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Now the weather seems to have turned I could do with some suggestions for a lightweight jacket to keep the chill and a light shower off. I have a cheap ProVis windbreaker/waterproof thing but don't like it - it has that horrible cold clammy material that doesn't breathe at all and I just get cold and wet from the sweat instead. I don't really choose to ride in the pissing rain so probably don't need full waterproof but I'd like to still stay warm if it gets soaked through.
The best riding jacket I've had was a thin Salomon ski jacket which was a water repellent (not completely waterproof) outer layer with a microfleece type material inside. Probably what they describe as a mid layer. So I'm looking for something similar but it's hard to see these kind of details online. Also doesn't need to be a cycling specific brand so long as the cut isn't too short so it doesn't ride up at the back - have seen some microfleeces from the cheaper outdoorsy brands like Dare2B, Regatta, Quechua etc that might work, but anyone have any experience of these for riding in rather than hiking?
I have an Alpkit Morphosis smock. It doesn't look like they make anymore but they do have a hooded Morphosis jacket. That's my go to riding jacket along with the Morphosis Gilet.
Also have a Fjern Octa from Sports Pursuit which is similar, the cut at the back isn't as long though.
They all make me sweat and get clammy no matter how expensive or technical they are, biggest thing for me was making sure it had armpit vents that could be unzipped
The lightweight Rab VapourRise is very good as a balance of wind protection, fast wicking and drying and just a little insulation though the cycling - Cinder? - version is apparently different to the outdoor ones and not as good. I've been using the same VR Lite alpine jacket for over decade for a mix of biking, walking and climbing and it's still - just about - going.
I bought a Mountain Equipment Arrow Hooded jacket last year and that's been great. It uses a fabric called Storm Fleece - same as Patagonia TechFace fabric - and works really well on the bike in cooler conditions. Fair bit of wind resistance, a tiny bit of insulation, neat, technical fit - very breathable, but surprisingly protective. Sport Pursuit used to do an own-brand bike jacket in the same fabric called the Rivelo Storm Fleece, but right now it seems to be available in size S only.
I've also got an Alpkit Morphosis, does a similar gig to the Rab VR stuff but with zoned insulation.
I've got a Gore Spirit jacket I'm most impressed with , never had such a lightweight jacket so breathable but definitely not cold and clammy . Sports Pursuit have got them at under £50 now which is an outright bargain !
I got a Rab Borealis Tour back in March and it’s really really breathable, pretty wind resistant and definitely not rainproof but for something as energetic as MTBing it strikes a good balance until it’s either super wet or wet and cold.
I've just picked up a Rab Borealis in a sale and wore it today for the first time on bike. Weather was not too cold but chilly breeze, dry, and it was ideal. With a thicker thermal top or two underneath I think it'll be ideal through til spring unless I'm out in persistent rain.
7 mesh for me. I was out today in the skypilot jacket, and it was fine with a single layer underneath. Would need another layer if it was colder. Have one of their lightweight wind breaker jackets too that I got for a big discount in their sale a few months ago. Something like 80% off in a very pale lavender (hence the cheapness I reckon). That is fine in a light drizzle, but need more when it is actually raining. Also have various Rab jackets if dry. Nit found them as good as my very old North Face summit series wind stopper (bought about 15 years ago in Canada).
Anyone tried this Gore Trail KPR? Good price at SportPursuit. And the hybrid mid layer thing with different panels seems to be what I'm after.
Not sure on the sizing though, the chart on SP differs to the Gore website and they all look on the smaller side for their size. Any experience of how Gore stuff sizes up? I'm about a 44" chest so usually somewhere between L and XL depending on how "sporty" the fit is.
For a warmish jacket I really like the five ten flooce I bought in a sale. It's not something to use in a downpour but in the odd light shower it's good as it has windproof/shower proof panels on the shoulders and chest - a bit like that gore trail kpr jacket above, except with a hood and full zip. The rest is flocked material which is very comfortable and warmish. A bit too warm anything over about 8c though if working hard.
For a non insulated jacket that works in showers or even light rain - gore lupra is fantastic..it's not up to all day torrential rain, but for showers or light rain it's absolutely brilliant. Breathes fantastically and dries very quickly. Also packs up small- easily goes in a 3l evoc hip pack
That gore kpr linked above does look really good though - I generally rate gore stuff highly. I might give one of those a whirl.
@_tom_ I'm similar size to you, and for most things I sit somewhere on the fence between L and XL. For the gore lupra mentioned above I'm definitely an XL. I think gore stuff sizes up a smidge on the small side.
https://www.sportpursuit.com/catalog/product/view/id/4054468/
Only small and medium in stock if thats any good, got 1 for the nephew last autumn and its spot on at that price. Sportpursuit are usually hard to beat on price in my experience
Have you got a gilet? From now til next summer a gilet is a great piece of kit. I have an altura one that has a thin grid fleece on the inside of the front but a nice thin breathable back. Packs small, keeps the wind out and never sweaty. The other thing I wear a lot is a Ground Effect baked Alaska. I have two older ones that I picked up on eBay but even at full price I would say they are good value as they are so hard wearing.
I got my one 2+ years ago for ~£25, but this Funkier jacket is great for a bit of wind and rain while being nice and light plus decently breathable.
https://www.merlincycles.com/funkier-dryride-pro-showerproof-cycling-jacket-193438.html
I recently got a Scott Explorair Light WB jacket (2024 model) and it's been great for keeping the wind at bay and seeing off a light shower. Quite breathable too, and packs down into it's hood when you don't need it.
I got it for £25 BNWT on Vinted but I've been that impressed with it that I'd happily pay more (RRP is around £110 but you can find them for nearer £50).