Waterproof Jacket: Adriano / Rapha Rain / Others...

[ealaniz]

hello,

I'm having difficulty choosing a waterproof / breathable jacket. Ideally it would great if it was light weight and packable in a jersey pocket. (Maybe it's only fair to call shells packable and not jackets?)

Castelli Adriano is with the new gore-tex active shell, apparently their most breathable fabric.

Rapha Rain Jacket doesn't list material or specs but seems to get super reviews for waterproof and breathability.

Also MCipollini rain jacket has good specs for waterproof / breathability, 150g(packable!) and not so expensive. But I can't find my size(m)

Anyway, does anyway have experience with any of these jackets, or know the weight? It's not that I'm counting grams, more for wondering if it's possible to stuff it in a pocket, because I have the Mavic Spray (Gore-tex paclite) but it doesn't fold down small and is 300g which is a bit much for a jersey pocket. Also it doesn't breath well (however it has a lot of venting) and seems only suitable for heavy rain or super cold weather.

Ok I hope for some good feedback!

Thanks in advance...

 

[Notso Swift]

Castelli Adriano is with the new gore-tex active shell, apparently their most breathable fabric.

Excellent, but it is not the weight for any jacket (so don't worry about the 300gm MAvic) it is the volume, especially if you were a race fit jersey, and this is still a PITA to store
Any rain jacket sweats up a bit during efforts, but not as bad as some shells I have had. (usually I put them on too late and take them off too late!)

Others may be great, but I only know this one

 

[ealaniz]

ah cool to hear from someone with the Adriano as i don't find many reviews/info on this jacket.

"PITA to store"....does this imply packable? or difficult to pack in jersey pocket???

yea certainly i understand moisture building up in jackets if riding hard, even without a jacket i'm soaked...but if your doing easy/medium rides i hope temp/evaporation is under control.

can you tell me about these magnetic side vents/windows? are these zippers, or flaps which are always open?

i have a lot of castelli gear so naturally i'm leaning towards this one. but i'm also slowly getting more and more into rapha gear.

...also some other mavic jackets look good like the helium/infinity H2O, but their waterproofing specs seem a bit low(i think?) at 7000mm...

 

[LugHugger]

i have a lot of castelli gear so naturally i'm leaning towards this one. but i'm also slowly getting more and more into rapha gear.

...also some other mavic jackets look good like the helium/infinity H2O, but their waterproofing specs seem a bit low(i think?) at 7000mm...

I've had a Mavic Infinity for about 6 months now. Used through a British 'summer' so has seen a fair amount of use! It's light weight, seams are well sealed and packs small. I've wore it on tempo rides for 3+ hours. The vents are very well positioned and help to keep condensation to a minimum. tbh, it's the best rain jacket that I've owned compared with the Rapha Rain Jacket which is good but not so well sealed and Castelli - can't remember which model but it was a POS.

 

[ealaniz]

good to know about the mavic infinity! i thought waterproofing materials should have values around 10,000mm but it seems people are happy with the performance of the infinity under rain.

do you ever carry it in the jersey pocket?

i thought the mavic spray i had was a bit bulky for me, especially around the arms(more like mtn bike gear), but i guess that's their style. the arm and body vents are definitely a nice feature!

Castelli developed the Adriano and these new "waterproof" ss/ls jersey with the Garmin/Cervelo pros so i'm pretty sure these particular items are far from the "POS" models you had.

 

[Notso Swift]

PITA to store means in a jersey pocket, they fold OK, but at the end of the day when you pack it the pocket is full, same as any other rain jacket
If you are riding a long way in the rain then that isn't an issue though!
Don't get hung up on the side flaps, they are flaps, but I find that important for getting hot air out. I don't usually just "do miles" I am always training a little hard because I don't train much. Pull them apart and they do a fair gob of getting the air out, which is exactly what I want.
Love the length, back and collar (I am tall), only thing I would change is mine is black, white would be better, shows the dirt but safer (oh and they are pretty dear, but seem like it will last)

 

[BroDeal]

Showers Pass.

 

[marathon marke]

BroDeal, which model do you use? I'm considering the Elite Pro. If this is what you use, I'm wondering if it works good for layering when it gets colder.

Tomorrow I'm testing a Gore FUSION GT AS Jacket. There weather here in south-eastern Wisconsin promises to bring temps in the mid-40s, winds up to 35 mph, and plenty of rain. Sounds like a perfect day for a bike ride!

 

[LugHugger]

good to know about the mavic infinity! i thought waterproofing materials should have values around 10,000mm but it seems people are happy with the performance of the infinity under rain.

do you ever carry it in the jersey pocket?

i thought the mavic spray i had was a bit bulky for me, especially around the arms(more like mtn bike gear), but i guess that's their style. the arm and body vents are definitely a nice feature!

Castelli developed the Adriano and these new "waterproof" ss/ls jersey with the Garmin/Cervelo pros so i'm pretty sure these particular items are far from the "POS" models you had.

The Infinity packs small enough to store comfortably in a jersey pocket without flapping around. No issues with mine. And the cut is faultless in my opinion. Certainly no flapping material around the arms but then I'm more Thor-like in my physique than Andy-like! Re waterproofing, in my experience, the seals and venting are more important than the mm figure. 10,000mm would suugest that a material is capable of protecting from 10,000mm rain in a 24 hour period. Or 400+mm per hour. That's a pretty extreme scenario where, if I may be so bold, you should perhaps reconsider whether riding is an appropriate activity!

The Infinity is good for 4,000mm I think or 160mm+ per hour. I can't imagine anywhere in the UK receiving this amount of rain in a one hour period so for me, it's fit for purpose.

I am intrigued by Showers Pass - they're testing in some pretty extreme conditions in the PNW so would look closely at their product if a I ever needed to replace the Infinity. Not great availbility in the UK though

Good luck!

 

[dolophonic]

Rapha Rain. Works packs down and it works...

 

[ealaniz]

yes always nice reviews and styling from rapha but i think i'm still hesitating on the price. the adriano is a bit cheaper but i can't be certain it packs like the others and breaths as well.

i'm leaning towards the mavic infinity as it's always spoken of highly and it seems to be one the better performing jackets for the price. thanks for the tip on the waterproofing #'s / performance!

ShowerPass looks interesting but i'm really for the more sober design and not so big labels. already the mavic has a big logo on the sleeve and material is a bit flashy/"plasticy" looking.

MCipollini is still looking good to me but i don't think i can buy without trying on or having any feedback and reviews:-/

 

[The Gnome]

Take a look at campy's selection of rain jackets...I have owned a few over the years...I picked up a raytech one from last year at markdown on line...it had been like 150 bucks and I got it for 65 or so...and it is about the best rain jacket I have owned...good stuff and easily fits in pocket...

 

[ealaniz]

already tried one, last year i bought Campagnolo Raytech Light Txn Waterproof Jacket. it's definitely lightweight and fits well in pocket, but i found it very casual fitting so it was flapping a lot in the wind. and it's waterproofing is strange as it certainly does not bead water but i find it tends to hold/absorb water which makes it's heavy and not nice when your rained on.

 

[The Gnome]

already tried one, last year i bought Campagnolo Raytech Light Txn Waterproof Jacket. it's definitely lightweight and fits well in pocket, but i found it very casual fitting so it was flapping a lot in the wind. and it's waterproofing is strange as it certainly does not bead water but i find it tends to hold/absorb water which makes it's heavy and not nice when your rained on.

hmmm...mine has worked very well via waterproofing ect and fits me perfectly but then again I fill it out...no idea then...

 

[Shady87]

Montane Velo H2O
150g, packs smaller than a fist, easily fits into a jersey pocket.

Used to work in an camping/outdoor store, montane have the best lightweight waterproof gear on the market.

 

[ealaniz]

yes i came across this Montane featherlite H2O, but with freeflow H2O material (unheard of) and a super low 1,500mm waterproofing.

i already have a couple of water-resistant jackets and it's really a full waterproof i need, i'm tired of "lesser performing" jackets only working during very light rain. have you been out in the rain with the Velo H20?

i've been thinking of a Montane Hiking/Mountain jacket with eVent fabric, you see it has 30,000mm waterproofing! ok maybe overkill for cycling but i can't understand how the numbers can be so drastic and drop to 1,500mm for cycling and they expect people to think that's waterproof? is it just me or is that unreasonable???

 

[LugHugger]

yes i came across this Montane featherlite H2O, but with freeflow H2O material (unheard of) and a super low 1,500mm waterproofing.

i already have a couple of water-resistant jackets and it's really a full waterproof i need, i'm tired of "lesser performing" jackets only working during very light rain. have you been out in the rain with the Velo H20?

i've been thinking of a Montane Hiking/Mountain jacket with eVent fabric, you see it has 30,000mm waterproofing! ok maybe overkill for cycling but i can't understand how the numbers can be so drastic and drop to 1,500mm for cycling and they expect people to think that's waterproof? is it just me or is that unreasonable???

Based on the figures the Montane is still good for waterproofing to 60+mm rain/hour. I think that I can count on one hand the number of rides that I've done in conditions that extreme. Seriously, how often do YOU encounter these types of conditions?

For me, cut, seam seals and venting are of equal consideration to waterproofing. We're talking high effort activity here - on a tempo ride, a jackets moisture evaporation properties are just as important as its moisture barrier capabilities. I wouldn't get hung up on just one aspect of the fabric.

 

[ealaniz]

to be honest i do NOT have a good reference for what #mm rain/conditions are like. but since my other "water-resistant/proof / rain" jackets have been a bit disappointing i think it's normal i start to consider a jacket with high specification.

i'm not trying to ride in extreme conditions but want to be protected under a constant rain if ever i need.

so for the montane...have you tested it under rain? do it have vents or good breath-ability?

 

[ealaniz]

also!

please verify what this back ventilation is on the montane...i ask because the last thing i need is to buy a waterproof jacket with a mesh back! i wish i was joking but i find it absolutely insane that some manufacturers make gilets/vests/jackets with waterproof fabric and mesh on back/sides?!?!

 

[Notso Swift]

For me, cut, seam seals and venting are of equal consideration to waterproofing. We're talking high effort activity here - on a tempo ride, a jackets moisture evaporation properties are just as important as its moisture barrier capabilities. I wouldn't get hung up on just one aspect of the fabric.

EXACTLY!
No use being wet on the inside despite keeping the outside conditions at bay!

also!

please verify what this back ventilation is on the montane...i ask because the last thing i need is to buy a waterproof jacket with a mesh back! i wish i was joking but i find it absolutely insane that some manufacturers make gilets/vests/jackets with waterproof fabric and mesh on back/sides?!?!

When you are moving fast you don't get wet on the back!
Would never buy a jacket with a mesh back but gillet, I have one, and it is the one I use the most

When I was talking about foldability before what I was trying to say was regardless how small these thing fold they always expand to take up the useable space in your jersey anyway, so don't get too fussed if one is a fraction smaller than the next, in the pocket they work out the same

 

[ealaniz]

i'm certainly not just getting caught up on the waterproofing factor because i'm considering the Adriano (gore-tex active shell for endurance sports), rapha (reviewed as highly breathable), and mavic infinity (with body and arm zippers).

what i am trying to clarify a bit more is such a low spec of 1,500mm for the montane. you still didn't answer if you tested in a constant rain. i will say again, i am searching for something that works in constant rain rather than works only in light rain.

regarding fold-ability...yes there is some natural expansion when folding down a jacket, but really the mavic spray (gore-tex paclite) is really not a material that folds down small for cycling. it's the only thing that makes me hesitant on the infinity (since they are the same design although different material) but most people say it's ok in the jersey pockets...

 

[Master50]

I have a Sugoi rain jacket. light weight, close fitting and vents well enough to not be too hot. Usually there is just as big a challenge to not get wet from the inside. I can't say I ever liked a perfectly water proof jacket as I usually just get sweaty wet.
I chose my jacket for light weight and packability with reasonable venting for heat and sweat. If it keeps me warm and prevents soak through I am happy. Waterproof is for commuting. Fast riding or hard efforts then dry is a dream. I have worn completely waterproof and after an hour been almost as wet from sweat.

 

[ealaniz]

everyone keeps having to mention this "wet from the inside" effect which is already obvious and a clear consideration since i originally started this post from being interested in the higher end jackets like the Adriano and Rapha Rain, which both have a new material apparently being their most breathable!

i still don't hear much about Adriano, except from one user which was positive. it was also developed and used by garmin-cervelo so i'm sure it's great. however i'm getting a bit tired of an all black kit as i also have a black castelli gabba (super!), i think i need to have a bit more color or white, another reason to consider the mavic H2O infinity...

 

[dolophonic]

get yourself a Rapha rain jacket. if you dont like it send it back. The red is bright.

 

[ealaniz]

just to update and give some info on my experience....

i ended up buying a used(good condition) rapha jacket. i wore it a lot in the winter and it served me well, it's very very light(170g) and very packable in the jersey pocket. it worked well in winter except when it's very cold/near 0C you have to be careful because the of how open/ventilated the jacket is. but typically it was good balance that worked well in winter.

unfortunately the biggest problem was it's waterproofing! just recently i was caught outside in the rain, 20min light rain then ~10min constant medium rain. i don't understand how this jacket didn't work at all to keep me dry. water went through everywhere and it was one of the disappointing experiences i have had.

so my search continued, and luckily i found a really good deal on a new Castelli Pocket Liner (eVent fabric and super silver color. i received this and it seems to be a very nice jacket in terms of material, design, side zips...

however, it does deserve to be criticized as they quoted a 170g weight and the jacket is easily over 200g, making it not so packable and comfortable in the jersey pockets. also the fit is very strange on the arms, the sleeves are way to big/round!? it's a pro level jacket and castelli is know well for their style/fit, the body fits nice/perfect then the diameter on the sleeves is way too big and flaps around a lot during high speed descents, big shame...

anyway, the pocket liner will also be great for winter, so far the breathability seems fine, and i'm sure water will not leak though should i ever be on a rainy ride.