Jackets 101

[RichardB]

This is more a request for general information, rather than actual product recommendations, as it's a while since I was cycling regularly and buying kit (probably mid-80s). In those days I had a hilly 16-mile commute and I rode in all weathers. My main jacket was a cotton zip-up thing (not cycling-specific) which cut the wind but was very breathable. T-shirts and jumpers underneath for the cold, and a cape for the rain, and that did me fine. I no longer have that jacket, and I am looking to replace it with something - but the market and technology have moved on massively since then. My commute is early morning (6.30) and mid-evening, so I need to have something for the cold. Currently I have thin s/s and l/s jerseys which were great in the summer, and I have added a Boardman wind jacket (very thin but surprisingly windproof) over the top this week. However, I need something warmer than that for the coming months. I have a waterproof shell which I can make as warm as I like with layers underneath, but that is far too hot once I start climbing - the true boil-in-the-bag effect. What should I be looking for? I need a jacket which is windproof and has some warmth, but which is highly breathable. Do I need a softshell jacket, whatever that is?

Illustration: I leave work at 6.30 am. The first two miles are downhill, where I generally reach about 35 mph, and my teeth are chattering by the end (with cold, not fear!). The next two miles are a steady climb, ascending about 100m, and by the top of that I am properly warm. I need a top layer that will cope with both, if that is possible. Any advice on what to look for would be very welcome. I have commuted by motorcycle for the last 20 years, and I am finding it hard getting my head round the idea that cold weather =/= more layers and more waterproofing when the engine is internal, not external.

 

[Milkfloat]

I don't think a single jacket exists that meets your needs. Your journey starts off with inactivity where you need warmth but then you need less warmth later as you start to heat up. My solution, take a layer off as you warm up.

 

[mjr]

I think a windproof/Roubaix jacket might be the best fit but you might still end up taking it off. I think a Roubaix jacket typically has windproof panels on the shoulders and chest but breathable material on the back and lower arms and zipped vents so you can get some air flowing through it if wanted.

 

[outlash]

I think a windproof/Roubaix jacket might be the best fit but you might still end up taking it off. I think a Roubaix jacket typically has windproof panels on the shoulders and chest but breathable material on the back and lower arms and zipped vents so you can get some air flowing through it if wanted.

This, plus a lot, if not most windproof jackets will be water resistant too so unless it's absolutely tipping it down, you'll be dry. This is one of those areas where generally, the more you spend, the better the jacket will be (better fit, materials etc etc) As a curveball and if you want something that looks like a normal jacket, the Vulpine harrington or original rain jacket?

 

[vickster]

Budget? Are you using a rucksack, if so, that won't help sweaty back, get panniers and then you can easily stuff spare layers in

 

[steveindenmark]

I think it is pretty well accepted now that even with the most expensive jackets we can only hope for being damp and warm. It seems the body sweats faster than anything that can wick it to keep us totally dry.

Good wicking layers is the answer and a good goretex, windproof jacket. Once you are damp, the last thing you want is drafts getting through the top layers.

 

[mjr]

I think it is pretty well accepted now that even with the most expensive jackets we can only hope for being damp and warm. It seems the body sweats faster than anything that can wick it to keep us totally dry.

I don't accept it and have outfits that work OK in anything below a storm but I seem happier than most to slow right down and 10% is about the steepest I climb/descend routinely.

 

[steveindenmark]

I don't accept it and have outfits that work OK in anything below a storm but I seem happier than most to slow right down and 10% is about the steepest I climb/descend routinely.

But are you truly, totally dry. I can get a really good balance and be very comfortable right down to - 10 but am still very slightly damp. It seems to have a wet suit effect as my base layer is always warm when I take my gear off.

 

[mjr]

But are you truly, totally dry. I can get a really good balance and be very comfortable right down to - 10 but am still very slightly damp. It seems to have a wet suit effect as my base layer is always warm when I take my gear off.

For a while, I'll be snug and dry. Eventually, the rain will start to get through by running down my face and neck or finagle its way into my cuffs and wick up the sleeves or it'll wick up the backs of my trouser legs because I usually wear rain legs which don't waterproof my shins, calves or thigh backs, unless it's subzero.

I suspect I've chanced on jackets which vent sufficient air under the water-resistant layer to keep me cool and dry and if they were still on sale, I'd recommend the exact models, but they're not. So I am apprehensive about what I'll buy when these wear out

 

[Jenkins]

I don't know the product name, but Altura used to do a fleece jacket with windproof panels on the chest and the forward facing parts of the arms which sounds the sort of jacket you need. I've got one in the Night Vision style and it's superb down to around 5°C with a long sleeve top underneath.

 

[RichardB]

I don't think a single jacket exists that meets your needs. Your journey starts off with inactivity where you need warmth but then you need less warmth later as you start to heat up. My solution, take a layer off as you warm up.

You may well be right. Even with motorcycle gear, where the aim is simply warm and dry with no sweat and heat to get rid of, there is no accepted ideal solution. Having said that, I'd like to get close, as I really hate stopping to remove or replace clothing. OK on a longer ride, but for my commute I just like to get on with it with as few delays as possible.

I think a windproof/Roubaix jacket might be the best fit but you might still end up taking it off. I think a Roubaix jacket typically has windproof panels on the shoulders and chest but breathable material on the back and lower arms and zipped vents so you can get some air flowing through it if wanted.

Windproof and with a bit of warmth sounds ideal. I shall start a search for something like this. Thanks.

 

[RichardB]

Budget? Are you using a rucksack, if so, that won't help sweaty back, get panniers and then you can easily stuff spare layers in

Budget is flexible, but probably much over £100 is not going to happen. Perhaps £150 if I can find something that meets all the requirements and I can get the purchase past the financial controller. I don't use a rucksack - panniers and/or saddlebag and/or rackpack.

I think it is pretty well accepted now that even with the most expensive jackets we can only hope for being damp and warm. It seems the body sweats faster than anything that can wick it to keep us totally dry.

Good wicking layers is the answer and a good goretex, windproof jacket. Once you are damp, the last thing you want is drafts getting through the top layers.

I have an excellent Goretex walking jacket which might do exactly what you say, although it is too loose-fitting and long to be ideal on a bike. But in principle, I am all for Goretex.

I don't know the product name, but Altura used to do a fleece jacket with windproof panels on the chest and the forward facing parts of the arms which sounds the sort of jacket you need. I've got one in the Night Vision style and it's superb down to around 5°C with a long sleeve top underneath.

I've had a look on their website and I can't find anything like that, although there are some promising things there. Light fleece with windproofing to the front sounds ideal. I shall keep looking.

 

[RichardB]

Thanks to everyone for the helpful replies. I now have much more to go on. And I still don't know what 'softshell' means

 

[RichardB]

This, plus a lot, if not most windproof jackets will be water resistant too so unless it's absolutely tipping it down, you'll be dry. This is one of those areas where generally, the more you spend, the better the jacket will be (better fit, materials etc etc) As a curveball and if you want something that looks like a normal jacket, the Vulpine harrington or original rain jacket?

Oops, missed this reply. I've checked out the Vulpine jackets and they look good. Really good, in fact. Thanks for the info.

 

[outlash]

I have one of their original rain jackets and it's ideal if you want to ride somewhere and not have to worry about a jacket looking too 'bikey'. I use mine just as much off the bike as on.