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We've had the heavyweight waterproof thread. Now how about a packable one?
Currently using an Endura MTR which has been "OK". The membrane is delaminating on the stretchy bits and across all the flex points so is now no longer useful as a waterproof. Its been a good fit and packs down to jersey pocket size though.
I'm after:-
- Actual waterproofness.
- Slim enough cut that its wearable on a road/gravel bike whilst lycra'd up; not so skin tight it can't go over multiple layers and shorts/trousers when on the MTB or commuting. (for reference I'm 5'10"/36" chest/30" waist; usually a small in non-Italian sizing)
- Packable. Doesn't need to be teeny-tiny (The MTR goes down to about 6" long by 2.5" dia) and ideally into its own pocket or ties up with an inbuilt strap, but does need to be small enough to go in a jersey pocket.
- Robust enough to survive being dragged through the odd gorsebush or covered in mud/grit occasionally whilst wearing a pack. So not Gore Shakedry or similar.
- Doesn't need to have a hood or pockets.
- Ideally around £100, and ideally for that it would last at least 5 years....
I have tried on an Endura GV500 jacket. Not very well cut for me and a larger pack size than I'd like. There's also a tiny Rab Cinder thing I've seen which feels like its made out of tissue paper and was a bit tight round the hips.
My "big" mtb coat is an elderly Madison Addict which is a bit short in the sleeve. The Roadie one is an Endura ProSL stretch shoftshell - perfect fit in the torso, but the arms are sized for pipecleaner diameter - bearable for the (very low) price I paid for it.
Any suggestions?
Thanks...
I have been pondering a similar question recently, although breathability is a big question in my mind.
i have an old DHB Flashpoint which is packable, reasonably breathable, and nicely waterproof. I think it’s 15k / 15k. My main waterproof is a Rab Kinetic, which is very breathable, but it’s not packable.
I did wonder about the Rab Cinder Downour or Phantom.
I've been very impressed with my Rapha Core rain jacket. I did have to go up to an XL though.
Wait for a sale.
I don’t know if it’s useful, but I compared the size of my jackets at the weekend. From left to right we have the Rab Kinetic 2.0 (very breathable), the DHB Flashpoint flash Light, the Rab Borealis wind proof, and the fox wind proof jacket.
I have a montane minimus stretch ultra that I bought from their online outlet for £35(!) and it is extremely good and fits in a trouser pocket if needed
I have a 7Mesh CoPilot, bought at heavy discount. It was bought for bike packing and touring duties and has been good for that keeping me as dry as can be expected in some pretty sustained downpours. Its lightweight, slim, big hood for over the helmet (too big and flappy otherwise ) and the only problem I have are overlong sleeves for my apparently short arms - they bunch up and collect water. Too nice for offroad action. Still have a ~20 year old Howies Dyfi jacket for that - not waterproof, just a muck shield.
@whyterider93 - how's the hems on the Montane jackets? I'd assume if they're designed for running they'll be too short at the back and too long at the front when in riding position?
Not too bad actually. I thought the same and bought it for general wear about town in the Summer as a lightweight coat but it was ok on the bike too. I ride in the wet in trousers that have a big flap that comes up to the small of my back so that might help things too. On the front there is a bit of bunching but if you wear a rucksac the straps on the front of it hold things in place.
Actual waterproofness
Unless you're happy to wear a non-breathing plastic fronted sailing jacket or similar, give this up. They all give up after either a few wears or really heavy rain. Accept you will get damp and buy baselayers on that premise.
Decathlon Van Rysel one is good imo. Roadie fit, acceptably waterproof, fits in jersey pocket.
I think durable and packable are kinda opposites. For that kinda thing I tend to go with something relatively cheap, so I don't mind too much when it inevitably dies.
I also reckon slim enough to not flap around in roadie gear, but generous enough to fit over multiple layers is kinda impossible.
Tricky one as the robustness and light/packable sort of conflict. I recently bought a Castelli Tempesta Lite (on sale at Merlin, no chance I'd pay full price for it...) for a roadie packable jacket (you'd prob want it in Medium to allow room underneath). I wanted a Maap Atmos but couldn't find one in stock in a colour I wanted. I wouldn't describe either as particularly robust (though they are definitely a step up from Shakedry).
For MTB/gravel I'll probably get either a 7Mesh Copilot, Skypilot or Guardian Air - but currently I'm not planning to do wet weather off-road riding so haven't bothered yet. They look a bit flappy cut to double up for road use though.
Have a read of this article by Sanny before you spend a fortune on a "waterproof" jacket, some enlightening comments from various manufacturers. It's from the STW magazine issue 145.
Singletrack World Issue 145: The Science Of Waterproofing – Singletrack World Magazine
It was very slow in loading on my PC, not sure if its the article itself or where its archived.