New waterproof needed

shinsplint

Looking for recommendations on waterproof / water resistant jackets.

Ideally it will be breatheable, pack up small, and light.

The Montane Featherlite H20 looked ideal, until I read a review which says its only waterproof for the first 20 minutes or so.

Looking to spend about £80 max.

From what I gather its hard to find both breathability and fully waterproof !

What do you use, and is it any good? Cheers Smile

Tiltzey Boy

I had to replace my waterproof jacket 2 months ago, I had an Altura Night Vision in high viz yellow. It is a good commuter jacket for the winter, obviously great visibility and good waterproofness (if that's a real word). The downside to the Altura is that it's breathability (another potentially made up word) is pretty crap. So, this time round I thought I'd spend a bit more dosh to get better quality! I eventually opted for a Mavic Sprint. Main reasons for choosing it were I'd read some good reviews and Evans were selling it at 50% off, so was under 60 quid, then they were doing an extra 10% off all purchases, so for just over 50 quid it was a bargain.
Really pleased I bought it. It's comfortable, breathes quite well (although I'm sure there are better alternatives for this if you're prepared to spend more money), and, after some pretty harsh testing with all the rain we've had over the last couple of months, it's pretty good as a waterproof too. It packs up quite small as it's fairly light weight too!
My only concern is how long it will last as it is so light weight. I'm wearing it on my daily 34 mile round trip commute, pretty much every day at the minute, so I guess I will soon find out how robust it is!!
I'd recommend it anyway, although I haven't owned many jackets previously to compare it with!!
I've just looked on Evans' website and it's still half price:
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/mav ... t-ec035906

ATB

mockenrue

I was in the same position a month or so back, read all the reviews and forums etc. and ended up with this: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/altura-pocket-rocket-waterproof-cycling-jacket/

I've worn it a couple of times and it does what it's supposed to, is very light and packs up small.

trek_dan

I have a Castelli one that I like. Its very breathable, but would probably only describe it as showerproof rather than waterproof. Find this is best for rides where its dry when I set out but need to put it on mid ride when it starts raining as dont get too hot.
I also have an Aldi one, very waterproof, but makes me sweat like a pig due to lack of breathability. Perfectly alright for relaxed commuting though.

prawny

One of these



http://www.decathlon.co.uk/rain-jacket- ... 54027.html

Buy it a size small and it's great. Nice fit, arms are maybe a tiny bit short (I wear an XS @ 77kg 5'11) but it's properly waterproof. I used to have a Gore paclite jacket but this fit's better and packs smaller, just as breathable due to slashes under the pits/back vents.

I figure that I only use a proper waterproof jacket when it's cold and wet and set in so there's no point in spending too much. I've not worn it since Feb I think. Then you've got £70 to spend on other stuff.