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I like taking a light windproof shell i.e. Pertex in case I get cold during a ride, and I ride late in the day a lot so when temperatures are falling. I have a nice one for road cycling but it's not really cut for MTBing. What's out there? No padding or insulation, just windproof shell so it rolls up small enough for a hip pack.
If you've got a Decathlon nearby, they have a few. Just bought the £29.99 waterproof which is a MTB cut rather than road. Rolls up relatively small.
Endura Singletrack Durajak packs down small enough to fit in my hip pack. I think they're discontinued but the Pakajak looks similar.
Setup clothing windbreaker
25 bones
https://www.setupstore.com/product/setup-mtn-lightweight-windbreaker
My son has a new Polaris, which is just as excellent as my ancient and now departed Polaris windshell. Not sure what they have left in stock.
Mrs_OAB has a superb Pearl Izumi one with removeable arms. It is actually cut with real women in mind, fits really well, and is both nice colour and well detailed. She uses the removable arms more than she expected.
I have a reasonable Scott one, in an 'acquired' colour way. But I am not missed on morning commute...
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I don't want a waterproof, not breathable enough. The Endura one seems to be Cordura which is probably thicker than I want. The Polaris one could be good tho.
I don’t want a waterproof, not breathable enough
This for me is key - plus I am happy to wear out a much cheaper windproof...
I’ve got the Endura humvee windproof and really rate it. Paper thin, properly Windproof, doesn’t restrict movement, doesn’t cost the earth. Colour/size options look a bit limited so YMMV.
No idea how these would work for MTB, but came up on hotukdeals yesterday for ~£68.
https://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/gore-wear-phantom-jacket-mens-ml-4455532
Bought a blue one of these last year or year before for ~£25, great as a windproof and passable off the hybrid/road bike. https://www.merlincycles.com/funkier-dryride-pro-showerproof-cycling-jacket-193438.html
I find pertex and other fine weave shells are not breathable enough for biking, but they do block the wind well.
Best jacket I've found is the Rab Borealis - nice athletic cut, long arms and chest pockets that double as vents. The fabric is way more breathable ( you can literally breathe through it) but still blocks enough wind and a bit of light moisture. The hood isn't huge but fits well under a helmet and doesn't catch the wind too much when not in use. Stretch woven fabric is way tougher than pertex if you have an accidental off!
Only downside is is slightly heavier than ultralight shells.and doesn't scrunch up quite so small.
I've one of the Rab Cinder jackets as a "Summer shower/wind/need a layer"-proof it's not the most breathable thing ever, but it's windproof, which is my primary use for it. Choose your battles, I guess
Previous versions of the Rab Borealis/Cinder jacket are OK for me for a light windproof. I do find that it isn't a jacket I wear from now on in the year. Still trying to find a replacement for my old beghaus windstopper jacket. A bit heavier than the Rab, but definitely more windproof and more suitable for sub 5°C.
I’ve got an Alpkit Arro that I like for this. Actually I’ve got two, one large and one medium that’s too small and I need to sell!
I bought a Rab Borealis. I have to say that I love wearing it. It’s obviously not waterproof, and I was disappointed by just how un-waterproof it is. But it’s certainly the most breathable jacket I’ve personally owned.
Merlin are selling tld shuttle jacket for £50
https://www.merlincycles.com/troy-lee-designs-shuttle-cycling-jacket-222260.html
Paramo Windproof (Pertex) Smock. Rarely leave home on the bike without it. Bloody excellent bit of kit.
Keela Neutronic or cloud.
I've got a Rab Ventus pull on which I think is the same fabric as the Borealis, it's breathable but I don't find it very windproof at all, poor water resistance. Packs down small enough to fit in a hip pack.
I also have a Rab Vital jacket, made from something similar to Pertex, very windproof, reasonably water resistant but not very breathable. Packs down small enough to fit in a hip pack.
My most breathable/windproof/waterproof top is a Montane Minimus jacket, made from Pertex Shield with taped seams. Packs down small but is a tight fit in my hip pack.
Most of the time I just use a Fox gilet with a windproof front and mesh back as I run really hot.
montane featherlight. proof or not as the seasons change. minimus pullover is very nice and packs to a similar size but trades breathable for waterproof. i usually dress for the conditions so the featherlight comes out to supplement whatever else i'm wearing as required. surprisingly robust. i have three of the things now. used for running and riding.
+1 for montane featherlight. Have jacket and gilet. Used to be pertex, but now something a bit more breathable. I find I wear fewer layers, don't swaet so much so breathability less an issue. Don't go out with one or the other in the cooler months
I know it's a base rather than outer, but these really work well.
I bought one as a tryout, wore it once then bought another - pretty much worn every ride (MTB, road or gravel) for the last +3 months.
Men's Translite Windproof S/L Baselayer - White
And when you add an outer windproof/waterproof quite surprising how low workable temps can be managed without 'winter' gear.
I have a few different wind shells, my favourites are from Rapha, Gore and Montane
I also have a Rab Vital jacket, made from something similar to Pertex, very windproof, reasonably water resistant but not very breathable. Packs down small enough to fit in a hip pack
Yeah that. Though i've added some... um... breathability.
I also have the Rapha core rain jacket. It packs down just as small & is pretty waterproof, but certainly not very breathable.
How have you added breathability?
That Gore Phantom jacket on Amazon is a steal. It'll be too thick to stash though. I'm on my second one in 20 years. Windproof and surprisingly breathable.
How have you added breathability?
I added some holes to the sleeves when I crashed.
On sale at the moment
https://7mesh.com/en-GB/products/mens-northwoods-windshell?options={%22color%22:%22Prince%22}
I've got two
Endura one:
https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Endura-Hummvee-Windproof-Shell-Cycling-Jacket_238650.htm
Decathlon one:
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/mountain-bike-windproof-jacket-blue/_/R-p-305587
Endura packs up smaller, but the decathlon is more breathable. Both good.
Do those decathlon ones size up as expected? I'm sure I've tried them in store and they have small body but huge arms?
Like my Madison Roam, although I find the cut a bit boxier than I’d like, in contrast to the review below.
Do those decathlon ones size up as expected? I’m sure I’ve tried them in store and they have small body but huge arms?
Fit is spot on for my size (XXXL). The material is loose and stretchy which is perfect for the more portly riders like myself.
I've also have a Montane Featherlite jacket (smock version) bought it in 2021, my go to jacket for when its not raining. Ultra lite and packs up really small.
RRP is £90, but have seen them (full zip version) half price at Taunton Leisure, in fact all their Montane gear is significantly discounted at present.
Montane Mens Featherlite Jacket - Acer Red
“ Paramo Windproof (Pertex) Smock. Rarely leave home on the bike without it. Bloody excellent bit of kit.”
I had one of these and then the Enduro (yes, it’s really called that) jacket version, which I’m on my second one of after almost eight years of daily commuting and most MTBing wearing out the zips and velcro (fabric is fine but repair is almost as much as a new jacket).
They’re not Pertex, it’s polyester rather than nylon, more windproof but also a bit more breathable. Very tough. But unlike most windproofs, not that light and doesn’t pack down tiny.
The current version is great for MTBing and commuting because it’s so ventable - big velcro cuffs, two torso zip vents, two sleeve zip vents. Easy to operate as you’re riding, unlike pit zips which are usually a two-handed job.
Thin soft shell like the Rab Borealis or ME Echo is where it's at IMO for any kind of physical effort at low speed.
Another shout out for the Montane Featherlite. Excellent piece of lighteweight kit, packs down super small, keeps off the wind and breaths really well.
YMMV etc but generally ace bit of kit!
I have a Ron Hill pertex jacket I picked up in the local running shop.
Spends most of its life rolled up in my back pocket but gets put on for the breezy bit at the top of the Yat or the ride home from the brewery.
https://www.ronhill.com/products/mens-core-jacket
Coming on here to say this but at least 2 people already have
johnheFull Member
I bought a Rab Borealis. I have to say that I love wearing it. It’s obviously not waterproof, and I was disappointed by just how un-waterproof it is. But it’s certainly the most breathable jacket I’ve personally owned.
i liked it so much u bought a second one another colour not even slightly water resistant but just super comfortable to ride in
Also this. Also on my second after c20 years with the first. Go to jacket on road definitely a roadie style cut though not skintight
That Gore Phantom jacket on Amazon is a steal. It’ll be too thick to stash though. I’m on my second one in 20 years. Windproof and surprisingly breathable.
Just ordered one of these jackets from 7Mesh. Their kit is very good but on the expensive side, however at the moment they have some very good BF/sale deals.
Men's Northwoods Windshell - Men's Trail Riding Windshell Jacket | 7mesh
Decathlon +1
They seem to have cottoned on that you don't need 2million meters of hydrostatic head water resistance for your headline at the expense of breathability.
Unfortunately they don't seem to to an MTB version of the Van Rysell waterpoof jacket.
gazzab1955
Just ordered one of these jackets from 7Mesh. Their kit is very good but on the expensive side, however at the moment they have some very good BF/sale deals.Men’s Northwoods Windshell – Men’s Trail Riding Windshell Jacket | 7mesh
Always found wind jackets to be sweaty, overwarm, uncomfortable, stupid things in the past but I wear my (heavily discounted) Northwoods all the time
Heavily discount 7mesh is my price point, it's great value when you can get it cheap
Rab Borealis tour (no hood) for me after canvassing opinion here some years back.
At first I found them a bit hot with my normal layers compared to the thin, crinkly pertex types I used to use, but I like the fact that it breathes way better than vertex and is quiet , softer touch and seemingly much more resistant against snags.
I have an actual waterproof that I use half a dozen times a year for when its really raining, and the borelias does all the work the rest of the year, for showers and such, with either one or two layers under, depending on temperature.
I've had a 7mesh Northwoods and liked it a lot, really lightweight, warm enough, plenty windproof and packed away small enough to go in a pocket or hip bag. Currently on sale too so makes it an easier pill to swallow.
But... I just bought a Rapha trail wind jacket (on sale at sportpursuit) and I think it's even better - It's slightly less packable but I prefer the fabric, the collar and hood is better and I prefer the pocket placement on the chest vs the hip.
I bought a size up on the Rapha jacket for better layering and going over armour and I couldn't be happier.
My go-to has always been a Buffalo wind shirt. I've tried various others (Rab, Montane, Haglofs) but always ended up back on a 30+ year old design because it works for me - fit; over-the-head smock; big kangaroo pocket; durable; big vents. One of the two I run back-to-back has just died, though - years of sweat and UV taking their toll. I think they do need to update the design, and they're getting a bit spendy. Quite tempted by the Borealis as a replacement that'd also work for walking.
This months MBUK (other mountain bike magazines are available) has a windproofs grouptest which might help you choose. (I use a montane windproof).
Probably not the best suggestion now we are into winter, but my go to windproof is a Fox gilet for three of the seasons. I find keeping my chest and back warm makes a big difference and I'm not so bothered about my arms. Avoids the sweatiness of a full jacket.
The back on mine isn't breathable though, so that does get a bit damp. My try a slightly different one in spring
I never ride in pertex any more. Modern softshell jackets seem to have made it redundant, for me.
I'll just dress for the whole ride, with a non-packable, breathable softshell jacket most of the time (in the colder months). Only exception is going up actual mountains, where I might want to put a jacket on at the top and for the descent.
I’m after a new softshell type wind jacket - what’s out there? I’ve got a Rapha trail lightweight wind one and it’s great when is chilly but dry - but when the temp dips to zero like last week it’s not warm enough - then I’d just want a windproof soft shell to wear with just a merino jersey underneath
Highly rated (by other mags) Gore Lupra mtb jacket on sale for £100 down from £180-something atm, direct or on Amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0013O942C?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1&psc=1
It uses Gore Infinium Windstopper fabric which is apparently very breathable (also the back is a different fabric to let heat out too)
I've just got one, but as a Christmas present so haven't tried it yet
I’m after a new softshell type wind jacket – what’s out there? I’ve got a Rapha trail lightweight wind one and it’s great when is chilly but dry – but when the temp dips to zero like last week it’s not warm enough – then I’d just want a windproof soft shell to wear with just a merino jersey underneath
I've got an Endura Singletrack which is good - very similar to the Stealth from years ago. Too warm for much above 5 degrees though, but perfect for what you're after by the sounds of it
ME Squall over the Borealis, not even close. I'd barely got the latter on before it was going back in the packaging.
Squall has the cross zip for use with a harness. The Echo is the vertical zip equivalent.