With Met Eireann issuing rain warnings on a weekly basis, we give some useful tips and advice on how to identify the rain jacket the best fits your needs. Remember no jacket will ever be 100% waterproof, but some jackets will help keep you drier for longer than others. Rain jacket manufacturers, traditionally break down jackets into two categories, packable and non-packable. Your non packable jackets are typically commuter style jackets and packable jackets are those jackets that can be rolled up and placed in the back pocket of your cycling jersey.
Irrespective of the style of jacket, you choose, it should always have taped seams. Seams in jackets are the weak point of all rain jackets, as this is where moisture will enter the jacket. Having taped seams tape will help eliminate this problem. When choosing a jacket, be it packable or non-packable , always look for its rain rating. This rating will allow you work out how much moisture can pass through the fabric before you become wet
| Waterproof Rating (mm) | Water Resistance Provided | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| 0-5,000 mm | No resistance to some resistance to moisture. | Light rain, dry snow, no pressure. |
| 6,000-10,000 mm | Rainproof and waterproof under light pressure. | Light rain, average snow, light pressure. |
| 11,000-15,000 mm | Rainproof and waterproof except under high pressure. | Moderate rain, average snow, light pressure. |
| 16,000-20,000 mm | Rainproof and waterproof under high pressure. | Heavy rain, wet snow, some pressure. |
| 20,000 mm+ | Rainproof and waterproof under very high pressure. | Heavy rain, wet snow, high pressure. |
Commuter Jackets- Non Packable
Your non packable jackets are your typical commuter jackets. This style of jackets are high-viz, reflective and bulky. Some of these jackets will also come with a detachable hood. Manufactures of these jackets also produce a range of accessories which would include reflective socks, reflective shoe covers, reflective bag and helmet covers
Waterproofing Label
An excellent entry level commuter jacket is the Hump Strobe (€67.19). This jacket has the following:
- Fully waterproof with taped seams
- High-viz reflective print
- Chest pocket for easy storage
- 2 year guarantee
If your budget can stretch a wee bit further an excellent alternative would be the Madison Protec jacket (€83.99). This jacket is made from highly durable polyester fabric which is waterproof, windproof and breathable. Again like similar jackets in the range, the Protec jacket has taped seams helping the user stay dry
If money is no object, the ultimate commuter jacket is the Endura Luminite II Ultra Visible (€129.99). It’s made of a fully seamed compact 2.5 layer waterproof and breathable fabric . It has 360 degree reflective safety chevrons ensuring that you will be well seen at night. It is available in four different colours and also boasts an integrated rear luminite LED light with 3 flash options.
Roadie Jackets- Packable
This style of jacket is aimed more at the cyclist that likes clocking up kilometres on their bike . These jackets are less bulky then a commuter jacket. This enables the user to take the jacket on and off without much effort and when not in use, easily be rolled up and put into their back pocket of the jersey. Cheap packable jackets start from around €25, but these are aimed at users who will use the jacket for a one off occasion and are looking to throw it away.
A good entry level packable jacket would be the Xtract Jacket II (€79.99). The jacket is made from a lightweight waterproof/breathable ripstop fabric and has a waterproofness and breathability of 5000. The jacket also features reflective stripes. It comes with a handy stuff sack, allowing you to fold down the jacket to the size of a can of coke.
If your budget can stretch a little further, you have couple of choices. First up would be the Endura FS 260 Pro Adrenaline jacket (€85) . This jacket has a waterproofness of 15,000 and brethability of 20000. It is lightweight, compact and waterproof. Making it quite easy to fold up and place in your back pocket. This jacket is also ideal for people who are thinking of going racing as it is transparent, allowing your race number to be visible at all time.
A second option could be the Altura Pocket Rocket 2 Waterproof Jacket (€94.99) This jacket is made using taped seam, waterproof with breathable properties. The jacket boast a waterproof and breathability rating of 15,000 and Altura Darkproof® technology which offers superior retro reflectivity. Ensuring that you will be well seen at night. The jacket is available in 2 colours.
If money is no object and you want the best, then look no further then the Assos Equipe RS (€300). This jacket contains ‘Schloss Tex’ material, making it incredible waterproof, and flexible This jacket is incredibly light, tipping the scale at only 170g. The lightness of this jacket can be traced to the 3 layer waterproof textile that employs the minimum amount of panels and seams. This low number of seams increases the watertight properties of the jacket. The jacket also boasts a unique feature. Assos, claim that this jacket is designed to be as quiet as possible with a rustle free fabric.
Ladies Jackets
In the past, most rain jacket manufacturers would not produce a dedicated women’s jackets. They would typically sell the smaller sized male jackets to women. However, over the last number of years, more and more clothing manufacturers have produced women’s specific rain jacket. These jackets are more shapely then the male equivalent.
Our range of women’s rain jackets can be found in our dedicated ladies section and can be found HERE
Jacket Care
When it comes to looking after you rain jacket always follow your jackets washing instructions. Some manufactures will tell you that the jacket can only be washed by hand. If you are allowed use a washing machine make sure you use a delicate cycle , use a non bio detergent and don’t use any fabric softener. If possible try and use a dedicates wash bag. This will help prevent your cycling gear being stretched, pulled and damaged by other items in the washing machine
By Rachel Eager.
