Recommendations for waterproof and breathable jacket

Welshkev

Could anyone recommend a good waterproof and breathable jacket for use over winter? I have a Gabba, which is great, but it certainly doesn’t keep you dry in ‘proper’ rain. Was thinking of using a jacket on top of the Gabba, but finding something which is suitably breathable with a decent fit it’s proving difficult. I’ve come across the Sportful Survival Gore-tex jacket, but they seem to be out of stock everywhere.



Any recommendations / reviews would be gladly appreciated.

07Lapierre

I have an older version of this:

http://en.bicycle-line.com/catalogo/winter-cycling-clothing/man/winter-jackets-and-jerseys/winter-jacket-nordica-blue-2-12.html


I find it just right for Irish winters. In really heavy rain, you will get wet, but i find as long as I'm moving, i don't get cold.

alanjgalbraith

If intending to wear over a Gabba, the actual packing size may be something you also may need to consider .. I have a Madison Men's Road Race Apex, which ticks all the boxes ... except a little large when packed ... (a large jacket can't fit in a Shimano Pro Storage bottle 750cc!!)

Welshkev

alanjgalbraith wrote: »

If intending to wear over a Gabba, the actual packing size may be something you also may need to consider ..

That was the intention / is an option, however, I'm quite happy to find a decent warm jacket instead (as long as it is waterproof & breathable) and pair it with baselayers.

G1032

Galibier Mistral ll

http://galibier.cc/product/mistral-foul-weather-jacket-3/

Enduro

It depends on exactly how waterproof you want/need it to be. I've yet to find a cycling specific jacket that performs as well as more generic waterprood shells (for hiking / trail running). But most cyclist don't need such a high standard of waterproodfing given the duration and exersion of most cycles. I wouldn't recommend my most waterproof jacket for road cycle racing, but it's fine for commuting (different requirements).

brownian

Gore one - the new one with slightly glossy surface. Wiggle or goreapparel.eu. Tiny, light, expensive, should be fully waterproof, given that it's a goretex jacket, is pretty breathable (so far, haven't had it in heavy rain yet).

Homer1798

Depends on what type of riding your doing, I've always seen it as 2 types of Jacket..... for lower intensity: more waterproof less breathable......high intensity: more breathable less waterproof.

Miklos

I've got a Rapha Softshell that I picked up on sale last January, I love it.
a) It looks great
b) It's pretty waterproof
c) It's very breathable and has underarm zips for extra ventilation.
d) It's warm as hell.

I used it from the beginning of January through to the end of April, it doesn't keep you totally dry in an out and out soaking, but it does keep you warm which is the main thing.

rtmie

I have a Polaris Hexon, has never let me down, its definitely a "wear over". Would not keep you warm on its own.
http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/reviews/jackets/polaris-hexon-waterproof

Borderfox

I have a castelli pocket liner and it's waterproof and fully breathable (as in full gas cycling)

Mercian Pro

Galibier Mistral if it's going to be cold (but forget about rolling it up for storage) and a seven year old Altura Pocket Rocket rain jacket that still works fine. It's quite compact, highly waterproof and I rarely go out without it. Altura seem to have discontinued it but there are still some places online with limited stock.

strmin

I have Gore Bike Wear Oxygen 2.0. Kept me dry even in heavy downpour.

Welshkev

Thanks for all the suggestions. Have just read reviews on all of the above jackets, and looks like I'm leaning towards the Gore one as it seems to tick every box.
Does anyone have any thoughts / experience with it?

Lumen

I think breathable waterproof shells are pointless.

When it's raining they're not breathable. When it's not raining you take them off.

I'd just get one that packs down really small and keeps the rain off. It needs to be small enough that it's not annoying to have stuffed in a jersey pocket.

Breathable waterproof membranes add bulk.

the.red.baron

Gore have a couple of Jackets that are just the breathable membrane as in they have no outer layer bonded to it so they can't wet out and are pretty light

at circa 300 bucks though

omri

I used to have a gore rain jacket and shorts and windstopper jacket. Cant fault. Will be getting their new model gore "one gore-tex active" plus a windstopper. That new rain jacket doesnt need any special washing liquids to keep it waterproof after washing apparently. I used them over many seasons so it was money well spent and the lasted for years. Expensive but a good investment.

brownian

the.red.baron wrote: »

Gore have a couple of Jackets that are just the breathable membrane as in they have no outer layer bonded to it so they can't wet out and are pretty light

at circa 300 bucks though

yup - the Gore One I mentioned earlier.

brownian

Welshkev wrote: »

Thanks for all the suggestions. Have just read reviews on all of the above jackets, and looks like I'm leaning towards the Gore one as it seems to tick every box.
Does anyone have any thoughts / experience with it?

it's smaller and lighter than you expect 8-)

It's very black - not high-viz at all at all.

It's relatively breathable.

I've not worn it in heavy rain yet.

mp31

Lumen wrote: »

I'd just get one that packs down really small and keeps the rain off. It needs to be small enough that it's not annoying to have stuffed in a jersey pocket.

Endura FS 260 Pro Adrenaline race cape. Great value for money especially when you consider the waterproof/breathability numbers.

I wore mine all thru last winter.

frag420

Sorry to hi jack the thread, I too am looking for a warm waterproof jacket for my commute, 30-35 mins each way.

Nothing too expensive though (<€100), just something to keep me relatively dry and that will dry out in time for commute home.

Thanks

frAg

cormie

I started a similar thread and although it wasn't cycling specific, this was recommended by someone who uses it for all sorts including cycling.. Pricey though

http://www.columbia.com/mens-outdry-ex-diamond-shell-jacket-1673931.html



This was my thread: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057616410


I'm half tempted to invest if I knew it was going to be proper dry and proper waterproof and at the same time completely breathable and not a sweat haven.

2RockMountain

frag420 wrote: »

Sorry to hi jack the thread, I too am looking for a warm waterproof jacket for my commute, 30-35 mins each way.

Nothing too expensive though (< 100), just something to keep me relatively dry and that will dry out in time for commute home.

Thanks

frAg

Altura Night Vision works well for me - UK online shops seem to be generally cheaper than Irish shops unfortunately

Welshkev

Have taken the plunge on the Gore One - seemed to tick all the boxes so will report back how I find it.
Thanks for all the recommendations.

cormie

Did you look at the one I linked to? It looks like a fantastic jacket, but the price is putting me off.

Enduro

cormie wrote: »

Did you look at the one I linked to? It looks like a fantastic jacket, but the price is putting me off.

That's the highest end one... this one has the same waterproof material, but without some of the high end features (mainly the wicking layer).

(As usual, I'll point out that Columbia are one of my gear sponsors).

zefer

2RockMountain wrote: »

Altura Night Vision works well for me - UK online shops seem to be generally cheaper than Irish shops unfortunately

Anyone know anywhere I can get one of these jackets online at a decent price? Everywhere seems to be out of stock or really expensive

Cee-Jay-Cee

zefer wrote: »

Anyone know anywhere I can get one of these jackets online at a decent price? Everywhere seems to be out of stock or really expensive

Theres one for sale in the adverts section, size L I think

golfer555

I know from playing golf nothing beats Gore tex, it's pricey at around €200 for a jacket but well worth the money.

One question do people find it breathable?

brownian

Enduro wrote: »

That's the highest end one... this one has the same waterproof material, but without some of the high end features (mainly the wicking layer).

(As usual, I'll point out that Columbia are one of my gear sponsors).

The Columbia ones appear to be pretty solid - much heavier fabric than the Gore One - almost like an old-fashioned oilskin in appearance. I'd not wear the Gore under a rucksack for any length of time, while the Columbia looks like it'd take a lot of abuse...but not fit in a jersey pocket! 53 Degrees have the Columbia stuff at pretty much the same price as the link.

Liam28

Question for experienced winter / foul weather cyclists: is a jacket with or without a hood better?
Seems that without a hood any heavy rain will always run down your neck. But how does a hood up under the helmet affect the cycle / aerodynamics? And does it get hot and sweaty under there? Is a skull cap or face mask better for cold and wet days?

cormie

I've found the worse part about cycling with a hood up is when you try to move your head to look behind you, the hood doesn't move with your head and you can't really see as the hood blocks the view. Maybe it just needs to be tighter.

Hungrycol

Waterproof, breathable jacket? I recommend... skin. Plain aul skin. Comes in a variety of colours depending on your ethnicity and best of all is 100% breathable, 100% waterproof and 100% natural but poor insulation qualities so generally not recommended worn in lower temperatures. Can we washed at various temperatures although doesn’t react well to extremes of hot or cold. Various cleansers can be use and recommended regularly. Is self reparable, within reason and provided it wearer takes reasonable care following damage. Can be prone to hairing but as a dedicated cyclist can depilated regularly. Men and womens versions available but generally not interchangeable. Guaranteed for life although unavoidable natural aging occurs at cellular level. Can we worn anywhere and particularly prevalent on beaches. How much I hear you say? That's the best bit, it's free. :pac:

(did someone say it was Friday?)

2RockMountain

zefer wrote: »

Anyone know anywhere I can get one of these jackets online at a decent price? Everywhere seems to be out of stock or really expensive

Wiggle was the best price I could find when I shopped around last year

guile4582

got me all through last winter and same again this year I reckon. you will need to wear a compression top underneath

waterproof to a degree. I had no issues with any showers/rain experienced on my commute last year

https://www.evanscycles.com/en-ie/altura-transformer-windproof-long-sleeve-jersey-EV186356

Unknown Soldier

Liam28 wrote: »

Question for experienced winter / foul weather cyclists: is a jacket with or without a hood better?
Seems that without a hood any heavy rain will always run down your neck. But how does a hood up under the helmet affect the cycle / aerodynamics? And does it get hot and sweaty under there? Is a skull cap or face mask better for cold and wet days?

I just use a skull cap under my helmet, and when it gets proper cold I have a neck warmer come lower face yoke from Mavic.

Then I just use my Galibier Mistral with a base layer.

I think Galibier said it best with the following...

"The garment is designed to be neat fitting and only requires a thin base layer next to the skin. These are new generation fabrics, so we need to reconsider how we dress for conditions. This requires no extra layering in wind or rain."

I think that applies to a lot of the new stuff.

As for the Mistral, I don't use it as a jacket par se, the way I would carry a small packable jacket during the summer. I just wear the Mistral over a base layer. It's my Winter/Foul weather "Jersey"

It does a cracking job too, and you just need to flute between base layers depending on the temperature.

Still not "foul" enough at the moment for it though.

Nothing bar a wetsuit will keep you dry during torrential rain, but the trick seems to be that the garment should keep you from getting "uncomfortable" or cold.

I'm basing the above of the 2015 Mistral by the way, don't know what the newer version is like.

Andalucia

I have a new Mistral on the way, so can provide an update once we get a bit of suitable weather for it

Veloce150

Putting something over a Gaabba is not a good idea as it that fabric needs to be exposed to the air to work effectively. Agreed, that Gabba is best for showery days or mist, not all-day-full-on rain.

Castelli Pocket liner is very good but the velcro fastenings are a design disaster as they tear strips off the eVent fabric at every opportunity. I have one, it's useful, the zipped air vents are handy, but it's not pocketable. Best worn over jersey and arm warmers or a light wind shell.

Castelli Tempesta looks good as it does not have the flaws of the Pocket Liner, but is very pricey and might not be pocketable. It does have pockets though. An all-day jacket maybe.

The Castelli Pave is very good (I have one), just watch for the price going up and down, I got mine for about €180. It's pocketable (just about).

The new kid on the block is the Castlli Idro. Said to be made from a wonder fabric. Fills half a pocket, Costs €280 Sold out already, but maybe wait for long term reviews on the durability of the fabric as it comes with warnings about not wearing backpacks and not using it in MTB,

Wiggle's DHB brand has a reasonable looking eVent fabric jacket. Worth a look.

Lumen

Veloce150 wrote: »

The new kid on the block is the Castlli Idro. Said to be made from a wonder fabric. Fills half a pocket, Costs €280 Sold out already, but maybe wait for long term reviews on the durability of the fabric as it comes with warnings about not wearing backpacks and not using it in MTB,

The Gore One Active uses the same tech.

They're essentially a membrane jacket without the outer shell - that's why they're more delicate.

http://www.bicycling.com/bikes-gear/reviews/is-gores-one-active-the-best-waterproof-jacket-ever
http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/category/clothing/jackets/product/gore-one-gore-tex-active-bike-jacket-review-50630/

€295 from Wiggle.

http://www.wiggle.com/gore-bike-wear-one-gore-tex-active-jacket/

I have a few jacket options (old Gore thing, Gabba, club winter jacket, packable shower cape). They're all fine. I'd be bothered by the wet arse and soggy feet before I noticed any issues with jackets, and am thinking of getting some water repellent bibs for this winter.

Veloce150

They're all fine. I'd be bothered by the wet arse and soggy feet before I noticed any issues with jackets, and am thinking of getting some water repellent bibs for this winter.

Full mudguards, long tail jacket + Castelli NanoFlex bottoms will cure the wet arse.

I tried Sidi Hydro Goretex boots - waterproof yes but not watertight - so the water seeps in at the cuffs and you end up with a pool of water sloshing around inside your waterproof boot.

Sealskin waterproof socks plus Altura waterproof overshoees over normal road shoes work very well as even if water gets in, it can escape through the shoe's vents.

Lumen

Veloce150 wrote: »

Full mudguards, long tail jacket + Castelli NanoFlex bottoms will cure the wet arse.

I tried Sidi Hydro Goretex boots - waterproof yes but not watertight - so the water seeps in at the cuffs and you end up with a pool of water sloshing around inside your waterproof boot.

Sealskin waterproof socks plus Altura waterproof overshoees over normal road shoes work very well as even if water gets in, it can escape through the shoe's vents.

I think I've tried all of those at one time or another. I found Sealskinz uncomfortable.

The bike on which I am most comfortable does not easily take mudguards. I have some Castelli leg warmers but they don't cover the arse. I might try an arse-saver and some water-resistant bib shorts.

I think damp feet are tolerable/inevitable. There is no perfect solution for that. Even if winter boots could be combined with water resistant tights/leg warmers, I still find regular road shoes much more comfortable than all of the boots I've tried so last winter I settled on decent stretchy overshoes (Shimano H20 or some such). Neoprene ones are just too fugly to contemplate.

Michael_Myers

strmin wrote: »

I have Gore Bike Wear Oxygen 2.0. Kept me dry even in heavy downpour.

+1 same here

brownian

Lumen wrote: »

The Gore One Active uses the same tech.

They're essentially a membrane jacket without the outer shell - that's why they're more delicate.

http://www.bicycling.com/bikes-gear/reviews/is-gores-one-active-the-best-waterproof-jacket-ever
http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/category/clothing/jackets/product/gore-one-gore-tex-active-bike-jacket-review-50630/

€295 from Wiggle.

http://www.wiggle.com/gore-bike-wear-one-gore-tex-active-jacket/

I have a few jacket options (old Gore thing, Gabba, club winter jacket, packable shower cape). They're all fine. I'd be bothered by the wet arse and soggy feet before I noticed any issues with jackets, and am thinking of getting some water repellent bibs for this winter.

The Gore One can be had from goreapparrel.eu, who do have stock - wiggle are the only other shop i've seen selling them, but they haven't any stock.

Castelli were the first non-gore company to get access to the new fabric, IIRC.

cormie

At that price, would you not be better off spending a few quid more for the Columbia outerdry jacket?

brownian

That's certainly an option. But as I understand it, the Outdry is not as light/thin/jersey-pocketable as the Gore.

I guess that durability and weight/pack size are two ends of an option spectrum.

I was most impressed by the writeup that Enduro gave of the Outdry prototype he wore on the Spine race; if I wanted a heavy-duty waterproof for (say) winter hillwalking, that'd be high on my list... but I have to wear out my old GoreTex first 8-)

cormie

Was a little disappointed to read what is upvoted as the most helpful review on the outdry here: http://www.columbia.com/mens-outdry-ex-diamond-shell-jacket-1673931.html

Has made me think twice about splashing out to keep the splashing out

I'd be looking for something reasonably light too and just cosy it up with some layers underneath, the outdry doesn't seem too heavy but definitely not something you could just roll up in your fist, but I'm not sure if there's anything out there that you can scrunch in your fist and offer similar waterproofing?

mossym

not seen it mentioned so will throw it in. i picked one of these up about 18 months ago and it's been superb, excellent mixture of waterproofing while still breathing. easily fits in a back pocket and folds out quickly

http://www.wiggle.com/sportful-hot-pack-norain-jacket/

Enduro

brownian wrote: »

The Columbia ones appear to be pretty solid - much heavier fabric than the Gore One - almost like an old-fashioned oilskin in appearance. I'd not wear the Gore under a rucksack for any length of time, while the Columbia looks like it'd take a lot of abuse...but not fit in a jersey pocket! 53 Degrees have the Columbia stuff at pretty much the same price as the link.

Yeah, it's not a roll-up into a jersey pocket type of jacket. That oilskin look had me very skeptical of it originally too!

On Durability... I've been wearing my first one as my cycle commuting jacket for over a year now, and been pretty abusive to it. I wear a 50L rucksack commuting, so that certainly adds to the abuse. So far it has no damage whatsover. The only damage I've gotten with any of my outdry jackets has been a ripping a drawcord end away from a hood. That wasn't a production model though, so that might well be more durable now.

Usual disclaimer... I'm sponsored by Columbia so get these things given to me to race with.

Enduro

brownian wrote: »

That's certainly an option. But as I understand it, the Outdry is not as light/thin/jersey-pocketable as the Gore.

I guess that durability and weight/pack size are two ends of an option spectrum.

Yeah, I'd agree with that. You can buy a ferrari or a tractor... they're both motor vehicles but it would be kinda hard to combine their best features into one!

Roll-up type jackets will by neccessisity of current technology be a lot thiner and less durable (and generally less waterproof at the similar price points).

Enduro

cormie wrote: »

Was a little disappointed to read what is upvoted as the most helpful review on the outdry here: http://www.columbia.com/mens-outdry-ex-diamond-shell-jacket-1673931.html

Has made me think twice about splashing out to keep the splashing out

I'd be looking for something reasonably light too and just cosy it up with some layers underneath, the outdry doesn't seem too heavy but definitely not something you could just roll up in your fist, but I'm not sure if there's anything out there that you can scrunch in your fist and offer similar waterproofing?

I had the plastic silver T come off my first jacket too. Personally I didn't give a crap.. its just branding. It's printed on to the latest models. Haven't come accross any zipper issues myself.

As stated above, you're going to have to figure out what your priorities are, because you simply won't currently get one jacket that is supremely waterproof, scrunches up small, is extremely durable, and reasonably priced.

cormie

Thanks again for the info. So I have to ask, you mention your first one etc, how many have you had (or do you own?) and is your reason for getting new ones because the old ones have worn down and deteriorated, or Columbia are spoiling you? Any for sale?