waterproof jackets - what do you guys wear?

[Miguel Alvarez]

What jackets do you guys wear that's both waterproof and breathable? I bought one recently tried it out and I think there was more water inside the jacket then outside.

[CoolC]

I was just about to ask a similar question, but with the added scope of being able to fit in a jersey back pocket when not in use.

[a11y_m]

I've got a Gore Paclite which started off as my only waterproof but is now solely for commuting. Seems very breathable to me and packs down tiny. Has lasted for around 8 years so far I think and been reproofed a few times.

I've got an Altura Attack for MTBing use, with "React" fabric. Feels harder-wearing than Paclite, sturdier, perhaps a tad warmer but just as breathable IMO. Doesn't pack down as small as my Gore jacket but still small enough to carry in a camelbak.

And finally I've just bought an Altura Nevis in XXL to fit over my pressure suit for wet-weather DHing! Still fairly breathable but I'm not exactly exerting myself as climbing ain't on the cards when I'm in that "mode".

[shalmaneser]

Endura MT500 - excellent jacket.

[Captain Beaky]

Endura Flyte if it's cold or is definitely going to rain. Otherwise I always have an Altura Pocket Rocket under the seat as a just-in-case.

Both are excellent.

[neilski]

For summer showers an Adidas Climaproof windproof jacket but for full on downpours a Rab Drillium made from eVent fabric which has kept me dry during thunderstorms without the dreaded build up of condensation on the inside.

For proper breathability you need to be buying eVent or Gore-Tex really, as opposed to something with just a couple of holes under the armpits.

ETA: Some guff on breathable waterproofs.

Edited by neilski on Tuesday 16th August 23:57

[Rolls]

Goretex paclite over here too!

[louiebaby]

I have two options. I either use a Northface Jacket and an Oyster Card if it is for the commute, or when I had mileage targets I have an old rowing jacket made by Godfrey which has a longer back section, so even when it rides up it keeps my lower back covered.

The rowing jacket isn't particularly breathable, but it is very wind proof, so whilst I might be wet, I'm warm and wet. It dries pretty quickly when turned inside out, and has reflective patches too, which is handy.

[Miguel Alvarez]

Cheers guys. Much appreciated.

[Jimbo.]

IME there's nothing waterproof that's breathable enough to cope with a cyclist going at anything more than a moderate pace: there's just too much sweat to shift.

Best bet is to be prepared to get a little wet, but remain warm and dry quickly. I prefer to use a gilet (Gore Xenon: VERY lightweight) and arm warmers (Endura BaaBaa: Merino wool does indeed stay warm when wet), using them for as little time as possible (both can be stuffed int your jersey pocket). Keeps the worst of the summer showers off...

[NitroNick]

I never leave the house without my Assos Luftschutz tucked away in my back pocket.

[BliarOut]

I've got an Altura Night Vision. You'll still sweat like a fat rapist but at least you'll be seen

[Rouleur]

Endura Pakajak is great as a lightweight, showerproof one which packs down nice and small. Dries quickly too.

Everyone's answer is different, just to make the OP's life hard!

[dontdobends]

Been using a Lusso HT70 jacket does what it's says on the tin and one of the few things made in the UK £70

[Trevelyan]

I use an Endura Convert II. If it's cold I can use it as a normal waterproof jacket, otherwise the arms detach and it becomes a gilet which helps to stop it getting too sweaty. It packs down plenty small enough to go in my pack when necessary.

[wades]

Ancient Altura Nevis for me, although like some other on here i'm bothering less with it and just stick to light layers or bare skin.

Thinking about it, it also actually stopped being waterproof about 3 years ago.

Oh also have a Lidls cheapy which is very waterproof but you actually drench it from the inside out doing anything more than walking pace.

[louiebaby]

Jimbo. said:

There's nothing waterproof that's breathable enough to cope with a cyclist going at anything more than a moderate pace: there's just too much sweat to shift.

This is how it is with me, but I probably sweat more than the average Joe.

[Miguel Alvarez]

Ok so I need to accept I'm going to be wetter inside the jacket then out. Mine is a cheap one from Decathlon. One of their own range. I'd bought a few of the leggings and they were quite nice so thought for a tenner the jacket would do.

Most of the time I'm commuting to work with a change of clothes so may just do without and take the dress warm approach. I have to shower at the other end anyway.

[Allblackdup]

I use an Altura Night Vision Waterproof jacket all year round. Light, comfortable and i find quite breathable. Keeps the rain out although i sweat so much anyway that i'm usually pretty soaking inside too.

[rhinochopig]

You don't say what type of riding you do.

I have the cheapest Endura I could find, and I have an own brand Decathlon jacket too. There is little point in spending a large amount of cash on a waterproof MTB jacket as the constant blatherings they get in winter soon kill off any breathability and if you have on off, chances are you rip it. They also start to stink after a while that no amount of prescribed washing will get rid of. The wash programmes that will get them clean will ruin the DWR finish or the membrane or both.

Like lids, buy cheap (but safe) and keep changing them when they stink.