Boardman Men's Packable Jacket

The Boardman Men's Packable Jacket is a lightweight showerproof and windproof shell design that folds into its own pocket. This fits conveniently in a jersey pocket or saddlepack, ready for a heavy downpour or sudden drop in temperature. It works well generally, though I did have sizing/fit issues.

As I'd expect from this genre, not to mention price point, it's a lightweight polyester/elastane mix – the sort designed to keep the elements out but allow heat and sweat to escape. Relatively thin, it also seems fairly hardy, if my recent bridlepath and singletrack shenanigans are any gauge.

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It resists relatively persistent showers for around 20-25 minutes, while lighter stuff either rolls off or only becomes apparent after 30-40 minutes. When rain does begin to permeate the fabric, it's mostly kept in check by rider-generated heat encouraging the fibres to react and get wicking.

More expensive garments sometimes sport perforated mesh panels, which makes for faster drying and improved comfort. Here, with a stiff breeze, it's predominantly dry again in around 20 minutes. It's infinitely preferable to crude old-school 'condom jackets', which would certainly keep the rain out but often leave you stewing in your own juices.

Cut/sizing

The jacket has a traditional cut with a long drop tail and shorter front, keeping your back dry and stopping the front from getting caught on the saddle nose during hasty mounting and dismounting.

It's a snug fit to prevent unwanted drag and annoying 'builder's tarp' flutter, but with enough room for fully loaded jersey pockets and a baselayer under your jersey. However, although I was able to alternate easily between tops, drops and tri bars, I found it restrictive around the chest and shoulders. This was particularly apparent with big flared drop bars – something I attribute to the slightly vague sizing.

According to the size chart, the small/medium on test should suit me fine, but although there's enough length in the arms and back, and it looks about right on, I felt rather constricted around my shoulders and chest area (it's not me in the photos – though I think from the pic below you can see what I mean). I would strongly suggest trying a few on for size – there is a big range to choose from, too, right up to 3XL, which should cater for most.

Despite the tight fit, I found it quick and easy to whip on or off while riding, up to 17mph, and the bonus was no annoying flutter, even at 30mph on a blustery descent.

Aesthetically, it looks similar to the Madison Stratos Sportive showerproof jacket, although it feels glossier – dare I say more synthetic – to the touch (then again, it is £15 cheaper than the Stratos). Bold retro-reflective graphics are well positioned and bring the garment to life in low light.

> Buyer's Guide: 11 of the best windproof cycling jackets

The full-length zipper has a tab big enough for faff-free operation, and has taken the inevitable everyday carelessness in its stride.

Detailing extends to silicone cuffs and hem, and a fleece-lined collar to prevent potentially cold and wet stuff trickling down your neck.

It's easy to care for too: wash at 30 degrees, with minimal detergent, and it emerges looking and, moreover, smelling packet fresh. I'd left ours a fortnight before washing, giving bacteria the chance to feast on sweat and other grime collected within the fleece collar…

Conclusion

Overall – sizing aside – the Boardman Packable Jacket isn't a bad effort and performs pretty reasonably for the price. You can pay a little more for a higher spec, such as the Madison Stratos mentioned earlier, and BTwin products always tend to give others a good run for the money – such as the 500 Ultralight at £19.99 – but the Boardman is well worth a look. Just make sure you buy the right size.

Verdict

Reasonably capable jacket for contingencies, but try for size first