Humanbeersponge
Active member
I tend to stick to Goretex for waterproofs. Have an old Gore jacket for the MTB and a Gore Shakedry (to delicate for off-road) which is an unbelievable piece of kit.
Waterproof jacket
- Thread starter Hobo Mikey
- Start date
I've found over the years that all breathable jackets aren't very breathable once wetted out ..,and for that reason I've always gone for pertex ...it's more breathable and yet you do get a little wetter but it's soo much lighter . You don't get cold as it's windproof so it's warm water underneath....
Just my experience...
Just my experience...
You see someone with a new goretex jacket the water runs off it . Doesn't last long like that . Used to say goretex good for about 6 washes . I've got five all bought for hillwalking . I throw nothing away 1986 first one was bought it's twice as thick as the others and a lot more hardwaring . I've never bought in to the reproofing so can't comment. I use a old one if it's really cold on bike and it's so windproof. Most my cycling jackets would be pertex . Trouble I find is when you find one you like they usually change the spec or discontinue it.I've found over the years that all breathable jackets aren't very breathable once wetted out ..,and for that reason I've always gone for pertex ...it's more breathable and yet you do get a little wetter but it's soo much lighter . You don't get cold as it's windproof so it's warm water underneath....
Just my experience...
I've never found a hardshell jacket that works very well for biking. I use an Endura hardshell if absolutely necessary in the summer, and it's fine but it's sweaty.
For UK winters I can't recommend Paramo enough. A 100% waterproof soft-shell, I just wear it all the time. Ignore their marketing, it's absolutely no good once the temperature is above about 10 degrees, but below that it's incredibly comfortable, well vented, adjustable, and not the slightest bit sweaty despite being 100% waterproof. I wear it with a long sleeved jersey underneath from -5 to +10 and am completely comfortable and dry.
Edited to add: I wear it for about 6 hours of riding a week over the winter, out in all weathers. I ended a six hour ride in Wales in pouring rain in January with a completely dry shirt underneath.
I wash it about every 6 weeks using TechWash, and reproof about every three months with Nikwax proofer. I also have a 15 year old Paramo jacket that would still be fine if the zip wasn't broken, must get that mended. The newer jackets are lighter, which is a mixed blessing.
Expensive, you do need to keep it proofed, but for me nothing else comes close.
For UK winters I can't recommend Paramo enough. A 100% waterproof soft-shell, I just wear it all the time. Ignore their marketing, it's absolutely no good once the temperature is above about 10 degrees, but below that it's incredibly comfortable, well vented, adjustable, and not the slightest bit sweaty despite being 100% waterproof. I wear it with a long sleeved jersey underneath from -5 to +10 and am completely comfortable and dry.
Edited to add: I wear it for about 6 hours of riding a week over the winter, out in all weathers. I ended a six hour ride in Wales in pouring rain in January with a completely dry shirt underneath.
I wash it about every 6 weeks using TechWash, and reproof about every three months with Nikwax proofer. I also have a 15 year old Paramo jacket that would still be fine if the zip wasn't broken, must get that mended. The newer jackets are lighter, which is a mixed blessing.
Expensive, you do need to keep it proofed, but for me nothing else comes close.
My friends swear by paramo . I always thought it was too hot for me as I had a smock and I don’t suffer from cold too much. I noticed in cold or rain hill walking if we stopped for something to eat goretex people put on another top Paramo people didn't have to. So yes for Paramo but I get too muddy.
Haveland
Active member
Two months ago bought the Outdoor Research Foray 2 jacket and love it. It is not an MTB-specific jacket but excellent all around. The pit zips are amazing and layers well, which is what I was looking for. It is also an excellent price, and I even got it on sale.
So far, I've used it for fat biking as a shell over my soft shell or a base layer, depending on the temperature. It's been on a few snowshoeing trips (where I used it in the poncho configuration), and currently on vacation in Florida and just used it to walk to the store in the rain. It is a bit too tight to be layered over my down 800 puff jacket, but that is to be expected.
My only issue with it so far is it doesn't come with a way to pack it up into itself. I might still buy the 7mesh Northwoods shell as more of a strap to the bike backup. I wanted the 7mesh co-pilot, but the lack of pit zips made me skip it.
www.outdoorresearch.com
7mesh.com
So far, I've used it for fat biking as a shell over my soft shell or a base layer, depending on the temperature. It's been on a few snowshoeing trips (where I used it in the poncho configuration), and currently on vacation in Florida and just used it to walk to the store in the rain. It is a bit too tight to be layered over my down 800 puff jacket, but that is to be expected.
My only issue with it so far is it doesn't come with a way to pack it up into itself. I might still buy the 7mesh Northwoods shell as more of a strap to the bike backup. I wanted the 7mesh co-pilot, but the lack of pit zips made me skip it.
Men's Foray II GORE-TEX® Jacket | Outdoor Research
Our best-selling GORE-TEX PACLITE® rain jacket with famous TorsoFlo„¢ venting. Proven waterproof fabric, refined fit, modern design and easy-to-use features make this the very best all-purpose rain jacket.
www.outdoorresearch.com
Men's Northwoods Windshell | 7mesh
A hooded, pack-down wind-protective jacket made for cool starts and late finishes, featuring innovative on-bike storage straps.
Paramo handles the mud better than a hard shell IMO. I do find that I get hot when I stop as I'm relying on the vents to control temperature when moving, but that's probably a +ve not a -ve.
Trouble is drying or washing something as hi tech as that gear twice a week I don't think it would last . If I was a millionaire and had 7 jackets it wouldn't be a problem.
You can't wash any waterproof jacket twice a week, they'd all die! I hose mine off after the ride, it gets rinse washed every 2-3 weeks, proper washed every 6 weeks or so, and re-proofed every quarter. My older Paramo is 15 I think? The zip's buggered but the jacket's fine.
Totally agree I rotate jackets if it's still wet when i want to go out . Not so much mud since I got mudhugger . Roll on summer
Hi,
I am looking also into the MT500 waterproof jacket and tried it on today but the hood is extremely large (to cover the helmet).
Is there any way to roll it / fold it / clip it?
Sew several Velco strips on to hold it in a rolled up position.
That Sport Pursuit website worth a look for clothing it's seems a lot cheaper. Not sure if they have MT 500 though. Ps just looked they have MT500 but only green in small size £140 worth keeping an 👁 on site.
Last edited:
The Shower Pass jacket seems a little warmer than the MT500. Removable hood, decent ventilation. About the same price as the MT 500.
The yellow colour is better for those winter days.
The yellow colour is better for those winter days.
Haveland
Active member
Just an update on the Outdoor Research Foray 2 jacket
I'm a year into using it - I used it all last winter for fat biking when there was a chance I might get wet or to help cut down on the wind. Then I also used it most of the summer as a rain jacket and used it when snow-blowing and snow-shoeing. Still use Patagonia R1 or R2 layer under it and often as a top layer if it is nicer out.
I'm using it again this year for fat biking and still love how easy it is to vent. It also packs easily, but I wish it would pack up into itself so I could strap it to the bike.
Waterproofness isn't what it was when it was new. I likely need to wash it to help restore some of that.
I'm a year into using it - I used it all last winter for fat biking when there was a chance I might get wet or to help cut down on the wind. Then I also used it most of the summer as a rain jacket and used it when snow-blowing and snow-shoeing. Still use Patagonia R1 or R2 layer under it and often as a top layer if it is nicer out.
I'm using it again this year for fat biking and still love how easy it is to vent. It also packs easily, but I wish it would pack up into itself so I could strap it to the bike.
Waterproofness isn't what it was when it was new. I likely need to wash it to help restore some of that.
I wear a 3-layer Leatt Hydra Dri 5 mtb jacket and for me it cuts the mustard as a breathable outer shell in the winter as well as a stand-alone piece in the shoulder seasons. Some thoughtful touches like a magnet to secure the hood when it’s not in use to a climb vent connector which is just a little strap snap in the front that prevents the jacket from flapping around when it’s unzipped. There’s also a small zippered pocket in the left sleeve of the fore arm for storing small items. Front pockets are huge and elbows and shoulders have heavier fabric guard protection.
Thank you very much for the recommendation. It looks interesting to me but its not being offered by German or EU shops, „only“ from UK and its here much more expensive than the Endura MT500 (Refuge 530 vs MT 280 CAD, incl. taxes).
???
I tried the Goretex Endura jacket. Fitted well but the layer is paper thin and did not feel robust enough to me for trail MTBing.
Well, I have a Endura Hummvee Hooded Watertight jacket that I use for daily wear and commuting 6km to work.
On MTB I use a Vaude Moab jacket that is not bad but not water resistant enough for the cold and rainy season. Subject to ambient temperatures I layer up under the jackets but do not want a sauna inside.
Thats why I look into a „watertight“ jacket with good ventilation and pockets for keys and phone. The MT500 looks right (except the parachute like hood🫣).I find most Shell /goretex jackets are too thin nowadays and too easily damaged. I don't throw anything away and am using two old goretex jackets bought for hill walking both in good condition , one is 20 years old other 22 . These are more robust than my newer hill walking shell which would be two years old .I don't think getting covered in mud and washing weekly does any material any good . I used a Vaude Escape cycling jacket for years it was great , I had three but they discontinued it . Not easy???
I tried the Goretex Endura jacket. Fitted well but the layer is paper thin and did not feel robust enough to me for trail MTBing.
Well, I have a Endura Hummvee Hooded Watertight jacket that I use for daily wear and commuting 6km to work.
On MTB I use a Vaude Moab jacket that is not bad but not water resistant enough for the cold and rainy season. Subject to ambient temperatures I layer up under the jackets but do not want a sauna inside.
That’s the very reason why I opted for a jacket made from more durable fabric but still maintains its waterproof/breathable qualities. Many sections of the local singletracks that I ride are fairly tight and I’ve actually ripped open a couple of thinner jackets passing trees. The multi-layered Leatt that I now wear has been subjected to the same abuse and only shows slightly visible scuffs as a result.
Trouble i find is i never see these jackets folk speak about i only see them online so no idea of the fit or actual thickness etc . My mates swear by Paramo equipment its very hard wearing and waterproof , it's a bit too warm for me . Same old story again anything hi tech spec or expensive is not something I want to be coverering in mud and washing twice a week . All depends where I am riding really if in sheltered tree areas with no wind I get away with thinner jackets. If going on a exposed mountain track for a few hours i would be better equipped . I don't think there is a perfect jacket to be honest. On longer exposed hill rides in bad winter weather I would have a extra top and food and stove and emergency bivi. Meandering a bit now .
I tend to buy jackets that aren't biking specific. I don't think I've had any issues with the cut not being long enough on the back because I'd probably run a mudguard in winter if it bothered me.
I'm ex military and agree with an earlier post about picking up some items in army surplus shops. Or an online place like military1st.co.uk sells a lot of good outdoor gear at a reasonable price. Ideal for many outdoor activities like hiking and bushcraft too.
Beyond that I picked up an Adidas terrex goretex in the past for £70 and that has been a decent packable lightweight jacket.
I'm ex military and agree with an earlier post about picking up some items in army surplus shops. Or an online place like military1st.co.uk sells a lot of good outdoor gear at a reasonable price. Ideal for many outdoor activities like hiking and bushcraft too.
Beyond that I picked up an Adidas terrex goretex in the past for £70 and that has been a decent packable lightweight jacket.
Yes only difference I see with bike specific is a long tail and arms may be longer too. Some lovely jackets out there but prices are ridiculous.
Can anyone recommend a VERY packable "emergency" layer type jacket?
I have a proper ShowersPass I've had for years that I use if it's already rubbish and cold when I head out, and a Madison Flux1 that I can stick in my bum-bag side pocket if it might be needed.
The Flux has been great, less than 100g and packs down smaller than your fist (or my fist more accurately), I have often put it on to block unexpected wind or showers, but I have now ripped both arms to shreds and it needs replacing.
EVERY "super lightweight" "super packable" jacket I look at gives absolutely no useful information about how much it ACTUALLY weighs or how small it packs down to, despite that being it's whole raison d'etre. which is making choosing a new one (on-line at least) impossible.
I don't expect fully waterproof or super breathable, but it needs to be very small/light (under 100g/4oz) and not ridiculously expensive so that when I rip the elbows out it isn't the end of the world.
I have a proper ShowersPass I've had for years that I use if it's already rubbish and cold when I head out, and a Madison Flux1 that I can stick in my bum-bag side pocket if it might be needed.
The Flux has been great, less than 100g and packs down smaller than your fist (or my fist more accurately), I have often put it on to block unexpected wind or showers, but I have now ripped both arms to shreds and it needs replacing.
EVERY "super lightweight" "super packable" jacket I look at gives absolutely no useful information about how much it ACTUALLY weighs or how small it packs down to, despite that being it's whole raison d'etre. which is making choosing a new one (on-line at least) impossible.
I don't expect fully waterproof or super breathable, but it needs to be very small/light (under 100g/4oz) and not ridiculously expensive so that when I rip the elbows out it isn't the end of the world.
I have one of these for summer. Shower proof. Not breathable but pacs down small in the bag that comes with it.
Advert when I bought it Endura says size of can of coke probably not far wrong . I've had mine for a few years but it has no model name on it . So not 100 percent it's the same one . I will have a look in morning it's in shed.
Similar threads
EMTB Forums
Latest articles
-
Introducing the Forestal e-Cygnus - a downcountry and XC emtb
The new Forestal e-Cygnus is a slightly unusual emtb. It comes in two... -
2025 M1 Sporttechnik EN 8.0 review
The M1 EN is one of four M1 models built on the same frame. Well, it’s...