Packable Rain Jacket??

antlaff
antlaff Posts: 583
edited May 2011 in Road buying advice
I know C+ had a recent review but cant find my copy so looking advise on the best packable for max £50-60

I see Shutt have reduced theirs to £59 - has anybody got it? anygood? or would the Castelli Squandra just be as good?

thanks

Comments

  • Pigtail
    Pigtail Posts: 424
    I don't have my copy here - but they really rated the Altura Pocket Rocket. It didn't have some of the bells and whistles, like pockets, but they rated its effectiveness and waterproof taping.
  • Butterd2
    Butterd2 Posts: 937
    Montane Featherliite is well worth a look IMHO
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  • Ciclicasati
    Ciclicasati Posts: 740
    +1 montane featherweight.
    It packs into a small ball pack about 90mm diameter with velco loop. I fix this like a saddle bag under my saddle if i dont want to carry in my pocket. Might have pic somewhere. Its perfect.
  • jordan_217
    jordan_217 Posts: 2,580
    I have a Castelli Squadra and on the rare occasion I do pack and use it, it has preformed well, ie; kept the rain and cold at bay. It's extremely light, well fitting and packs down really small.

    I think I paid £25 for it from PBK but even at todays asking price of £35 -40 it's still worth it.
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  • bendertherobot
    bendertherobot Posts: 11,684
    Saxon bank gilet
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  • gingernash
    gingernash Posts: 123
    have a pocket rocket. definitely race cut as very high cut on the front but packs down very small.
  • antlaff
    antlaff Posts: 583
    +1 montane featherweight.
    It packs into a small ball pack about 90mm diameter with velco loop. I fix this like a saddle bag under my saddle if i dont want to carry in my pocket. Might have pic somewhere. Its perfect.

    how does this fair size wise?
  • It packs down to about the size of a tennis ball.
    It doesn't get any easier, but I don't appear to be getting any faster.
  • antlaff
    antlaff Posts: 583
    It packs down to about the size of a tennis ball.

    sorry meant on my body sizing - havent bought or tried montane clothing before
  • amaferanga
    amaferanga Posts: 6,789
    Montane Featherlight is very flappy and not at all waterproof IME.

    For summer I'd go with a gilet and arm warmers instead.
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  • hugo15
    hugo15 Posts: 1,101
    amaferanga wrote:
    For summer I'd go with a gilet and arm warmers instead.

    +1. I've virtually given up using my rainjacket and just wear a gillet and arm warmers.
  • antlaff
    antlaff Posts: 583
    hugo15 wrote:
    amaferanga wrote:
    For summer I'd go with a gilet and arm warmers instead.

    +1. I've virtually given up using my rainjacket and just wear a gillet and arm warmers.

    Yeah but you don't live on the NW coast of N.Ireland were it rains and it rains!!

    Might go with the shutt gilet but hold betide you lot if I get soaked!!
  • RDB66
    RDB66 Posts: 492
    Another one for the Altura Pocket Rocket, great jacket.
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  • leedsmjh
    leedsmjh Posts: 196
    amaferanga wrote:
    Montane Featherlight is very flappy and not at all waterproof IME.

    .
    My experience as well.
    Was not at all unhappy when mine fell off the back of my saddle bag and I was prompted to get something else .... mind you went slightly overboard and got a Rapha Stowaway (which is ace).
  • Ciclicasati
    Ciclicasati Posts: 740
    The montane ones need re-sealing every few washes (bought stuff from wiggle) as their water resistance (not proof) comes from a coating on the material. I bought it cos it was pretty cheap, packed away and superlight. If its really pissing down i'd go for my rapha.
  • thegreatdivide
    thegreatdivide Posts: 5,807
    I have a Montane Velo but I don't like it. It's too flappy. I bought a Giordana Body Clone Protection jacket recently and it's spot on. It also look tres cool too :D
  • ferritic
    ferritic Posts: 120
    Can't recommend the Montane, not waterproof at all, lets rain in but keeps sweat in at the same time!
    Suppose it could be inside out.
  • shane r
    shane r Posts: 326
    Shutt sportswool jersey + arm warmers.

    Used to use a rain cape but been out on two long rides in the rain in the last fortnight and this combo has kept me perfectly comfortable.
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  • nakita222
    nakita222 Posts: 341
    Rain Jackets are crap. If i wear it in the winter, I'd usually be wearing a winter jersey , A raincape, causes me to sweat, and the I start to feel cold like a bitch. If I use in the summer/autum/spring I start to sweat, and get wetter than I would have if I didn't wear it. The answer is a waterproof gilet, perfect for summer and winter. Stuffs in pocket no hassle. A pair of armwamrers if you are wearing a short sleeve jersey.
  • sunburntknees
    sunburntknees Posts: 272
    amaferanga wrote:
    Montane Featherlight is very flappy and not at all waterproof IME.

    For summer I'd go with a gilet and arm warmers instead.

    Agreed.

    Softshell for winter.
  • edhornby
    edhornby Posts: 1,780
    I have an endura one and it's primary job is to be in the back pocket of a jersey for instances where I'm getting overly cold or wet (unexpected showers / temperature drop) - in this respect it's great

    but they aren't designed for a preordained ride outfit - if you know the weather will be bad then a proper jacket or a waterproof gilet is the answer
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  • The Montane Featherlite has never to my knowledge claimed to be a waterproof - it's only windproof and that's what it's advertised as. The coating will keep off a light shower but that's it.

    It's a brilliant bit of kit for winter running, as it's way more breathable than a waterproof. But perhaps it's not so suited to cycling.

    For reference, the Montane H20 is much more - tho still not fully - waterproof, and just as packable / light. But of course less breathable.

    For fully lightweight waterproofs that pack down small, all I know from running is stuff like Marmot Mica or Haglofs Oz or Montane Atomic DT - they are all around 200-250g.
  • Wamas
    Wamas Posts: 256
    I have both the Montane H20 and the Altura Pocket Rocket. Pack and weight size are comparible. Neither are particularly breathable.

    The Altura is more waterproof, but it doesn't have a vent at the back like the Montane, so if you heat up and open the front zip, it acts like a parachute, although it is fairly race cut.

    I use the Altura for commutes, and the Montane for events.

    For summer showers, I tend to use a gilet instead.
  • NWLondoner
    NWLondoner Posts: 2,047
    Butterd2 wrote:
    Montane Featherliite is well worth a look IMHO

    I use this and find it is perfect.

    Not too expensive and kept me dry even with the heavy rain of last saturday!!!


    You don't sweat too much either which is a plus
  • bigpikle
    bigpikle Posts: 1,690
    I have a Shutt rain cape :)

    Its very light, packs up pretty damn small, is totally windproof and a good 'race' fit so not really flappy. Only downside is that its pretty waterproof and so not really that breathable. It has side vents and under arm vents which help, but its the classic trade-off with these items...
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