Lightweight, breathable, waterproof?

[Jezston]

Only been seriously commuting about six months now, and when it's wet I've been wearing the following combo:

Long sleeve wicking layer
Altura Night Vision Jacket
Hiking leggings
Gore overtrousers

But now it's getting warmer, I'm finding this combination a bit too bulky and hot.

I've got some other outdoorsy and cycle-friendly clothes I can wear when it's warmer, however they aren't waterproof. I think I can ditch the leggings (although the gore trous feel a bit weird against the skin) but it's my top half that seems to be overheating.

So can anyone recommend a lightweight, breathable AND fairly waterproof top? Oh, and that isn't too expensive is a plus!

I have a cheap Karrimor top which is lightweight and waterproof, however is NOT breathable at all!

Perhaps I should just man up and get wet?

 

[balzer69]

This dhb eVENT jacket is very breathable, waterproof, yet cheaper than the Gore paclite jackets. On the downside it cant fold down small enough to get into a back pocket. However it has lived up to expectations and is presently a good price.

 

[Jezston]

Cheers, however I think that jacket may be a bit too warm for my needs. And a little pricey!

Being able to pack it down isn't really an issue.

 

[jay clock]

I just bought one of these Endura Helium jackets http://www.wheelies.co.uk/p29525/Endura-Helium-Packable-Waterproof-Jacket.aspx - seems pretty good but is a snug "athletic" fit. I can get you a further 20% off from that retailer....

 

[Jezston]

Thanks also.

I'm perhaps just being presumptious here, but when I look at jackets like the two mentioned, I see jackets that look similar to mine, and thus think they are going to be quite warm. I feel like I'm expecting to see something that looks like a waterproof long sleeved tshirt rather than a jacket.

I am of course willing to accept that I am wrong about this, but are these jackets really suitable for possibly quite hot and yet rainy weather? Are they actually quite cool compared to my NightVision jacket?

 

[Jezston]

I'm also open to the possibility that it's my NikePro base layer that's the source of my overheating rather than the jacket...

 

[gouldina]

Thanks also.

I'm perhaps just being presumptious here, but when I look at jackets like the two mentioned, I see jackets that look similar to mine, and thus think they are going to be quite warm. I feel like I'm expecting to see something that looks like a waterproof long sleeved tshirt rather than a jacket.

I am of course willing to accept that I am wrong about this, but are these jackets really suitable for possibly quite hot and yet rainy weather? Are they actually quite cool compared to my NightVision jacket?

I imagine those jackets are more breathable than the one you have but saying that, I don't think any jacket is breathable enough to keep you cool on a hot rainy day. I tend to keep my jacket in my bag on days like this and only use it if it's hammering down.

 

[gouldina]

I'm also open to the possibility that it's my NikePro base layer that's the source of my overheating rather than the jacket...

Could well be. In spring I tend to wear short-sleeve cycling tops or just t-shirts underneath a jacket.

 

[Dave Davenport]

Just done three hours wearing my new altura pocket rocket jacket (paid £51 from primera) with it chucking down, bone dry underneath. Very light and seemed to breath ok.

 

[GrahamG]

Unless your journey is more than 20-30 minutes I find it's just not worth having a posh waterproof. If warm and peeing down just wear a boil in the bag if it's less pleasant than a soaking, rain legs are superb for the bottom half. It really doesn't rain so much that you need to wear a waterproof everyday - save them for when it's pissing down as drizzle/light rain isn't worth the bother/sweat.

 

[piedwagtail91]

i have one oif these, it's been ok so far. Pretty breathable and has vents in the back as well
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=34916
packs down to tennis ball size