Originally Posted by
banerjek
It's form fitting so access is adequate but not great. Pulling out an energy bar is not a big deal. If you keep lots of junk in your pockets -- i.e. extra layer, arm warmers, leg warmers, pump, etc, you'll feel a bit pinched. Having said that, it's a fantastic jacket for cold fast descents. It's windproof, aero, and it breathes well.
Despite being a product tester and owning I don't even know how many jackets, I've historically recommended against waterproof shells when cycling because they're just too heavy, even PacLite. But Active Shell is good stuff and this is the first commercially available waterproof cycling jacket I've recommended.
I should also stress that this is strictly a cycling jacket. It's cut so to be aerodynamic and while there is plenty of range of motion to stand on climbs and whatnot, you'd feel like your arms were bound if you tried to use it for skiing, kayaking, or even running.
Thanks for the info.
I'm trying to decide between that jacket you linked and a similar one--
http://www.goreapparel.com/GORE-BIKE...XYT_color=3599
http://www.goreapparel.com/GORE-BIKE...XYU_color=0199
It seems the windstopper jacket has the benefit of pockets, but the drawback of not being waterproof. Have you tested any of the windstopper fabric, and if so, is there any difference in breathability between that and the goretex?
I don't plan on riding in the rain, but definitely want something breathable.
Any other differences between those two you think are work considering?