You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
I'm after a softshell for winter mountain biking in all but the wettest conditions. Any recommendations for a breathable, fairly lightweight jacket that works for cycling?
there's a lovely as new Endura Windchill in the classifieds 🙂 ..
Rab Vapour-Rise Alpine. Not particularly tough, or the most water resistance, but great for breathability, and one of the best all-rounders.
I'm past most 'softshells' now, especially if they have a membrane.
I'm back to good old Pertex like thin layer, with a one/couple of baselayers below depending on conditions.
I'm also liking the venting and adaptability of a zip off arm Pertex, with mesh sides.
Works with nikwax for all but worst conditions, and the running ones I've got are way cheaper than the mtb-tax ones.
I *do* still get 'softshell' stretchy nylon trousers.
I’m past most ‘softshells’ now, especially if they have a membrane.
Most membrane softshells are pretty pointless. Don't breath noticeably better than hard-shells, but let prolonged rain in at the seams. The worst of both worlds.
I *do* still get ‘softshell’ stretchy nylon trousers.
Which is why tops made from similar material also work well.
I have a Gore soft shell jacket, zip off sleeves, red n black, mibbe a phantom? had it for years, by far the most versatile bit of kit I have, had it for about 5 years and it's still in great nick too.
IIRC it was 50 quid form Halfords, bloody bargain.
Rab Vapour-Rise Alpine +1 - not particularly water resistant, but a really good balance of enough protection and good breathability, expensive though.
Most soft shell that's decently water resistant, usually Gore Windstopper, also tends to be not super breathable. Less of an issue on the road where output tends to be a little more consistent, but not great on the sort of on/off transitions you get with hilly, technical mountain biking.
YMMV particularly if you run cool or are a lazy git who doesn't ride uphill 😉
Aldi have something they call a training top. It's basically a polyester hoodie but it is quite cosy and as breathable/water resistant as a polyester jersey can be.
Downsides are the slightly boxy shape and it takes literally days to dry out if it does get wet.
£9.99
YMMV particularly if you run cool or are a lazy git who doesn’t ride uphill
Haha!
I hate wearing waterproof jackets riding, for the simple reason that I run really hot when climbing, I'd far rather wear a soft shell and get a bit damp, I find them a nicer balance.
I hate wearing waterproof jackets riding, for the simple reason that I run really hot when climbing, I’d far rather wear a soft shell and get a bit damp, I find them a nicer balance.
Haven't you heard? You should expect to keep completely dry in a hard shell, whatever the conditions :-).
Pearl Izumi Escape worth a look - The trousers are so good I've just bought a second pair
https://www.sportpursuit.com/catalog/product/view/id/984705
Non-SportPursuit link - https://www.pearlizumi.co.uk/men-s-escape-softshell-hoody?___SID=U
PI's site is awful, you put in an exact search and it brings back every item in their catalogue 🙁
I was looking at getting an Alpkit Rhythm Thicky, though I'm not sure is strictly classifies as a soft shell. It's either that, or a Spexcel Gabba / Perfetto knock off.
7Mesh Recon is available for a bargain price direct from them at the minute, best I've used by a mile.
I also have the Gore, great bit of kit.
I found the Gore quiet baggy, hence getting the Endura Windchill
Baggy round the guns Iain?....
There's a few Gore 'fits' btw.
nobeer - the body on mine felt quite flappy, and I'm no racing snake 🙂 I loved the zip off arms - very adaptable. Endura Windchill fits me better (but bought one and got given one, hence selling one of them) - infact it will be worn in a few hours time at Mugdock 🙂
I've got two.....first is a relatively cheap one from Decathlon. Decent, if quite slim, fit. It's quite heavy, so good for colder days. Not bike specific, but it's well made. Coming up to 5 years old now, and still going strong.
Second is a North Face mountain athletics softshell hoodie. Again quite slim fit, and it's got two weights of softshell. Heavier in the body, and lighter on the arms, so it's a bit like a jacket/gilet cross. Incredibly comfortable, and was perfect on today's 35 mile off-road ride (temp was around 5c). I even wear it off the bike as it's such a comfy top.
Decathlon one was only about 15-20 euros (bought in France when Xmas holiday). The NF one was about £60 in the sale, but the RRP was about £100ish.
The Rab Vapour Rise already mentioned is good but my very fave is my old Montane Alpine Stretch. It’s lasted years and still isn’t tatty. It’s a discontinued model, the Dyno Stretch replaced it and is very similar. It’s think they just wanted a new name...
I have about seven or eight softshells, most bike-specific, but the best for high-intensity is a Patagonia one.
This is the current model I think....
https://eu.patagonia.com/gb/en/product/mens-wind-shield-soft-shell-jacket/24092.html
Thank you for the replies. Tempted to go with the Montain Dyno Stretch as a fair chunck cheaper than the Rab Vapour Rise.
Rab VR alpine lite is excellent. Also have a mountain hardwear one for biking, non membrane, it's excellent too
montane dyno stretch is my walking softshell, also good. Have used for all sorts but prefer the cut of this for walking and mountaineering
I also have too many softshells!
Those three are my most used though
Sorry to hijack but what’s people’s thoughts of this for a cheap softshell?
https://www.regatta.com/arec-ii-hooded-softshell-jacket-navy-dark-denim/?endcap=recently-viewed
For 15 quid, looks worth a punt.
I have a different cheapo regatta soft shell that I bought for walking the dog. Tried it on my bike. It’s ok but the wind goes through the zip.
It’s ok but the wind goes through the zip.
That might be a feature to aid breathability :-).
I took a chance on one of these for £14 in Large when they had them in stock , its been great value , venting zips to the pit and dry and warm ..
+1 for the Rab VR Alpine. I've had one for years now and it is easily my most worn bit of clothing. Just the right level of breathability / insulation for me. Also great under a shell for when it is really grim.