Which is the best wind/water proof jacket?

[Nigel-YZ1]

I got an orange Altura jacket from JE James 12 years ago. Waterproof shell, breathable 'string vest' type lining. Cost me about £65.
Combined with various bases it's got me through rain and snow without ever letting me down or overheating.

 

[sazzaa]

It's summer, my arms are more waterproof than some sweatbox jacket, man up you massive benders!

 

[summerdays]

I got an orange Altura jacket from JE James 12 years ago. Waterproof shell, breathable 'string vest' type lining. Cost me about £65.
Combined with various bases it's got me through rain and snow without ever letting me down or overheating.

Wow in under that time I've gone through several Alura jackets (yellow, grey, pink), and I've got toe others that I use at the moment. Just re proofed my jacket and trousers on Friday, and hopefully that will have worked else I will be on the hunt for the next one soon. Mine do get worn quite a bit, off the bike too.

 

[outlash]

It's summer, my arms are more waterproof than some sweatbox jacket, man up you massive benders!

I see the diplomacy corp has arrived...


Tony.

 

[Big Nick]

It's summer, my arms are more waterproof than some sweatbox jacket, man up you massive benders!

I don't like being p!ss wet through and freezing cold in our brilliant UK 'summer', even Royal Marines and Paras own wet weather gear and they're hard as fook!!

 

[sazzaa]

I don't like being p!ss wet through and freezing cold in our brilliant UK 'summer', even Royal Marines and Paras own wet weather gear and they're hard as fook!!

Double figures means short sleeves for me, but then I struggle to wear a jacket in the winter...

 

[Profpointy]

Ay up all,

Sorry if this has been done to death but I'm looking for a new jacket for commuting and weekend rides. Have some birthday money so somewhere in the region of £150 is the budget - is there such a thing is a wind and water proof yet breathable jacket available at this price point? Is it worth going female specific? I'm afraid it has to be available in some sort've eye-bleedingly bright colour too - not necessarily yellow but yes, bright enough to sear your eyeballs please - is the Gore Element any good?

az
x

I have an Assos 851 jacket (around your price if there's a deal on, eg last year's or whatever), and nowhere near as nice, but nearly as good to be honest, an altura night vision one for £60. Both are windproof fleece which is somewhat water resistant and are fine in rain, cold, sleet etc. Note that altura do a waterproof proper and a the fleece one above, but which look the same on the web,. Basically although they get a bit wet, your body heat keeps you fairly dry inside. I don't bother with waterproofs for cycling now.

Both my recommendations are more or less winter jackets; for summer, I just get wet in something lycra-ish that doesn't get too horrid

 

[redcard]

Double figures means short sleeves for me, but then I struggle to wear a jacket in the winter...

Yeah, a jacket is only needed when it's absolutely freezing, something to keep the wind off.

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

Ay up all,

Sorry if this has been done to death but I'm looking for a new jacket for commuting and weekend rides. Have some birthday money so somewhere in the region of £150 is the budget - is there such a thing is a wind and water proof yet breathable jacket available at this price point? Is it worth going female specific? I'm afraid it has to be available in some sort've eye-bleedingly bright colour too - not necessarily yellow but yes, bright enough to sear your eyeballs please - is the Gore Element any good?

az
x

I am also (still) hunting, for a suitable women's rain jacket that is breathable.
I actually got the Gore Elements (in neon yellow) and returned it despite really liking the jacket and material. Why? Well there is no rear pocket (but it does have 2 front pockets). There are no underarm zippers (something I forgot to check and something I really prefer), but the main reason was the cut. If you are lean and not busty, it will probably be fine, however despite being lean, I am busty and put bluntly Gore's women's cut is not very women's specific if you get my drift! (I'm usually a size 8 or 10, I could not get the size 42 jacket done up!)

I have gone back to dhb and ordered 1 each of these. I suspect I will keep the commuter one which is similar to previous ones I have had before, though sadly they don't have it in yellow, only red in my size (I'm not doing black - when the weather is bad, I like to be seen!).
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-womens-flashlight-compact-xt-waterproof-jacket/
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-womens-commuter-waterproof-jacket/

 

[sazzaa]

I am also (still) hunting, for a suitable women's rain jacket that is breathable.
I actually got the Gore Elements (in neon yellow) and returned it despite really liking the jacket and material. Why? Well there is no rear pocket (but it does have 2 front pockets). There are no underarm zippers (something I forgot to check and something I really prefer), but the main reason was the cut. If you are lean and not busty, it will probably be fine, however despite being lean, I am busty and put bluntly Gore's women's cut is not very women's specific if you get my drift! (I'm usually a size 8 or 10, I could not get the size 42 jacket done up!)

I have gone back to dhb and ordered 1 each of these. I suspect I will keep the commuter one which is similar to previous ones I have had before, though sadly they don't have it in yellow, only red in my size (I'm not doing black - when the weather is bad, I like to be seen!).
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-womens-flashlight-compact-xt-waterproof-jacket/
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-womens-commuter-waterproof-jacket/

Cycling clothes are not made for busty females, I feel your pain. I usually buy men's for a better fit.

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

Cycling clothes are not made for busty females, I feel your pain. I usually buy men's for a better fit.

Sadly anything that fits over the bust is size 14, hips/waist are size 8!

 

[outlash]

They can be tricky to get on.

I find taking it one sleeve at a time works best.


Tony.

 

[SteCenturion]

Castelli Gabba LS.
Outstanding piece of kit!

So good I bought the SS for wet summer rides.

http://www.hargrovescycles.co.uk/castelli-gabba-ws-long-sleeve-jersey-black.html

+1 although I don't own one (too pricey) it is so, so good that Pro riders on the Major Tours in World Tour Teams are buying/using these instead of their own sponsors kit, they simply tape over the Castelli logo's & names & ride.

Spot 'em all over the T.V.

 

[Profpointy]

further comment following up earlier poster on Paramo - whilst I am a huge fan of paramo waterproofs for mountaineering or general outdoor use, I'd not think it ideal on a bike as likely too warm, and even the smock ones aren't really cut in cycle style. That said, if they did a snug fit, cycle cut one with pockets in the back I would buy, but not otherwise. That said my Quito anorak is better than goretex by a similar margin that goretex has over an old jumper. But not suitable bike wear

 

[Fab Foodie]

Sadly anything that fits over the bust is size 14, hips/waist are size 8!

Are you single?