Zoca Active Women's Pack Away jacket

The Packaway Jacket from Zoca is testament to just how compact and light it's possible to make a pakcable windproof now, whilst still retaining genuine usefulness. A super light windproof shell jacket is a godsend for the inconstant British weather. It's easy to pop into the back pocket of a jersey or into a bar bag and makes a hell of a difference to core warmth when required.

Weighing just 128g for a size medium, the Zocais up there with the lightest of the very light windshells available, and at a similar price to most. It's a windproof jacket aimed at all types of sports, not just cycling, but with an abundance of reflectivity it's quite happy in the saddle. Made from super silky polyamide fabric, the effect is rather like a jacket made from parachute silk- soft to the touch and pleasant next to skin. In addition to being windproof, the fabric is treated with a water repellent finish, which, while it won't protect you forever in a full downpour, will at least keep the worst off you until you can get home. There's a lightweight elasticated hood that neatly tucks into the collar of the jacket, a full front zip, hem drawcord, simple elasticated cuffs and the whole thing comes with its own little drawstring bag for packing it away into.

The cut of this jacket is simple but with a nicely feminine twist at the shoulder and chest area. A very subtly gathered yoke makes all the difference to the look of the garment, whilst making no difference at all to its performance as a windshell. It's also contoured to fit the female shape. Sizing is fairly true, with a size medium equivalent to a UK12.

In use, the jacket is sufficiently light that there's no reason to not take it with you whenever you ride. It pops easily into a rear jersey pocket and transforms a chilly hill descent into a comfortable cruise, or a drafty caf stop suddenly becomes much more pleasant. The elasticated cuffs are accommodating enough to allow sleeves to be pushed up if needed, and the torso length is decent and provides good coverage for an average height woman. There was no problem with the fabric, it kept moisture moving away from the skin while preventing wind chill, and was comfortable next to skin. The only things I'd change about the jacket would be the colour (it's too close to being road coloured for my liking) and the length of the sleeves could be increased very slightly to allow for stretching forward without bearing the wrists.

Verdict

An effective lightweight windproof with a nice feminine twist, but could do with the sleeves being slightly longer