ArroWhere Dark Viz Windproof Shell

The ArroWhere Dark Windproof Shell is a decent piece of kit for those looking to maintain a level of 'stealth' but also be visible in the gloom. It offers good wind protection and some rain resistance, though it isn't as waterproof as some similar style jackets. The zip isn't the best quality, either.

• Pros: Good wind protection, great visibility
• Cons: Zip is fiddly to operate

Arrowhere is a relatively new company from Canada whose products focus on visibility. It has a patent pending on the design of its jackets, which is essentially a big arrow pointing the best direction for motorists to pass. In the case of this Dark Windproof Shell it's to the right, but there are versions pointing to the left for countries where you drive on the right.

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The purpose of the Dark Windproof Shell is to be a relatively stealthy looking piece of kit when light isn't shone on it, but then light up like a beacon when it is. This lighting up comes from an arrow on the back measuring roughly rough 45 x 25cm and two smaller arrows on the sleeves. These light up really well when headlights hit them, and despite wearing all black, I never felt that I would be missed by a car.

Arrowhere has created the jacket using a 100% nylon material that's impressively windproof; it hardly let in any, even on the fastest descent on my test route.

There are seven main panels in its construction, two on the front, one on the back and four on the sides, which means there are a few more seams here than you get in some jackets on the market.

Other details include two zippable pockets on the front, and a mesh lining to the collar, which effectively prevents chafing on the neck and helps to draw moisture away from the area.

As you can see from the photos, it has a full-length zip, but this is one of the areas where I would like to see an improvement. It feels more fragile than I would like, though it hasn't failed, and is fiddly to use. There were a number of times when I went to put it on while on the go, only to find that I hadn't quite aligned the teeth properly so I had a zipper pull halfway up my chest but an open zip above and below. It meant I definitely had to stop and make sure I had fully aligned everything exactly and that the material behind the zip didn't get caught in it.

Once on, the jacket has a good level of breathability and I found I didn't 'boil' in it at all, even when using it in slightly more humid conditions. It has a degree of waterproofing and I used it a number of times in drizzle and light rain without issue, but as soon as it began to get a bit heavier it wasn't suitable.

When it's not drizzling or cold it packs down well and fits into a jersey pocket, ready for descents or if the wind begins to get up.

> Buyer's Guide: 10 of the best windproof cycling jackets

Fit is closer to Italian sizing than US or UK, which is interesting as it comes from a Canadian company. I normally wear a medium for US and UK brands and a large for Italian or performance brands, so the medium I reviewed was big enough, but if I were buying it I would have probably gone for a large.

In terms of value it's a little more expensive than some competitors: £10 more than the Castelli Squadra which comes in at £40, and a fiver more than the £45 Sportful Reflex.

Overall, I'd say once you get this jacket on it does a decent job: it's breathable, windproof and impressively visible for something that is basically a black jacket. It also packs down small and fits easily into a jersey pocket. However, it's the point between these two states – actually putting it on – that Arrowhere needs to improve: the zip is too fiddly for ease of use.

Verdict

A good jacket on your back, but needs a less fiddly zip