best packable multi-purpose outer layer for riding

[volklpowdermaniac]

pretty much sums it up, took a nasty road ride doing close to forty in the drops bombing down vail pass, bunch of road rash and a helmet that dented but saved my life likely, but nothing major, that said, i tore up (literally and figuratively) my PI wind vest thing, looking for something a touch more substantial to replace it, mainly for road riding but priorities are a mix of packability, warmth, water resistance and wind resistance, does this exist? i like'd the PI piece i had before but while extremely packable was only decent for wind (and not too much of it) and a little water resistance, not much warmth and obviously no sleeves which would be nice to get on a new piece...

its really something to have with me when the weather changes in a flash up in the high country, i don't go out on extended rides sub 50 degrees or when its already raining, mainly cus i'm a bitch , but you know whatever...

[jamal]

This one obviously:

http://www.competitivecyclist.com/as...AS001Q-BKVOL-S

Personally I rarely wear my rain shell riding, and figure that if it's raining and I go ride I'm going to get wet no matter what. Mostly I use a cheap slim fitting windbreaker I found in the running section of rei and then add layers from there. I brought it along with arm warmers tonight and didn't need them, and everything fits in my jersey pockets (including the flat kit).

If it's really cold and wet I tend to just stay home.

[Smiley]

pretty much sums it up, took a nasty road ride doing close to forty in the drops bombing down vail pass, bunch of road rash and a helmet that dented but saved my life likely, but nothing major, that said, i tore up (literally and figuratively) my PI wind vest thing, looking for something a touch more substantial to replace it, mainly for road riding but priorities are a mix of packability, warmth, water resistance and wind resistance, does this exist? i like'd the PI piece i had before but while extremely packable was only decent for wind (and not too much of it) and a little water resistance, not much warmth and obviously no sleeves which would be nice to get on a new piece...

its really something to have with me when the weather changes in a flash up in the high country, i don't go out on extended rides sub 50 degrees or when its already raining, mainly cus i'm a bitch , but you know whatever...

I use a BD Alpine Start Hoody. Packs up small, breathes reasonably well, and has nanosphere coating so it sheds light rain well enough. If you are planning high alpine then maybe a pack able Goretex jacket would be best.

[smslavin]

i've heard good things about sportful's hot pack jacket.

[dcpnz]

I don't think one piece can cover every situation.
Sometimes it's dry and a bit chilly, sometimes it's windy but not so cold, sometimes you'll be heading out wondering if you"ll get lucky or the rain is going come pissing down and sometimes in the mountains you just feel better having something minimal in a jersey pocket or camelback every time you head out. Personally I want different outerwear layers and hence I have a quiver of cycle clothing.
That said I bought my wife a really light weight, cycling cut Gore Bike jacket in goretex active shell and it's way nicer than any of my pieces and probably as close to a one shell does it all as you'll find. Don't remember the style name though it Gore makes some real nice cycling specific outerwear - kind of slim cut cyclist style so may not fit all body types.

[Shredhead]

This one obviously:

http://www.competitivecyclist.com/as...AS001Q-BKVOL-S

Personally I rarely wear my rain shell riding, and figure that if it's raining and I go ride I'm going to get wet no matter what. Mostly I use a cheap slim fitting windbreaker I found in the running section of rei and then add layers from there. I brought it along with arm warmers tonight and didn't need them, and everything fits in my jersey pockets (including the flat kit).

If it's really cold and wet I tend to just stay home.

That's probably a beautiful garment, but really expensive and no hood. I ride everyday rain or shine. I think goretex or packlite shells with a hood and shell pants, are the most versatile and then I properly layer underneath.

This morning I rode in torrential rain, but it was 65 going out the door, so I just wore shorts, a technical jersey and my Lake MXZ shoes. I had a great ride.
I find just getting your ass out the door is the biggest issue. Once I'm out, I have a good ride 98% of the time.

[grskier]

That's probably a beautiful garment, but really expensive and no hood. I ride everyday rain or shine. I think goretex or packlite shells with a hood and shell pants, are the most versatile and then I properly layer underneath.

This morning I rode in torrential rain, but it was 65 going out the door, so I just wore shorts, a technical jersey and my Lake MXZ shoes. I had a great ride.
I find just getting your ass out the door is the biggest issue. Once I'm out, I have a good ride 98% of the time.

65... you definitely weren't in the valley this morning then

[homemadesalsa]

The Outdoor Research Ferrosi hoody is my go-to layer for mtn biking, skinning up, spring skiing, alpine climbing, you name it.

http://www.outdoorresearch.com/en/ca...category/2158/

[creaky fossil]

Instead of $600 for the Assos, this is more useful. I got one on closeout a few years back and it's impressive, though if I were pedaling at 35% effort in 45degF with 15+mph wind and steady rain, I might want something more waterproof-ish. Generally for riding in wet/cold I don't use shells because they are too hot while pedaling, but they're useful for stops longer than 5min. The Endura is not really roadie jersey packable, it's a wearable piece that would require you to be good at knowing how to layer beneath. I have used it with just a merino t-shirt beneath, and with heavier merino longsleeve tops. Good range of comfort. I would imagine that having a wind vest at the ready in the Endura's rear pockets could make it even wider-ranging.

[reynolds.trailrun]

In the past I have used a Cutter Cosine jacket and thoroughly loved it. I rarely wear a full rain jacket as I overheat quickly. And when the temps dropped to 10-20F I just added wool long-sleeve underneath. It was also super packable into the rear pocket making it pretty sweet for trail running. In regards to hoods, I rarely use them or want one. Though that is my own preference and know others will feel differently. Unfortunately, this jacket is no more and am finding a similar jacket... i.e. similar wind/water resistant material and huge rear pocket at a cheap price (I paid ~$30 for the cosine at SAC) a bit difficult. My gf has this Pearl Izumi jacket. I am definitely considering that as the cosine's replacement.

[Lindahl]

I've definitely been too cold when caught mountain biking out in a surprise sleet/snow/hail storm when wearing a softshell like the Ferrosi.

I have a windbreaker by Montane I've been using since I found that softshells don't work for me. It might be enough, but I'm still a little skeptical. Haven't gotten caught like that again, though.

I'd like to try a Patagonia Alpine Houdini for those types of situations. A pair of waterproof shorts/pants would have been really nice, also.

[jono]

I love what they're saying about the Assos; I doubt the degree of effectiveness, and the price is a good laugh, but I really like what they're attempting.

I have a PI PRO Barrier WxB in my closet that still bears its tags because I do so little riding when I expect rain. (I've thought about selling it, actually.)

I am on the lookout for a good packable/weightless/waterproof shell for surprise downpours when both biking and skinning. The WxB, like the Assos, seems like it could manage that and more, but "more" seems too rare: so far I'd rather layer with breathable soft shells and the like until it starts pouring and then pull out the (hopefully cheap) hardshell.

Anybody tried something that convinced you waterproof and breathable enough for heavy exertion aren't still mutually exclusive?

[milestogo]

Patagonia Houdini. I use mine year round.

[fool]

I've definitely been too cold when caught mountain biking out in a surprise sleet/snow/hail storm when wearing a softshell like the Ferrosi.

I have a windbreaker by Montane I've been using since I found that softshells don't work for me. It might be enough, but I'm still a little skeptical. Haven't gotten caught like that again, though.

I'd like to try a Patagonia Alpine Houdini for those types of situations. A pair of waterproof shorts/pants would have been really nice, also.

Like milestogo, I love my Houdini. Wear it climbing, running, biking, all the time. But it's only a windbreaker: great at that, for sure, but get some precip going on and it's not going to be a fun day. Had a little excitement with some hail in Cham at one point, Houdini wasn't as waterproof as previously thought.

[fool]

Wish I had a better contribution, but I've also been looking for something in the same realm: waterproof, packable, light shell that works for a variety of activities.

[jamal]

That packable thing is the big issue for road riding. I have a nice warm cycling jersey/jacket thing but it isn't very practical to fold up and stuff in a jersey pocket. For me to bring it I either need to be on a MTB ride with my pack or wear it the whole time. Same with the rain shell. About all I can realistically bring on the road is the light windbreaker I mentioned and arm warmers.

[Lindahl]

Like milestogo, I love my Houdini. Wear it climbing, running, biking, all the time. But it's only a windbreaker: great at that, for sure, but get some precip going on and it's not going to be a fun day. Had a little excitement with some hail in Cham at one point, Houdini wasn't as waterproof as previously thought.

The Alpine Houdini is different. It's a lightweight packable WPB laminate, not a windbreaker. New last year.

[fool]

The Alpine Houdini is different. It's a lightweight packable WPB laminate, not a windbreaker. New last year.

Oh cool. That sounds like a good jacket, I'll check it out.

[Shredhead]

The Alpine Houdini is different. It's a lightweight packable WPB laminate, not a windbreaker. New last year.

That's the type of garment I'm talking about.
Looks like most of the dedicated cycling jackets don't have hoods and my ears are the first thing to suffer when the sky opens up and it's cold.

[Lindahl]

Might be dorky, but a headband is nice for the ears...

[North]

Bumping this. Riding in CO, I rarely feel the need for a true rain layer, but I always carry an insurance piece for when weather moves in unexpectedly or the descent is going to be a bit chilly. If I'm riding in the alpine, I'll bring a legit rain shell, but for most 1-3hr outings I think a less substantial option would be ideal. I'm pretty dialed for my winter layers, but have limited knowledge about good options for warm-weather, high-output activities. My ranked preferences are:

1) Blocks wind
2) Breathable (I run hot)
3) Some amount of waterproofness (can get me back to the car dry-ish in 45min)
4) Packable
5) Durability (it'd be nice if it could hold up to a few crashes, but not expecting much here)

Houdini and Alpine Houdini seem like good candidates - can anybody comment on the tradeoff between breathability and waterproofness when going for the Alpine version? Any other new options that people are stoked on? (Rab Boreas, Arcteryx Squamish, etc.) Maybe some bike apparel brand options? I should probably shut up and rock my Ferrosi but I think it may be overkill (and hot).

[kootenayskier]

My regular Houdini is almost always in my pack, for mountain biking and ski touring. For biking, it works great as a lightweight layer to throw on and keep warm on the descent, and as an emergency rain jacket for surprises. It's not breathable enough to wear on demanding climbs (though it's fine at a moderate output) and it doesn't really keep me dry when it's raining, but it does enough of what I need. Given my experience, I expect the Alpine Houdini would sacrifice breathability to the point of being impractical for any climbing, while adding a margin of weather protection, with a slight weight penalty.

[whyturn]

Westcomb apoc is light and meets criteria. Nice features for sure. I like mine

[bagtagley]

I have a Montaine windshirt that I carry when it's cool out. Packs down to golf ball size, but it has saved my bacon on several occasions. It's not very breathable and the fit is loose enough that it can get a little annoying when going fast. I only mention it because I would think something similar with a tighter fit would be perfection for wind and drizzle.

[Phall]

Heard of 7 mesh? Its one of the guys from ArcTeryx and he's been creating bike specific high tech clothing for a little bit, finally hitting market. It's like Arcteryx and assos had a baby.

I'm also a fan of the Gore Bike Wear stuff (Gore Tex Active Shell)


http://www.competitivecyclist.com/7m...SVN0001-GOL-XS