Van Rysel Women’s Sportive Cold Weather Jacket

The Van Rysel Women's Sportive Cold Weather Jacket is a very good value winter top with some water repellency, windproofing, and lots of pockets. It performed really well in cold, mostly dry, sub-10 degree temperatures.

• Pros: Great value, warmth, pockets
• Cons: High collar

The fluoro lime yellow of the jacket on test certainly stands out, but there is a black option if you prefer. I tested a UK12 which sized up just as I'd expect. The size and cut were great for me on my arms, shoulders, and waist. It was figure hugging to keep warmth in, but not too tight. I could layer up for warmth and happily get a long sleeve baselayer underneath.

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There is no exact information on the material used for the jacket other than that it's polyester. Van Rysel claims some windproofing and water-repellency, and the inside is a waffle style fleece for warmth. Riding for 2-4hrs in temperatures of 10°C and below, and pairing the jacket with a merino T-shirt baselayer, I was very comfortable. The jacket seemed to do a good job of keeping the wind off my chest.

Regarding the water-repellent properties, in very light rain it just about beads off, but anything heavier and the fabric does absorb water; in heavy persistent rain you do eventually get wet to the skin. I took a waterproof jacket with me for some of the heavy rain showers we've been having, as I found having sleeves absorbing cold water a bit chilly even if it hadn't got through to the skin.

The jacket has quite a tall collar, which is a great idea for a winter jacket but did restrict my neck Buff use, just because there wasn't much room for one with the collar zipped up. In temperatures of about 10 degrees I just zipped up the collar and that was great, but for colder rides I resorted to cutting a Buff a bit shorter so there wasn't so much material gathered under my neck.

One thing I really like about this jacket is the number of pockets. There are two main back pockets – a standard size one, and a double size one…

 Then these pockets have a zip pocket on each…

Then there are two mesh pockets at the sides.

So many pockets to choose from! I found the double size back pocket great for storing a waterproof jacket, and then there is loads of space for everything less.

The jacket has a nice long tail to cover your butt, with an elastic hem to keep it in place. With the jacket done up I found the hem sat nicely and didn't ride up on any ride.

There is some reflective detail on the back pockets and on the chest, always good.

The black sleeve material is more breathable than the fluoro-lime fabric used for the rest of the jacket. On the cuffs, the black material is elastic which hugs your wrist nicely to keep the wind out. Overall, for wind protection the jacket does a good job.

The main zip is a bit clunky and has no lock-down feature, so it just bounces when you ride. An annoying detail for me. It does have a zip garage at the top, though, which is always appreciated.

Originally £54.99, now discounted to £49.99, it is very good value, so if funds are limited this is a great option. I tested the dhb Aeron Women's Full Protection Softshell a couple of years ago, similar but with better rain protection, and that's £110 at RRP, and even on offer it's more than the Van Rysel, at £66. Madison's Sportive Women's Softshell is £79.99, and you can pay way more: Castelli's jacket-like Cycling Trasparente 3 Women's Winter Jersey offers extra protection but it'll set you back £150.

> Buyer's Guide: 29 of the best winter cycling jackets

Overall, the Van Rysel is warm and cosy in sub-10°C temperatures, a good fit and a great price. Just pack a waterproof if rain is forecast.

Verdict

Great value winter jacket with lots of pockets that does its job of keeping you warm very well