BTR High Visibility Reflective Sportswear Cycling Running Jacket

There's a tendency to expect high-vis and reflective outer layers to be all things to all people: windproof, rainproof, breathable, and so on. But by doing away with the requirement for all-weather ability, BTR's High Visibility Reflective Sportswear Cycling Running Jacket – to give it its full name – is a cheap, cheerful, lightweight and fantastically breathable garment that's perfect for dry commuting and late-night training.

• Pros: Great road presence, excellent breathability, very comfortable, very affordable
• Cons: No weatherproofing

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Jordan B Peterson might not approve, but I think I might have to go on some sort of unconscious bias training course. Not for my attitude to people, you understand (I am the very model of inclusivity) but in the case of this BTR jacket, I was initially a touch presumptuous. For example, when it dropped through the letter box, my first thought was: 'Oh no, not another over-priced high-vis waterproof.'

However, I was completely wrong. Firstly, this garment doesn't even pretend to be waterproof. The yellow parts of the jacket are made from a lightweight, stretchy polyester that really won't keep you dry in even the mildest drizzle (but as I will explain, even that has its advantages). And secondly, at just £34.99, this is categorically not over-priced.

But if it's not waterproof, what's the point? Well, actually, I think BTR (which stands for 'Bike Train Run') might have hit on a budget masterstroke here. Night-time riding and low visibility don't have to go hand-in-hand with soggy roads. There are times when you might want to make your road presence felt and yet not swelter inside the confines of a weatherproof boil-in-the-bag barrier.

To that end, the BTR HVRSCRJ works an absolute treat. In terms of daylight visibility, the bright yellow polyester is hard to miss, while the grey sections of the jacket are made from a similar kind of material as used in other high-reflective garments, such as Proviz's Reflect360 range. It's supremely effective at harnessing any ambient light and shining it back. In combination, these two ingredients mean you won't be ignored on the road.

But the real ace up the BTR's elasticated cuffs is its on-bike performance. That light, soft, stretchy material might not protect you from the rain, but it doesn't trap your perspiration, either. Hard rides while wearing this high-vis jacket are far more pleasant than you would expect.

Similarly, fit is excellent and, with its mesh lining, the jacket is actually very comfortable. (Rather ironically for a jacket designed to scream your presence, there were times I forgot I even had it on.)

Because of its styling aesthetics, you might not want to walk around in it as a matter of course, but other than that, there's no reason why you'd be eager to take it off.

> Buyer's Guide: 10 of the best high-visibility cycling jackets

Practicalities aren't bad, either. There are two lower external pockets, one outside chest pocket, and one small internal pocket built into the chest lining. There's also an air vent at the back which aids breathability further. The zip has a little garage at the top. The cuffs and hem are elasticated. You can machine wash it, and you can even tumble it dry (on low heat, mind).

Finally, there's the price. At £34.99 this jacket seems so reasonable I'd be tempted to think of it as a high-vis/reflective answer to the traditional rain cape, to be worn when you get caught out by dark conditions or just want a simple garment to do the job. And for summer commuters who might have to travel at ungodly hours or habitual night-riders, this could be a new budget favourite.

Verdict

Excellent lightweight, comfortable and fantastic value jacket that will keep you seen on the road – as long as it doesn't rain