[Closed] best packable jacket

I got a wee trespass jacket that folds up into a pouch
Has done a few occasions when the weather has turned but not biblical

I don't know how big a SWAT box is but I've an Altura jacket that packs down to about the size of an apple - I can't quite close my fist around it - maybe tennis ball size.

Reasonably robust - I've crashed in it and didn't put any holes in it but it's certainly not a heavyweight jacket like the MT500 jacket. Equally it's not one of the super light models that will tear if they come within a metre of a thorn. I've had it six years or so and it's still good.

Unfortunately I've no idea what the model is as there's nothing on the jacket to say.

I need it to be small (needs to fit in my SWAT box on the Enduro down-tube) what’s best? showerproof would be good, not too warm, and robust?

With jackets there tends be an inverse relationship between lightness/packability and robustness. I'd be looking for something made of a slightly heavier Polyamide / Nylon and avoiding semi-translucent fabrics like Pertex Quantum GL which are fragile. Best thing I've used is a Norrona Fjora windproof I bought in a sale a couple of years back. Bike specific, packs small and very breathable. Arc'teryx Incendo Hoody is good if you can find one cheap, SportPursuit sometimes stock Arc'teryx.

I've used a Montane Lite Speed Pertex jacket for years which has held up well but a bit flappy. I've just replaced it with an Endura Singletrack DuraJak jacket which is a slimmer fit and tougher (but still lightweight) Cordura material. (if purchasing from the link above don't forget the usual £5 pop-up code and Quidco cashback - currently a suspiciously generous 20%!)

Thanks BWD I was hoping you'd have some decent suggestions. I'll check those out

I've got an Endura mtr shell. Its bery packable and properly waterproof and a 40000 breathability rating watever that is, I don't getbto sweaty anyway. A bit pricy unless you can find one on offer.

https://www.endurasport.com/MTR-Shell-Jacket/p/bEM0053

Also got an MTR shell (emergency version).

It's perfect for what you want.

Gore-tex shake dry

Gore-tex shake dry

Isn't it quite fragile?

Rapha core packs up small. I got mine 1/2 price so it wasn’t eye wateringly Rapha pricing.

My other main waterproof is a Rapha City jacket, which happens to have a great cut for MTB.

Very waterproof, very breathable (for a waterproof jacket) and nice soft feel to the fabric.

Not sure how useful it is to mention, as I also got it half price in the sale a few years ago - but it makes me wonder why they don't do a bit more MTB stuff. Maybe we are too tight?

Thanks all, loads of great suggestions, keep 'em coming

I use a Endura MTR emergency shell as exactly that - just keep it in the pack in case the weather turns. If It’s likely to be damp then I use a Gore C3 Active jacket- it’s not exactly packable, it’d struggle to fit into a hip pack.

Isn’t it quite fragile?

I use mine as the OP mentioned, just stashed if and when it starts raining when out. Lasted a year so far. If it's raining before I leave home and I'll be wearing it all day I wear something more robust but then I'm not going to stash that.

Endura FS-260 race cape packs up the size of a large tangerine, smallest waterproof I've seen.

I have one of these for the same reason.

Great price too at 40 quid

Arro men's jacket.

https://www.alpkit.com/products/arro-mens

Another vote for the shakedry jacket
It’s very good indeed.
It’s available 1/2 price sometimes - still expensive but worth it - it keeps you dry in 2 hours of rain

Altura pocket rocket packs to the size of an apple, bit lightweight but great for a no frills emergency waterproof.

@whitestone you have described my altura pocket rocket I think.

Also looking for a packable jacket too as I have ditched my bag for a Evoc HipPack. Anyone tried Patagonia's Houdini jacket?

Also looking for a packable jacket too as I have ditched my bag for a Evoc HipPack. Anyone tried Patagonia’s Houdini jacket?

Great little jacket, well cut, but only a windproof.

Maybe go for a gilet? Any jacket that small when compresses is likely to be nearer the wind and shower proof end of the scale, a gilet will naturally pack smaller so you could end up with something a bit more substantial which would at least keep your core drier/warmer.
That said, with careful folding/rolling the Rapha core waterproof is nice and small and is properly waterproof. In fact it packs smaller than my Endura Packajak.

How big do the Endura mtr shells come up? Just wondering if you need to size up or not?

No I fit a large in the MTR shell which is normal for me. Kept me warm enough at FW on Saturday

Thanks, always worth checking as sometimes sizing is miles off!