Winter Cycling - GORE Phantom Jacket

Any experience or opinions on the GORE Bike Wear Phantom Jacket?

I’m looking for something that will be adequate (with layering) down to 0*F. Versatility is also important, i.e. good for other active winter sports and can be used on colder spring/fall days.

The other option I am looking at is GORE TOOL Jacket.

I’m open to other options, but have an REI gift certificate and would like to use it for this purchase. The GORE jackets seem to be the best options REI has to offer.

Thanks!

I have a Gore Balance jacket and have really liked it. I don't think you can go too wrong with most GORE jackets. But the Phantom jacket is designed for spring chilly weather. It is too light for 0F weather. For 0F weather you need either a breathable hardshell jacket that is kind of loose fitting. Or a pretty heavy membrane breathable soft shell jacket. Either way you do not want them snug fitting since you need room to layer. I think the ideal method is to have a more snug fitting soft shell jacket for more moderate conditions and a loose fitting breathable hard shell for really cold conditions.

Hi
I have a phantom jacket and love it. It's totally windproof, so on dry cold days i find it perfect. Depending on the temperature I layer up accordingly - I'm in england though and I've never seen weather here that's 0 deg F - that's cold!!!! When I bought the phantom I rang gore and they suggested the phantom + layering underneath was good for anything you'd get in the UK. I've read other forums and riders here have found the Tool a bit too warm if worn with too many layers, so it might be better for you in those colder temps.

hope this is useful.

Hi
I have a phantom jacket and love it. It's totally windproof, so on dry cold days i find it perfect. Depending on the temperature I layer up accordingly - I'm in england though and I've never seen weather here that's 0 deg F - that's cold!!!! When I bought the phantom I rang gore and they suggested the phantom + layering underneath was good for anything you'd get in the UK. I've read other forums and riders here have found the Tool a bit too warm if worn with too many layers, so it might be better for you in those colder temps.

hope this is useful.

Yes, very. I guess I will stay clear of the phantom jacket and go for the TOOL or something else. There was a catelli jacket on chainlove earlier today. Maybe that will come back around sometime soon.