dhb Turbulence Windproof Cycling Jacket

The Turbulence jacket from dhb (the in-house brand from on-line superstore Wiggle) is a lightweight windproof top that's an ideal outer layer for cycling on cold days, and it easily packs down small enough to stuff in your back pocket if the weather should turn balmy while you're out on your bike.

Right from the off, it's important to note that this is not a waterproof jacket. The Turbulence is designed to keep the wind out - and that's exactly what it does. But windproofing on its own is not enough. If you exert yourself when riding, you get hot, so you need breathability - and this jacket gives you that in spades.

This is because - perhaps obviously - the fabric itself is fully breathable. But there are also mesh panels under the arms to, plus an open flapped vent across the back of the jacket to further help airflow.

So this jacket's main job - keeping the wind off and letting the moisture escape - is done. Tick. But what about the other features?

Starting from the top, the collar is close fitting to keep out drafts, but not too tight to be uncomfortable. It's got a nice fleecy lining too. For night riding, there are some reflective strips across the shoulders and back.

The sleeves are plenty long enough, easily covering the arms when stretched out. The cuff are elasticated - no tabs or Velcro - and there's nothing wrong with that, but the elastic needs to be tighter. On a test ride I had to tuck the end of the sleeves inside my gloves to stop a big draught coming in - and I hardly have the daintiest of wrists.

The jacket is cut so the back is longer than the front, and it covers your rear-end nicely, although once again I found the elasticated hem a bit on the loose side. Being a bit tighter, or some more dabs of silicon gripper, would help keep the fabric snugly in place.

There's a zipped pocket at the rear of the jacket, plenty big enough for something like gloves, but anything heavier hangs uncomfortably low and bangs into the back of the saddle. There is another small pocket inside the main pocket, just big enough for a credit card or a few quid, or maybe a door key - but not a phone. All this is pretty academic anyway, as it's always easier to carry stuff in the pockets of the more substantial cycling jersey you'll be wearing underneath the windproof jacket - it's far more comfortable, and saves messing about transferring stuff if you take off the windproof layer.

The turbulence jacket is available in black or red, which may disappoint riders who prefer brighter colours - especially for winter riding.

When it comes to price, this jacket isn't an absolute bargain. You can certainly buy cheaper windproofs out there, although they may not have the venting features of the Turbulence, so at a recommended price of £45 (currently discounted to nearer £36 on the Wiggle website) it's pretty good value.

Verdict

Very windproof, very breathable, great for chilly rides - and small enough to carry when the sun comes out.