This past weekend I was caught without a lightweight cycling jacket. So I think the time has come for me to purchase one. The idea jacket can compact down enough to be stored in a back pocket if needed.

Anyone have a jacket they love and would recommend? Hopefully one that doesn't cost a fortune too? Thank you.

Is the purpose for warmth or wind/rain protection. It makes a difference. You can find wind/rain jackets that pack down real small so it fits in a jersey pocket but do a lousy job at keeping you warm. If you are looking for warmth that infers some type of insulation which may not pack down so well.

GTX Shake Dry. It's protection from wind and rain, almost no warmth.

Don't buy Mountain Hardwear's Ghost Whisperer wind shirt. It doesn't breathe well enough to use on a bike.

The only insulation that's going to be packable enough to carry is down, and that's not going to work on a bike until well below freezing. If you get it wet (like by sweating) it will stop working as insulation until dry.

I like mine. Have worn in heavy fog, rain, T-storm and as an additional layer. Easily fits into a jersey pocket. Packs to about arm warmer size. Breathable rain resistant 4-way stretch fabric. Regulates heat well for me. Black or hiviz. Downside is price at $200.

I bought a Novara branded one at REI a few years back, on closeout for under $40, and it was lighter than my Patagonia Houdini, which was more than 2x the cost. I think they make the Houdini now without a hood, which would be better for cycling. Also, check www.ornotbike.com they have nice, lightweight jackets as well. None of these are waterproof though.

I’ve always liked specialized lightweight shells. My first one got lost, the replacement is even better. Their current offering is probably even better still.

Purpose is for wind/rain protection. If I'm able to pack it down to a jersey pocket that would be great brilliant.


Thanks for the suggestions thus far. Most appreciated.

I’m not sure what size you wear, but check out the archive sale at Rapha. They have several versions of wind/rain jackets. If you are lucky enough to find your size, you will have a great piece of kit.

https://www.rapha.cc/us/en_US/archiv...ry/archivesale

Morvelo Plan B Race Cape.

I'll second one of the models made from Gore-Tex Shake Dry. Crazy light, packable, breathable, windproof, and waterproof.

I don't own one because I already own 3 or 4 other jackets that I'd have to toss if I got one... At first they seem expensive, until you contrast that with buying 3 or 4 different, less versatile jackets...

Third on Shakedry. If you poke around Sierra Trading Post, occasionally versions show up for $90ish, a great value.

Good tip! Shakedry is on my wish list.

OP, also consider fit. I live in the mountains and one of the primary situations for me to use a lightweight jacket is to retain warmth and take the edge off of cold descents. I want a very snug fitting jacket that doesn't flap and make a lot of noise at high speed. I like Castelli jackets for that reason. Keep it stowed in a jersey pocket on the way up, and put it on at the top for a more comfortable ride down.

The recommendations for the Shakedry are starting to win me over. But man. Those are not inexpensive jackets! Yikes!

[MENTION=221478]Clipped_in[/MENTION] good suggestion about the flapping in the win. My vest does not have a snug fit. On long descents between the wind and the vest flapping away, it is a miracle I can hear anything at all. Sounds like your need for a jacket is similar to mine - although I do not live in the mountains. A lightweight jacket for break the wind on cool descents, not to mention helping me out if I'm caught out in a quick rain shower, is what I'm after.

I bought the Arc'teryx Shake Dry jacket. Love it. The articulation in the arms is perfect. Slap useful off the bike, which helps justify the price.

Shake Dry is kind of fragile though.

I would have recommended you the Ornot Magic Shell jacket, which is wind/rain proof, but it's sold out ATTM, unless you are an XS!

Pearl Izumi Barrier Select. Just a windbreaker with some mist-resistance. Cost about $20 at the outlet store. Ultra-thin and lightweight, tucks into a jersey pocket or water bottle cage.

It's not rainproof. But when soaked it's still warm because it's still reasonably windproof. Even riding in chilly weather body heat kept me warm.

The convertible version is more versatile. I think the arm zipper can be partly unzipped for ventilation.

So handy I carry it on almost every ride in autumn and winter. I've loaned it to other riders in group rides when they were underdressed. I also have a Shimano Storm Jacket for seriously cold wet rides, but it's heavy, bulky and needs a pannier or trunk bag to carry.

So after surfing the interwebs last night and speaking with Mrs. NoWhammies, this happened:



7Mesh Resistance jacket. Hopefully the jacket will serve my purposes. More cake than I was wanting to spend, but the words "buy nice or buy twice" were going through my head. So we'll see how the jacket works out for me once it arrives.

Let us know how it works.

When I was younger I could walk around in the snow in shorts and a tee shirt and it didn't seem to bother me. But the cold gets colder as you age.

After the fact here, but my fave for many years is the Voler Jet Wind Jacket in hiviz. About the size of a Naval orange, easily fits in any of my jersey pockets. I would never wear a jacket which wouldn't go in a pocket. OTOH, PNW rider here, I don't ride in the snow, just in the rain. ~$60.

Late to the party but if you are in the market for other jackets / clothes in the future, check out Showers Pass. This jacket is very light and compact so it can be carried more often when its use may be in doubt.

https://www.showerspass.com/collecti...ts/pro-tech-st

Damn. These are all good recommendations. And a much nicer price than the 7mesh. Live and learn!

One more very good option fyi.

https://zpacks.com/products/vertice-...=9136091758628

I have a sleeping bag from zpacks. It's lasted years, it's very little worthy and works beautifully. Didn't realize they name jackets too.

Specialized Deflect SL. Light, easily stuffed in a jersey pocket, and just right for 8-13C clear, foggy, misty but not rain. They do make a Deflect SL rain jacket, also, but not sure if available in the US, though.

I've been using this Showers Pass jacket for several years, and I love it. Super lightweight, stores easily in a jersey pocket, and it's (mostly) waterproof.

Showers Pass Pro Tech ST Jacket



Showers Pass clear wind/rain jacket