You might wonder whether you’ll use a lightweight packable jacket enough to justify the investment. Compared with a winter jacket, a long-sleeve jersey or gilet, it could be easy to move them further down your list of ‘must haves’. But while testing, during typically variable climatic conditions, we found ourselves questioning whether they shouldn’t be an essential item in every cyclist’s wardrobe, thanks to the versatility of having a removable layer when you’re out riding.
We tested our selection of jackets for spring and autumn (or Australian winter) riding – those days when the temperature is changeable and there is a chance of rain showers and wind. But we were also 'blessed' with near freezing conditions, and found they make a useful difference as an extra layer even in very cool weather.
For clarity, a packable shell is a garment that is ideally windproof, at least water resistant and compact enough to fold into a jersey pocket. Even with a relatively simple brief like this, it’s interesting to see how many ways manufacturers have found to address this challenge.
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The range of garments on test covers a breadth of designs from the ‘classic’ transparent packables, to new jersey-style fabrics, and combinations of both. Fit varies noticeably from brand to brand, so as always checking the measurements and ideally trying them on before you buy is always a good idea.
The manufacturer’s choice of fabrics is key for a product like this, and is crucial when it comes to the levels of wind- and waterproofing and breathability. Even with materials getting more sophisticated, the ‘perfect’ balance of these qualities has yet to be achieved, so manufacturers work around this. And in addition to the materials, the details of zips, cuffs, venting and finish also make a difference to how successfully the complete product performs.
Ultimately, choosing a packable jacket means deciding what’s most important to you: packability, wind protection, water resistance or breathability. Our winners are the jackets that we reckon offer the strongest combination of packability, wind protection and water resistance.
What to look for when buying a packable jacket
- Packability: All the jackets on test fold up small enough to fit into a jersey pocket. Some pack into a pocket of their own but this can make them harder to carry; folding or rolling them might be easier.
- Venting: Jackets like these tend to focus on keeping weather out, with breathability secondary. In some cases venting is provided, but depending on the fabric and how long you’ll be wearing it, it’s not essential.
- Fabrics: With a number of manufacturers submitting jackets made from materials more like jerseys in touch and stretch, innovation means that traditional shells are no longer the only option available for riders.
- Closures: Many of the jackets have toggles or pulls to their zips to make them easier to use wearing gloves. Many packable jackets have limited breathability, so rely on the zip for temperature regulation.
- Cuffs: There are several different approaches to cuffs on test, from full-Lycra stretch cuffs to minimalist elastic. How well these keep the air out can make a real difference to ride comfort and the success of the jacket.
- Visibility: If you want it, there are plenty of bold neon or highly visible colours to choose from. Sometimes these are combined with reflective elements that show up in headlights, making it easier for drivers to spot you.
Best packable jackets for road cycling
Altura Podium – best jacket on test
- Price: £100 / €130 / AU$TBC
- Pockets: 1
Endura Equipe Compact Shell – best value jacket
- Price: £65 / US$120 / €90 / AU$115
- Pockets: 1
Rapha Classic Wind Jacket – best jacket if money's no object
- Price: £140 / US$220 / €165 / AU$225
- Pockets: 1
Ale Klimatik
- Price: £165 / US$210 / AU$TBC
- Pockets: 0
Mavic Helium
- Price: £85 / AU$TBC
- Pockets: 1
- Packable Into: Rear Pocket
Sportful Fiandre Light NoRain Top
- Price: £100 / US$TBC / AU$TBC
- Pockets: 0
Castelli Velo
- Price: £80 / US$90 / €90 / AU$150
- Pockets: 0
- Packable into: Collar
Bontrager Race Windshell
- Price: £45 / US$80 / €70 / AU$110
- Pockets: 1
- Packable into: Pocket
Also tested
- Price: £90 / US$110 / €100 / AU$169
- Pockets: 0
- Price: £75 / US$90 / €100 / AU$120
- Pockets: 1
- Price: £60 / US$100 / AU$120
- Pockets: 1
- Price: £55 / US$71 / €62 / AU$TBC
- Pockets: 1
- Price: £33 / US$33 / €36 / AUD$45
- Pockets: 0
- Price: £70 / €80 / AU$TBC
- Pockets: 0
- Price: £75 / €90 / AU$TBC
- Pockets: 0
- Price: £90 / €115 / AU$190
- Pockets: 2
Final verdict
You can read more at BikeRadar.com
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