Rapha Brevet Insulated Jacket

Rapha's Brevet collection continues to grow and gain popularity with cyclists keen on going the distance or just boosting their visibility in low light, and the new Insulated Jacket with its excellent Polartec Alpha insulation is a particularly fine addition to the range.

What the Brevet Insulated Jacket does, and does very well, is provide more protection and warmth than the existing Brevet Insulated Gilet it's based on, while still being light enough to pack down extremely small.

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This packability is intended to appeal to the growing number of bikepacking (modern day touring) enthusiasts who want a top to cope with any weather yet not weigh them down when they don't need to wear it. Don't fret, you don't have to be going on a multi-day adventure to enjoy the benefits and performance of the Brevet Insulated jacket, it's ideal for any cyclist wanting a warm top for the winter without the bulk normally associated with winter jackets. It's packable enough that it just rolls up into a jersey pocket, but it is best stashed in a bag when not in use.

The key to its performance is the Polartec Alpha insulation, a synthetic down material that provides really good insulation without the bulk normally associated with jackets designed for cold weather cycling. It also manages heat really well, with sufficient breathability to prevent overheating, and the performance doesn't take a knock in the rain either.

You know that experience when your temperature rockets and plummets through a ride and you're continually removing and adding layers? Well, that just doesn't happen with the Brevet Insulated Jacket. Even blasting up long climbs doesn't invoke an unsatisfactory level of sweat or unwelcome heat. It's very good at dealing with the changeable conditions on a long ride.

Rapha has added a water-repellent coating to the front panels, and it does help fend of rain should you get caught in a shower – which, let's face it, is highly likely at this time of year. It's not a waterproof jacket – rain will get through eventually if you're caught in a prolonged downpour – but it does dry very quickly between shower bursts, and the Alpha insulation doesn't get soggy or stop working when it's wet. The front panels also keep the chill wind from penetrating through to your skin, so you don't need to layer up with a windproof gilet as you do with some jackets.

It's a very lightweight piece and Rapha has saved further weight by not giving it the normal three rear pocket setup of most winter jackets. (There's just the one zipped pocket.) That's because it's intended to be worn as part of a layering system, such as over a long-sleeve jersey and baselayer, while a jacket like Rapha's Classic Winter or Pro Team can be worn over just a baselayer. The idea is to give you more versatility for longer rides and multi-day events where a multi-layer clothing approach helps you better deal with whatever weather may come your way. Not adding pockets helps keep the weight low and packability factor high. It's sort of like an insulated emergency shell.

The fit and shape of the jacket is generally quite good, being snug (I tested a size small) without being tight or restrictive. Stretchy brushed fabric side panels keep it all cinched in nicely at the sides, and the tall collar is appreciated when the wind is howling through the hedgerows. My main gripe is the lack of length in the body – it's just a tiny bit too short for my torso, but it's not so pronounced when hunched over the handlebars. Still, another centimetre or two please Rapha. (I admit I am quite skinny, but don't have this problem with other clothing manufacturers.)

Some people don't really approve of black jackets (it's available in two other options, blue and grey), but the two bands provide a high level of reflectivity, plus the Rapha logos are reflective, and it does help you to stand out at night. That focus on adding reflectivity makes it an good option for cyclists commuting or training in the dark without compromising the performance that some reflective jackets can.

I've come across Polartec's Alpha in some clothing already, namely the Sportful R&D Zero jacket – the Italian company was one of the first to make use of the fabric. While the Sportful jacket provides sufficient insulation that it can be worn over just a baselayer, it's not as lightweight or packable as Rapha's. For the current cold weather the Brevet needs to be used in conjunction with a baselayer and long-sleeve jersey, it just doesn't provide enough insulation on its own when it's this cold.

> Buyer's Guide: The best winter cycling jackets

I've found the Rapha particularly useful for my occasional commute to the road.cc office, where I prefer to travel light but need clothing that will cope with the cold temperatures of the early morning ride as well as the warmer (usually) ride home. It packs up very small and disappears inside my small backpack if need be, and the large reflective bands are particularly appreciated in the dark country lanes that make up most of my commute.

It's a versatile, lightweight, packable and highly reflective jacket that works really well in helping you layer up for longer rides with unpredictable weather and temperature fluctuations. That it's not warm enough to be worn on its own is a bit of a limiting factor, but pair it with the right layers and it'll keep you cosily warm on the longest rides without any fear of overheating.

Verdict

A lightweight, packable and insulated jacket ideal for long distance rides, but it's a bit on the short side