[swoll]

I am looking for a windproof/waterproof jacket for this winter. I have had my eye on the Pearl Izumi Barrier Jacket anyone have any pros or cons or do i need to look at a different one brand

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[D.Trott]

Pictures? Is it irezumi, like the traditional Japanese tattoos? I don't know anything about bike jackets, so sorry I'm of no help. But I would like to see the jacket!

[rufus]

the Zephyrr fabric isn't really windproof or waterproof, but "resistant". Eventually water will work its way through, and it's windblocking abilities aren't as good as something that's truly windproof. In addition, the Kodiak fabric used provides some bulk and insulation from the cold, so take that into consideration.

Personally, I prefer jerseys made of the heavier Kodiak fabric, and use just a windproof/waterproof shell for an outer layer, preferably with enough ventilation from pit zippers and back zippers that you can adjust if you're overheating. PI doesn't make it any longer, but I'm using their Instinct jacket, which is wind and waterproof. Might be able to find still online, and perhaps marked down a bit. Other swear by jackets from Showerpass, or others made from Event fabric, buit those are much pricier than the Instinct.

Found one online here http://flyingfishbikes.com/itemdetails.cfm?catalogId=39&id=3082 but it's pretty much full price. You can probably find something else equal or better for the price they're asking.

And then I use a variety of baselayers/jersey combinations depending on temps. I have a PI Vector jersey, which is constructed very similarly to the Barrier jacket, with AMFib windproof/water resistant front, and Kodiak back, which I wear under the shell on really cold,windy days. Gives me two windblocking layers, but still breathable, not as impermeable as the windblocking stuff that uses a membrane sandwiched between fabrics.

Layering is the key, rather than one heavy insulating jacket. That said, I did buy a heavier Sugoi jacket made from one of the new softshell fabrics, which does have a windproof membrane, that I plan on trying out this season. Got it on closeout from Campmor at a price I couldn't resist.

[jmaley]

I just picked up the PI Barrier last week from PB. I haven't yet tried it out in the cold. The fit is great though. It will allow me to put multiple base layers if/when required. The coldest its been yet is -1 Celsius. I've found layering works really well. A thin wind/water resistant layer over warmer layers seem to work well. I can't wait for it to go to -10 or -20 so I can try out the barrier.

As rufus mentioned the barrier is a little bulky because of the kodiak fabric.

[alloutdoors]

I have a Barrier and I used it all last winter, even when I wasn't riding. The front is windproof enough to stand up to West Texas winds, so it will stand up to anything. I didn't do a lot of riding when it was cold, but just wearing it out and about I was fine. I would think you would be fine with a layer underneath. I will have to try it out a little more this winter (hopefully somewhere that would actually consider winter).

[badhat]

i had a barrier jacket and it was ok, but definitely not wind or water proof.

i got a pearl izumi channel jacket this year and its extremely waterproof. amazing jacket. expensive, but so far its been very worth it for the comfort.

[EffSizzle]

GORE Bike Wear...

'nuff said!

[pinkrobe]

I'm into my 3rd full year with a PI Barrier. I wear it by itself down to about -20C. It's not waterproof, and not 100% windproof, but with a backpack on it's good for the vast majority of the cold weather around here.

[algarde]

I rode with the Marmot Cloudveil jacket this morning and it is the warmest coat I have ever had. It was 36 degrees and I had on a base layer and a long sleeve cycling shirt and had to unzip a couple of inches to let some heat out. I think this jacket is going to be great.

[superslomo]

I don't know that I could handle -20C in mine...

One thing that I found aggravating was the lack of velcro or other means of snugging down the cuffs of the sleeves. You do get some wind whistling in there if you don't keep it tucked into your gloves. All-in-all it's not a bad solution, but I wonder whether I would have been better served, and had a bit more versatility with a kodiak or kodiak light long sleeve jersey and then a barrier jacket of some kind on top.

If you can get a fair deal on one they work pretty well, though I didn't experience a real downpour in mine last winter. I tend to stay inside when it's that rotten out in the colder months...