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Looking for a really thin ultra light showerproof / waterproof jacket. I want something that can go down really small and be stuffed in the back pocket when road cycling or as an emergency jacket when on the mountain bike. I ordered one of these which was perfect but it had mesh side panels so was not waterproof. http://www.alwaysriding.co.uk/craft-performance-light-jacket-376.html
Any recommendations?
I had one of the Montane ones, only problem was that they aren't really up to MTBing as pretty much any branch etc will tear them. I've an Altura version now, but its torn already. Just to be aware.
The material on that Craft one is only showerproof anyway.
I bought a Polaris AQualite Extreme a few weeks ago. Haven't used it in the rain yet (only on a really cold night), but the fit is good and it packs into a pocket on the sleeve. Pack size is reasonable, thou not ultra small. Fits fine in the rear pocket of my road winter jersey.
I have a Gore Oxygen Paclite jacket that fits into a jersey pocket. They are now made from Goretex Active Shell which should be even lighter.
with these kind of jackets, you do get what you pay for, personally "montane range on a sale" is the option i would go for.
I've got 2 Montanes one that got muddy on the MTB and one I just bought in the CRC sale to replace it on the road.
FWIW they do what they say, no more no less, but are convienient to stow away in case of shower.
Go Outdoors have the Montane on sale IIRC.
the Montanes are brilliant for packing small and general showerproofness, I do find that they are not that great ventilation wise (even with the afterburner venty things) so you get as damp as you would without it.
Others may not get this as I do get very hot.
got a montane as a gift (so no purchase justification) and was very sceptical. Wore it on an epically soggy Afan loop (pouring water out of shoes, wringing shorts out in carpark soggy). My top half stayed completely dry much to my amazement.
It does look like tissue paper and I am concerned about it tearing as b r says so it may get kept more for roadie duties but I've had far heavier 'waterproof' jackets give up sooner.
imho, the Montane jackets are way too baggy for cycling! 🙂
I've got a few featherlite style teeny packable jackets, these are the ones i use most of all.
Montane Featherlite : This is very good, not baggy in my opinion, not waterproof as such but perfectly fine for showers or occasional rain, windproof and breathable, packs tiny and the stuff sack has a handy carabiner and velcro strap to attach it to my handlebars or suchlike.
Montane Photon : This is an outstanding packable teeny jacket for all conditions, very breathable, very waterproof and enough, sensibley placed sizing toggles to really pull it in tight when the wind blows a hoolie through the hills, very stylish if that's a consideration, not just for use on the bike although it has bike specific tailoring/designed for riding in - every time i wear it someone comments on the fit and styling. I bought it cheap from CRC and it was so good i bought another one for non bike use. Doesn't come with a stuff-sack but i've got a few spare that i use.
Berghaus Cloudline Pertex Microlite Jacket with hideaway hood, very good, similar to the featherlite but with the addition of a hood, not baggy and the hood is surprisingly useful with pull toggles to size it correctly - stuff sack not as good as Montane Featherlite item as no velcro strap or mini carabiner. I got this from TKmaxx for £19.99 so a bargain.
In order of preference i would use the Photon if it looks like driving rain may be possible or the weather is unpredictable, then either the featherlite or cloudline if it there's a chance of a shower or you just want something to lessen the windchill factor.
Love my Featherlight Velo.
Find the fit good, close but not baggy.
Very water resistant if you re-proof it now and again.
Mine has been pretty robust but does have holes in the forearms from crashing, once from hitting a dry stone wall and the other an off racing at Innerlleithen. TBH most fabrics would have ripped too.
It weighs nowt and packs down tiny so I always have it with me.
Will defo get another when this one finally dies B-)
Sorry been offline for a few days, thanks for all your comments. Seems like Montane is the fella
I got an Endura Pakajak which fits the bill well, and packs really small
Yeah pakajak seems decent as a cheaper option (unless the Montane is in a sale), doesn't pack up quite as small but served me OK when caught in an unexpected shower.
imho, the Montane jackets are way too baggy for cycling
dunno which model you're referring to my but mine (some variant of the H2O, packs down into a fist sized net pouch and has taped seams) is in no way baggy, more like a snug roadie fit.