Hump Strobe women's waterproof jacket

With autumn now here, and winter fast approaching, a lot of us will be looking for something to make us a little more visible. The Hump Strobe jacket is just the thing for that – plus it's breathable and waterproof. A really good jacket.

Designing a jacket to be waterproof and breathable used to be like looking for the Holy Grail, but there are a good few on the market now that meet these claims, usually with the price tag to match. Unlike those, the Hump keeps you dry and (mostly) sweat free for a very decent price.

Find your nearest dealer here 

Buy this online here 

The waterproofing was the first thing I tested. As luck would have it, due to a severe lack of rain I had to test it in the bathroom. Running a force of water over it had absolutely no effect. Inside was bone dry, as the water had just rolled off the surface with ease. The fabric felt instantly dry, too.

Along with the waterproofing, one of the main features of this jacket is its high visibility. It has oodles of this and will appeal to the commuter, especially with the nights drawing in. The zip, piping on the sleeve, and the unmissable chevron pattern on the back ensure you are seen from practically any angle. Hump has hit the nail on the head with this design.

>> Check out our guide to the best reflective cycle clothing and accessories here

The cut is close enough to trap heat, yet loose enough for additional layers underneath when it gets colder. The sleeves are a good length and are tapered to keep wind and rain out. The drop tail is an expected design in cycle clothing and it delivers. When riding, the comfort levels are good too. Moving around is easy and unrestricted, as the fabric has just enough give to allow for natural movement. The waist and neck both have drawcords you can pull to adjust the fit perfectly.

Because the weather hasn't been freezing yet, it's been easy to build up a sweat and see just how breathable the fabric is. Of course there is always an element of sweat, the jacket isn't magic and can't evaporate sweat instantly, but what helps are the vents for airflow, letting sweat escape without you ending up damp and cold.

The jacket has one hip pocket and one front chest pocket, both of which are handy for phones – even quite large smartphones, which is a bonus – plus keys, gels and so on. One downside worth noting, though, is the lack of rear storage pockets, which I think are always handy for water bottles; the Hump doesn't have any.

Verdict

A well made and well designed jacket that will see cyclists through from autumn to spring. And the price tag won't scare you off