Waterproof jersey?

[Binky]

Whilst I am a self confessed and unashamed fair weather cyclist, I will when needs must cycle in the rain over the autumn/winter.
So, I'm after recommendations for properly waterproof jerseys and jackets. Ideally a warm/waterproof jersey which means I won't also need to carry a rain jacket. So many I see advertised as waterproof but on reading reviews it seems that most are showerproof and in proper rain the arms etc get soaked.
Failing that, a lightweight packable jacket which again is properly waterproof and ideally not too sweaty. Probably the holy grail as anything which is REALLY waterproof unlikely to be breathable.

Recommendations please, thanks in advance.

 

[Webbo2]

If you want a packable waterproof jacket, you want a Goretex shakedry jacket. They are not cheap but they as waterproof and breathable as you can get.

 

[T4tomo]

The only perfect waterproof & breathable jersey / jackets are made from unobtainium.

I have a DHB flashlight, relatively affordable, especially if there is a sale on. Its defo more waterproof than showerproof, and its OK on the breathability front. It doesn't have a proper pocket to pack into or a compression bag so I wrap it up in a small food/ freezer bag.
Its a decent compromise.
A gilet with a waterproof front and arm warmers are a decent solution unless it gets really heavy rain too.

 

[Binky]

If you want a packable waterproof jacket, you want a Goretex shakedry jacket. They are not cheap but they as waterproof and breathable as you can get.

Shakedry were discontinued a couple of years ago due to enviromental concerns apparently.

 

[Binky]

Online reviews of the Galibier Tourmalet 4 look very good and seems a bargain at around £85, anyone tried?

 

[gizmo1994]

I have the Galibier Tourmalet 2 jacket (along with a few other items from this fine firm.) Bought in 2017 for £39. It is wonderful. Still waterproof, breathable and packable. It is always rolled up in my saddle bag, ready for use.

 

[super_davo]

The right answer will depend hugely on the sort of riding you do.

If you are riding at high intensity, you do not really want something 100% waterproof (outside of now very hard to obtain Shakedry jackets) because they don't tend to breathe well enough. You would be better off with a Gabba style windproof jersey that keeps you warm, and doesn't flap about in the wind.

If you are riding all day at low intensity, you are probably better off with a full rain jacket like the Galibier Tourmalet mentioned. It would be way too sweaty for riding at tempo but it will keep you dry for a long time.

If you are somewhere down the middle - then that is where jersey/ jackets like Sportful Fiandre No Rain or Castelli Alpha ROS come in. They can be expensive - but I absolutely love my Alpha. I bought one of the first ones 10 years ago, I have used it loads and still; I like it so much I bought a second last year.

 

[Mr.B-Campag]

Ive got a Tourmalet 3 iirc that I got at some silly price in their sale section, but I've yet to have to use it in the rain. But no reason to think it's anything other than great, as per all their other gear.

 

[Binky]

The right answer will depend hugely on the sort of riding you do.

If you are riding at high intensity, you do not really want something 100% waterproof (outside of now very hard to obtain Shakedry jackets) because they don't tend to breathe well enough. You would be better off with a Gabba style windproof jersey that keeps you warm, and doesn't flap about in the wind.

If you are riding all day at low intensity, you are probably better off with a full rain jacket like the Galibier Tourmalet mentioned. It would be way too sweaty for riding at tempo but it will keep you dry for a long time.

If you are somewhere down the middle - then that is where jersey/ jackets like Sportful Fiandre No Rain or Castelli Alpha ROS come in. They can be expensive - but I absolutely love my Alpha. I bought one of the first ones 10 years ago, I have used it loads and still; I like it so much I bought a second last year.

Realistically I'm only going to be riding in the rain on Saturday club rides, when I go solo I try whenever possible to only ride in the dry!
The club rides are slow paced but tend to be hilly - 1000ft per 10miles which in my book is hilly so even when on an easy ride, climbing is still hard so getting sweaty in a rain jacket is likely.
The Galibier is very competitvely priced so for the amount of use it would get that appears so far to be the one to get. Spending £250+ on the latest and greatest seems a bit excessive for my needs.

 

[Dan Lotus]

Shakedry was discontinued, but is still available as nos on occasion, or second hand on various platforms.

I have a few - they are very good.