OneTen Pioggia Shell

To combat the elements in the last few weeks I've had the Oneten Pioggia Shell jacket, the in-house clothing brand from distributor Hotlines. Don't be deceived by first impressions - despite its lightweight construction and minimal feel, the jacket is fit for purpose.

You want a jacket that fits without making you feel bulky, I felt this had been cut too short in the front. It has to mould to your body so as not to ride or bunch up when you're on the bike, but off the bike it shouldn't look or feel as though you are wearing something that has been shrunk in the wash. In addition to this the sleeves are a little on the long side. These are concerns that spoil an otherwise impressive piece of kit.

The first time I used the jacket the temperature was in single figures. It felt comfortable and other road users can easily spot the extended tail. This is a neat touch. The zip is secure and closes firmly, giving you a sense of shutting out the elements. Within a few minutes, the chill air inside the jacket had turned to something warmer. Even with a short sleeve jersey underneath, I was impressed with the texture on the skin.

The material is waterproof and windproof with the main body fabric designed for ultimate weather protection, with a superlight polyamide shell. This is an ultra-breathable PTFE membrane to ensure optimum moisture management, thus preventing sweat build-up next to the skin. There were occasions when the inside of the jacket felt clammy on the skin, but this may have been more to do with the rain constantly forcing the jacket onto my arms and not having time to breathe properly. With a long sleeve layer underneath this wouldn't be an issue. I arrived at my destination dry and warm.

Additional features packed into the garment include a waterproof zipper crucial with rain or headwinds, and some reflective trim for increased visibility in low light.

That's a lot of features in such a lightweight jacket. The cut proved to be ideal for the cycling position and the lack of seams increased the comfort.

Given the cost this is a well-priced addition to your cycling wardrobe. It is light enough to stash without worry, but a jacket you can rely upon when needed. Just be sure the fit is right for you.

Verdict

Light, compact and does keep you warm and dry, but check you like the cut before buying.