Sportful Fiandre Norain Light Jacket

Winter gear can take some of the joy from riding with bulky layers required to stay warm. Sportful's Fiandre No-Rain Light Jacket aims to alleviate this with a jersey-like fit but jacket-like protection.

The top does have an excellent fit to it. Constructed with a stretchy material - a nylon, polyester, elastane hybrid according to the label - the cut is able to be close, hugging the limbs. For me, it felt like a summer long-sleeve more than a winter top, which is I think what Sportful are going for and is a refreshing change from the bulky jackets I'm used to at this time of year. It is a lighter version of the Sportful Fiandre NoRain jacket that we've tested before.

Coloured panels are Gore Windstopper material, which provide this jacket's weather protection. It is used across the main areas exposed to the wind and rain: chest, shoulders and arm. It is surprising the amount of warmth such a lightweight, fitted top provides thanks to these panels.

Generally, I like my layers and will dress on the cautious side, but this jersey managed to keep me warm with sometimes only a baselayer below on the milder winter days - 8deg and above. Layered with a jersey and gilet on top I could wear it when a bit colder on hilly rides; when I'm going to be working a bit harder. Thanks to the stretch, layering like this is possible whilst maintaining a good fit - I tested a medium but normally fit a small.

The rear isn't constructed with Windstopper fabric but treated with Sportful's NoRain water repellency to allow the back to breathe. NoRain is applied throughout the jacket and will cause water to bead and drip off. It's good for the odd shower that might catch you out but isn't going to keep you dry for long as the material will eventually saturate.

Another good feature to this jacket is the tall, close fitting collar that avoids the need for a buff to stop any wind chills. It's cut so that it leaves clearance for the chin but goes high up the back of the neck. The zip is a nice chunky YKK 'Vislon' waterproof job that is of outer layer quality, unlike some intermediate jackets.

Three pockets at the rear are long, with lips at the opening to stop things falling out. Not that there is much chance of that, if anything they are so deep that getting things out of them can be a bit of a mission whilst riding along. Still, only a minor point and big pockets are useful for this jacket's principal season.

I tested the fluorescent colourway and what with neon being in at the moment, and the low light at this time of year would choose it over the white. It is a stylish piece of high visibility clothing, which are few and far between. A small reflective band is fitted across the elastic waist collar at the rear on both models, which is good considering the coloured Windstopper material is absent from this angle.

If you find yourself weighed down by winter clothing, and prefer your kit technical and fitted, the Fiandre NoRain jacket could be just the ticket. I've been impressed by the warmth that such a lightweight jacket - which does indeed feel more like a summer long-sleeve - can provide and it has become my jacket of choice on my more intense winter rides.

It's not going to leave heavier weight jackets gathering dust as I wouldn't wear this below 6 degrees, but when the winter sun is out and with spring around the corner it would take place in many a cyclists wardrobe. It's a little pricey with an RRP of £135 but I've seen it for around £100 and for what is such a flexible piece of kit think it represents good value.

Verdict

Technical fitted hi viz that's as light as a jersey but offers all the perks of a jacket.