability as when I overheat my performance drops off completely. For the really cold days I'm covered either by a decent softshell or a full waterproof.

FlyingPenguin, I had been looking at the Squadra but had been put off by Castelli's own breathable rating so had been looking at the Sperleggera jacket as one option.

Thanks MoutonDeMontagne, Idro is a bit out of my price range at the minute, was looking at a maximum of £80ish. 

Thanks ChasP, that looks like a bargain. Might have to get that, even if it doesn't work out for what I want it will still work on my short commute.

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ChasP | 6 years ago
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The new Van Reysel windproof from Decathlon looks really well designed with a breathable mesh back and stretch panels on the sides and inside arms allowing a snug fit so it doesn't flap about like many windproofs. I don't have a problem overheating at the moment but will be getting one in the spring.https://www.decathlon.co.uk/roadr-windbreaker-yellow-id_8517063.html

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MoutonDeMontagne | 6 years ago
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I've gotten on well with my Sportful Hot Pack Ultralight  https://road.cc/content/review/79935-sportful-hot-pack-ultralight-jacket and tend to take it as my only jacket when out in summer. Seems to shrug off a shower quite happily and breaths pretty well. Not tested it in heavy prolonged rain in winter though, I live in Scotland so bought a Castelli Idro which sees more use than I'd hoped for. 

AS an aside, they've changed the Idro now, so there were some of the first Generation ones in sales depending on size. same with the Pave jackets if you didn't mind fluro yello/cobble design

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FlyingPenguin | 6 years ago
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I've been surprisingly impressed by the Castelli Squandra ER. Marketed as more of a packable wind stopper than a rain jacket, I've been able to layer up underneath and do some really quite depressingly wet club rides without getting "boil in the bag cyclist syndrome" or the waterproofing letting me down.

Today (~6 degrees, moderate rain and wind) I was wearing a long sleeve wool base layer, short sleeve summer jersey, arm warmers and the Squandra ER and it was perfectly fine. Little bit of zip adjustment (up for cruising, about mid-chest when really pushing it), but nothing more than I would expect to do with a jersey in summer anyway...

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