Pactimo's take on the rain cape theme, the Ultra Lite is a lot less boil in the bag than others and also offers a decent level of water resistance.
The Ultra Lite's material is a woven elastic fabric which gives it a decent semi-form fit as they describe it. It's cut close enough to be able to race in, and even time trial at a push in the rain, as the transparent material keeps your number be visible. I found it a good close fit over the shoulders especially and the arms are plenty long enough for using on aerobars.
The material itself is waterproof but due to the lack of taped seams and vented armpits Pactimo sensibly refer to it as water resistant. It does a good job of keeping out drizzle and light rain although anything too prolonged or heavy will soak through through.
Once wet you do stay warm though, with the jacket keeping heat trapped against the body. The underarm vents do a very good job of keeping the air flowing through but you do need to drop the front zip a bit to let the air enter in the first place.
The cuffs and waistband are elasticated keeping them in place and offering some sealing against the elements. The tail is dropped also giving plenty of coverage from wheel spray and the shorter front doesn't bunch when you're in a racing tuck.
The full zip makes for easy removal while in the saddle and the Pactimo folds up quickly into a pocket sized bundle so you can carry out the whole procedure from the saddle if you're confident riding no handed for a short time.
Overall the Pactimo Ultra Lite is one of the better rain capes thanks to the performance-orientated cut and easy stowing. It breathes pretty well too. It's the usual Pactimo quality we've seen from their other kit and neat touches like the soft high collar and reflective strip across the back help it stand out from the rest.
The £55 price stands up well against similar jackets we've tested from Solo (£85), Sugoi (£70) and RH+ (£65) all of which are decent quality with much of the same attributes as the Pactimo. Sizing ranges from S to 3XL and there is also a black version.
Verdict
Good quality windproof and water resistant jacket with a racer's fit
road.cc test report
Make and model: Pactimo Ultra-Lite Rain Jacket
Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
A rain cape thats easily stuffed in a jersey pocket for those showery days. The transparent version is ideal for wet races and warm ups.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Semi-form fit
Made of Ultra-Lite stretch fabric
Wind & water resistant
Breathable underarm panels
Extended collar Ultra-soft collar lining
Full length YKK zipper
Reflective trim
Rate the product for quality of construction:
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
7/10
It may be better than some but this style of jack still suffers from clamminess.
Rate the product for durability:
8/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
8/10
Rate the product for value:
8/10
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Pretty well, it'll keep a decent amount of rain out on showery days.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Its got some pretty decent styling and a nice fit.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Can still be a little clammy when the pace goes up.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.
Would you consider buying the product? Yes.
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes.
Age: 35 Height: 180cm Weight: 76kg
I usually ride: Whatever needs testing or Genesis Flyer, fixed of course! My best bike is: Kinesis T2 with full Centaur Red
I've been riding for: 10-20 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, club rides, sportives, fixed/singlespeed,
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