Rain jackets - any advice?

andynewman

Hello All
am doing the Autumn Epic in a couple of weeks - and have a feeling that it is going to pish it down like last year. So, looking for a rain jacket that packs down very small - just to protect me from the worse of it.
Also - needs to be cheap obv.

Cheers for your clues

fungus_the_muffin_man

I got a cheap waterproof for when I'm on the bike and you end up just as wet inside as out. Its like a boil in the bag system. As a result I don't use it anymore. You'd probs be better of with a gilet and some nice arm warmers

amaferanga

Evans have some Montane Velocity DT jackets for £55, though there's not much choice in colour and size left. I bought one just before the Bealach Mor and ended up wearing it as it rained the whole way round. It seems to be pretty breathable; probablyy not as good as eVent or goretex paclite though. Its certainly leagues apart from cheapo boil-in-the-bags. I think I'd get a bit sweaty if I wore it on a summers day, but at this time of the year when its cooler it's good enough. Packs down small enough to fit in a back jersey pocket as well.

I'd take this if I was expecting heavy or prolonged rain, but if the forecast is for showers then something like a Montane Featherlight or Jetstream would be my choice. I also bought a Jetstream in the Evans sale for £30

Anonymous

Pro bike kit have their own branbeb white/transparent breathable rain jacket for £40 Ive just got one, they are excellent and packs down very small and light.

mcnab_jnr

[quote=You'd probs be better of with a gilet and some nice arm warmers[/quote]

I agree, i haven't found one waterproof jacket that doesn't get wet on the inside! Lots of thin base layers and a gilet to finish of for me

wetherbob

endura laser? mine doesn't seem to let any water in whatsoever... bit sweaty inside but nothing a bit of deodorant cant fix

markos1963

Polaris Neutron(£71.99 from Chain Reaction) it folds down just enough to get it into my back pocket. Its very breathable and totally waterproof and the fit is good for me, I also like the red colour as it makes a change from the usual commuter fluro yellow.

sonny73

I have a Castelli Squadra Due for rain shower emergencies, not breathable but fits perfectly in the back pockets and was a saviour a couple of months ago when I got caught out in the rain riding in the Welsh valleys. £30 odd.