Winter Jacket???

designman

Thinking about buying a winter jacket for the horrible weather were having, but is it possible to buy a winter jacket which is Waterproof, Windproof & Breathable all in one?
Or do I need to buy a good soft shell jacket which is windproof and use my pocket rain jacket for when it rains and just put it over the soft shell.
I have a budget up to £150 - £200.

maddog 2

Or do I need to buy a good soft shell jacket which is windproof and use my pocket rain jacket for when it rains

That's what I do. All the usual players have a decent softshell (Gore, Endura, Altura et al). Try on a few.

sloppyschleckonds

designman wrote:

Thinking about buying a winter jacket for the horrible weather were having

You mean the warmest October & November ever!?

meanredspider

If you're quick you might still get an Assos Airjack from the Royles Daily Deal thing. Cracking deal for possibly the best jacket in your price range. I've tried several jackets - the Gore Phantom 2, Castelli Mannaggia, Montane Stormrider and the Airjack - the Airjack is my favourite. It's got a wide temperature range and is showerproof.

hulla the hulla

SloppySchleckonds wrote:

designman wrote:

Thinking about buying a winter jacket for the horrible weather were having

You mean the warmest October & November ever!?

10deg this morning where I was. This time last year it was -2 !

designman

For the past 2 weekends it's been horrible here, mist, fog, damp, rain & cold.
That is why I'm looking for a winter jacket or soft shell.
Someone told me that there was a review on winter jackets in the cycling weekly about a week ago, unfortunately I didn't buy it.

Pigeons in flight

I've recently bought a Gore Xenon jacket in white - which, if I recall rightly, scored v well in the latest C+. It's definitely warm...a bit too warm in this unseasonal weather. I have an Assos Airjack that is knocking on a bit...but still feels like a second skin (although, I think it's windproofing isn't quite what it was). In comparison, the fit of the Gore is ok; I think it's more of a jacket than the Assos, as you could wear extra layers underneath it. I opted for white - the visibility is great whilst riding at night on tar black country roads. Although, I wonder how practical it is - and what state it would be in if I had to change a tube, etc! I certainly wouldnt go higher price wise than Gore/Assos..I tried on a Rapha softshell when I was last in Condors...I guess some people are happy to shell out for a cool brand, but it didnt seem to offer anything over and above what I already have for about 100 quid less.

designman

I quite like the look of this jacket, it's waterproof, breathable but not sure if it's windproof.
http://www.probikekit.com/uk/clothing/mens/cycling-clothing/jackets/sportful-survival-gore-tex-cycling-jacket.html

or this:-
http://www.probikekit.com/uk/sportful-fiandre-no-rain-light-cycling-jacket.html

Maverick54

Endura Stealth. Simply one of the best bike related purchases I have ever made. And it's waterproof and within your budget to boot.

meanredspider

designman wrote:

I quite like the look of this jacket, it's waterproof, breathable but not sure if it's windproof.
http://www.probikekit.com/uk/clothing/mens/cycling-clothing/jackets/sportful-survival-gore-tex-cycling-jacket.html

or this:-
http://www.probikekit.com/uk/sportful-fiandre-no-rain-light-cycling-jacket.html

I don't think there's a waterproof jacket yet made that isn't boil-in-the-bag when cycling with any real effort. And, unless someone proves otherwise, I also doubt waterproof jackets breath when they're soaked on the outside from rain. It's difficult to persuade moisture to move towards more moisture. And that kinda defeats the point. Far better to buy windproof that has water-repellant qualities but stays warm even when wet. And, finally, even commuting in the Highlands as I do, it hardly rains that often. I carry a Montane Featherlite jacket but only to wear if I'm stopped (fixing a puncture or something) to stay warm.

nferrar

I'd go softshell windproof + packable rain jacket (it's my preferred combo). I do have an Endura Stealth as well but its not very breathable so has to be very cold + wet before I'll use it and in reality I usually stay indoors in those conditions Phantom works for me as a good windproof softshell (showerproof to), the cut isn't as good as something like an Assos but then (even discounted) they're a fair bit pricier. Tempted by the Gore Xenon to but then you're well into Assos (old kit) territory

yaya

I was keen on getting a Mavic Espoir Thermo http://www.wiggle.co.uk/mavic-espoir-thermo-jacket/ it was £79 yesterday but kept searching and finally ordered this one: http://www.tenn-outdoors.co.uk/soft-shell-waterproofwindproof-cycle-jacket-red-sml

I just struggle to justify spending over £100 on any cycling garment, regardless of how good it is...

If the Blaze doesn't cut it then I'll go with the Mavic

I agree about the waterproofing+boiling theory...use a softshell and a piece of nylon on top when it gets really wet...

yaya

Got the Blaze and took it for a spin

It looks well made and is quite comfy but looks like it is more for MTB and the sleeves and shoulders are a bit on the large side. It really warm though, too warm for the current weather

Will keep it for the snowy off-road days I think...and keep looking for a deal on a Gore/ Mavic

brittyking

Where do you recon the idea of shavin' the cat came from FF? :roll: Good idea to have someone hold the cat for you. Oh yeah..use the super glue after you shave it!! that way you don't end up with really hairy knuckles