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I'm a fan of thin, Pertex like windproofs. This is on bike and hillwalking.
I'm struggling to find what I want - in the past Montane, Parrot (remember them?) and Polaris have supplied, but now seemingly not available a:
- hoodless
- chest pockets for hands on cold days
- draw cord waist, dropped to cover my butt
- bright colour that's not lumi yellow
- thin, super breathable fabric.
- some reflective bits
Suggestions?
I've still got two Parrot pertex tops on the go. Red one's looking a bit tatty, the blue one's in better nick. And one of their thinly insulated pertex tops too which is great for the cooler spring and autumn days. Sorry, thats no help to you at all!
chest pockets for hands on cold days
- draw cord waist, dropped to cover my butt
Do you mean hand-pockets rather than chest ones? And a hem-cord rather than a waist one?
I think the problem you'll have is that most minimalist windproofs don't have hand-pockets and the market for hoodless windproofs and lightweight softshells is limited.
Rohan? https://www.rohan.co.uk/mens/jackets-nimbus-jacket-sunset-orange?
Yeah, it's rather niche to want no hood and hand pockets.
I could do a hood - but it needs to stow away somehow, not flap in the breeze...
My old (like 1997) Polaris has chest hand pockets, above rucksack straps, and a removable hood with a nice high collar, plus was funky turquoise and orange 1990's colours. 😎
Paramo windproof could work for this but might be at the heavier end of the spectrum?
The current Montane hooded windproof has pockets. I have a Lite Speed but it's no longer made, similar to this, I use mine for walking a lot
I have gone down the route of different windproofs for different activities as I prefer the different cuts and styles (I seem to have loads!)
Rab Vaporise Cinder.
Not quite what you asked for but what you want.
I live in mine - as do many of my friends. Windproof and superbly breathable. Wear it in everything from -5C (snow on Colsnaur) to 15C (yesterday for a windy Yat). Can be picked up for £90 at the moment. I had to buy a 2nd one as Thump stole my 1st one.
No chest pockets. The non-cycling jacket has them; just cut off the hood.
Rab Vaporise Cinder
Already got Rab VR. And will buy another. Fabulous things.
But some days, a thinner and lighter is what is needed...
A Buffalo pertex windproof may suit.
Side zips
Chest pocket, no hood.
Very windproof.
Packs down small.
Chest pocket.
Blue colour not too bad!
Love mine.
The next product up the range is their Pertex active Lite a warmer version but not as packable. I find this a much more useable item.
I put the pertex over this if the rain gets heavier or i need an extra layer.
They are not waterproof but dry really quickly
You might find more choice if you consider thin running/multi-activity softshells apart from pertex? More likely to have pockets perhaps.
I have an older version of this and it's great for high intensity riding & running. Not got a dropped tail, but long enough in the body for me that it doesn't matter.
Patagonia Wind Shield Jacket - AW24 | SportsShoes.com
I’ve been very very impressed with the Rab Borealis Tour softshell that was recommended on here. It’s super breathable and nice against the skin. It is not windproof but it is usefully wind resistant.
For a true windproof I like my Paramo Enduro Windproof but it doesn’t have pockets where you want and is pretty heavy due to fabric, zips, hood, cuffs, etc. Wear it for commuting or more winter conditions MTBing (when it’s not wet wet).
I've got an ancient montane pertex shell w hand pockets and a roll away hood, and a thin fleece liner which is great, but they don't seem to make that anymore. Their pure windproofs (feather light) has the hem drawcord and no hood, but no hand pockets either. And their fabric isn't sufficiently breathable for on bike use unless it's very cold. I end up boiled in the bag, even wearing a thin base layer.
Not much help I'm afraid
A Buffalo pertex windproof may suit
That was my idea too. There's a half zip pullover (Special 6) and a full zip version.
"That was my idea too. There's a half zip pullover (Special 6) and a full zip version."
The basic thin unlined pertex one was the one I meant., a windproof pullover! Lightweight and fits the "brief" above.
PHD do one as well.
Windsmock with fold down hood.
87g
126g with ultra shell fabric.
Sheds light rain.
Reflective strips.
Red looks good...but should do for the price!
I think this Paramo one ticks all your boxes except for reflective bits:
They do a few other windproofs, some with hoods and a smock. I had one a while ago and it was good but heavier weight fabric than some.
I bought a Dare2B Ablaze. I've only worn it once so far, but seems very good.
It's 'Pertex like' fabric, decent cut, couple of pockets (right where a rucksack belt will be, but so were most of the posh brands offerings), some reflective bits, nice red orange colour.
And £17...I just could not bring myself to fork out £60-100 for a posh brand which still were not ideally what we wanted.