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Recommendations for a lightweight waterproof jacket

by 2trax
Mon, Mar 30, 2015 23:14
12

Hello,

I'm looking for a lightweight waterproof jacket that I can stuff in my jersey pocket now that the rain is warming up a bit. After a little research, the following are on my short list: Altura Vapour, DHB Cosmo and the Endura Helium. I'm also intrigued by the Endura FS260 Pro Adrenaline, mostly because I can't really see how it differs much from the Helium.

Are there any others at the £100 or under price point that I should be looking at, or does anyone have any experience with those on my shortlist?

Thanks!

Sam

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12 comments

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2trax | 9 years ago
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Good advice dazwan; in the end I went to my LBS and picked up an Endura MTR shell for £80. Exactly the same 2.5 layer 15,000 waterproof/breathable fabric as the Helium, but even more minimalist in cut/features which enables it to pack really small (135g):

http://www.endurasport.com/products/?ProductID=213

Strictly speaking it's an XC orientated garment, but it's a very athletic cut which is by no means out of place on a road bike (I think it actually looks cleaner than the Helium). But glad I tried it on as I ended up in a size larger than I normally take.

Thanks again to everyone for the suggestions 1

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PonteD | 9 years ago
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Just make sure you get one that fits your body shape, remember once you are on the bike any loose bits will flap and rustle in the wind and drive you crazy after a few miles. I'd go to a shop and try a few different jackets on, it may be something else fits you better or takes your fancy.

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2trax | 9 years ago
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Thanks, some really good recommendations - they all look really good and everyone sounds happy with their choices. I'll see what deals are available and that will probably be the deciding factor in what I go for.

Cheers!

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KiwiMike | 9 years ago
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I'm still very much loving the Vermarc Extreme: http://road.cc/content/review/141302-vermarc-extreme-rain-jacket

Did 40 miles on Sunday in pissing rain / high winds / 7ºC. This jacket over the top of a Gabba worked a *treat*. It also rolls up small enough to disappear into (i.e. not poke out of) a reasonably-snug jersey pocket.

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PhillBrown | 9 years ago
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I have an Altura Pocket Rocket - Got it cheap from a clearance on eBay and paid around £40 I think. It has been flawless for both running and cycling in, packs up into a neat little drawstring bag that come with it and fits snug in a bottle cage or jersey pocket just in case...

A few of the people I cycle with also had them at the same time and prefer to use them over their Rapha/Castelli jackets!

Just remember one thing... NEVER wash a waterproof jacket with Fabric Softener! It not only breaks down the waterproofing over time, but it makes it all wrinkly like a pair of old plums! 29

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Beefy | 9 years ago
0 likes

+1 castelli

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Nixster | 9 years ago
0 likes

Sportful Hotpack is great although not completely waterproof. It will however keep you warm which I find is at least as important.

Galibier were recommended to me on here and looked good but sized too large for me.

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Scoob_84 | 9 years ago
0 likes

I would recommend this. Perfect for mixed conditions. It won't deal with prolonged torrential rain, but can last up to an hour in moderate rain. Its great for rides where you know there will be showers or light rain.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/sportful-bodyfit-pro-windstopper-jacket-1/?lang=...

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fukawitribe replied to Scoob_84 | 9 years ago
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Scoob_84 wrote:

I would recommend this. Perfect for mixed conditions. It won't deal with prolonged torrential rain, but can last up to an hour in moderate rain. Its great for rides where you know there will be showers or light rain.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/sportful-bodyfit-pro-windstopper-jacket-1/?lang=...

In a similar vein, i've used this fella for quite a while now and it does the business in not-so extreme conditions and is very packable..

http://www.pactimo.com/shop/uk/ultra-lite-rain-jacket-2-1.html

..although I notice they also have the the Palisade jacket on offer for half-price (£25) at the moment

http://www.pactimo.com/shop/uk/palisade-cool-weather-jacket-2-1.html

Described as 'stuffable' so might be a bit chunkier than you would like however.

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TheHound | 9 years ago
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Castelli Misto is pretty much spot on and well under £100 at the moment.

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Lecoops | 9 years ago
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I bought one of these late last year & it's performed brilliantly in the wet. http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sp/road-track-bike/jackets-cycle-craft-per...

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PonteD | 9 years ago
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http://road.cc/content/review/129680-endura-xtract-jacket

can be had for around £50 mark, not massively breathable, but kept me warm and dry through 210km of horrible weather on Sunday.

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