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Educate me, brands, fabrics etc. I've not owned something like this before, usually making do with an MTB or heavier waterproof.Â
I need two (one each for me and #1 son) for (predominantly) road use.Â
Small pack size, lightweight, summer friendly (we have heavier for the winter). Â
Showerproof/worst of wind level of protection. I don't mind being a bit damp in a deluge in Summer if I'm not overheating. Â
My pockets probably are not deep enough for two Rapha items but it doesn't need to be sweaty Millets cagoule either. Happy to explore the middle ground between!Â
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Galibier tempest works quite well for me. Packs really small, certainly good for showers and some wind protection.
Given your brief I'd probably go for: https://www.sportpursuit.com/catalog/product/view/id/963998/ (I think they have other colours in more limited sizes, that said bright is usually best for rainy road riding). I don't actually own one but do have a couple of their road jerseys and they seem well made and fit me well.
What I use currently is some ancient Castelli one that packs up very small but it's a bit boil in the bag (I very rarely use it though, if I know it's going to rain on a ride I'll use an Assos Sturmprinz but that's not very packable). I've ordered a PNS Mechanism Stow Away jacket from SP to but it's not arrived yet so can't comment on how well it works.
I have an older version of this, which I like:
https://sportful.co.uk/products/sportful-hot-pack-easylight-jacket
Rab one I have is brilliant. They size up big though.Â
https://www.tiso.com/apjvp4al0177/rab-m-cinder-boreal-mens-blue
I've got one of those Sportful Hot Pack Easylight jackets - got it when it was on offer.Â
I like it - pretty small when scrunched up. I am yet to test it in heavy rain to know how good a job it does, but I got it just for something to chuck on in unexpected downpours.
Sizes up pretty small. I'm a 40" chest, 34"waist and an XL is close fitting, but OK.
Another vote for Galibier, although mine is for the VentUltra.
https://www.galibier.cc/product/ventultra-ii-windproof-cycling-jacket/
Easily fits in a back pocket, keeps the worst off, works fine coming off the Brecons in mist/fog (so damp/windchill descents), as well as having the magical power of all waterproofs to stop it raining approx 30 secs after you've finally stopped to put it on and gotten going again.
I've got a few of them, and I don't think there's really a lot to choose between them. I tend to pick up whichever one I find first, rather than having a preferred one.
I don't really find I use them all that much now, though - in practise, I either want an actual rain jacket, or I'll use a gilet.
I have the cheapest micro packable Madison thing. I take it in summer if there is a risk of a significant turn in the weather. It isn't breathable, but I'd likely already be wet by the time it went on, so there'd be zero chance of drying out anyway. It is for when you get caught in the rain and waiting it out under tree isn't viable any longer and you need to get moving. It keeps the worst of the rain and the wind off.
Thanks for all the replies. I'm going to pick a winner when I'm done at the gym tomorrow and get ordering. Â
Got a week pedalling in Normandy next month and a long day at both ends of the week where waiting out weather won't be an option. Â