Waterproof jacket recommendations?

larkim

Don't want to spend more than £100 on a jacket (ideally substantially less), but I'm aware that where waterproofing is concerned you often get what you pay for.

Any recommendations for a MTB waterproof jacket? Would consider either very lightweight (so can be in a pack and pulled out when required) or a waterproof option that could be worn as the top layer in cool autumn through to chilly spring time.

Tempted by Endura MTR Emergency shell as reviewed by bikeradar, but always prefer to get real world reviews and recommendations!

Thanks!

lostboysaint

You're going to struggle to find a "wear all the time" waterproof that is breathable enough to do just that in your budget. So you need to then start being realistic about how often you are going to need a waterproof jacket. If it's an emergency "oh, bollocks, it's started raining" measure then yes, the Endura shell is as good as any. If it's the jacket then start thinking about upping your budget and also being prepared not to cry too much when you snag it/crash damage it etc. I was so unimpressed with the cycling versions I ended up with a North Face jacket - very waterproof, very breathable, reasonably snag resistant, not in budget.

keef66

For proper rain I have a Gore Path jacket which is MTB cut but I use for road cycling. Impressively breathable Goretex Paclite (only ever see condensation at the taped seams)

I understand there's a new version of Paclite out so expect to see claims of even better breathability with new models; doubt you'll get that for sub £100 though...

However, most of the time I wear my Phantom softshell which is warmer and copes with drizzle / light rain.

kajjal

There are second hand gore jackets (and similar) on ebay. Just be careful about condition and that it is a recent jacket by doing a little research. I got an ALP-X jacket for £80 second hand in very good condition.

Breathable jackets work well except in prolonged heavy rain where they stop being breathable

The Rookie

I've never yet had a breathable jacket that breathes enough for me (we are all different), so I have a cheapish D2B breathable and only wear it if its really chucking it down, but then can't push to hard or end up a sweaty mess. A soft shell works quite well, yo do get damp, but not wet, inside it.

zntrx

http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/altura-vapour-waterproof-cycling-jacket-2015-was-119-99-now-44-99-wheelies-2344693

larkim

Thanks all, comments duly noted about budget etc.