Having a solid rain shell in your quiver of riding gear is essential. Choosing one, however, can be daunting. More options are available than one can count, so we have selected a variety of jackets to keep you dry when that afternoon pop-up thunderstorm appears out of nowhere. Where I live, in western North Carolina, we've had over 70 inches of rain so far this year, but it's also been incredibly humid, so a jacket that keeps water out without trapping too much body heat and moisture in is critical to me.
Choices in shells range from ultra-packable and minimalist, to reinforced and ready to withstand seriously inclement conditions for extended periods of time. The selections in this test progress in that order. All of the shells featured here have some give and take to them (you can't get everything in one jacket), but you should find one in this list that will do what you are asking for. I selected 12 jackets that provide what I feel riders need for most weather situations and put them to the test in the elements over the past months. There are other options out there, but if I were going to pick and choose, these are the some of the best for when you're out on the bike and the weather isn't cooperating.
About This Review These jackets cover a wide range of prices and applications, so they shouldn't necessarily be put directly against each other. Some function as "bike-only" gear that I'd keep solely in my riding bag, while others can go from sport to casual without skipping a beat - they won't leave you looking like a bike nerd if you wear them to work or a family cookout. Some stood out in certain aspects of performance, but any of these would be a good choice if they ticked the boxes for your cold weather needs.
For further comparison, I've created a table at the bottom where you can find prices and features, along with an index of how well the jacket packs down and stows, along with notes on how appropriate it is to wear in more situations than purely outdoor recreation. When you're spending hundreds of dollars on a shell, versatility is a huge added value. In the index, a rating of 1 is low, whereas 5 is optimal.
Patagonia: Dirt Roamer
• Hooded: Yes
• Colors: Rusty Red, Teal Blue, Black
• Extra features: Back zippered pocket
• Sizes: S-XXL
• Weight: 210g - S
• MSRP: $229 USD
•
patagonia.comPatagonia's Dirt Roamer jacket is new in their line for 2019. The jacket is said to be "water-resistant," not waterproof, but it has taped seams and has proved to be as waterproof as anything else to me. It breathes incredibly well and does a good job of not getting clammy on the inside, even on days when you're producing a lot of sweat. The material that the jacket is made of has a little bit of stretch to it so it's comfortable and easy to move in. There's a pocket on the backside of the jacket - perfect for stashing a snack. The hood on the Dirt Roamer is adjustable for a dialed fit but it doesn't fit over the top of a helmet. Although the Dirt Roamer is made for mountain biking, it's stylish enough that it does double duty for any other outdoor recreation pursuits. If you want to wear it out to a casual dinner, you'll pass as a normal person as well.
| If you want to wear it out to a casual dinner, you'll pass as a normal person as well. |
Pros
+ Good fit
+ Doesn't get clammy
+ Functional style works on and off the bike
Cons
- Hood doesn't fit over helmet
Mission Workshop: Sans
• Hooded: Yes
• Colors: Black
• Extra features: Highly adjustable
• Sizes: XS-XXL
• Weight: 160g - M
• Material: 3-layer Entrant membrane
• MSRP: $475 USD / €450
•
missionworkshop.comThe Sans from Mission Workshop is lightweight, breathable, stretchable, waterproof, and really expensive for a minimalist jacket. What sets it apart from similar jackets in the test is that it's made of a three-layer membrane that is highly breathable and fully waterproof, not just water resistant. The jacket has a hood but the hood does not fit over a helmet. Its styling and design don't pigeonhole it as a "bike specific" jacket, which is critical to me if I'm going to consider investing in something this expensive. You could just as easily wear the Sans on the bike, for a trail run, or to the bar. The Sans packs down small and is highly adjustable for a precise fit. While the other lightweight jackets in this test do breathe well, the Sans does an exceptional job of moisture management and is above the rest in this, as it should be for the price.
| ...it's made of a three-layer membrane that is highly breathable - and waterproof, not just water resistant. |
Pros
+ Breathes very well
+ Very adjustable
+ Versatile - on and off the bike
Bontrager: Avert Stormshell
• Hooded: Yes
• Colors: Black
• Extra features: BOA hood
• Sizes: XS-XXL
• Weight: 180g - S
• Material: 2.5 layer Profila Stormshell
• MSRP: $175 USD / €130
•
trekbikes.comThe Avert Stormshell from Bontrager is waterproof, breathable, and packable. This jacket is one of the more practical options tested in terms of affordability and function. The hood fits over a helmet and has a Boa dial on it to cinch things down and quickly manage fit, even with gloves on - the hood on this jacket is one of the better over-the-helmet fits on test. There is a zippered pocket with a port for a headphone cable - a nice feature but I don't know if listening to music while on a rainy bike ride is something many people find themselves doing. The jacket is tailored towards riding but also functions as a casual piece without looking too ridiculous although you should expect plenty of comments asking about the Boa dial no matter where you choose to wear it.
| This jacket is one of the more practical options tested in terms of affordability and function. |
Pros
+ Easy to use Boa adjustment
+ Roomy hood
+ Versatile
Cons
- Can be clammy in warm/humid weather
Gore: C5 Active Trail Hooded
• Hooded: Yes
• Colors: Grey, Orange, Black/Cyan, Black/Grey, Blue
• Extra features: Drop hem, reflective accents
• Sizes: S-XXL
• Weight: 240g - S
• Material: Gore-Tex Active
• MSRP: $280 USD / €230
•
gorewear.comGore Active Wear's C5 Active Trail Hooded jacket is a little more robust than the jackets above. It's still very packable but it has a full on Gore-Tex fabric for waterproofness, windproofness, and excellent breathability. The jacket's primary function is mountain biking but I've found it as a good complement for hiking and other outdoor pursuits. The drop hem does a good job of keeping water off of your back and the fabric of the jacket is of a heavy enough weight that it does provide a little bit of warmth on cooler days. The hood on the jacket is adjustable for a good fit but it will not go over the top of a helmet. The C5 does have adjustable cuffs which is nice when you really need to cinch things down and keep yourself dry or prevent heat from escaping.
| ...the fabric of this jacket is of a heavy enough weight that it does provide a little bit of warmth on cooler days. |
Pros
+ Adjustable cuffs
+ Highly breathable
+ Drop hem works well on the bike
Cons
- Hood doesn't fit over a helmet
Pearl Izumi: MTB WRX
• Hooded: Yes
• Colors: Black, Arctic
• Extra features: Hood vent, Pit vent
• Sizes: S-XXL
• Weight: 260g - S
• Material: Polyester twill with charcoal membrane
• MSRP: $175 USD / €180
•
pearlizumi.comPearl Izumi's MTB WRX jacket is designed to be abrasion resistant in addition to keeping you dry. It does a decent job of being breathable and managing moisture coming from the rider but is not class leading in this area. It has a hood that fits over a helmet and it's compatible with elbow pads. The hood is vented which is a huge plus, however, it is not adjustable and can be a bit to manage if you're actually riding with the hood up. The pit and hood vents do a good job together of allowing some heat to escape and the jacket's material is comfortable to ride in.
| It has a hood that fits over a helmet and it's compatible with elbow pads. |
Pros
+ Hood does fit over a helmet
+ Ventalated hood
+ Pit vents
Cons
- Material doesn't breathe very well
- Hood is not adjustable
Fox: Attack Pro Water
• Hooded: No
• Colors: Black
• Extra features: Reflective logos, Pocket vents
• Sizes: S-XXL
• Weight: 320g - S
• Material: DWR treated TruSeal, Cordura
• MSRP: $300 USD / €200
•
foxracing.comFox's Attack Pro Water jacket is fully waterproof and windproof- designed for inclement conditions on the bike. It is a complement to Fox's Attack Pro Water pants and is an excellent choice for wet and disgusting trails. The jacket doesn't feature a hood, so there's nothing flapping around behind you when you're rallying through the muck or getting in the way if you have a backpack on. For those riding with a pack, there are rubber pads on the shoulders to help keep it in place. There is venting built into the back of the jacket to allow heat to escape and the front pockets allow further venting of the jacket. It is form fitting and some riders will appreciate the zipper being off-centered. The Attack Pro Water is a solid choice for riding but isn't very versatile for other activities.
| The jacket doesn't feature a hood, so there's nothing flapping around behind you when you're rallying through the muck |
Pros
+ Fully waterproof, taped seams
+ Good ventilation in back
+ Adjustable cuffs
Cons
- No option for a hood
- Zipper may be awkward for some
Race Face: Conspiracy
• Hooded: Yes
• Colors: Black, Red
• Extra features: Waterproof inner pocket
• Sizes: S-XXL
• Weight: 280g - M
• Material: 3-ply DWR treated nylon
• MSRP: $200 USD / €200
•
raceface.comThe Consipracy jacket from RaceFace is slightly heavier duty than some ultralight jackets, but still manages to fold down to a packable size when you don't need it. Its 3-ply nylon DWR treated fabric does a great job of keeping you dry from rain coming down as well as heat coming off of your body. The elbow areas are reinforced with a bonded rubber overlay and there is a waterproof internal pocket for valuables. The hood, cuffs, and waist of the jacket have elastic built into them to help with fit but they are not adjustable. The hood does fit over a trail helmet and tends to stay put most of the time but can get blown back periodically, more than some adjustable jackets would.
| ...slightly heavier duty than some ultralight jackets, but still manages to fold down to a packable size when you don't need it. |
Pros
+ Reinforced elbow patches
+ Pit vents
+ Reflective logos
Cons
- Hood/waist/cuffs are not adjustable
Specialized: Deflect H2O Mountain
• Hooded: Yes
• Colors: Dark Carbon
• Extra features: Taped seams
• Sizes: XS-XXL
• Weight: 300g - S
• Material: 3-layer Deflect
• MSRP: $225 USD / €200
•
specialized.comSpecialized's Deflect H2O Mountain jacket has become a favorite throughout testing as a mid-weight and functional rain shell. The jacket has an adjustable hood that fits over a helmet and the waist and cuffs are adjustable as well. For cooler mornings, the heavier weight of the fabric cuts the chill and the 3-layer construction does a good job of not trapping too much moisture and heat from the body. The zipper of the jacket can be a little bit bulky on the pockets but it does keep you dry. The jacket is fairly heavy duty but still rolls up small enough to stuff in a fanny pack or bib pocket. The fabric of the jacket is Bluesign approved - meaning that the material is ecologically sourced and avoids potentially hazardous chemicals. The jacket is subtle and can be worn for more than just riding bikes without looking like a clown.
| The fabric of the jacket is Bluesign approved - meaning that the material is ecologically sourced and avoids potentially hazardous chemicals. |
Pros
+ Taped seams, fully waterproof
+ Adjustable hood, cuffs, and waist
+ Bluesign approved fabric
Cons
- Bulky zippers
- Limited color options
Endura: MT500
• Hooded: Yes
• Colors: Black, Mango, Blue
• Extra features: Shoulders w/pack grips, Multiple vents, Highly adjustable, etc.
• Sizes: XS-XXL
• Weight: 440g - S
• Material: ExoShell60 3-layer
• MSRP: $300 USD / €200
•
endurasport.comEndura's MT500 jacket is one of the most full-featured, riding-specific jackets in this test. It is designed to be very versatile and it offers a lot of ventilation and easy access to pockets even when wearing a pack. It is a little heavier duty so if you're going to shed it, you'll need to stow it in a pack. The fabric of the jacket is very breathable and the hood can be latched down to keep it from flapping when it's not in use. There are thumb-holes to keep the sleeves in place and a pocket on the left sleeve to stash a lift pass for easy scanning. The MT500 has reflective accents, a drop hem, and is adjustable in a variety of ways. For a riding specific jacket, the Endura MT500 is one of the best options currently available.
| Endura's MT500 jacket is one of the most full-featured, riding-specific jackets in this test. |
Pros
+ All of the adjustments
+ Great ventilation
+ Pockets are accessible with a pack
Cons
- Heavy duty construction makes it a little less packable
Leatt: DBX 5.0
• Hooded: Yes
• Colors: Ink
• Extra features: Magnetic hood, Pack friendly, Adjustable hood, Seat grip on tail, Pass pocket, etc.
• Sizes: XS-XL
• Weight: 610g - M
• Material: 3-layer HydraDri taped
• MSRP: $200 USD / €199
•
leatt.comLeatt's DBX 5.0 jacket is, like the MT500, a full-featured riding shell. It is a 3-layer taped shell that is waterproof but also breathes well. There is an innovative adjustable and magnetic hood designed to stay in place over both full face and trail helmets. There are vents in the front pockets and an additional vent on the back of the jacket. The material is soft and comfortable when wearing the jacket. The shoulders have added grip to keep backpacks in place and there is a spot for a lift pass in the left sleeve. Inside the back of the jacket, on the bottom, is a rubberized grip to keep the jacket in place when you're seated on the bike that functions as advertised. This jacket is slightly more bulky than the Endura, but still rolls down small enough to stow in a backpack.
| There is an innovative adjustable and magnetic hood designed to stay in place over both full face and trail helmets. |
Pros
+ Magnetic hood/very featured
+ Roomy fit for pads
+ Heavy duty
Shower's Pass IMBA
• Hooded: Yes
• Colors: Night Ride, Green
• Extra features: 5% of sales to Trail Solutions, adjustable cuffs/hem/hood, pack friendly
• Sizes: S-XXL
• Weight: 410g - S
• Material: Artex 2.5 layer double charcoal
• MSRP: $150 USD / €168.69
•
showerspass.comThe Showers Pass IMBA jacket is another full-featured riding jacket. It is a little bit lighter weight than both the MT500 and DBX 5.0 and can be easily rolled up to fit in a bib pocket or waist pack. Like the two above, it has grips on the shoulders to keep a pack in place and an adjustable hood, hem, and cuffs. There are huge vents on the front of the jacket to help manage heat. This is the only jacket in this test with a detachable hood - something that I found useful when transitioning from cool morning rides to actual inclement weather, or riding with/without a pack. Behind the large front vents, there are hand pockets and a glasses/goggle cleaning microfiber cloth. Showers Pass has partnered with IMBA and their Trail Solutions team on this one and 5% of proceeds from sales go towards the organization.
| This is the only jacket in this test with a detachable hood - something that I found useful when transitioning from cool morning rides to actual inclement weather... |
Pros
+ Detachable hood
+ Huge vents
+ 5% of proceeds go to IMBA
Cons
- You may not support IMBA
Arcteryx: Beta AR
• Hooded: Yes
• Colors: Black, Conifer, Caribou, Tui, Deep Cove, Ember
• Extra features: Very adjustable, Versatile, Hood fits all helmets
• Sizes:XS-XXL
• Weight: 430g - S
• Material: Gore-Tex Pro
• MSRP: $575 USD / €480
•
arcteryx.comThe Beta AR from Arcteryx is the most robust jacket in this test. It is over-the-top, but it offers more versatile performance and protection from the elements than any other jacket. It is not mountain bike specific, therefore, you aren't going to find anything on the shoulders to keep a pack in place or reinforcements in the elbows however the Gore-Tex Pro material is pretty heavy duty and will stand up to years of abuse - mandatory if you're spending a couple car payments on a rain shell. The zippers on the jacket are placed so you can access a pack and the hood fits over any helmet. The Beta AR breathes extremely well and keeps you dry in downright horrible conditions. There are large pit zips for added ventilation and the fit is roomy enough for layering in cool weather.
| It is over-the-top, but it offers more versatile performance and protection from the elements than any other jacket. |
Pros
+ Gore-Tex Pro
+ Highly breathable
+ Versatile
Notes About the Reviewer: Regarding fit, I typically wear a small in most jackets without a lot of layers underneath. I'm 5'10" and 145lbs - a fairly slim, bike riding type build. A jacket that fits "to size" is what I would consider average and across the board and I am basing all of the fit assessments off of a size small jacket.
But his pucker puss in that Patagonia jacket is by far the most grumpy old man scowl I've seen. His expression is basically how everyone takes my posts...angry, bitter and over it.
@danielsapp the consistency of your facial expression throughout the pics is impeccable!
F*ck that!
Is there a tissue pocket for when you shred you $575 jacket in a rock garden?
For the bike I use the Pearl Izumi MTB WRX. I purchased it fir $75 and if I crash and I kill it, it was $75. Easy enough to replace, cannot say the same for the Arcteryx.
arcteryx.com/ca/en/help/product-service
My f*cking endura MT500 is also to short and this is a cycling jacket.
This whole test is rubbish because of this feature who is a must, a f*cking long back...
Cycling gear is usually overpriced, but real waterproof jackets (like GTX or eVent) take this to the next level (the same goes for waterproof jackets for skiing or hiking).
I probably can't afford to replace it if it does die but it's been way stronger than I could have reasonably expected. I bet your Arcteryx can handle some hefty abuse too, if you decide to get reckless.
Got myself a new Beta AR! @steflund:
no one would like to bike in a 10pound jacket but that would be an easy goal for any manufacturer.
Contrary to what most people believe usually its not the "MORE" that makes development and production complicated and expensive. The cost comes from trying to get the same functions and durability out of less and lighter material.
For example If you separate waterproof from the need to be light and durable you can find super cheap materials and making it doesn't really require skilled workers.
One of the most costly steps in producing a jacket like these is sealing all the seams and for a truly water proof jacket every seam has to be sealed.
If I produce a jacket with pockets, adjustable hoods vents ad all kinds of other features sealing everything is becomes lot of work. On the other side when I create an independent liner thats nothing more than a long sleeve T-shirt with a zipper that laves me with 4 seams to seal (tape) and is therefore is way faster, easier and cheaper.
Bottom-line is its simpler and therefore cheaper to make a independent waterproof liner and extra crash proof outer jacket than trying to do all this in one product. The average moto jacket just takes some short cuts witch allows them so sell a similar feature list for a lower retail price while still making the same margin.
On the other side you will find plenty of Moto-Jackets for a 1000$ or more that have a waterproof outer shell and protection integrated in one piece.
Anyway, out of professional curiosity, do you really like the removable waterproof liner construction? Would you not be concerned about the fact that the outer jacket would soak up water like a sponge and would become cold and super heavy in extended use in wet conditions?
I didn't say removable waterproof liner, but removable isolated winter liner (purely thermal isolation) . In another post I advise everybody to go for laminated membranes as opposed to separate layers. That should answer your question .
With regards to your point about development and production costs, I agree in general. For example, it is hard to manufacture good working brakes and suspension that is still lightweight.
However, with regards to jackets, I don't agree. Bonding a membrane to a lightweight material is no harder than bonding it to a heavyweight material. The lightweight material (usually a low denier nylon) is also not more expensive. I would even say that very high denier Cordura is more expensive to manufacture, hence it is only used on the parts of the jacket most likely to hit the road in a crash and only on more expensive jackets. Also, my €150 MQP jacket was lighter than my current €749 Dane Torben jacket.
Furthermore, cycling and running jackets are fairly simple, usually consisting of a simple single layer of material that require little work to manufacture. Motorcycle jackets of the same price usually consist of multiple layers, protectors with their pockets and Velcro or zippers, isolated liners with their zippers, waterproof pockets inside and out, etc. This requires far more labour to manufacture.
I think the high prices of sports equipment in general is caused by low quantity of sales (every motorcyclist needs a somewhat waterproof jacket. How many mountainbikers buy waterproof jackets?), which leads to high margins to cover development and marketing costs. This in turn prevents the increase of sales numbers...
"every motorcyclist needs a somewhat waterproof jacket"
Not me. Fair weather biker haha
quantities sold definitely make a huge difference here. In general Cycling doesn't sell as much product as people think which is part of the cost compared to for example motorcycle products.
When it comes to materials, 600D nylon or Polyester (Cordura is just one Brand by DuPont/Invista) is actually fairly cheap. Its a very basic weave and the yarn is so thick that even a blind machine operator can produce it. That's why you see it in all your basic moto pants for 50 bucks and up.
Stretch makes fabrics expensive and so dose low denier yarn. its just harder to work with and produce.
Lamination to light weight fabrics is definitely trickier than to a heavy fabric. 600D is like a freaking cardboard and you can pretty much stick anything to it. if you have a 100g stretch fabric that is sensitive to higher temperatures things get tricky on a whole nether level. Materials like the ones used with a decent membrane are usually somewhere around 25-40USD vs. sub 10 bucks for a yard of Cordura. You need about 1.5-2Yards of Fabric for a Jacket. so that's already 50-80Bucks.
DWR and other treatments like anti odor can add cost too, especially when you want treatments that are somewhat environmentally friendly but overall the cost for that is usually that's not too bad.
Add Labor, Factory Overhead, Shipping, Duty, Overhead at the Brand, Brand Margin, Retail Margin...
Anyway, all I wanted to say is I have not yet seen any outdoor or cycling company make money on these Jackets for 200-300$. To my experience they barley reach their margin targets if at all and are usually just kept in the line to have a complete offering and be more attractive to retailers rather than as big earners r to rip of riders like many folks her seam to suggest...
Besides that, I’ve been really impressed with all of the gear I’ve bought from them. Everything including their MTB and ski gear to their work clothes have been comfortable and durable.
Upright position does not give a clue.
BTW, in terms of the general purpose gear - Marmot makes a 2.5 layer jacket called the precip - retails for about USD100, can be bought on sale pretty much permanently somewhere for around USD70. Pretty long drop hem compared to most generalist jackets, as well as what they call "angel wings" cut (extra material at the pits, resulting in more freedom to move arms/shoulders). Pretty good deal for price/performance.
I could not to a pushup with it, to tight. Size M , 185lbs @ 5,1ft.
Marketing - "Guys we are out of ideas, Troy Lee has the name and Fox has ... well the Fox logo, we need something"
Marketing - "Margret, stop pouring my coffee and clearing out the board room whilst we are trying to work! Actually Margret can you think of anything?"
Margret "Well lately we have been putting arrows on my 5 year old sons shoes and letters so he can distinguish Left from Right, but that may seem a silly idea and a bit condescending to people"
Marketing "Actually Margret that is genius- guys drop the L & R and just go with the arrows, and whilst you are there jazz it up a bit with some vertical ones also!!"
That said, I’d never wear it riding, hiking/backpacking/climbing etc. yes, but the odds of ripping it while biking just seem too high. Get something more affordable that won’t make you break down in tears if you crash in it.
“Whaaaa”
“WHERE
IS
MY
SUPER SUIT?”
So many times I’ve bought a solid jacket with great cut and great waterproofing, but when it comes to washing, it’s always left in dirty stains and never cleans properly. The fabrics may be great at keeping you dry, but the dirt just sticks to the pours and texture - fabric choice matters. You need to realise that riding trails in the rain typically means riding in the mud...
A great review would be one that digs into the details of cleaning the jacket after you've driven an hour home and the mud has dried, or after repeated rides when cleaning isn't possible in-between. And whether the fabrics are easier to clean the next day when the mud has been left to dry, or after you've given it a once-over with a pressure washer at the car park (when that's possible).
Jackets, their waterproofing and general fit-for-purpose would last sooo much longer if this was taken into account in the manufacturing and reviews.
If you are actually riding in the rain than I suggest the cheapest jacket that does the job for you.
Wear that fancy 500$ jacket to the pub or skiing.
don't spend 200 bucks, this is all you need
I might just finish mine off and look for something else.
Paid £60 for it,has a good that fits over my Lid,huge pit vents and cool inside pocket big enough for goggles
For what I paid it’s as good as or my mates Madison jacket that was over double the price
This winter I'm using my time on the bike more for slow speed tech stuff and the pumptrack (which has a rough gravel top layer). So contrary to when hammering on a regular mtb trail, I would actually appreciate being held warm and dry. I just haven't come across a good option. I eventually settled for a jacket from Dickies which does look strong and I can probably patch it when it gets torn. But how do these jackets featured hold up? Do they cut easily and if they cut, do they have an effective rip-stop structure or do they then rip all the way from seam to seam?
Not all of these will work with elbow pads, do they? My Gore jacket has pretty narrow sleeves, so they definitely won't. Maybe next year when you do a test like this, you may want to try that too. Then again this may be a slippery slope. You'll find people who then also want to wear full body armour until those who want to take one of these under jersey Camelbak bags. You've got to draw a line somewhere, I understand.
I ended up picking up the 7Mesh Guardian, and it is spectacular. It's really light and packable, incredibly breathable, totally waterproof, and the fit is fantastic. The Patagonia sounds really promising too, but I didn't want to wait until spring for it to be released to the public.
When I'm hauling up a steep climb I build up heat very fast. Thus I won't even look at a jacket that does not have pit zips . When I stop and it's just hovering above zero I need to close the pit vents so a zipper is of importance to me.
Tiss the season of wet weather.
Plenty of jackets when a good variance in price range.
Last thought: MEC , Patagonia and Arcterx all offer life time guarantee against material defects.
As in broken zippers ,delaminating membranes or bad stitching.
For those of us that might be after something a bit cheaper and robust, worth checking out Madison clothing range of jackets, and maybe Rab and Montane as a less MTB only option.
I've found both Rab and Montane tend to update there jackets, or drop altogether slightly outdated design's every few years, worth looking out for these, as you could pick up a deal for a Gore-Tex or Event jacket.
Bear in mind I'm unsure of how easy these would be to get over the pond, as there UK based company's.
I'd love to see what Dakines new jackets for MTB are going to be like, there supposed around now I think? but I cant find a thing on em!
I wish I spent 100 or 200 extra euros to get a versatile Gore-Tex jacket with zips at the right place. It's a lot of money but it s not wasting your money if you choose a versatile model that you can use for trekking, snowshowing, skiing, etc.
www.pinkbike.com/news/acre-meridian-alpine-jacket-review-2015.html
I bought that one (readily available for *well* under the MSRP) and it's been a fine jacket. But now I'm wondering if there's a factory in Indonesia that is churning out the exact same jacket under other brand names.
Even the Arc'teryx Beta AR at $575 is only $57.5 a year to use it, that's a bargain considering you can use year round and is a great piece of kit.
"Oh for fks sake @mikelevy... showing up on that SB100, don't you have another bike?! if he talks sht on the climb and then blocks us on descents again, I'll stuff a charger pump up his donut"
Had a lot of 'waterproof' clothing of various prices and all eventually let in water. Or drowned me in sweat!
$475 for a Mission Workshop: Sans jacket? I'll take 3. Get realistic.
This review is relevant to literally no-one.
Con:
Billboard size logo on back.
Having a solid rain shell in your quiver of riding gear is essential. Wearing one on bike, however, can be very expensive.*
This article is about thing unnessesary to 98,5% riders imo. Just wear cheap wind jacket or more tight layers to keep you warm and not soaking wet...unless you are 4 year old city girl (I have expensive minimalist Gore Tex jacket as well but Iam not using it for bike to destroy it)
thanx a lot.
Arcteryx make a few other jackets that are a bit longer and many jackets designed with snow in mind can work for taller folks since they’re made to keep powder spray out.
1. IMBA thinks down trails should be no steeper than 10% grade. I live in Whistler where half our climb trails are that steep.
2. This one speaks for itself:
m.pinkbike.com/news/imba-opposes-bill-to-introduce-mountain-bikes-in-wilderness.html
Here on Vancouver Island, we live in a rain forest and our trails actually fare worse in the summer when it's dry and dusty! Our trails are built to be ridden in the rain.
If you go to an area, check with the local trail builders/shops/riders and get the lowdown on the local trail etiquette for wet weather riding.