As I only took a lightweight windproof to the weekend's Welsh washing machine and so got thoroughly rinsed and had to be hung out to dry, I'd be grateful for any observations on the effectiveness or otherwise of the jackets more sensible people wore?

I see an urgent purchase coming on..

Ta

Best waterproof I've ever had ... and I've had a few

http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/index.cf ... 85/level/2

Looks good Stu.

I used a Mountain equipment Paclite Goretex jacket. Its an old one (Matrix) but worked faultlessly.

For those conditions you really need a proper Event/Gore jacket.

G

I've got an Event jacket which is a pucka bike model and although good for short periods the rain always finds its way in.
Sunday I used my Finistiere anabiotic, I think it's called. No fancy vents and the like, but it had a hood that covers your helmet when it really gets bad.
After all day riding into the headwind in that rain, I took it off in the pub and was totally dry.
Weirdly it doesn't seem as wind proof as Event fabrics, bit then it must have been quite breathable as I wasn't soaked from within, with no venting.
Bought this after One of the round the world guys recommended it after he rode through many mondoons in one, I'm as equally impressed.
Not totally bike specific but highly worth a look.
There merino base layers are superb too.
( can't do link at moment sorry)

Got a Rab Drillium

Like Stu's and FlatFishy's but full length zip, an extra pocket and the hood rolls into the collar.

It's bloody brilliant but I should have bought the Demand one

Usally I would have my 2 cents on which jacket & have to date spent hours researching a replacement jacket for my self (i use a pro shell goretex hiking jacket at moment with added pit zips heavy &ugly but definetly water proof)
the jacket stu has recommended above seems to be just the thing you are looking for & at £120 i dont think you will find a better jacket using such a good technical materiel.

Pace 3x3 eVent jacket is circa 300g for £100, no hood though.

I don't think you can go wrong with 3 layer eVENT or the new Gore-Tex Active Shell fabric. My current hardshell uses the latter, Gore Fusion, and it's ace. The rollaway hood was particularly nice to have at the weekend. I rode around 1000 miles in April, most of which were in the rain, and the jacket kept me dry the whole time. I'd say it could be marginally less breathable than eVENT, but there's very little in it (unlike Goretex of old).

Thanks Chaps... a shopping we will go!

What size Rab do you have stu? Can't decide if I need a small or medium

What size Rab do you have stu? Can't decide if I need a small or medium

Medium, I often fine small in Rab stuff is borderline tight.

s8tannorm wrote:

What size Rab do you have stu? Can't decide if I need a small or medium

Medium, I often fine small in Rab stuff is borderline tight.

Agreed. Small for baselayers but Medium for fleeces and softshells

G

damn they only have red cheap in medium, i dont do red

I'm not in anyway trying to be be definitive but I've found Rab stuff is sized smaller for a given size ("medium", "large" etc) in their "alpine" stuff than their regular / walker orientated cags.

This may or may not be of any use whtsoever

Done gore and event, now on Pertex Shield, ridiculous lightweight and better breathability than event, cheap too

Got a Montane Minimus in the post yesterday to give Pertex Shield a go. Claimed weight 215g actual weigh in on the kitchen scales for a medium without stuff sack 205g. Strangely only the mucus infection green with red zip was available on sale @ 95 :?

I think there may be some rain this weekend to try it out!

Looked at one of those myself, but couldn't quite risk something 'untried' (or colour ) so be good to know how it works