Originally Posted by
laserfj
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?
In all honesty, I don't care for the Windstopper jackets even though I know plenty of people who swear by them. I find it comfortable for lower intensity activities in moderately cool temps but it's too heavy once you crank up the effort and it's not comfortable in as wide a range of temps. I own Windstopper gloves, tights, and a jacket (and I've worn Windstopper stuff I don't own).
The one thing that jumped out at me is that the jacket you're looking mentions "Engineered with GORE-TEX® Active." Maybe their marketing guys are screwing around with the terminology, but I don't know for certain that it's the same as Active Shell. It probably is (the price is right for that and so is the description of the technology), but the previous version of that jacket came with PacLite which I do not recommend. This appears to be a new model, but the Active Shell is the good stuff and I'd want to verify this is the same thing.
If you're getting this at the shop, the tags attached to the jacket should make it clear. But to answer your question directly, even if you don't intend to ride in the rain at all, I'd strongly prefer an Active Shell jacket to Windstopper. It's more comfortable in warmer as well as cooler temps. It packs way lighter (i.e. if this is the right jacket, it should easily stuff in a jersey pocket like a windbreaker)