Best ultra light rain jacket?

bigpikle

What are people's recommendations for a ultra lightweight rain jacket?

Ideally:

1. very fitted design
2. packs v. small and light
3. breathable
4. waterproof - enough for emergency use rather than all day wet rides...

I saw the Mavic Helium and Specialized versions today but am wondering how they actually perform? Both seemed very light and packed small, if slightly pricey!

gsk82

i've got a mavic sprint, not in the same price range as the helium by any means but it more than does the job. great fit, very waterproof and rather stylish as cycling waterproofs go

sampras38

I got one of these Montane featherlite smocks recently after trying a mates in the Alps last year and I've been very impressed. Incredibly light (only a few ounces) and does the job nicely in light rain. Also a great wind breaker and it rolls into a little ball you can fit in your jersey pocket.

http://www.climbers-shop.com/255828/pro ... PriceComp1

flanners1

Rapha Stowaway.

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/ ... waway-9116

http://www.bicycling.com/gear/detail/0, ... -0,00.html

owenlars

Depends what you want to pay, but Rapha do a good one!

sampras38

Flanners1 wrote:

Rapha Stowaway.

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/ ... waway-9116

http://www.bicycling.com/gear/detail/0, ... -0,00.html

Hummm..sllght rip off springs to mind, and for light rain you really don't need to spend that much dosh.

rhext

I've got a Gore cycling gear paclite. It's a pretty perfect fit to your requirement. Couldn't find the precise style I have but this is close:

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Gore_ ... 360044544/

If I lost it I'd buy another one tomorrow!

bigpikle

yep - Rapha price is way OTT for a jacket I hope stays folded in my pocket 99% of the time :shock:

the MOntane looks a good bargain though, and half the price of the Mavic. Will have to find one

Pretre

+1 for the Montane

CamR

Another +1 for the montane. I usually use the elastic strap to secure the jacket, in it's bag, to the seatpost

Cam

Scrumple

montane

assos climajet if you are rich

APIII

I got the Assos for £80 in the sales. I had one before, which lasted 8 years or so. Expensive, but worth it.

dave_oc

+1 for the montane


But I really wouldn't use the elastic/velcro strap for securing to the seatpost - I lost my first one this way!!!

Scrumple

I have the assos climajet gilet.

you dont often need a full sleeved waterproof, as arm warmers and a gilet are a better combo.

My montane is only for really bad weather in summer and my gore oxygen has not been used this winter - no rain!

flanners1

sampras38 wrote:

Flanners1 wrote:

Rapha Stowaway.

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/ ... waway-9116

http://www.bicycling.com/gear/detail/0, ... -0,00.html

Hummm..sllght rip off springs to mind, and for light rain you really don't need to spend that much dosh.

It met the criteria listed, cost was not one of them. Yes it is pricey but it looks good and does its job well when needed; it is useful for more than just light rain.

oldhamtj

I have the Altura Pocket Rocket which sits in my jersey pocket easily, is entirely waterproof, and is reasonably closely fitted (but not as nicely fitted as I might like, now I'm a 38 chest and <30 waist). It could be more breathable but isn't bad by any means. And it's a third of the price of the Rapha.

- tjo

Anonymous

+1 for Rapha stowaway.

No compromises at all. Fits the bill perfectly.

bigpikle

found good reviews for the Montane, but am wondering about the Descente Velom jacket on offer at PBK for <£30 :roll:

Would love the Rapha but have other clothing priorities first. I have a Rapha lightweight softshell but it will be too much when it warms up. Cracking right now though.

bigpikle

PBK delivered my Descente Velom jacket today and its incredible. Like tissue paper and weighs nothing! Folded into virtually nothing in my pocket so is 100% what I was looking for. Its fitted nicely as well with just enough room to keep a little air circulating and good long sleeves to cover the base of my gloves and stop rain coming in. Almost looking forward to the April showers to try it out :?

ian_s

Bigpikle wrote:

PBK delivered my Descente Velom jacket today and its incredible. Like tissue paper and weighs nothing! Folded into virtually nothing in my pocket so is 100% what I was looking for. Its fitted nicely as well with just enough room to keep a little air circulating and good long sleeves to cover the base of my gloves and stop rain coming in. Almost looking forward to the April showers to try it out :?

somehow I doubt you will need to wait until then....
what is the sizing like?

ajb72

NapoleonD wrote:

+1 for Rapha stowaway.

No compromises at all. Fits the bill perfectly.

+2 for the Stowaway. I picked mine up via ebay for half the list price and it had it's proper first soaking last week. Perfect for the job.

bigal.

+4 for the Montane.

Great little jacket which packs to the size of an apple.

Wamas

I have the Montane H2O too, great little jacket.

on-yer-bike

Flanners1 wrote:

Rapha Stowaway.

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/ ... waway-9116

http://www.bicycling.com/gear/detail/0, ... -0,00.html

You must be bleedin mad mate spending all that dosh on a pansy gay jacket like that. Didn't you know Lidl have got some top gear in at the moment?

flanners1

Now now Paul........I will have a stern word in your shell like at the club meet later this evensong....and yes I will be wearing it tonight as it's cats and dogs!

navier_stokes

Another vote for the stowaway - was out tonight in a torrential downpour and my torso remained completely dry, even though it's not marketed as waterproof. Easily fits inside a rear jersey pocket as well.

fieldy1973

I've got a Rapha team stowaway that I got about half price on ebay. It really is a very good jacket, though I'm not sure I'd have paid the full price for it.

If I was buying now I'd probably just get a Craft Performance Light Jacket