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Was out last night and caught in a torrential downpour my Endura MT500 did as much as can be expected (well, could always do better).
Anyway, it's big - takes up a lot of space and requires a medium sized pack to carry it in
It's warm - a little too warm for 'summer' and sweat becomes an issue
So, looking for something light and packable that might even fit in a hip pack. Ideally with pit zips. Would probably be a 'put on if it rains' rather than one to set off in.
Would also like it to look ok off the bike for occassional use. Which brings me to helmet hood - the MT500 hood was probably it's best feature last night, but then a jacket with a helmet hood will look rubbish off the bike - maybe one that can be worn under the helmet??
Moon on a stick?
Probably been done a thousand times, but you know - STW search function etc....
I think this is probably moon on a stick!
At this time of year I carry some mix of a wind resistant gilet, a windproof jacket and a super light roadie waterproof. Each packs down to the size of a large apple.
If it was unusually cold or I was going up high where the weather can be more dangerous I might take my pack with my MT500 in it.
But otherwise it seems hard to find a middle ground of being dry and not overheating - either you’re carrying a big heavy jacket that hardly gets worn and that you melt in if you have to put it on, or you’re going to get wet but stay warm enough with the lighter kit.
I've just bought a ShowersPass Cloudburst Hoodie, with pretty such the same requirements as you. I've got heavier, bulkier waterproofs that I wear through the winter, where wearing a waterproof is expected. I got this one, as I wanted something that I could carry in a hip bag, or even just strap to the bike if its not needed, but would provide decent enough protection if I got caught in some proper rain.
Seems pretty good so far, although not properly tested it in heavy rain. Breathability seems really good - it doesn't 'feel' like a waterproof when I'm climbing in it.
https://showerspass.co.uk/products/mens-cloudburst-hoodie
I’ve just bought a ShowersPass Cloudburst Hoodie
Looks decent that - was hoping to spend a bit less than £199 though
What's the current equivalent of the Endura MTR Shell?
I have the emergency version of that but any of them would have been good for your needs as a "just in case" summer waterproof.
OK I was curious so I had a browse, and I think it's the GV500 now.
I use some ridiculously expensive - £250 I think, but available cheaper according to google, not sure they still make it - Berghaus sub-100g waterproof with a tiny pack size for this, but I don't think I could ever justify buying one with my own money. It's not the toughest thing out there, but it's waterproof and also impressively breathable at least for short-ish periods of time, erm, Berghaus Hyper 100.
It's cut quite slim, which won't work for everyone, and has just the one, very small pocket. I've used the Alpkit Gravitas in the past, reasonably light - 200g-ish - but not as good for durable waterproofness I think.
I suspect the Rab Cinder Phantom would be decent, again expensive and I've not used one. Claimed around 100g.
With the really light stuff, you're always looking at reduced durability, which maybe isn't an issue for occasional use, but a bit of a kick in the nuts with full-on regular use.
I think it’s the GV500 now.
I have one of these, it's my goto waterproof when on the gravel bike, fairly compact (though not as small a pack as the MTR Shell, which lives in my mtb camelbak). The GV500 has a big hood, is pretty light and seems to breathe ok and keep me fairly dry in moderate to heavy rain.
Sounds good Iainc, do you know if it did replace the MTR shell?
I got a Rapha Lightweight Trail jacket 6 months ago, with its more generous fit its ideal off the bike also.
Is it 100% waterproof, no its not, but its shockingly light, packs down tiny, can fit to a frame with an inbuilt strap and takes a helmet under the hood.
I wear it on and off the bike as a general jacket, it works for me but possibly not for others.
Its £145.00 new but I got mine for £75.00 at Sports Persuit, they are £72.49 at the moment.
https://www.rapha.cc/gb/en/shop/mens-trail-lightweight-jacket/product/TLJ01XXAMC
https://www.sportpursuit.com/catalog/product/view/id/3617550
Sounds good Iainc, do you know if it did replace the MTR shell?
I think so, but it is quite different. I have the original MTR shell, the one without a hood, which is very small packing and minimalist - was a pre gravel design 🙂 The GV500 is firmly on the gravel bandwagon, with some more features, and a big hood.
I also have that Rapha one that monty posted about, quite a different beast, the Endura is a lightish waterproof shell, the Rapa a very smart windproof with a bit of water resistance.
Anyone use a Gore Endure? Not that I'd pay full price
Keela Saxon. @£110. Multi functional, bike and off; has a hood, good range of sizes and colours.
Recommended, for all of my usual reasons; decently breathable, lightweight, properly waterproof, made in Glenrothes by a company that pays proper wages to UK workers. Repairable at the factory for a small fee.
Mine has lasted very well, living in the bag year round and packs small enough to just leave there. I have a GV500 as well, which is what I take when bikepacking as it's a closer fit shape. The Keela is slightly more spacious, so more flexible for other activities..
Men's Saxon Jacket (keelaoutdoors.com)
i have one of these i keep in my day back pack https://www.freewheel.co.uk/madison-roam-men-s-lightweight-windproof-packable-jacket-varmcl24s14
Packs down tiny and lightweight and waterproof. probably not very breathable in the rain but i think breathability in rain isnt achievable anyway
I bought a Gore Endure with 40% STW member discount.
I’ve only used it twice in light to moderate rain but am generally impressed. It managed to keep me dry for a few hours (gravel and roads). No pit zips but very light and not a sweat-fest in 16-18°C.
I have yet to get the coat and zip covered in mud, nor have I ragged it through undergrowth, so no idea how robust it will turn out to be, but good so far.
Packs down small enough to go in a jersey pocket (just about).
Sizing on the Gore website was accurate for me.
I've got a 5 year + old Gore C5 which is very similar to that Endure. It has been brilliant for MTB and light walking duties. Still as waterproof as ever and pretty breathable. I can also recommended the lightweight Galibier waterproofs - fold up really small, easily fit in a jersey pocket. Not quite as breathable as Goretex, but less than half the price.
As a fan of Galibier I was disappointed in their lightweight waterproof. I bought it as an emergency summer waterproof but although fairly waterproof, it is very sweaty (I am an industrial strength sweater though). In fact I have given up on summer waterproofs and just use a really lightweight windproof.