ArroWhere Dark Waterproof Jacket

The ArroWhere Dark Waterproof Jacket is an interesting stealth design. Standards of detailing are generally good, but breathability falls short of similarly priced competitors.

• Pros: Keeps out wind and rain, retro-reflectives are effective
• Cons: Breathability is challenged in milder temperatures

The ArroWhere's 100% polyester shell is claimed to be windproof, waterproof and breathable. At this end of the market, ratings of 10,000 for waterproofing/breathability are the norm, which means a garment will resist and expel perspiration at 10,000mm per hour.

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As a rough'n'ready guide, this is fine for the sort of speeds and distances associated with commuting. That said, my preference is for something nearer 15,000, since you'll stay drier longer, especially if your commute is done at a higher training pace.

With this in mind, you can imagine my surprise learning that the ArroWhere only has a waterproof rating of 8,000 and 5,000 for breathability, though zippered ventilation panels on the sleeves and sides permit some additional airflow.

I have to admit, those ratings didn't inspire me with confidence. I had feared I'd be feeling like a microwave ready meal, given 10 miles at a moderate pace. Much to my surprise, I remained refreshingly dry and comfortable in temperatures between minus 3 and 8 degrees when riding at 17mph average, but milder conditions left me feeling decidedly moist at comparable speeds. Slightly lighter designs with better breathability ratings are much nicer to wear.

Icy winds along exposed roads were kept firmly at bay, and at worst only caused minor flutter. A fleece-lined collar is a helpful detail, banishing chill and keeping rain from trickling inside without becoming uncomfortably warm.

Persistent rain and wintry showers haven't made any inroads either, even after 90 minutes or so – which, let's be honest, is a long commute for most riders.

Retro-reflectives

By day, the retro-reflective 'arrow' and details are charcoal grey but turn striking silver when graced by vehicle and street lighting. The 'science' behind the arrow is that it apparently 'helps to tell others where you are and how to move around you'.

On the one hand, there's no doubt this technology brings the garment to life, making you stand out (along with decent lights, obviously), but then again I'm of the opinion that any road user deemed competent should be able to spot and pass another with care and precision. Unfortunately, most of us – myself included – can recount dangerous encounters all too frequently.

The actual technology generally delivers on the stealthy/highly conspicuous design brief, so can't be faulted for that. Conversation with friends suggests it comes alive from around 80 metres, maybe further along pitch black lanes. However, I haven't noticed any pronounced advantage or difference in driver behaviour compared with when I'm wearing dhb's Flashlight Force or Endura's Luminite DL. I've swapped between the three jackets over a week, riding the same roads at approximately the same times.

Other features

The jacket has a breast pocket that'll swallow compact cameras and wallets/similar valuables, and two zippered hip pockets, which are fleece-lined for comfort and will swallow a decent amount of cargo without sagging or bouncing.

As well as the fleece-lined collar, the rear tail offers decent protection from rain, wind and spray. Drawstrings allow a more relaxed or tailored fit, depending on whether you're in civvies or technical attire.

I wasn't surprised to find a mesh lining inside. These help to protect the outer shell from premature wear, while assisting the wicking process, making for a more comfortable inner climate. Adjustable Velcro cuffs allow easy tailoring to provide seamless overlap with winter gloves.

One thing that mildly annoyed me was the intricate zipper tags on the pockets. These made access while wearing gloves (especially mid-ride) a real pain. That aside, the pockets have proved extremely comfortable parking points for hands, whether mooching around town or spectating at cyclo-cross races.

Sizing/fit

Sizing follows the increasingly common 'medium is the new large' narrative (it's not me in the photos, by the way). There's scope for drawing it in closer around the waist for a more fitted effect when it's really blustery. I'm proportionately short in the torso but relatively long limbed, and I'm pleased to report sufficient length at the arms along with enough clearance around the front to prevent it catching on the saddle's nose when dismounting swiftly.

The cut also facilitates unrestrictive alternating between tops, drops and hoods, with no hint of wind or wet stuff being funnelled in via the cuffs.

A damp cloth wipe-over has been sufficient to dismiss superficial grime, but as there are no electrical components it's fine to bung in the washing machine. Like most jackets, it emerges reasonably dry, but being 100g or so heavier than the dhb and Endura mentioned above, it takes a bit longer to dry thoroughly.

> Buyer's Guide: 8 of the best high-visibility winter cycling jackets

The ArroWhere has been a better jacket than I was expecting, and may be a good option if you are particularly susceptible to the cold, or living in particularly cold regions. However, there is a lot of competition around this price point. An extra £20 buys the dhb, and £15 less, the Endura, both of which are, in my experience, markedly superior, especially if you're looking to ride longer distances at a smarter pace.

Verdict

Some nice touches, but scuppered by poor breathability – there are much better designs for £100