 You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
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I missed out on the rockrider st-700 which Benji of STTW fame raved about, and am after something similar. For when it is raining when you leave and you know that it isn't going to stop, so not needing to be packable etc.
I only care about function and fit, not about features other than a pocket would be nice. Hood or no hood. I'll be plodding so slow this winter I dont care. It will be covered in mud so could be any colour.
Hit me with choices as there's too many on the web.
https://singletrackmag.com/2022/06/rockrider-st-700-rain-jacket-review-70-brilliance/
Always a fan of decathlon kit but you can't hang around with the brand, they sell out quick & seemingly limited stock.
I got a Leatt HydraDri 5.0 as final bargain from CRC, and think it's a brilliant proper sub zero/proper foul weather coat (small/medium orange version cheap on Sport Pursuit), and tbh it's that thick it need to be really nasty out, to wear it. Though as with everything I've seen someone else post suggesting it was crap... so meh.. but I've been wearing their HydraDri 5.0 shorts for a couple of years too, and I'm happy to recommend the brand/range
Just got one of these as it's a bit of a bargain - albeit not worn it yet
https://spadaclothing.com/products/spada-mtb-enduro-jacket-orion
I got the previous version of this even cheaper from SP last year, it's excellent and I would recommend at this price:
 https://www.sportpursuit.com/catalog/product/view/id/2787178 
Nicer feeling material than some waterproof jackets as well.
Did a warm, humid & wet ride in Torridon in it in June and temperature management was OK. So it's not a total boil-in-the-bag number.
Those Spada jackets are mighty tempting. I really don't a new jacket but at the price...
Sizing says Small is 40-42", which would typically be a Large. How do they size up?
I was exactly the same, but at that price why not.
I'm in a XXL and seems like it's sized about right
Pretty sure this is the same jacket as the ST700 -- https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/men-s-mountain-bike-rainproof-jacket-comfort-900-burgundy/_/R-p-330643
Not available in many sizes though.
something from Keela or Columbia.
the reason being is because cycling clothing is pretty pony compared to good outdoor clothing.
i have a keela saxon jacket and a keela paklite. both are pretty great.
When my trusty Columbia Outdry jacket gave up over last year's onslaught, I bought one of these in February - and haven't worn it because it's barely rained since:
It pretty much defines your brief of a non-packable awful weather jacket. Old skool heavyweight jacket - bit too much for me, if I'm honest, I'd rather have a lighter, more packable jacket for cycling purposes. It's only nominally a cycling jacket in my opinion - except for the zip-off hivis bumflap it's just a general use cagoule.
Galibier Courcheval.
Superb jacket. So good my son stole mine and I bought a second to replace it. Then he grew and I bought a third.
https://www.galibier.cc/product/courchevel-storm-waterproof-cycling-jacket/
Also have a Keela Saxon. Bit light for being out all day in torrential rain as I find the fabric feels cold. I carry mine on days it's forecast to start raining mid-ride.
I got a Leatt HydraDri 5.0 as final bargain from CRC
I ordered one of these a year or two ago and loved the quality of it (I have the full drysuit) - the fit was horrific though (in two sizes) so it/they went back
7mesh skypilot. Incredibly expensive, but blinking fantastic
Pretty sure this is the same jacket as the ST700 -- https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/men-s-mountain-bike-rainproof-jacket-comfort-900-burgundy/_/R-p-330643
Not available in many sizes though.
It is, but out of stock in all sizes (and only showing 2XL as well). But thanks
Madison DTE under £140 if you have a hunt around
Just bought one of those Spada jackets, thanks for the heads up 👍 Absolute bargain if it fits. I have a few items of Spada motorcycle clothing and it's always been good quality.
Not wanting to hijack too much, but what would work for something without a hood?
A lot of the old faithful types are now quite thin, which I don't like, I've been looking at the altura night vision storm commuter style as it seems to have quite a thick material for the torso, with reasonable breathability and adjustable cuffs and pit zips.
The decathlon one looks great, but is hooded. They did do a long hiking shell which was more like a cycling jacket, but it is no longer available.
I bought the ST700 and I have to conclude that Benji’s view on fit must be viewed through the prism of him being quite skinny - I couldn’t really bend my arms once I had a long sleeved base layer on.
I replaced it with an Endura MT500 waterproof (previous generation) which is fantastic when the weather is really bad. Being able to put the hood up and still ride proper trails at speed in heavy rain is so good - and when it’s up it acts like a a big air intake to stop you melting, whilst keeping most of the water out.
(I cut out the inner cuffs which were pointless - just snipped the stitching).
One of my favourite SportsPursuit bargains!
I was looking for pretty much exactly the same thing last year, and bought a Rab Kinetic jacket. It doesn’t pack that small, but it breathes better than any other waterproof I’ve owned. The breathability was the selling point for me. It’s been washed several times, and reproofed once. Im still very happy with it.
However, if you are a similar build to Benji, I’ve got the ST700 that chiefgrooveguru didn’t get on with currently in the classifieds if anyone’s interested? I’ve never worn it!
Just bought one of those Spada jackets, thanks for the heads up 👍 Absolute bargain if it fits. I have a few items of Spada motorcycle clothing and it's always been good quality.
It's arrived and I'm pretty pleased with it. The fit, quality, design and features are excellent for the price. I haven't used it in anger yet so can't comment on it's waterproof or breathable qualities.
Just bought one of those Spada jackets, thanks for the heads up
Absolute bargain if it fits. I have a few items of Spada motorcycle clothing and it's always been good quality.
It's arrived and I'm pretty pleased with it. The fit, quality, design and features are excellent for the price. I haven't used it in anger yet so can't comment on it's waterproof or breathable qualities.
also just bought this on a whim after reading the above. thought id just click through ands see the price and wasnt expecting it to be that low.
dont really ride any more but itll be a decent jacket for going out in foul weather anyway.
There are some awful leather jackets here. The materials are poor quality so they're non-packable too https://shunvogue.com/article/what-to-look-for-in-a-bad-leather-jacket (I'd better include a 🙂 )
I bought a Rapha trail Infinium goretex one a while back, but have never worn it, it’s a large blue one, brand new. PM me if any takers, reasonable offers.
I find that any jacket wets out from sweat rather than rain on a bike - particularly when it is covered in filth... Add in the latest DWR's that last a couple of rides, and I just do not feel that newer waterproofs are as good.
I also find that any crash destroys jackets, and even the filth wears them out quickly.
Therefore I tend to buy cheaper, heavier face fabric, but with a good few vents. And then focus on baselayers that are warm when moist....
On the road I can understand why expensive jackets are worth it - but any off-road and I just go cheap....
(So far various Altura's in the sale (Hurricane and Tornado) and my current DHB Flashlight are all the brilliant.)
Yup,what matt says.
I have never trusted my off road riding skills enough to invest in an expensive jacket.
However,my road jacket was a big spend,but the high cost is nothing when divided by years of use.
I also feel that a lot of brands (even the high end models)fail by not having enough vents*.
A rapid boil in a bag situation is annoying, when you have shelled out on some 'magic' material.
* signed A,Sweatybarsteward.
try before you buy with teh decathlon one. i`ve long arms and have shoulders and the Medium (which should be my size) was like a 3/4 sleeve top much to my kids amusement. The large fits but is quite baggy - i`d prefer somethng more fitted. It is dry inside though (tested in very rainy scottish hill hikes and wales' finest bike parks). you do need a long sleeve top though as there is no liner and the material is horrible on your skin.
The spada one looks ok but the other spada stuff i have is very short in teh torso.
I finally found what jacket I had, it was the Altura five 40. has a thick windprooof layer on the torso and a removable hood (that I found in a bag recently!).
So I had a feel of the nighvision storm in halfords and it seems similar-ish though not supposed to be as breathable, it's certainly not a 'packalble - lightweight' so I've now bought one in a more subtle colour than fluoro.
I agree with the above, one clumsy line away from tree ricochet induced holes, so a more expensive jacket really isn't worth it for me.
I was looking for pretty much exactly the same thing last year, and bought a Rab Kinetic jacket. It doesn’t pack that small, but it breathes better than any other waterproof I’ve owned. The breathability was the selling point for me. It’s been washed several times, and reproofed once. Im still very happy with it.
I've got one those. It's fantastic in mixed conditions - showers, sun, showers, snow, sun - but I find that in proper torrential rain, it wets out, gets very soggy and heavy and the excellent breathability goes off a cliff. Dries slowly too.
I really like it, but not in really heavy rain ime.
I bought a Rapha trail Infinium goretex one a while back, but have never worn it, it’s a large blue one, brand new. PM me if any takers, reasonable offers.
Been blown away by mine, leans into breathable moreso than waterproof, really good. Certainly more waterproof jackets out there but the Rapha has the right balance for me
Got my Spada delivered today, took a punt and looks decent for the money. Ticks the right feature boxes with storable hood, arm vents and zip pockets. I have 2 wet days at BPW coming the weekend so will report back afterwards.
I have Rapha Goretex Infenium Trail Jacket which I bought in the sale a couple of years ago, it’s too nice to get covered in mud on uplift days, I use it for commuting. I concur with the above, it does let in water eventually but as I understand the fabric is not of the highly waterproof variety. I also have a Rapha Hooded Goretex Rain Jacket (another sale purchase) for off the bike which is much more waterproof. Neither were cheap though, even half price.
Been blown away by mine, leans into breathable moreso than waterproof, really good. Certainly more waterproof jackets out there but the Rapha has the right balance for me
yeah, I bought mine at the wrong time, just as I was moving from MTB to gravel and road riding, hence it sitting unused in the cupboard since purchase. I use a lighter GV500 one on gravel rides and a Rapha road one if/when I venture outside in the wet on road, though more often these days I chicken out and opt for indoor rides on Wattbike when weather sub optimal.
hence keen to move it on, will fire it onto Classifieds shortly.
Can’t argue at that price
Spada jacket was a win for me too. Didn’t wet out, great armpit vents and seems to have washed well.
I kept looking at those Spada jackets waiting to see what people thought before buying and of course they’re now out of stock in XL. 
But their Amazon shop has the Orion blue in XL for £35 which I’ve just bought. Hopefully won’t get an email tomorrow saying there’s been a stock error and they have cancelled the order. 
Is the Spada jacket size guide accurate? I ripped a jacket at the weekend, and as it’s a bit big anyway I should replace it.
Spada size guide has 40-42 chest as small. Anyone able to confirm how they size?
I kept looking at those Spada jackets waiting to see what people thought before buying and of course they’re now out of stock in XL.
But their Amazon shop has the Orion blue in XL for £35 which I’ve just bought. Hopefully won’t get an email tomorrow saying there’s been a stock error and they have cancelled the order.
Have you got a link for the jacket? I can only find them for £79.99
I kept looking at those Spada jackets waiting to see what people thought before buying and of course they’re now out of stock in XL.
But their Amazon shop has the Orion blue in XL for £35 which I’ve just bought. Hopefully won’t get an email tomorrow saying there’s been a stock error and they have cancelled the order.
Have you got a link for the jacket? I can only find them for £79.99
I found it, typical Amazon pricing. I want the XXL and the price is £79.99 but the XL is £34.99
Yeah I probably would’ve gone bigger if it was £35, I’m hoping some recent weight loss means I’ll fit the XL if not I’ll just have to keep going until I do 😀
They’re only £35 in certain sizes and colour.
Cheers, I must’ve been typing when you posted this 😂
Size wise I am about a 38-40 chest, and went medium. Fit is decent. I'd suggest buying the normal size you would anywhere else, seems to be the usual.
Is the Spada jacket size guide accurate? I ripped a jacket at the weekend, and as it’s a bit big anyway I should replace it.
Spada size guide has 40-42 chest as small. Anyone able to confirm how they size?
I bought a medium. I normally wear 40 chest clothing. The medium fits fine with room under it for my body armour and not too baggy and flappy. If I wanted something more slimline without the need for room underneath I could probably have gone small (would've felt weird buying small though).
Has anyone got or had a Fox Defend 3L jacket?
They’ve had good reviews but are £200. I’ve got an addiction to 7Mesh stuff but I can’t afford £400 for the new Guardian jackets, which are supposed to be amazing.
Can’t argue at that price
I guess it depends on whether it does the job to a level you're happy with. If it doesn't, it's arguably just 35 quid down the drain that you could have put towards a better jacket / one that suits you better.
To be fair, it does seem to get a half decent review below, not sure the baggy cut would work for me. YMMV.
https://www.bikeperfect.com/reviews/spada-enduro-jacket-review-full-feature-weather-protection
Yeah I probably would’ve gone bigger if it was £35, I’m hoping some recent weight loss means I’ll fit the XL if not I’ll just have to keep going until I do 😀
Well done I need to do that and good luck 😂
I bought one of the spada jackets from sportpursuit. Quality is really good.
I'm 6foot 3, 15 stone, 44 inch chest. XL fits well..it's overall quite baggy but that's fine I can fit a mid layer under it. However although it's baggy it is a nice shape. It's not all square cut not does it billow around like a tent. It's slightly tight across my chest to give full range of arm motion - there's no stretch in the material at all.
Bungees to cinch everything down (hood, waist etc)
Ive only been walking in it, not riding. Great so far for that
SEndura singletrack2 here at a very good price
https://www.onyerbike.com/clothing/jackets-gilets/endura-singletrack-ii-jacket-in-blueberry__24622
anyone know how they compare to the Spada?
Yeah I probably would’ve gone bigger if it was £35, I’m hoping some recent weight loss means I’ll fit the XL if not I’ll just have to keep going until I do 😀
Well after buying the Fox Defend 3L for £160 (dropped from £200 in the morning) Amazon did its usual algorithm shit and the XXL dropped to £34.99 - so now I have 2 jackets on the way 🤦♀️
SEndura singletrack2 here at a very good price
https://www.onyerbike.com/clothing/jackets-gilets/endura-singletrack-ii-jacket-in-blueberry__24622
anyone know how they compare to the Spada?
don't know how they are in relation to the spada, but I found the singletrack jacket to be a decent waterproof jacket. I found it a little thin for what I was looking for. it's not packable thin, but it's not far off, so it'd be good for layering on cold days and seemed to breathe well enough with pit zips for when it got a bit warmer.
That's a decent price.
I've used my Spada jacket a couple of times now, on the gravel bike and MTB, in light rain showers on both. It's a well made jacket. Lots of nice features. Elasticated cuffs with thumb hole. Good hood with front and rear cinch cords and fits over a helmet. It has a retaining strap which keeps it rolled up when the hood is not in use. Fits over elbow pads, decent pit zips.
I'm 5'9", 40" chest and about 11st 12lb in a medium. It fits well, but I'd like it maybe an inch or so longer. It's quite loose fitting. It has some weird graphics in a gel like material which look and feel a bit odd, but they are semi transparent so you can hardly see them.
It's been a bit boil in the bag on climbs, even with the pit zips open and the front zip half open. But then it's still quite warm ATM, even in the rain so less of an issue later in the year. It's not really super "packable" but does roll up small enough to fit in my 3L hip bag with all the other gubbins or in the small top tube bag on my gravel bike. For £34 it was an absolute steal.
Just found this thread whilst researching the same thing. I did look at the Spada jackets as they seemed fantastic for the price but I didn’t like the bulky look and suspected the breathability might not be great
i think I’m looking for something on the more breathable side of waterproof if that makes sense. Showers Pass Cloudburst looks to tick all the boxes but quite expensive and no pit zips
The Spada jacket is great quality but even though it only cost £28 it seems to good to wear on the bike at the moment 🙂 I will wear it on walks for a while.
The adjustments are good although being picky it would have been nice to see a vertical adjustment on the hood for when you are not using a helmet although it is of course designed to work with a helmet so it is doing its job.
I will probably cut the elastic cuffs off because I prefer arm ventilation even in the coldest of weather and it sounds like they hold water which never feels nice to me.
It's been a bit boil in the bag on climbs, even with the pit zips open and the front zip half open.
The quoted MVTR value is around 10,000 which is relatively low. Lab tests aren't the be all of real world performance, but for perspective, the MVTR of Gore-Tex Pro is generally reckoned to be 28,000. My experience with outdoor clothing using various fabrics is that that sort of difference is very obvious in use, though less so once face fabrics wet out tbf. Then again, GTX Pro mountain jackets tend to retail for £450 or so and upwards. I think the original RRP of the Spada one was £130 or so. Chances are you'd still overwhelm GTX Pro in the same situation, but it would take slightly longer, but that's waterproof jackets for you.
BWD; where can I find MTVR values for various fabrics? Are they ever independently tested?
Im trying to compare breathability of Infinium, Vapour Rise (new version, not pile & pertex) and the eliteAir that showers pass use
I posted earlier in this thread about being happy with my Rab Kinetic (I think it is the Alpine 2.0). But I went for a 2 hour ride today in fairly heavy, constant rain. Both arms were wet under the jacket when I finished, and I was chilled. I only recently reproofed the Rab, so I’m disappointed. On the plus side, the breathability was excellent. 
I will have another go at reproofing. But I may be on the hunt for something else. The Rab cost a flipping fortune (imo - it was £220).
For the price (worked out about £40 via amazon with delivery) the spada jackets look really good quality. Annoyingly they sent me the wrong size and now seem to be out of stock on the spada site. Amazon show them in stock but I’m guessing that’s not right.
nobody ended up with an xl when a L be better did they?
Galibier Courcheval.
Superb jacket. So good my son stole mine and I bought a second to replace it. Then he grew and I bought a third.
https://www.galibier.cc/product/courchevel-storm-waterproof-cycling-jacket/
Mine arrived this week and it's a lovely thing. I'm normally between L and XL so went for the bigger one and it's a nice fit.
The green colour is really, really nice.
