Adidas Pluvius Jacket

Adidas doesn't claim that its Pluvius Jacket is waterproof, but maybe it should, as this is one of the best jackets I've ever used for keeping the rain out. It's just a shame it only comes in black.

The Pluvius is a two-layer jacket. The polyester outer is coated with a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish, which you can tell by how well the water beads off in light rain, while the inner polyurethane membrane is designed to remove body heat and moisture through tiny holes not big enough to let water in from the outside.

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Fully heat-welded seams add to the water resistance along with the taped zip. This only really leaves the neck hole as access for rain to get in, but thanks to a close-fitting collar with a raised elastic rear buffer, that really isn't an issue.

A close fit is the theme carried through the Pluvius. It's a racer's jacket and thanks to that contoured cut you really could get away with wearing it under race conditions.

The material is four-way stretch, which is a bit of a misnomer as most things that will stretch will do so in all directions, but you can really feel the movement in this fabric. In its normal state, as I've mentioned, the jacket gives a close fit but it's not figure hugging like Lycra. When you start to move, though, you can feel the material move with you, remaining snug against your skin when you're bent into a racing tuck, giving you a little added aerodynamic boost. As soon as you relax, the fabric just pings straight back into position.

The tail is dropped, giving some rear end coverage, with the front being the right length not to cause bunching when you're on the bike.

The arms seem in proportion too, though these are given some flexibility by the inclusion of Lycra cuffs which extend out of the main sleeves. Great for stopping cold winds whipping up through the arms too.

Sizing is typically British, I'd say, as in go with your normal size – unlike the Italian sizing of Castelli et al where you have to jump up a size or two.

Waterproof jackets can tend to be a little on the warm side. It's tricky to get the balance of resistance and breathability spot on. The Pluvius uses a multitude of vents, under the arms and across the back. The armpit ones are zipped so you can open and close them to find the correct balance, while the rear is a mesh-lined flap that covers a good two-thirds of the panel, although it's stitched in the middle to prevent a parachute effect.

Aimed at autumn and spring riding conditions, the Pluvius sits nicely in that temperature range. From around 5-15°C things are comfortable, but any higher and things can get a bit clammy. If you do get a little warm in the saddle, though, the Pluvius packs down to pocket sized with ease, it's not one of those that requires a degree in origami.

>> Check out our guide to the best waterproof cycling jackets here 

There are a couple of small niggles, though. For a jacket that is likely to be worn on grey, wet, overcast days I would have preferred a brighter colour than black; it doesn't have to be overly bright, just something to stand out against the background basically.

For riding in the dark the colour isn't such an issue, but the lack of reflectivity could be. There are some token shiny bits, but with a branding that uses three long stripes it seems a missed opportunity to get some more on there.

On the whole I think the Pluvius is a very good jacket in terms of fit, comfort and, above all, performance. It really is a wardrobe staple, one you'll get loads of use out of if you spend a lot of time on the bike year-round. Though the price of £125 isn't stupidly expensive, it's not exactly cheap either, but there is a whole lot of value for money here, and you'll wear it loads. Even if you don't, I guarantee it'll be tucked in your back pocket.

Verdict

Excellent waterproofing, fit and comfort makes for a top race-level jacket, but could be brighter for those grey days