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review

NVPA Storm Jacket

8
£240.00

VERDICT:

8
10
Hugely impressive at fending off the weather, but it comes at a price – and only in black
Impressive waterproofing
Great fit
Pockets a bonus
Light and packable
Black only
No reflectives
Weight: 
182g

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The NVPA Storm Jacket offers great protection from the rain and wind alongside impressive breathability. It's not cheap, but as a jacket that'll get you through most of the winter and beyond it's an investment that'll pay for itself.

Made in Italy from a DWR (Durable Water-Repellent) fabric, the Storm copes very well in wet weather. NVPA (Neon Velo Performance Apparel) doesn't quote a specific waterproof rating, but I have worn it in steady rain for a couple of hours without any wetness getting through, and in light rain or drizzle the rain seems to bead forever.

> Buy this online here

Helping the fabric do its job are the fully taped seams throughout the inside of the jacket, including those running between the rear pockets.

2021 NVPA STORM Jacket Black - Unisex - taped seams.jpg

That's right, pockets. Not always a given on a jacket, but much appreciated.

They won't keep your stuff dry as there are no flaps over the top or drainage holes, but for use on a dry, chilly and windy day they are ideal, removing the faff of having to get to your jersey pockets instead.

2021 NVPA STORM Jacket Black - Unisex - pockets.jpg

There is plenty of depth and width, so carrying large phones won't be an issue.

Combining breathability and waterproofing is always a fine line to tread, but the Storm does a decent job. Riding hard with the temperature above 15°C I found that I got a bit clammy; even with the full zip open I was still hot and sweating on my arms.

2021 NVPA STORM Jacket Black - Unisex - zip guard 1.jpg

When this type of jacket is called for, though, temperatures aren't always quite as mild, and on cooler days, unless I was really hammering it on the climbs, the Storm does a decent job.

Early morning rides have seen it cope fine down to around 5°C with a short sleeve jersey and lightweight baselayer underneath.

2021 NVPA STORM Jacket Black - Unisex - hem.jpg

For such a thin jacket it is a great windblocker, still packing down just enough to stash in a rear jersey pocket.

When it comes to the cut things are typical roadie: a dropped tail for coverage when in the saddle, and the front section where the zip joins sitting high to avoid bunching of the material when you are crouched over.

There is plenty of length in the sleeves, which are held in place by a small elastic cuff, and the collar is both very tall and fleece lined. This feels really soft against the skin while keeping the draughts out. There is a zip garage thrown in for good measure.

2021 NVPA STORM Jacket Black - Unisex - collar 1.jpg

It's worth noting that this is a unisex jacket. NVPA recommends that men should buy the same size as they would a jersey, while women should drop down a size.

On the subject of sizing, NVPA states all of its clothing is 'Italian race fit'. That typically means it's a touch smaller than traditional sizing, so although I'm at the upper end for medium, the large I'm testing is the right choice. It still offers a close fit but there's a bit of extra room for layering up.

2021 NVPA STORM Jacket Black - Unisex - chest.jpg

One thing that might put some of you off is that the Storm is only available in black. In gloomy conditions I tend to ride with lights even during the day, so I'm not fully against dark winter clothing, but I know many of you are and might want something brighter.

There are no reflective details either. The logo on the back is big and white but not reflective.

2021 NVPA STORM Jacket Black - Unisex - shoulders.jpg

Priced at £240, it's up there at the top end, though it's £50 less than the MAAP Ascend Pro Rain Jacket at £290.

That got a mixed review from Steve as he felt it was very effective against the wind and rain but has no rear pockets and isn't that breathable.

> Buyer’s Guide: 55 of the best winter cycling jackets

At 240g the Pearl Izumi PRO AmFib Softshell is a bit heavier than the Storm – though not so much that you'd notice – but Simon was very impressed, saying, 'This jacket could sound the death knell for the traditional rain shell.' At £199.99 it's a £40 saving on the NVPA too.

Something to bear in mind, if you buy the Storm as a first order direct from NVPA's website, you can sign up for a 20% discount, giving a fair old chunk of cash off.

Conclusion

Overall, I highly rate the Storm for its performance. It's a great choice for wet weather riding, and the cut is perfect for the road bike. And although it's at the top end price-wise, it doesn't disappoint on the quality front, which helps to soften that.

Verdict

Hugely impressive at fending off the weather, but it comes at a price – and only in black

road.cc test report

Make and model: NVPA Storm Jacket

Size tested: Large

Tell us what the jacket 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?

NVPA says, "Using a Durable Water-Repellent (DWR), the unisex STORM®/Jacket offers essential protection from wind and rain. Styled with a simple NVPA® 'Inspired creative concept' design aesthetic using printed block colours combined with our signature race cut finish. The jacket features inner taped seams, three rear pockets, low-profile elasticated waist, branded zip guard and quick release YKK cam lock double zipper design and fabric NVPA®/Workwear zip pull. Designed for use in all climates and conditions that require protection from the elements."

I think NVPA has delivered a quality winter jacket that is impressively light.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the jacket?

NVPA lists:

Durable Water-Repellent (DWR) fabric.

Windproof membrane

Inner taped seams

Three rear pockets

YKK Vislon® Double Zip

NVPA®/Workwear fabric zip-pull

Branded full-length zip guard

Extended neck height with thermal lining

Made in Italy

Rate the jacket for quality of construction:
 
9/10
Rate the jacket for performance:
 
9/10
Rate the jacket for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the jacket for waterproofing based on the manufacturer's rating:
 
9/10
Rate the jacket for breathability based on the manufacturer's rating:
 
7/10
Rate the jacket for fit:
 
9/10
Rate the jacket for sizing:
 
9/10

NVPA's clothing comes up a little smaller than equivalent UK brands, but its sizing guide reflects this.

Rate the jacket for weight:
 
8/10
Rate the jacket for comfort:
 
8/10
Rate the jacket for value:
 
5/10

How easy is the jacket to care for? How did it respond to being washed?

NVPA gives a max wash temperature of 30 degrees, and following that I have had no issues.

Tell us how the jacket performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Top notch waterproofing and windproofing.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the jacket

Just a great all-round performance.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the jacket

Only available in black.

How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market including ones recently tested on road.cc?

It's up there with some of the most expensive we've tested, like the two I've mentioned in the review, but the performance is up there too.

Did you enjoy using the jacket? Yes

Would you consider buying the jacket? Yes

Would you recommend the jacket to a friend? Yes

Use this box to explain your overall score

The performance and quality are hard to argue with, especially if you are willing to pay the price. I'd like to see some brighter colour options, though.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 42  Height: 180cm  Weight: 76kg

I usually ride: This month's test bike  My best bike is: B'Twin Ultra CF draped in the latest bling test components

I've been riding for: Over 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,

As part of the tech team here at F-At Digital, senior product reviewer Stu spends the majority of his time writing in-depth reviews for road.cc, off-road.cc and ebiketips using the knowledge gained from testing over 1,500 pieces of kit (plus 100's of bikes) since starting out as a freelancer back in 2009. After first throwing his leg over a race bike back in 2000, Stu's ridden more than 170,000 miles on road, time-trial, track, and gravel bikes, and while he's put his racing days behind him, he still likes to smash the pedals rather than take things easy. With a background in design and engineering, he has an obsession with how things are developed and manufactured, has a borderline fetish for handbuilt metal frames and finds a rim braked road bike very aesthetically pleasing!

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5 comments

Avatar
Fluffed | 2 years ago
2 likes

Logo is very Alan Partridge Castrol GTX. Pass!

Avatar
Nikolai | 2 years ago
2 likes

That logo on the back is a very, very serious fail. I feel sorry for them because they may have made a decent jacket, and then utterly ruined it.

It looks like a freebie given out by a pharmaceuticals sales rep.

Hideous.

Avatar
ejocs | 2 years ago
1 like

It appears they're allowing some sort of used car dealership/personal injury law firm/rent-to-own electronics store to advertise on the back of their kit. If they're not going to give a discount for hideousness, they should at least pass on some of that advertising money as a subsidy.

Avatar
Secret_squirrel | 2 years ago
2 likes

Hmm.  Looks very high at the front bottom (ooerr missus) and the logo on the back is Marmitey to say the least.

£240 notes is also shakedry territory.

Avatar
mdavidford replied to Secret_squirrel | 2 years ago
3 likes

Not very parsimonious apparel.

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