Waterproof jacket advice

[mattobrien]

I am looking to ride through the winter and don't want to let a bit of the wet stuff stop me. I am thinking that I need to get a waterproof jacket so that I will feel happy starting a ride in the rain, rather than taking something showerproof just in case I get caught out.

This would be for use on my roadie and at a reasonable intensity, or it is the plan to continue to ride hard during the cooler / wetter months.

I am thinking that I will want something that is fitted, rather than a more traditional commuting jacket.

I am currently drawn to the Sportful Fiandre no rain light jacket and also like the look of one of the Castelli jackets, but that one is £300, so out of a price range I can justify.

I wanted to ask if anyone has any experience of the Sportful jacket or if there are others that I should be adding to the list for consideration.

Thanks in advance for all helpful advice, thoughts and shared experiences.

 

[HLaB]

I find a softshell jacket is better, they win on all fronts for me; they keep you warmer, are more breathable, usually fit better and are cheaper. For occasional extra heavy down pours I carry a Gilet or a small packable jacket. I'm sitting here in typing in my Endura Jet Stream, one of my favourites my Gore Phantom is also good and the Giordana (cant remember the model) for really cold days.

 

[rowdin]

I got the aldi winter jacket a few weeks ago and have used it on my daily commute ever since.Very good jacket keeps out the wind and the rain. Only wish i got two of them.

 

[ttcycle]

I was given a sportful women's jacket to review a few years ago- I did not like it at all - fit was bad, breathable but I tested it on a none rainy day so can't vouch for it's waterproof.

I always swear by Gore jackets - though the price of those have climbed up in recent years - there's a thread on here in kit and accessories with cheap gore jackets for sale- think it might have been a softshell rather than a waterproof but have a look through.

 

[avsd]

+2 for Gore Phantom Jacket

 

[smokeysmoo]

I've been using an Endura Gridlock for about three years now and its been brilliant.

Waterproof, well sized and properly breathable

I have the yellow one, but now they do a black one too which is what I'll replace the old one with, that's if it ever gives up the ghost.

It is looking a little tired TBH, but all the zips, seams and pockets are still 100%. If it 'ain't broke and all that.

 

[Saluki]

I've just bought a Altura Night Vision and I'm pretty impressed with it. It kept the water out and I wasn't wet inside due to sweat and personal condensation. It was £69.99 if that helps any.

 

[pac-man]

+3 for the gore phantom jacket + packable rain jacket

 

[RhythMick]

I've just bought a Altura Night Vision and I'm pretty impressed with it. It kept the water out and I wasn't wet inside due to sweat and personal condensation. It was £69.99 if that helps any.

+1 for the Altura Night Vision Evo, which has the added benefit of being very reflective for winter training.

 

[Large]

My Altura night vision evo jacket is pretty good, and the matching gloves are great. There are two things to watch out for with the jacket:

1. The optional hood (purchased separately) is tiny and won't fit my melon, never mind button up. Although it does keep the bits it does cover dry.

2. The cut on the jacket is not suited to anyone without a washboard stomach and because it's so short in the front, it tends to ride up, giving you a wet midriff.

I have no hesitation in recommending the gloves. Lightweight, reflective, warm, waterproof and affordable. I use them all the time, not just on the bike.