Just in: Sportful's new R&D Long Sleeve Wind Jersey with Polartec Alpha insulation

It’s starting to feel very autumnal in the mornings, and winter really isn't that far away. Just arrived in the post this week from Italian company Sportful is their brand new R&D Long Sleeve Wind Jersey, a lightweight jacket that claims to be windproof, breathable and with the use of Polartec Alpha material, insulating for the coldest days.

Sportful reserve the R&D label for their most innovative and forward-thinking clothing. We were impressed with the jersey and bib shorts launched back in the spring, and this new jersey continues that theme. They’ve been working on this new long sleeve jersey for a good while now and they reckon it’s ideal for typical British winter weather and temperatures.

Key to the new jersey is the Polartec Alpha fabric in the front-facing panels. It's underneath the yellow mesh in this photo, sandwiched between an outer Wind Shield windproof and waterproof fabric, and a mesh lining for breathability. Polartec’s Alpha fabric is clever stuff, in essence it’s attempting to mimic the insulation of goose down, but with vastly improved breathability.

“A Polartec Alpha garment can be worn in both the "stop" and "go" phases of outdoor activities,” says Polartec.

Using the Polartec Alpha fabric then has enabled Sportful to produce a lightweight jersey without any of the bulk or volume of a typical jacket, but yet provides the necessary insulation you want on a cold ride. It’s also highly breathable for energetic workouts, doesn’t restrict airflow and dries quickly. According to Polartec it’s even used by the US Special Forces who apparently wanted a jacket that retains warmth, dries quickly and circulates airflow, exactly what Polartec Alpha does.

We’ve seen a few manufacturers develop long sleeve jerseys recently, and we expect to see more in the future, that offer some of the protection from the elements that a traditional jacket provides, but with more of the breathability and flexibility of a jersey. Such jerseys are particularly ideal if you like to ride at a brisk tempo on winter rides, during which you generate enough heat to stave off the cold, but you need excellent breathability to prevent becoming a soggy sweaty mess.

Sportful combine these Polartec Alpha front panels with a Dual Fit back panel that provides good breathability and airflow. A heavier duty jacket variant is also available but Sportful reckon the jersey is better suited to the UK, where let’s be honest it never really gets that cold.

It's a very slim fitting jacket, which it's designed to be. This is a size small in the photos, and it does sit flush on the body just like a jersey would do. It's available in sizes XS to XXXL.

It’s packed full of nice details. Tapered arms with thumb loops, elasticated waistband, three regular rear pockets and a further two side pockets more easily accessible when you’re riding, a full-length YKK Vislon zipper and expandable pockets. There are reflective details at the bottom of the pockets as well. Beside this black colour, it’s available in blue.

If you’re the sort of rider who likes to ride at a brisk tempo most of the time, and struggles to get a clothing setup that provides adequate insulation while avoiding overheating, this new Sportful jacket promises to deliver just that. I’ll be testing it out over the next few weeks and months and well let you know how it fares, and it if lives up to that promise. I’ll keep you updated.

The Sportful R&D Long Sleeve Wind Jersey costs £145. More at www.sportful.com