Waterproof jacket - that stays waterproof

dodgy

Hi all,

I've had lots of garments over the years that claim to be waterproof, but aren't, or at least they started off waterproof on the first ride. Sealskinz gloves to name but one culprit.

Anyway, I'm looking for a close fitting waterproof shell, not one of those big flappy commuting jackets in day-glo (nowt wrong that, but not what I'm looking for). Most importantly, it has to remain waterproof, so that possibly rules out the type that have some kind of treatment on them that comes off or washes off?

Any thoughts? Sportful Survival Jacket is supposedly good, but it's quite pricey.
Thanks.

danowat

You'll only end up getting wet from the inside out, so even the most waterproof jacket means you'll get wet.

smidsy

Same idea as walking boots and tents I reckon - you need to invest in a waterproofing product (e.g Nixwaxx or whichever the particular manufacturer recommends) and re-apply at regular intervals.

Nothing stays waterproof as the rain and washing removes that property over time.

As said above you also have to factor in the 'getting wet from the inside' argument too, as that tends to be the real culprit.

dodgy

Thanks chaps, quite aware of the pitfalls of this kind of gear, but some kit is still better than others and I'm looking for specific recommendations if possible.

Ta.

Cycloslalomeur

Clingfilm. Ticks all the boxes.

Bozman

Gore Bike Wear, take your pick of their goretex jackets plenty of different fits/styles, they'll keep you as dry as you get but you'll still sweat a bit but not as much as a cheap jacket.
You'll pay at least £150 but it's money well spent if you look after them, always follow washing instructions and they'll last

thegreatdivide

Rapha’s Rain jacket is slim fitting i.e. it looks good, it isn’t boil in the bag if you know how to layer (been riding with just a merino base recently) and it’s very waterproof. I’ve had mine for a year, have been drenched, stayed bone dry and I’ve still not had to re proof it yet – but when the time comes it’s a case of a Nikwax capsule in the washing machine and off I go again.

Rapha slaters form an orderly queue...

brettjmcc

I have a Gore Pac-lite jacket (http://www.evanscycles.com/products/gor ... t-ec020024), which has stayed waterproof. Though as others have said, you need to make sure they stay clean and don't wet out and then block the pores. I use Graingers 2 in 1 to do all my jackets.

The other thing I like about it is that it rolls up nicely intot he back pocket. Only bad thing that some people may not like is that it doesn't extend over your bum, but sits on the hips.

If you want proof, it kept me dry during the Evans Hatfield Sportive in April this year (the weekend it tipped it down)

ugo.santalucia

A posh bin liner, one made with good quality plastic and a string to close it, as a gilet on top of a wind proof is probably as good as it gets and gives you that understated look.... the very disposable nature of the item means that after the shower you can just bin it instead of folding it back

dodgy

ugo.santalucia wrote:

A posh bin liner, one made with good quality plastic and a string to close it, as a gilet on top of a wind proof is probably as good as it gets and gives you that understated look.... the very disposable nature of the item means that after the shower you can just bin it instead of folding it back

I do have this one jacket, has the feel of actual plastic, my Mrs calls it the 'tonky' jacket (slang for durex in case you didn't know) . It's got a few rips in it now, but it was good while it lasted. I knew that if I got caught in foul weather, even if I sweated while wearing it, I'd still be warm and comfortable.

Might just get another of those!

keef66

+1 for the Gore Path jacket. From the inside it doesn't look as if it's breathable, but the condensation on the taped seams tells you how much moisture must've gone through the rest of it. And it's 100% waterproof if it's really slashing down.

Got mine for £90 in one of Wiggle's sales

Dorset_Boy

Goretex works probably better than anything else - but don't wash it with any conditioner, just a mild detergent, and don't put it in the tumble dryer either!

alfablue

Dorset Boy wrote:

and don't put it in the tumble dryer either!

Gore recommend a warm tumble dry, it restores the DWR

http://www.gore-tex.com/remote/Satellit ... structions

dodgy

Appreciate the suggestions on products guys. Also Rapha do a winter jacket, and there's a 20% off deal on Rapha at the moment....

alfablue

Good thing about Gore is there is a lifetime warranty on it remaining waterproof, and they really do stand by it. It could save you money in the long run (I have had 4 warranty replacements over about 14 years).

bendertherobot

I'm commuting in the Fusion Cross AS jacket at the moment. Being AS rather than waterproof gore it's not as water proof (not taped seams being the main culprit). But it breathes better IMO. If the weather is worse than today then I'll either a) not go out or b) (if commuting) at least stay warm(er)