Altura Nightvision Nevis Waterproof Jacket

The Altura Nightvision Nevis Men’s Waterproof Jacket is lightweight and packable with decent waterproofing performance, although it’s lacking a bit when it comes to breathability. The sizing is generous to say the least, so you might need to try before you buy.

Waterproofing is a balance when it comes to clothing – especially garments that are designed for use when active. The more waterproof you make something, the compromise is likely to be reduced breathability, especially when the budget is on the lower side.

Altura give a 10k rating for both waterproofing and breathability which is kind of middling from a performance point of view. Outside of the lab this means that it’ll withstand a decent downpour and shrug off persistent steady rain for a few hours or so. Altura achieve this through the use of taped seams and a PFC-free DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating which makes the water bead off until the fabric gets overwhelmed.

I’ve worn many jackets with much higher ratings which will keep you dry for many hours for wet days on the bike, but something like this Altura is ideal as an emergency jacket if you are caught out, or it’s raining and you have a short commute across town.

From a breathability point of view, the Nevis is a bit of a mixed bag. Moisture transfer is helped on your back thanks to a mesh vented panel running between your shoulders, although that is rendered useless if you wear a rucksack.

It lacks any underarm vents though, which means that your arms will be the first to sweat, and it doesn’t take much effort for your upper body to catch up. It’s been spring while I’ve been testing this jacket, and it’s been warm, so in the winter that lack of breathability won’t be as bad. It was around 12°C to 14°C on the rides I used the Altura to give you some kind of reference point.

Altura describe the Nevis as a versatile jacket, ‘whether you’re cycling through the city or hiking in unpredictable weather,’ and its cut reflects that. This isn’t a jacket designed to be a close fit for racers, but the dropped tail and lengthy arms will work on a road bike if you need it too.

The sizing is generous, as I always find Altura to be compared to many other brands, but their size guide does reflect this, so be sure to check that out if you can’t try before you buy – especially when it comes to the arms as they are very long.

Neat touches include adjustable cuffs to stop the wind and rain from blowing up the arms, and you get a hood which you can tighten using an elasticated drawstring. It’s large enough to fit over a helmet too.

The hem is also adjustable for size, and you get a zip garage at the neck. There is one chest pocket which you can use for stashing small bits and bobs, or you can fold the jacket up into it so that you can stuff it in a bag or jersey pocket.

Being part of Altura’s Nightvision range means you also get some reflective detailing. Here you’ll find a dot pattern at the bottom of the back of the jacket and the Altura logos are reflective too. You’ll also find a strip of reflective material on the cuffs which’ll aid signalling in the dark.

> How to choose the right waterproof cycling jacket — stay dry and keep riding whatever the weather

Priced at £75 the Nevis isn’t a cheap jacket, but it is well made throughout.

Competition-wise it sounds similar in performance to the Madison Freewheel jacket which costs £59.99.

If you want a waterproof jacket with a relaxed fit, hood and adjustable cuffs then Galibier’s Zephyr Adventure is definitely worth a look. It has a slightly higher waterproof rating at 13k, and 12k for breathability, plus it has loads of pockets. It costs £78.

Conclusion

The Nevis is a decent jacket overall for general mixed weather duties and best suited to urban riding, but it’s sufficiently versatile to be used for other activities too. On the whole though, it does most things well without being exceptional at anything in particular, and for that I’d say its price is a little high compared to the competition mentioned above.

Verdict

Decent performance for the spec, but I feel it’s a little pricey for what you are getting

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